Monday, July 21, 2025

Moon Of The Wind/No Point In Living/CHILD : OF : ILLNESS/2025 Split Album Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  self  released  split  album  between  Ukraine's  Moon  Of  The  Wind  and  Japan's  No  Point  In  Living  called  "CHILD : OF : ILLNESS"  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Moon  Of  The  Wind  a  solo  project  that h as  been  featured  before  in t his  zine  and  plays  an  atmospheric  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal.


  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  clean  playing  along  with  some  ambient  style  keyboards  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Most  of  his  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams,  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding.


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  spoken  words  and  whispers  also  being  utilized  briefly,  melodies  can  also  be  heard  at  times,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  some  acoustic  guitars  being  used  at  times  and  female  vocal samples  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  suicide,  depression,  nature  and  isolation.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Moon  Of  The  Wind  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Anesthesia  & Nameless".


  Next  up  is  No  Point  In  Living  a  solo  project  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  a  very  progressive  form  of  depressive  black  metal.


  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  fast  and  raw  sound  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  while  the  clean  playing  also  adds  in  a  progressive  touch  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  sticking  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  as  well as  the  synths  also  adding  in  elements  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism,  self-hatred,  depression  and  life  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  No  Point  In  Living  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  and  depressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Echoes  Of  The  Sun"  and  "Haunted".


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


  https://youtu.be/Lij_wae0hMw?si=QJpZKVmtH9qQdabF  


        

Mjolne Interview

 

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


Through Veils of Time was recorded during 2024 and I released it digitally February 15th 2025. Since the release I’ve been contacted by several who wanted to be a part in making this a physical release. So I did spend some time considering my options with this. I ended up signing a deal with ATMF for the release of the album on cd, and the collaboration with them has been great. I have also been doing some promotion and interviews about my musical project and the album.


Musically, I have also started writing some new material for the project MJOLNE, so I hope to release a second album within a year or two.  Gaut (guitarist of Mactätus) and I also have an ongoing project, so we have been writing and recording some songs lately. We don’t know what will become of this in the end, but we are having fun doing it so we will see.


2.So far you have recorded a full length with this project ,can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?


Actually, when I started making the music that ended up on the album, I had no intention of turning this into a project or even releasing the music. It all started during covid. I needed something to do besides work, and I took out my old guitar and started playing cover songs, and eventually write my own music. As I found this rewarding and the music got more and more twisted into form, I invested in some more gear to be able to record full productions. Then I started to make songs that suited each other in terms of musical genre, and suddenly I had enough songs to fill an album.


With that in mind, I didn’t have a certain musical style in mind when I wrote the music, but I just made music that felt natural to me. But I have always been attracted to the 90’s black metal and the feeling this music gives me, so this probably explains why the music of MJOLNE has strong connections to the 90’s black metal.



3.Previously you where a part of 'Mactatus', how does your solo material differ from the stuff you have done with that band and are there some new things you where able to do solo that you where not able to do with your previous group?


Of course, me playing in Mactätus have probably also influenced the way I write and think about music.  The musical style of MJOLNE is not too different from the Mactätus material, especially around the Provenence... area. The MJOLNE project do have more acoustic elements than what we used in Mactätus, and are maybe a little more dynamic. The orchestration is probably also somewhat more prominent, but in the end the music in Mactätus and MJOLNE doesn’t differ too much, I think.


The advantage of a solo project is that you make all the decisions yourself, and there is no compromise. In this way I can try out all my ideas in different ways how I feel right, and I have control of the whole process. But don’t get me wrong, the process of compromising in a band can also make the result better in the end. The project with Gaut and I is an example of this, where we both contribute with guitar riffs and the structures of the songs. We have different styles of playing but when we put it all together it sounds good.  It’s quite brutal yet melodic in my opinion, without the use of keys.



5.How would you describe your progress as a songwriter with the new album?


As mentioned, the process of writing the material was not done with the intention of making an album or even starting the MJOLNE project. It was just me playing and creating music again after a long break from the Mactätus period.  


In the beginning I started to write music in the doom metal genre since I’ve also been a fan of this genre through the years. I guess it was easier to start slow since I hadn’t play instruments for a while. But the music quickly developed into the style of what you hear on the album. This is the genre that is closest to me, at least in terms of creating own music.


