Cursed Excruciation/Morbid Catholicism/2021 Demo Review

 

  Cursed  Excruciation  are  a  solo  project  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  blasphemous  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2021  demo  "Morbid  Catholicism".

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  demo  which  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  horror  movie  style  keyboards  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  era  and  the  vocals  are  a  m ixture  of  demonic  death  metal  growls  and  grim  yet  deep  black  metal  screams.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  When  tremolo  picking is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  without  the  use  of  power  chords  which  are  mostly  added  into  the  slower  sections  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  at  times  the  music  also  captures  a  ritualistic  atmosphere  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them

  Cursed  Excruciation  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  early  90's  era  of  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  dark  side  of  Catholicism  and  Blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cursed  Excruciation  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  blasphemous  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Morbid  Catholicism".  8  out  of  10.

https://tranceoftheundead.bandcamp.com/album/morbid-catholicism      .  

Azazel/Aegrus Satanas Tecum/Primitive Reaction/2021 CD Review

 

  Azazel  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Aegrus  Satanas  Tecum"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Primitive  Reaction.

  A  very  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  and  the  sounds  of  wolves  howling  while  also  introducing  grim  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  which  also takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction   as  well as  the  music  also  being  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  era.

  Demonic  sounding  voices  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  remain  true  to  an  old  school  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  A  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cove r Satanism,  Occultism,  Vampirism,  Blasphemy  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Azazel  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Jesus  Christ  Impotent  Rotting  Saviour"  "Demon's  Attack  The  Nun's  Chapel(Aegrus  Satanas  Tecum)"  and  "In  Nomine  Dei  Nostri  Satanas".  8 out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/wR9emx_UIGY

www.facebook.com/azazelfinland   

Malignament/Hypocrisis Absolution/Primitive Reaction/2021 CD Review

 

  Malignament  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  traditional  form  of  Finnish  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Hypocrisis  Absolution"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Primitive  Reaction.

  Rain,  thunder  and  wind  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  demonic  voices  a  few  seconds  alter  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Melodic  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  good  balance  between  old  school  and  modern  influences  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Malignament  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  aggressive  and  melodic  sounding  in  the  Finnish  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  chaos  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Malignament  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  Finnish  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Call  To  Arms"  "Unforgiving  North"  and  "Bloodlust  And  Immortality".  8  out  of  10.

www.malignament.bandcamp.com 

https://youtu.be/KV9AU5B_gPg      

Drabataturk/Self Titled/Pesttanz Klangschmiede/2021 CD Review

 

  Drabataturk  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  folk  influenced  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2021  album  which  was  released  by  Pesttanz  Klangschmiede.

  Grim  black  metal  screams  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  also  get  very  high  pitched  sounding  at  times  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  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.  The  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  90's  influences  as  well  as  some  touches  of  folk  music  also  being  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  tracks,  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.  

  Drabataturk  plays  a  style  of  folk  influenced  black  metal  that  is  more  aggressive  than  most  bands  of  this  genre,  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Drabataturk  are  a  very  great  sounding  folk  influenced  black  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rise  of  Drabataturk"  "Goblin's  Dance"  and  "Throne".  8  out  of  10.

Pesttanz Klangschmiede @ Bandcamp

Korpituli/The Ancient Spells Of The Past/Korpituli Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Korpituli  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "The  Ancient  Spells  Of  The  Past"  which  was  released  by  Korpituli  Productions.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  solos  and  leads  also  add  in    a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  keyboards  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  the  tracks  also  mix  in  a  good  amount  of  90's  influences,  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard.  

  Korpituli  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  melancholic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Magickal  Secrets  Of  Nature,  Other  Worlds  and  Dimensions.  

  In  my  opinion  Korpituli  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "On  Forgotten  Paths"  and  "The  Ancient  Spells  Of  The  Past".  8  out  of  10.

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Vaciø Interview

 

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

L77: Vaciø is a new band since we emerged from the abyss in 2019, although the two components that make it up, have been in other Extreme Underground metal bands for more than two decades.

2. So far you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

A.84: Our goal is to translate our thinkings by doing something that we like, so I start to make melodies and asking L77 about what he is writing, to adapt melodies with lyrics. And throw away what is not worth it. Sometimes hours with a melody until it has sense. 

Then we contact D.M from Gaerea to record the drums, he sends me the first track, and it was exactly what we were looking for, he understands what we want perfectly. 

After that, I did some arrangement on melodies, so that everything fits perfectly, it takes a lot of time to create a perfect atmosphere.

