Panzerkrieg 666/Westerweiterung/Human Noise Records/2024 EP Review

 

  Germany's  Panzerkrieg  666  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  fast,  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Westerweiterung"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Human  Noise  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  guitar  riffing  also  adding  in  some  melody  at  times  and  all  of t he  music  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  recording  Panzerkrieg  remains  true  to  the  fast,  raw  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  German  and  cover  Satanism  and  War  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Panzerkrieg  666  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  fast,  raw  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Satan"  and  "Westerweiterung".  8 out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: https://panzerkrieg666.bandcamp.com/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DRoaL6PukxRQGQyZ9K9yA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/panzerkrieg666 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panzerkrieg666/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EtqgspQneyzxDfKvMtjyt 

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B09SZG4M8C/panzerkrieg-666 

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gr/artist/panzerkrieg-666/1611018759 

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/161332552   

Chotzä/Pächschwarz/Folter Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Chotzä  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in t his  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  black'n'roll  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Pächschwarz "  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Folter  Records.

  A  very  heavy  black'n'roll  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  influences  from  both  the  first  and  second  wave  era's  of  the  genre  and  mixing  it  with  a  more  modern  day  aggression.

   Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  also  mixing  in  the  raw  aggression  of  punk  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  keyboards  and  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Swiss  and  cover  sex,  drugs,  murder,  violence,  hate,  sickness  and  Satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Chotzä  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black'n'roll,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gottvergaessae"  "Loeutschae"  "Satan's  Suendae"  and  "Wundgang".  8  out  of  10.

   https://www.facebook.com/MundartBlacknRoll  

      

Tulpa/Temple Of Wounds/Folter Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Tulpa  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  harsh  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  metal  and  crust  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Temple  Of  Wounds"  which  was  released  by  Folter  Records.

  A  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  whispers  in  the  background  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams .  Elements  of  crust  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

    Shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  one  track  also   adding  in  some  ritualistic  percussion  and  the  album  also  has  its  melancholic  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  spiritual  concept  of  Samsara  and  Buddhism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tulpa  are  a  very  great  sounding  harsh  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  metal  and  crust  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Healing"  "Drops  Of  Silence"  and  "Buried  In  A  Hourglass".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/TulpaOfficial    

Adversarial/Solitude With The Eternal/Dark Descent Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada's  Adversarial  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Solitude  With  the  Eternal"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Dark  Descent  Records.

  A  very  fast, raw  and  brutal  war  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  bestial  growls  while  the  riffing  also  mixes  in  some  dissonant  touches  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  black  metal  screams  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  soundscapes  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  most  of  the  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  recording  Adversarial  takes  their  brutal  mixture  of  war,  black  and  death  metal  into  more  of  a  dissonant  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism,  darkness,  death  and  evil  worship  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Adversarial  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  war,  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hatred  Kin  Of  Vengeance"  "Death  Is  An  Advisor  In  The  Woods  Of  The  Devil"  and  "Endless  Maze  Of  Blackened  Dominion".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/uEUk0oxq35M?si=uUrBNdY5Hqs5TanV

Mutiilation/Black Metal Cult/Osmose Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  France's  solo  project  Mutillation  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  raw  and  aggressive  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Black  Metal  Cult"  which  was  released  by  Osmose  Productions.

   A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  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  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  melody.  Most  of  the  music  brings  in  more  of  a  90's  and  2000's  vibe  mixed  in  with  some  more  modern  aggression  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

   When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  chants  along  with  the  closing  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  black  metal,  devil  worship,  evilness,  death,  demonology,  darkness  and  anti  Islamic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mutiilation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  solo  project,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Plains  Of  Ice  And  Death"  and  "The  Fall  Of  Islam".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://bfan.link/MUTIILATION-black-metal-cult  

  

Belore/Eastern Tales/Northern Silence Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Belore  are  a  duo  from  France  that  plays  a  very  epic  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Eastern  Tales"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Northern  Silence  Productions.

  Epic  sounding keyboard  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Clean  playing  and  folk  instruments  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  a  lot  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks.  Clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  as  well  as  another  track  also  being  an  instrumental,  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Belore  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  epic,  atmospheric  sounding  and  keyboard  orientated.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Medieval  Fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nelore  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  atmospheric  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sons  Of  The  Sun"  and  "The  Rise  of  A  Sovereign".  8  out  of  10.