Of course, as time went by making music I also developed as a songwriter. I didn’t have too much experience writing whole compositions by myself , even though I contributed to the songwriting in Mactätus. So I developed as a songwriter, but also in terms of recording, mixing and producing the material.  An example of this is that the first songs I made, had to go through a makeover to keep up with how I developed as a songwriter, and I had to restructure and re-record the first songs I made.


6.Some of your lyrics and the band name comes from Norse Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?


The Norse Mythology is an interesting topic, and of course it’s also a part of my country’s old heritage. It’s just something with the way our forefathers lived their lives, and what they believed in that’s interesting and something that should be remembered as a part of our heritage. The MJOLE name for this project is just me using my alias from Mactätus. This is an alias that my bandmates in Mactätus gave me in the early 90’s. I think this suited well for this project since the music is somewhat connected, and all the things I have been doing musically since the mid 90’s, have been done as Mjolne. So when I grew into this project, I felt that this was me continuing my musically journey as Mjolne.


Even though some of the lyrics originate from Norse mythology, the content is also related to existing themes. For instance, this is the case for the Helheim-triology. Let me try to explain:


In many aspects of life, we humans face various challenges or difficulties. This could be of physical or mental character, sickness and health, troubles we face at home with the people we care about, workwise and more. When we face these challenges, we as individuals handle them differently depending on the nature of each and every one of us as individuals, and what state we’re in. Sometimes the burden can be too heavy to bear, and slowly but surely it breaks us down. We’re digging ourselves into a dark hole that’s not good for you. This is what pt. I is about. Reisen (the journey) is when we meet these challenges that we can’t cope with, and you’re digging yourself into this hole. This is the metaphorical journey to Helheim.  


Pt. II is where this concept breaks with the Norse mythology. Helheim was a place of no return. If you got to Helheim, you were stuck there for eternity. Pt. II Forvandlingen (the transformation) is about the struggle you need to go through, to get out of this state of mind. Some people go through these struggles by themselves, and some do it with the help of others. But some people never manage to rise again and are stuck in “Helheim forever”. Pt. III Gjenreiselsen (the restoration/resurrection) is about the journey back from Helheim, when you rise again as a individual, maybe even stronger than before.


I guess the concept is that you will meet different challenges through life, and how you choose to deal with these challenges is important regarding to how you will handle it and grow as an individual. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?



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


Originally, on the digital release, the cover was a picture I took in the forest at night. I had made a fire and took a picture form the fireplace facing upwards to the sky, which made this red reflection in the trees.  


When I signed with ATMF, we of course wanted to make a professional artwork for the cd release. The new artwork is made by Francesco Gemelli. He is an amazing artist who does artwork and layouts for ATMF and other record labels. I guess he made the artwork based on how he felt the music and what suited the musical expression. He was given free reins to create artwork and the result I think is amazing and suits the music good.   


8.With this project you record everything by yourself, do you prefer working solo to being in a full band?


For this project I preferred to work solo. As mentioned earlier, when you work solo you have the opportunity to try out different approaches and create the music you want for yourself without compromise. This just felt as the right thing to do for me regarding how this project evolved through time and turned out in the end. Working together with others I still do in the project with Gaut.


One thing that differs a lot these days as an old man pushing 50, compared to when we were young and played in Mactätus, is time.  We have several times over the past decade, talked about a reunion of Mactätus, but time seems to be one factor that makes this difficult. We all have moved on with our lives since the time when we could rehearse 3 times a week in some sweaty basement, and we have other commitments now. But as a solo project, I can do what I want whenever I have the time to do it, so this is a great part of being a solo project. But of course, I sometimes miss the “band-feeling”, and I look back at the Mactätus years with much appreciation and great memories.  


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


To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect when I first released the album digitally. It was 23 years since the last Mactätus release and time has changed since then.


It was actually my wife who convinced me to get my music out there. She thought it was meaningless to spend so much time writing and recording music, if nobody else should be able to listen to it. So I decided to make the album as a digital release, and this is how the MJOLNE project was established. The response has been over my expectations to say the least, and I am very grateful for the response that people worldwide have given me. I’ve been contacted by people from across the world showing their interest in my project, especially from South America, The US, Europe and Scandinavia.


I also realized that there still are some loyal Mactätus fans out there who have reached out to me, and I am grateful for that. We are currently working on some Mactätus re-release of old material later this year, so stay tuned for that. More info will come about this later.