3. A lot of your lyrics cover Occultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

L77: It is my own worldview of Occultism. Not following a path already built by others, but creating your own.

And we want to emphasize this, our Occultism has nothing to do with Satanism at all; and it does have to do with the Void and its knowledge, cycles, rituals, mythology, the mysticism of nature, and the cosmos, ascension, the I ...

In any case, we believe that it is better not to give a complete explanation and that it is the listener himself who enters a journey through our music and lyrics and is part of Everything and Nothing.

4. Lyrically you also cover misanthropy and nihilism, can you tell us a little bit more about what these things mean to you?

L77: Simply my way of thinking and living is transmitted in my lyrics. It is difficult to recreate such a personal vision through a few lines of text.

As for misanthropy, the truth is that I prefer to be alone and a walk through the forest or the mountain is more pleasant than being surrounded by people. I think that saying this already explains a lot.

And nihilism, which comes from the Latin "Nihil" which means "Nothing" ... In these times of Kali-Yuga nothing matters. We are in "The Age of The Fall" ... just that.

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

Vaciø in Spanish means "Void" in English. And the symbol "Ø" of the final name is the symbol that represents the Empty Set.

Inspiration comes from our inner emptiness, from our personal way of seeing the path of Occultism in conjunction with the mysticism of Nature, from loneliness ...

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

The cover has been made by the well-known artist Misanthropic-Art, who has collaborated with his works with bands such as Dismember, Necrophobic, Uada ... to name a few.

The cover represents faithfully what we wanted to convey together with the name of the EP, "Et Destituta Mortis" which means "The Loneliness of Death"

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

Yes, we prefer to be a duo, we understand each other perfectly.

8. The ep was released on 'Morbid Shrine Productions', how did you get in contact with this label?

We know Morbid Shrine Production a long time ago, Javier is a friend of ours. During the pandemic, we send some parts of the songs we were preparing, and he got interested. When everything was finished, he listened to all songs and he liked them a lot, so he told us if we wanna release the EP with him. It's very difficult these days to release an EP with a label, and he bet for us.

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

We are amazed about how is being the reaction, many messages, from all the world giving us thanks for this EP, and for the good job done.

We didn't expect that reaction, just We are doing our vision of Black Metal.

10.When can we expect a full length and where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

 A.84: Actually we are working on new songs, we hope, next year can have finished a full-length album.

About the future, we live in different countries, but we are in contact usually, because this band is provided by our feelings and this is the beginning, still we have a lot to say.

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?

L77: I listen to all kinds of Extreme Metal and also a lot of Dark Folk and Neofolk. More than some bands, styles like Black Metal, Doom and Death have influenced me. To this day, the last albums that I have bought have been from the Black Metal groups Faidra and Avsky and the mythical Dark / Neofolk group, Darkwood.

A84: I also listen to every type of Extreme music, most I listen is black metal and Swedish Death metal from the '90s.

These days, I am listening to a French band SETH, also a Byelorussian band DownCross, and Death Metal bands Endseeker and LIK.

Order the EP:
https://vaciobm.bandcamp.com/album/Et-destituta-mortis (CD, Digital, Merch)
https://www.morbidshrineproductions.com/producto/vacio-et-destituta-mortis (CD)
https://smarturl.it/Et-Destituta-Mortis
(Digital: Spotify, Deezer, Apple,…)

Follow Vaciø:
https://www.facebook.com/vacioblackmetal 
https://vaciobm.bandcamp.com 

Dawn Of A Dark Age/Le Forche Caudine/Antiq/2021 CD Review

 

  Italy's  Dawn  Of  A  Dark  Age  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  an  atmospheric,  avant  garde  and  experimental  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Le  Forche  Caudine"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Antiq.

 Horse  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  synths  and  atmospheric  soundscapes  while  the  clarinets  also  add  in  elements  of  jazz  music  when  they  are  utilized.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  experimental  and  avant  garde  moments.

  Both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  songs  also  mix  both  the  experimental  and  heavy  parts  together.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  stringed  instruments  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album. 

  Touches  of  Italian  folk  music  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  it  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  melodic  chants  and  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  Samnites.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Dawn  Of  A  Dark  Age  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  avant  garde  and  experimental  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Act  II".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/dawnofadarkage

https://youtu.be/ylDqXzb96sg    

Akefal/Opus Darkness/Shadow Records/Regain Records/2021 EP Review

 

  Akefall  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Sweden  and  Denmark  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  ep  "Opus  Darkness"  which  will  be  released  in  September  as  a  joint  effort  between  Shadow  and  Regain  Records.