  Spotify: https://open.spotify. com/intl-fr/artist/ 4K9cMYYTPFUKQJDKxSF5DU

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Beloreofficial
Instagram: https://www. instagram.com/belore.official
Youtube: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=iGKnJ8WsygM

Trails Of Anguish/Scathed Gaping Misery/Hessian Firm/2024 Compilation Album Review

 

  Trails  of  Anguish  where  a  duo  from  Montreal,  Quebec,  Canada  that  played  a  very  melodic  and  aggressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  compilation  album  "Scathed  Gaping  Misery"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Hessian  Firm  and  consists  of  their  2001  and  2003  ep's.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  compilation  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  brutal  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  compilation  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  Scandinavian  tradition,  acoustic  guitars,  clean  playing  and  synths  are  also  added  on  a  couple  of  tracks. 

  Trails  Of  Anguish  played  a  style  of  black  metal  that  was  very  melodic,  brutal  and  aggressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  depression,  misery,  hate  and  emptiness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Trails  of  Anguish  where  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  and  melodic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  Charismatic  Sickness"  "Reaping  Life's  Futility"  "Haunting"  and  "Scathed,  Gaping  Misery".  8  out  of  10.

  

https://linktr.ee/trailsofanguish

     

Ultio/Cor/Brucia Records/2024 EP Review

 

  Ultio  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their   2024  ep  "Cor"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Brucia  Records.

    A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams   while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  old  school  influences.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  synths  are  also  added  on  the  closing  song.

  On  this  recording  Ultio  goes  for  a  very  raw,  old  school  and  traditional  style  of  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  evilness,  darkness  and  oppression  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ultio  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Grey  inferno"  and  "Cor".  8  out  of  10.

  https://bruciarecords.bandcamp.com/album/cor

Blasphemovs War/K.A.O.S The War Is Here/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Blasphemovs  War  are  a  band  from  Venezuela  that  plays  a  very  raw,  old  school  and  satanic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "K.A.O.S  The  War  Is  Here".

  Air  raid  sirens  and  war  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clear  chants  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  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  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  tradition.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  clean  playing  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

 

   On  this  recording  Blasphemovs  War  remain  true  to  the  raw,  satanic  and  old  school  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity,  Blasphemy  and  War  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Blaspemovs  War  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw,  old  school  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Holocaust"  "Ignis  Futis"  and  "Blaspemovs  War".  8  out  of  10.

  

https://blasphemovswar.bandcamp.com/album/k-a-o-s-the-war-is-here

  

Dauþuz/Uranium/Amor Fati Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Germany's  Dauþuz  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a n  epic,  melodic  and  raw  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Uranium"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Amor  Fati  Productions.

  A  very  fast,  raw  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  growls  and  a  small  amount  of  clear  singing  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clean  playing  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  atmospheric  touches  at  times.

  Choirs  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  both  modern  and  old  school  influences  as  well a s  some  of  the  harsh  vocals  also  adding  in  a  very  melancholic  and  depressive  atmosphere  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  Mining  in  the  Eastern  German  days.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dauþuz  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  epic,  melodic  and  raw  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Radonquell  1666"  and  "Uranfeuer  55".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/dauthuzBM    

Korpituli/Pohjola/Korpituli Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Finland's  Korpituli  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  and  folk  influenced  form  of  atmospheric  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Pohjola"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Korpituli  Productions.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  synths  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  while  pagan  style  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  album  ore  of  a  raw  feeling  and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  you can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well a s  some  elements  of  folk  music  also  being  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  covers  the  folklore,  paganism  and  mythology  of  their  home  country.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Korpituli  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  folk  influenced  atmospheric  pagan  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Pohjola"  "Syytta  suotta  sariolaan"  and  "Kalliolle  kukkulalle".  8  out  of  10.

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

Bandcamp: https://korpituli.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.korpituli/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@korpituliproductions     

I C No Interview

 

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

The idea of I C No dates back 15 years ago, I've always had the idea of creating a black metal oriented project (even if we can define ourselves as post black, I accept it very well, it's coherent). Life and work have meant that I haven't worked much on my instruments. Following covid, I threw a lot of stuff out and I started to build up my music and set up a home studio. A lot of the riff of the EP even dates from my fasttracker 2 period (the geekiest will understand...).

 The project on EP was led by me, Ksar : all instruments, compositions, mix and mastering. The vocalist is Orcus (the heretic), I think he is a very talented guy with a lot of inspiration and disruptive ideas. I was helped by Matteo Bressan for drum programming because mine was not good enough, and lyrics by Mc Grungy.

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?

Like i said before, we are between black and post black metal. Lot of influences from different genres for me. I'm quite eclectic in terms of music style actually. My brother is very well versed in gangsta rap, my favorite singer is Maria Callas and I start the day with grindcore or black! I have days with goa/trance and classical music but I'm coming back to metal in all ways, all styles combined. I'm against the dripping conservatism that typically molds the black metal scene. I'm looking for atypical, unstructured music, imbued with madness. Black metal served as a crucible for me to talk about it because I really want to vomit against this world, but I'm not trying to stick to the expectations of a basic black man guy who like again and again and again (and again(!!) the same shitty post of Euronymous in Facebook. Time is coming for evolution.

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

We are exploring all the darkness in our contemporary world. I don't like modern keywords. I think that global warming, climate change, pollution, politics or social issues are the main and hot subjects that everyone must talk about. On I ferrugineo Cochlearia, we are talking about rare-earth elements that we can find in your smartphone by instance. Lyrics are absurd but powerful in this song, because the situation is totally absurd and a disaster for everyone. Empaler le maitre de la mélée is about fucking management style in our society that slave all people but with a nice talk about freedom, Bullshit ! Scrum master, agile methodology must die (if you are computer scientist you will understand), On achève bien les idoles is about a big demonstration in France in the town of Lyon where Orcus the vocalist was near to put a bomb on the head... Logghoraine is a french word game / words fusions  between Logghorée and Haine (logghorée = a lot of talks without interruption, haine = hate), it was about my ex work in private banking where I was in the deep hole of myself. Elizabeth Bathory, I think you know that girl ! All lyrics are written by the almighty Mc Grungy, yes we have a dedicated lyricist, we are proud of that. He was the singer of black / death band Rawwar a few years ago.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'I C No'?

The bizarre name of the project comes from the following observation. I say no to today's world, for me, for young people, for everyone, but I wanted to avoid a name like 'the suffering denial of death'. As a result, a more bizarre name came. I C No, a play wording in Franglais: I C No, i say no, i see no. It is fashionable to be in denial, but it is also necessary to act for a useful purpose. To see, to hear, to defend oneself intellectually against the current pitfalls. I'm no longer a yes man, but a no man in short. The logo is inspired by a tattoo that I share with my wife.

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

L'enfer des autres, c'est moi the EP title, is allusion of the french philosopher Sartre (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Paul_Sartre) with his work "l'enfer c'est les autres" (hell, is others) but... he was a big jerk in my eyes, so I give him a little booger as I pass... Other people's hell is me, it's like waiting for an ill-intentioned guy (a mad guy!) on a street corner. That guy could be you tomorrow. This guy is also that guy who is taking the violent climate change on his face (losing his children on a massive fire maybe?) and hasn't done anything concrete to deal with it. He is dealing with his fate. He's angry and he wants to steal from you to survive. Sweet irony.

7.The band members live in both France and Switzerland, what impact does this have on the musical style that you play?

No impact ! I guess more our ages differences but definitively, it was a bug strength. Orcus has a lot of DSBM influence and shoegaze but also like singing in alternate way death or black metal. sometimes in pig squeel. For me, i have more experience as listener but like i say in second question i'm listen what i like, i don't wanna be close in jail for a music gender. We are mainly focus on our work to deliver the best work in fact we don't compare ourselves with french or switzerland band.

8.On the ep you also did a 'Tormentor' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

Few reasons for choosing Tormentor ! It's really fun to play first, i also like a lot the Dissection's cover (aah Dissection, i like a lot a lot Reinkaos! Storm and Somberlain of course, but the risk on Reinkaos is enormous, i like risk). We say no, i say no..No to the story of the countess, too much dumb thing on this women, so we wanted to make this cover to think about the truth behind the myth. We don't change too much lyrics (in french, rhythmic placements are also different) but we believe, are you sure about the story, did you verify ? No, no and no !

9.The physical version was released on 'Crypt of Dr.  Gore', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

This label can be considered as a true underground label. You can help when you have time, you can discuss, it's a very good organic entity with a good spirit. DIY of course, but friendship is the clue, music, loudy music of course ! Also very good releases, look with Gergovia, Cryptic Process, Horoh, Gummo ! Excellents releases with a powerful background in death metal, brutal death metal or grindcore. https://sites.google.com/view/cryptofdrgore/merch-distro/c-o-d-g-records?authuser=0

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

Not a lot of reactions for being honest, we don't have facebook or instagram, just streaming platforms. But for the moment we have positive returns by bandcamp, mail or reviews, some good criticism for being better musicians too. It's hard to spread his work actually but we keep the faith to say No to everyone. Let time take his time.