  Chaotic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  demonic  voices  in  the  background  before  adding  in  heavier  riffing.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  the  songs  also  mixing  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements.

  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.  Choir  samples  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  songs  also  mixing  in  mid  80's  to  early  90's  influences  in  with  a  more  modern  day  brutality  as  well  a s all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  as  the  ep  progresses  a  brief  use  of  chants  can  also  be  heard.  

  Akefall  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  old  school  styles  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  chaos  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Akefall  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  First  Whore"  "Opus  Darkness"  and  "Definite  Savagery".  8  out  of  10.

https://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/opus-darkness

https://youtu.be/cDEFwoMX3lE  

Voodus/Domgard/Ginnungagap/Ljungeld Över Människan/Shadow Records/Regain Records/2021 Split Album Review

 

   This  is  a  review  of  a   split  album  between  Sweden's  Voodus  and  Domagard  called  "Ginnungagap/Ljungeld  Över  Människan"  which  will b e  released  in  September  as  a  joint  effort  between  Shadow  and  Regain  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Voodus  who  return  with  their  melodic  style  of  occult  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  acoustic  guitars  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  melodies  also  being  added  into  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  Norse  Paganism,  Occultism,  Darkness  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Voodus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  occult  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Call".

  Next  up  is  Domgard  who  return  with  their  epic  and  atmospheric  style  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  epic  sounding  intro  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a v ery  melodic  style  while  keyboards  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  ritualistic  whispers  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swedish  and  cover  Dark  Germanic  Heathenism  and  Anti  Cosmic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Domgard  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  epic  and  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  " Förbannelsedom".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  occult  and  pagan  black  metal.  8  out  of  10.

https://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ginnungagap-ljungeld-ver-m-nniskan

Seer of Gallows/Entropy Of Holocene/Iron, Blood And Death Corporation/2021 CD Review

 

  Seer  Of  Gallows  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  an  aggressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  album  "Entropy  Of  Holocene"  which  was  released  by  Iron,  Blood  And  Death  Corporation.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  along  with  some  dark  sounding  melodies  also  being  added  into  some  of  riffs.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  with  some  black  metal  screams

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  One  song  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  album  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  as  well  as  the  guitar  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  

  Seer  of  Gallows  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Seer  Of  Gallows  are  a  very  aggressive  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Our  Kingdom  Will  Come"  "Portals  Of  Hunger"  and  "Entropy  Of  Holocene".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp: >HERE<

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Praise The Plague Interview

 

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

We are finally able to rehearse on the regular and we are getting ready to play live again. We've been spending the last months promoting the release and looking to book shows for the next year.

2.You have a new album coming out in July, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

To us, 'The Obsidian Gate' feels like a journey. The songwriting has rather been influenced by black metal, than it had been before. 'Antagonist' and 'Antagonist II' have more doom parts in them. All in all it still is a good mixture between both of the genres.

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?

We often talk about depression in our lyrics, 'The Obsidian Gate' is no different there. The story is about a person, who thinks is dying, only to realize that it's all just an illusion. In the end this illusion still becomes reality.

As for the progress, this is the first full length, that we have written together. The process might've similar to our prior releases, since Marcel is still the main songwriter, but he had our influences to work with. We all grew together as a group and we grew as individuals.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Praise The Plague'?

It is about humankind being the plague, considering itself to be above all. We praise ourselves for what we have become, and we don't realize what we have destroyed along the way.

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

It is very important to us, that we not only transport impressions and emotion through our music, but also through the visual side. 'The Obsidian Gate' is a suppressing journey between a dream and the reality. This path takes you through anxiety and dark emotions, a journey till the end, into complete darkness.

It was a weeks long process that aligned with Roberts story writing phase. In the end we realized a depiction of what the lyrics transport. Therefore the artwork is like a veil, which is penetrated by harsh and solid elements. The deeper you look into the landscape, the more details you can find.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

We had the opportunity to play with a lot of friends like A Secret Revealed, Ancst, Earth Ship and Der Weg Einer Freiheit. Sharing the stage with people we like is probably the best thing that can happen to us and we are always looking forward to that.

7.The new album is going to be released on 'Lifeforce Records', how would you compare working with this label to your previous label 'Black Omega Recordings?

Lifeforce is the well known label here. They have a long history of releasing bands. We have felt very comfortable with Black Omega, pretty much equally comfortable as we are now. This is as far as i will go with comparisons.