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

Yes! We are currently working hard on the recording of a full length album. We got a real drummer, Orcus is totally possessed with his vocals (really...) time to hear something different in black metal ? I think we are. Lyrics are just perfect with Grungy that take time to create singular texts with deep meaning. I think these lyrics are the closest to poems and slam (yes slam). Compositions are extended, coming to doom to heavy to brutal black, and running with the death part. We are proud and impatient to give this album. We thought of releasing it in the first quarter of 2025.

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?

For this EP, i was deeply with Deathspell Omega, Diapsiquir, Paramnesia, Reigan-Do, Elseetoss or Gorgoroth. I like to come back regularly with Deicide, i don't support the thrash style (boring to play first). I like hearing a lot of stuff even if it's not metal like I said before, it's a good source of inspiration. On the next release, there is a song with some Django Reinhard riffing look alike. I think we all precedent questions, you can see i'm really strange with that side of me. Orcus is normal ! But are we really normal ? fuck normality. No ! Again.

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

Stay curious musically or intellectually, be gentle with your nearest family, listen to death and black metal. We are in the final apocalypse on this fucking world, open your eyes to survive !

 Thanks a lot Occult Black Metal Zine for giving me the opportunity to talk.

https://icno.bandcamp.com/album/lenfer-des-autres-cest-moi

Necht Interview

 

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

We are Necht, a black metal band based in Calgary, Canada.  Our Temple is comprised of a Zenith and three Ascendants.  Our music is inspired by, and dedicated to, the memory of our most ancient ancestors, the long-forgotten civilization of the Enkari.

 

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

Our Meditation, “The Prophecy of Karnifor”, is musically a cross between classic, aggressive, second-wave black metal and more modern, epic black metal - with some death metal thrown in.  Perhaps a good indication would be to take Helrunar’s Grátr as a starting point and add a touch of Crescent’s Carving The Fires Of Akhet.  Our intent is to conjure both the martial reality of the Enkari’s daily existence and some of the awe-struck divinity of their belief system.

 

3.Lyrically you cover the Enkari civilization and the discoveries of Karl von Mecklenburg and the research of Birgitta Olsson, can you tell us a little bit more about the civilization of the Enkari people?

The Enkari are the most ancient culture yet discovered that can be thought of as a ‘civilization’.  Whilst initially harmonious, it descended into a state of on-going civil war between the two principal city-states of Lashmir and Ishpan, driven by a series of religious imperatives in the form of visions and prophecies.  The two sides thus became entrenched in what became known as the Ceaseless War, which mirrored the endless struggle of B’ahn, sun-god of the Lashmiri, against His Mother, the dragon Karnifor.  Both sides believed, for differing reasons, that endless war was necessary for the salvation of the world.

 

4.In the promo pics you also wear middle age style war gear, can you tell us a little bit more about the concept behind the battle gear?

On stage, we embody the Cult of B’ahn – the army of Lashmir. All that is known about the Enkari is taken from the Enkari-B’ahn Scrolls - the written records kept by the series of Qa’ars, whom were the priest-kings of the Ishpani. Whilst these are not adorned with any illustrations, it is described that the Cult of B’ahn wore black armour and kept their eyes covered at all times, and that the Zeniths moreover wore a yellow hood and carried both shield and spear that reflected the Thunder Shield and Lighting Spear of B’ahn. 

 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Necht’?

One of the honorifics of the Mother Dragon, Karnifor, was “Breath of the Night” – of course, it was during the night that the radiance of B’ahn was hidden from the Cult, and what the Cult ultimately feared was ‘the long night’ that would occur if ever B’ahn were defeated. For the Cult, the night was truly full of terror, so we chose Necht, which is an old Scots word meaning ‘night’, as our Zenith hails from those lands.

 

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

The artwork portrays one of the dead Qa’ars of Ishpan, mummified within the catacombs underneath the city.

 

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

Our stage performance is a Ritual.  During each Ritual, the faithful are led through a series of Sermons commemorating the history of the Enkari; and invited to join the Cult of B’ahn – or renew their commitment – by partaking in the Ritual of Ashes. 

 

Though each Ritual is to be savoured, we are particularly gratified to have played in the Wacken Metal Battle Canada Final in 2023 in Toronto.  Although this is far from our home city, we were enthusiastically welcomed and many were initiated into the Cult on that day.

 

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

Yes.  We will be conducting a tour and performing Rituals at several festivals around the province of Alberta.  In 2025 we plan to take our Rituals further afield, hopefully to the US and to Europe.

 

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

Absolutely.  We hope to work with a label that is interested in helping us to spread the word of B’ahn to the sleeping masses, for Karnifor is coming, and our time is short…

 

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

We are pleased to see that at each live Ritual, many of the sleeping are awakened to B’ahn’s glory and choose to take part in the Ritual of Ashes!  Further afield, our mission is just getting started, but the response is currently most gratifying.