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

We are glad if people get to know us here in Europe. Sure, there are a couple of people that have heard of us in the US for example, but i wouldn't dare and say that we are a worldwide known artist.

9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

As a matter of fact, Marcel, Sascha and Benjamin have a side project called Naenia. But other than that, it's all Praise the Plague here.

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

We will stick to what we know, maybe change the emotions a little. Things like that usually happen pretty natural without us forcing things, so we'll see.

11.What are you listening to nowadays?

Pretty much whatever the combined worlds of doom and black metal throw at us.

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

Thanks for the interview, we really appreciate that and we hope to see some of you sooner than later!

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Hladomrak Interview

 

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

Ever since the recording of the album we've been busy doing work surrounding the release, like interviews. We've also recorded a video for ”Fozforos Insignia”, a track from the upcoming album.

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

It expands from the earlier work. It's a new chapter, it's an upgrade in every aspect.

3.This is also your first full length since 2017, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

It's been a time for renewal for the band. Previous collaborations out, new musicians in. New inspirational wells have been explored for this new presentation. Fresh ideas, new concepts. It's all good.

4.On the new album you cover 'Fall-Division Luciferianism;, can you tell us a little bit more about this form of the Luciferian Path?

All thoughts and statements are solely my conclusions within the book, Fall Division. The conclusions have been manifested over several years of religious studies, living alongside people and observing their habits and seeing their general behavior as individuals and actors inside a collective group. The conclusions are also my truths for describing what mankind is and how it works. All thoughts regarding the individual, in all forms, are results of personal contemplation of existentialism.

When discussing the true individual in how to achieve A.R.P.I or reaching

for I, it is not essentially through any spiritual practices leading to a

mystical union in the likings of Eliphas Levi or Aleister Crowley as expressed

by the use of “the Great Work”. If one is to draw parallels to existing “beliefs”,

Luciferianism would be one to be at level. At base discussion, the principles of

Luciferianism grasp the fundamental ideas introduced in Fall Division. The

emphasis of the individual and the mind, relevant perceptions of a person's

conscious environment, as well as the concept of the individual striving to become

its own God, are all part of the core thoughts of Fall Division.

5.Your older lyrics touched on the dark side of the nature, can you tell us a little bit more about what this means to you?

The old lyrics grasp the core idea of Hladomrak. Hladomrak is the unrelenting, untamed, and unforgiving force within nature, the one indifferent and ruthless to mankind. Hladomrak is You, when Your mind is cold and thoughts wander in darkness of consciousness searching for answers to eternal questions. Born from the essence of first water, shaped from the growth of flora, a mind of pure root. In slumber yet never asleep, the overseer in thickest moss, the eye inside the creek mist, ever watching, ever waiting.

6.You also have used a variety of many different languages in your songwriting, can you tell us a little bit more about which languages you have used in your lyrics?

English, Reithariil and Finnish.

7.I know that the bands name means 'cold darkness' in the Slavic languages, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

The idea was to merge both feelings, to joining everything cold and dark into one expression. It's the merging of a pulse experienced while living, it's simultaneously synonymous for death. It sets the mantra into the creation.

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

It's a symbolic depiction of mankind as a race, posing as the supreme creature on this earth yet always being out of its element, left to the mercy of the wild and killed at will. The setting is in the darkest woods and the person is being killed by nature and swallowed by its roots.

9.Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind expanding into a full line up?

In the beginning, since there were no plans of playing live, the solo thing worked out fine. Around 2013 though Dipa joined Hladomrak for bass duties. Thoughts about playing live became real at that point. Later drummer Hagall joined to complete the line-up.

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

The best gig was our last before the pandemic, in January of 2020 with Ereb Altor in Gävle, Sweden. It was a loud expression of pure hatred, a celebration for the coming end of mankind.

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

Generally good response. I've only seen good things.

12.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?

For every member of the band, Hladomrak is the only priority.

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

Only Hladomrak knows. The will of I will take us there.

14.What are you listening to nowadays?

Craft.

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

Nothing to add.

www.hladomrak.band
https://www.facebook.com/Hladomrak 
www.hladomrak.bandcamp.com

Grandeur/Aurea Aetas/Personal Records/2021 EP Review

 

      Grandeur  are  a  so9lo  project  from  Austria  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  crust  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  ep  "Aurea  Aetas"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Personal  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal screams.

  Elements  of  crust  punk  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  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  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  touches  of  modern  era  post  black  metal  can  also be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  the  bonus  track.

  Grandeur  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  90's  era  of  melodic  black  emtal  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  elements  of  crust  punk  and  post  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  quest  for  the  Aurea  Aetas.

  In  my  opinion  Grandeur  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  melodic  black  metal  solo  project  with  some  elements  of  crust  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Grandeur"  and  "Aurea  Aetas".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.personal-records.bandcamp.com/album/aurea-aetas-bonus-track-edition  

    

Nöldr/Misanthropic Forest/Humanity's Plague Productions/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Nöldr  are  a  solo  project  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  very  raw  an  misanthropic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  album  "Misanthropic  Forest"  which  was  released  by  Humanity's  Plague  Productions.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  One  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  added  on  the  closing  track  which  is  also  an  instrumental.

   Nöldr  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  misanthropic  and  traditional  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  vengeance,  myths  and  darkness  and  also  adds  in  some  inspirations  from  books.

  In  my  opinion   Nöldr  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  misanthropic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Misanthropic  Forest"  and  "Pale  night".  8  out  of  10.

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Pa Vesh En/Maniac Manifest/Iron Bonehead Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Belarus's  solo  project  Pa  Vesh  En  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  raw  style  of  ambient  black  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  album  "Maniac  Manifest"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Iron  Bonehead  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  and  ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  yet  depressive  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well as  a  lter  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts.

  On  this  recording  Pa  vesh  En  gets  less  experimental  and  adds  more  depressive  elements  into  his  raw  style  of  black  metal  and  the  music  is  also  a  lot  more  aggressive  than  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark,  raw  and  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  violence,  horror  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Pa  Vesh  En  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  ambient  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Homicidal  Sacrifice"  "In  The  Wood  Of  The  Hanged  Man"  "Sister  of  Sin".  8  out  of  10.

  http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/pa-vesh-en-the-eyes-full-of-horror

  

Ashes For The Mute Interview

 

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

A: The band started out as a solo project but truly took form once David, Donovan and Spy joined. Our influences are varied across genres from Technical Death Metal to Punk, but we have solidified our sound around our common love for the tones and atmosphere of Black Metal. We try to keep everything as DIY as possible within a small community that has grown around our rehearsal/recording space. Art, production, merch, etc are all done in house. 

2.Recently you have released a full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep’s?

A: While we are still happy with our initial releases, this is the first release that will truly capture our sound as a band. Before Celestial Revelations all songwriting, playing and production was completed by me alone, whereas this album represents our collaborative efforts as a band. On top of that we believe the higher production value and attention to songwriting/arrangement has resulted in an end product that we are more proud of than any prior release.

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?

A: Lyrically this project has always centered around the battles we wage within our own minds and spiritualism as it relates to nature. The primary focus on this record is the connection between our deepest thoughts and the outer reaches of the universe. Lyrically this album encourages the listener to explore a variety of perspectives and states of consciousness, and to examine how their intrinsic beliefs are challenged by alternate life experiences.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind 'Ashes For The Mute'?

A: The name can be interpreted ambiguously. For those interested in the mindset that inspired the name I encourage you to read the opening chapter of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace and form your own conclusions.

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

A: The artwork is a visual representation of the ideas put forth in the album lyrics. It can be seen as the iris of an eye or the cataclysmic end to the life of a planet. 

6.originally the band was from Georgia but currently resides in Colorado, can you tell us a little bit more about the move?

A: The band was a solo project when I was living in Athens, GA, as there aren’t many outlets for people that love heavy music in that city. I moved to CO to get far away from the South in the US and it wasn’t long after that I met the other members of the band and we began practicing together.

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

A: Our best and worst show was the only show we have played. It was a few weeks before the entire world shut down due to the pandemic. While this should have been disheartening, we took this as an opportunity to hone our writing and playing skills and immediately began writing Celestial Revelations. 

8.With Colorado booking more shows recently do you see yourself returning to the live stage anytime soon?

A: We will begin playing shows again very soon. 

9.With this new release you worked with 'Reaping Scythe Records' and 'Habilis Tapes', do you feel both of these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?

A: Yes. These are independent labels who are just starting out and have worked tirelessly on behalf of the band. Reaping Scythe and Habilis Tapes are out there to put out great music rather than make a quick profit off of fledgling bands and I highly recommend everyone check out the other groups they are promoting. 

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

A: We are very grateful for the reaction we have received so far! It’s always surreal to see people listening to our music from all over the world. Metal has been and should remain an international community and we hope to visit Europe for some shows at some point in the future. 