 

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

We continue to write new Sermons and are working on our second full-length Meditation already.  While we expect to continue in a similar vein to that presented on “The Prophecy of Karnifor”, as with all musical projects, we grow and evolve.  We shall see where the divine inspiration of B’ahn takes us.

 

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?

All members of the Temple are fans of black metal, both old and new, as well as other genres.  I have recently been enjoying Krigsrav, Blackbraid, Chapel of Disease, Weald & Woe, Decipher and many others.

 

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

Our thanks to you, Herald, for your support.  For those reading this, we encourage you to listen and learn about the Enkari.  GLORY TO THE SUN!

https://www.facebook.com/people/Necht/61550493020359/
https://www.youtube.com/@NechtBlackMetal
https://www.instagram.com/nechtblackmetal/
https://soundcloud.com/user-227088367
https://necht.bandcamp.com/album/the-prophecy-of-karnifor
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Wb4y2UcuDY48xH8ftksFu

Verberis/The Apophatic Wilderness/NoEvDiva/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Verberis  are  a  band  from  new  Zealand  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  an  aggressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "The  Apophatic  Wilderness"  which  will  be  released  on  march  29th  by  NoEvDiva.

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Dissonant  style  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  doom  metal.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also be  heard  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album,  when  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  raw  feeling  as  well  as  some  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  being  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  hubris,  submission,  worship  and  ruin.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Verberis  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  modern  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The Emptying  Of  God"  and  "Arteries  Unto  Ruin  II".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/verberis 

Threnomancy/Beholden To The Nightspirit/Humanity's Plague Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Threnomancy  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Beholden  To  The  Nightspirit"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Humanity's  Plague  Productions.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  second  wave  tradition  era  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  a  lot  of  the  music  sounds  like  it  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  30  years  ago.   A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  whole  ealbum  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Threnomancy  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  old  school  in  the  90's  second  wave  Scandinavian  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  night,  nature  and  solitude  theme.

  In  my  opinion  Threnomancy  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  erecording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cold  Wind  Of  Solitude"  and  "Deep  Forest  Trance".  8  out  of  10.

  https://threnomancy.bandcamp.com/album/beholden-to-the-nightspirit   

Borgtårn/Sorte Makt/Humanity's Plague Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

   Borgtårn  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  lo-fi  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Sorte  makt"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Humanity's  Plague  Productions.

  A  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  demo  which  also  introduces  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  music  also  captures  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere.

  Throughout  the  demo  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  most  of  the  riffing  is  also  done  on  power  chords  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  all  of  the  songs  also  avoid  the  use  of  any  solos  or  leads.

   Borgtårn  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  lo-fi  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  darkness,  night  and  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion   Borgtårn  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  lo-fi  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Skogens  Dyp"  and  "Sorte  makt".  8  out  of  10.

  https://borgtarn.bandcamp.com/album/sorte-makt

Lux Anguis/Serpentine Enchantment Of The Earthbound Souls/Inverted Chalice Productions/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Lux  Anguis  are  a  solo  project  from  Argentina  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  ambient  form  of  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Serpentine  Enchantment  Of  The  Earthbound  Souls"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Inverted  Chalice  Productions.

  A  very  ritualistic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  and  ambient  elements  and  synths  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  the  vocals  also  get  more  high  pitched  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  lot  of  old  school  influences.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments

   Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  being  instrumentals,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  the  ep  closes  with  a  cover  of  Bathory's  "Satan  my  master".  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanic  Witchcraft,  Chaos  and  Melancholy  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lux  Anguis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  ambient  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eclipsed  Reverie  (Conjuring  The  Darkened  Veil)"  and  "Echoes  of  Sorrow".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCI-kom4fvk       

  

Amiensus/Reclamation: Part One/M-Theory Audio/2024 Full Length Review

 

  U.S.A's  Amiensus  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  and  progressive  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Reclamation:  Part  One"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  M-Theory  Audio.

  A  very  heavy,  melodic  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.  

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  and  clear  singing  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  The  album  also  has  its  progressive  moments  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  one  song  also  introduces  acoustic  guitars  into  the  music  and  the  closing  track  is  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy,  theology,  psychology  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Amiensus  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  atmospheric  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blink  of  The  Moment"  "Sun  And  Moon"  and  "Transcendence  Through  Grief".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Amiensus

www.instagram.com/amiensus
www.amiensus.bandcamp.com

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iknlk-9oCgI&ab_channel=M-TheoryAudio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdHimvpS2rM&ab_channel=M-TheoryAudio