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

A: We learned a lot writing this album and will continue to build upon the sound you hear on Celestial Revelations for our next record. We will not shy away from abrasive guitar tones and relentless blast beats, but plan to further refine our songwriting to create the music that is heavy, atmospheric and melodic. 

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?

A: We all have a lot of different influences, but some big ones you might hear on the album are Dissection, Darkened Nocturne Slaughtercult, Hypocrisy, Portal, Yellow Eyes, Deathspell Omega and Der Weg einer Freiheit. Other bands we have been enjoying recently include Ninkharsag, Spectral Wound, Akhlys, Cathexis and many more. 

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

 A: Thank you for having us on for this interview and for everything you all do for the underground metal scene. Cheers.

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Bicephalic Interview

 

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

1) Answered by Ariton: We're a bastard child of Craigslist. All jokes aside, that is how we all met. We're all passionate about black metal and what we do. Each of us have widely different influences, which has created our sound that has been described as raw, aggressive, powerful and as you have said, misanthropic

2.So far you have released an ep and you have a new release coming out on Halloween, musically how do they both differ from each other?

2) Ariton: 'Nihilistic Dreams' was written and recorded in the span of three months with one shitty microphone on an old BR-864. Its simplicity has been effective, however the upcoming album has layers to it and some production value. That being said, it's still going to have our raw edge to it.

3.Some of your lyrics cover occultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

3) Answered by Lord Ibex: A strong question. The interest for myself personally began at a very early age despite being raised religiously. Although the lyrics are brutal they are also meant to be poetic and captivating as being exposed to Satanism, free thinking, folklore, etc, were to me originally. There is a strong resentment towards organized religion and the pure facade that they shroud themselves in, but more so I am hopeful it’s able to transfer those few listeners who take the time to experience the music in whole to the extreme scenarios we depict that artistically appeals to our shared misanthropy.

4.The lyrics on the new release are going to be horror themes, can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting approach the newer music is going for?

4) Ibex: Black metal has existed for a long time. It’s a very traditional, close-minded form of musical cult. Knowing this I ask myself how to keep it “Trve” while still adding something more impactful than that of ordinary second and third wave black metal bands. Horror has always appealed to me and fascinated my senses. Be it the imagery, jump scares, or simply the creepy music. Obviously many bands incorporate this into their projects already however, I believe we’ll be able to summon something truly fearsome sounding that draws adrenaline. 

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

5) Ariton: Bicephalic is a creature with two heads. Having bipolar in this life I thought it was a fitting name. When Ibex and Lord Unferth came up with the band's logo it really solidified the decision.

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

6) Ariton: As previously mentioned Lord Unferth made the logo, a two headed snake strangling Jesus on the inverted cross. While Golgota Calvary made the artwork behind the logo. If you read the lyrics you'll see that the design incorporates a piece from each song.

7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

7) Ariton: We have not, yet we're very much looking forward to it. Unfortunately we've had Spinal Tap luck when it comes to bass players, so we may start out playing as a three piece. It is black metal…

8.You also released a cover of Darkthrone's "Transilvanian Hunger' this year, what was the decision behind covering this song which has already been done before by plenty of bands instead of a lesser known Darkthrone song?

8) Ariton: We attempted to be featured on a USBM tribute to Darkthrone, but somehow missed the deadline. The rationale was that's arguably their most popular track, so go big or go home. Fortunately another band from the Pacific NW, Dioghaltas, chose to perform the same track and was featured. 

9.Currently the band is signed to 'Analog Ragnarok', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

9) Ariton: Yes, it is run by Siara, who is located in the UK. He comes up with amazing tape designs and deals solely in cassettes. The experience of working with him has been amazing and humbling. We've grown to become good friends, partly due to our Polish descents. 

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

10) Ariton: We've garnered positive attention from all over the globe. The first person to purchase our music is from Russia. And quite possibly our biggest fan, John G, is from Scotland.

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?

11) Ariton: Lately I'm really digging into bands from the US that started around the same time as us, such as Stake Driver, Dioghaltas and Alghol. Of course the second wave always gets me going. Outside of BM I enjoy classic rock for nostalgic purposes and some classical for the dark undertones. And you can always find our drummer, Crusher, listening to old school death metal.

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

12) Thank you for providing us this opportunity. Support the underground, support BM and stay twisted as fuck. Or don't.

Bandcamp

Deezer

Instagram

Disperser Interview

 

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

JB (vocals/lyrics): A black metal band from the United States that just wants to express the full spectrum of this experience that we are all living. We just want to create honest art and I have found that for all its hidden veils and mysteriousness that black metal really is a way to express raw, ugly and sometimes vulnerable experiences and emotions, specifically ones that are painful and traumatic. That is what we are trying to capture. I mentally take myself back to some disturbing and unpleasant experiences and places when we record, so I can ensure that I am not only honoring the lyrics and what they are about but also to match the energy of the rest of the group.

2.So far you have released a demo, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

JB: When I started this band I was (and still am) obsessed with Black Cilice’s 2017 opus “Banished From Time”. It stirred something in me that made me need to create, it also helped calm a lot of negativity. So I envisioned doing my own version of that style when I started. As the band formed and began working together I noticed how…We all loved black metal and music in general but we each had our own niche’s of what we loved the most and what had influence on us. So the sound you hear wasn’t anything we went into the writing process trying to do, we just went where it took us. I let go of preconceived notions very early on. I would say we play a rawer style of black metal but we bring in a lot of influences outside of that. Just trying to paint a rawer picture on different canvases so to speak. Wanting to take some influences from black metal that you may hear on some more polished sounding records’ but give it a raw kick in the teeth. Every song here was placed for a reason, the first song sets a tone that the 2nd one tears apart and the final track pieces them both together in some combination. Once you release something though, you give consent for people to place their own opinions on it. 

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

JB: Going back to the first question, I just try to be honest, I spend a lot of time thinking about memories and time. Life is just flowing constantly, regardless of any circumstances going on in our personal lives. The moments we live are here and gone, living on only in our own minds. Most of the time we are at the mercy of memories, thoughts and experiences. I think memory is what allows us to hold onto the idea that we can find meaning in any of this. However, on the flip side of that…how many horrific memories of the past poison the present for people? How much horror do we carry with ourselves everyday? This is a disgusting and vile world, for one reason only. Us. So, the longer we live that burden becomes heavier and heavier. A lot of what I write about falls under that umbrella. On the topic though, A lot of people will blindly speak of black metal just being HATE. I can agree with that, I write a lot about hate. I think, like anything else in life though, SOMETIMES people take a conveyor belt style thinking to that. They’re yelling about hate for hate's sake, cause they’re supposed to and they’re living by some black metal code of conduct. That’s not real, if you’re speaking on something just to do it, you will never reach the level of someone expressing an emotion they’ve been through. When I say hate, I don’t mean hating other people for the sake of what they do, how they were born, where they live or any of that. When I speak of hate, I am speaking from personal experiences that have led me to be the person I am today, things that focus on the self, rather than outside things.. I think a lot of time, hate comes from a place of not accepting something the individual has been through…That  a lot of  anger and resentment is unresolved pain. I am not disrespecting any band, I just feel that sometimes people just use the veil of hate for the sake of using it. It all comes back to honesty.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Disperser: 

JB: I have always been obsessed with wolves, far before I became aware of black metal or how often you see that imagery. So when I was looking for a name I wanted to find the same type of metaphor using a wolf that could convey what the idea of the band was, along with some of the darker imagery that I really love in Black Metal. A Disperser is a wolf who leaves the pack and exists on the fringes of wolf society, sometimes traveling far away from where it grew up. I connected with that both as a person and what I would like us to do as a band. 

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

First and foremost, thank you to Maxime Taccardi for our logo that we used on the cover and various sections of the J-card on the cassette. I discovered his work with Psychonaut 4 and some other bands. I was extremely impressed, shortly after that, I saw some work he did on a noise project a friend of mine has, I knew we needed him for Disperser. Being that we have the full album coming out with some extremely detailed artwork (done by Maxime) I wanted to keep it simple. However, the design nuances and ideas go out to our drummer J. He did an amazing job getting it together cohesively and the tape would not look nearly as good without his vision.

6.The band has members that live in New Jersey and Texas 2 separate parts of the country, what impact does this half on the musical style?

P (guitars/keys): The idea of writing music, especially writing music with a member from a separate part of the country, seems daunting, and that was my initial thought when we first began this project as well. As we progressed, being at such a distance from one another, we developed a flow within the writing process because it was necessary to make this work. This has actually become a strength for this band. Everyone has a job to do, and we understand the roles that we have in order to make the best record we can, and we learned this process simply by adapting to that situation. At a backwards glance, it has seemed to help us improve as musicians and songwriters.

K (guitars): I agree with P and I'd add that writing 'virtually' removes some of the pressure of a weekly band practice. I've been in so many bands where once you get everyone in the same room, not only is everyone in different head spaces but may have completely different inspirations and ideas in mind that week. Sending a riff virtually and allowing everyone to collaborate at their own pace has benefited our creativity and flow immensely.

7.If the opportunity ever came around, would you be open to doing live shows?

JB: That is always the question in Black Metal, isn’t it? I don’t know if there’s another genre/sub-genre where people can take such polar opposite opinions on such a simple matter. If you asked me when I started this project I would say no. However, I will be writing or recording with the four other members and there are moments I think, “The energy we could create live with this could be really great.” So I do see us playing live in the future. I would like to tour if opportunities were presented. I think finding four other people who I work well with really opened me up to the idea of playing live. 

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

JB: Yes. I have no disillusioned ideas of selling ten million records, however, I want people to hear what we are doing and what we have to say. Liking it or hating it doesn’t matter but this is our creation and we want it to be heard, not locked away like a bastard. We’ve had some conversations with various different labels and individuals but nothing is set in stone. We are still in talks and any label interested is more than welcome to reach out.

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

JB: The reaction has been positive and we’re grateful for people taking the time to listen. There’s some ideas here that may not be typical for black metal and I was curious how that would be received. However, we try not to clutch too hard to compliments as art isn’t about creating something people love, it’s about creating something that gives people a strong reaction be it good bad or ugly. The only feedback that would bother me is if they felt nothing at all. 

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

JB: Soon. The three songs here will most likely appear on the full-length but we want to ensure we create a worthwhile and long enough process that justifies people listening to an album they’ve heard 3 songs from. We currently have numerous songs in various degrees of being finished. Our style is that we work on 2-3 songs, finish them and record, as opposed to doing everything at once. So our goal is to continue writing in the Summer and Fall for a Winter release, anywhere between December 2021 and February 2022 feels like a safe assumption at this point. I want to leave the 2nd half of this question to a few of our songwriters (everyone writes in this band, there is no designated “songwriting”)

P: Like a lot of things, progression is hard to catch while it's occurring, and might be better looked at after we have that lightbulb moment. But to answer the question, I feel we will continue to not only lean towards a rawer, progressive and more refined sound. Most importantly for me, not to be afraid to push against the limits of what people may think the "right" way black metal should be played.

K: Would say I envision the violent aspects to become even more visceral and punishing, while the quiet moments become even more introspective and dare I say "pretty"? I look forward to combining all the elements of the demo into individual songs or even just passages of new songs.

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? 

JB: Right now I really enjoy the new Aara record, “Triade I: Eos” it captures so many different aspects of things I like about black metal. Plus, the sound and production is just so well put together and tight, it’s so hard to pull off well but they nailed it.. I really enjoy the new Valac album, “Burning Dawn of Vengeance”  as well as what Vide is doing right now. Valac just knows how to write a damn fine riff and Vide just makes you feel the atmosphere that the individual behind that project is trying to set, I respect that ability quite a bit. Overall, I am inspired by black metal I emotionally connect with. It sounds stupid but a lot of time black metal sounds like the pain and trauma I have felt in life. That is what connected me to it as a kid, so my biggest influence is really just giving back to what helped me and continues to help me in times of crisis. I just have a love and passion for this genre.

P: Music has such an impact on my daily life, I could probably elongate this answer and absolutely bore people to death, but I'll try to keep it as short as I can. That being said, I try to keep the genres I listen to as expansive as possible. Not only do I appreciate and love all music, this also helps me as a songwriter, as I believe (as cliche as it may sound) that genre should not pigeonhole a musician, life's too short for that. As of now, I find myself listening to as much Americana style music as I can get my hands on, which influences a lot of the various intros, outros and interludes that you will find on our new record. This style allows me to focus on the atmosphere within our music. I grew up listening to not only folk-style music, but also devoured as much punk and metal as I could. As of today, I have been listening to a lot of Panopticon, Nothing, and Amigo the Devil, all these artists have been inspiring me a lot lately and encapsulates the various things I love about those very different styles of music.

K: Americana is huge for me as well and I actually think it has a theme of dread that is evident in black metal. John Moreland and Will Johnson loom large for me. As far as the endless expansiveness of black metal lately it has been Krieg's early stuff, Horna's 'Perima Vihassa Ja  Verikostossa' and 'Elmet' by White Medal.

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

JB: Thank you for your time, the only thing left to say is that no matter the result or end product, we will put a hundred percent of ourselves into the new record, “Shallow Waters Take Us” . We look forward to sharing it with you.

https://thetrvedisperser.bandcamp.com/album/demo-2021