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


I have started writing new material for the next MJOLNE album. Musically this should be in the same vein as the first album, but I’m still early in this process, so it can develop through time. Since MJOLNE is a solo project, I will write the kind of music that feels natural to me. That is the privilege of a solo project.


I will also continue the project with Gaut and write and record more songs with him, and we will see what will become of this in the future.


There are no plans of taking the MJOLNE project to stage at this point.  


11.What are some of the bands or musical styles you are listening to nowadays?


Nowadays, there are so much music being released so it’s hard to keep track of it all. I guess I’m contributing to that releasing my music as well haha. So when I’m listening to music I often go back to the good old releases from the 90’s, at least when it comes to black metal.  An album that has stuck with me since the release in 1994 is Dødheimsgard “Kronet til konge”. I still frequently listen to this album. Dissection, early Covenant, Emperor, Borknagar, Gehenna, old Satyricon, Dimmu Brogir and Ulver are also frequently listened to. Newer black metal releases that have caught my attention are Dold Vorde Ens Navn with “Mørkere” and Gràb with “Kremess”. These releases are exceptional.


Of course I don’t only listen to black metal, so the old King Diamond releases throughout the 80’s are frequently played. Also bands like Archspire, Ereb Altor, Iotuun, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Funeral, Katatonia, My Dying Bride, Nevermore and Septicflesh are examples of music that have been played lately.


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


First of all, I want to thank all the people who have reached out to me regarding my MJOLNE project but also regarding Mactätus. It’s much appreciated. And I also want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about my project here in your zine.


The cd version of MJOLNE Through Veils of Time will be released on cd at August 29th by ATMF. Also beware of more info to come regarding the re-release of some old Mactätus material. 


https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/mjolne-through-veils-of-time-cd-pre-order/

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Bok/Mors Gregis/2025 Full Length Review

 


  Bok  are  a  solo  project  from  Netherlands  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  raw  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom,  thrash  metal,  post  punk  and  electronic  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  album  "Mors  Gregis"  which  will  be  released  on  August  29th.


  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  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  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.


  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Electronic  sounds  are  also  utilize  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  album  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  doom  metal.


  Elements  of  post  punk  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  also  adding  in  influences  of  thrash  metal  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  goth  rock  style  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  anti  religion  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bok  and  if  you  are  fan  of  raw  black  metal  with  elements  of  doom,  thrash  metal,  post  punk  and  electronic  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Doctrine  OF  The  Sulphur  Kiss"  "The  Bearer  And  The  Harlot"  and  "Specs  altera  vitae".  8  out  of  10.


  bokfoad.bandcamp.com

instagram.com/bokfoad

facebook.com/bokfoad        

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Mjolne/Through Veils Of Time/ATMF/2025 Full Length Review

 


    Mjolne  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  raw,  old  school  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Through  Veils  Of  Time"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  ATMF.


  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  synths  and  orchestration  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  symphonics  direction.  A  lot  of  the  recording  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.


  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.  Clear  singing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  a  few  songs  also  adding  in  spoken  words,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Norwegian  and  cover  Darkness  and  Norse  Mythology  themes. 


  In  my  opinion  Mjolne  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  symphonic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "What I  Once  Was"  "In  The  Abyss  Of  Existence"  and  "The  Cries  Within".  8 out  of  10.


  https://metalodyssey.8merch.com/product/mjolne-through-veils-of-time-cd-pre-order/  

Friday, July 18, 2025

Krigsgrav/Stormcaller/Willowtip Records/2025 Full Length Review

 


  Dallas,  Texas's  Krigsgrav  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  form  of  blackened  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Stormcaller"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Willowtip  Records.


  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.


  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  clear  singing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of clean  playing  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  nature  and  philosophy  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Krigsgrav  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  blackened  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Huntress  Of  The  Fire  Moon"  "None  Shall  Remember  Your  Name"  and  "Womb-Death-Dawn".  8  out  of  10.


  https://linktr.ee/Krigsgrav        

Sigilo/Luxuria De Lillith/Sermao/Alma Mater Records/2025 Split Album Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Portugal's  Sigilo  and  Brazil's  Luxuria  De  Lillith  called  "Sermao"  which  will  be  released  on  July  25th  by  Alma  Mater  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Sigilo  a solo  project  that  plays  an  occult  form  of  black  metal.


  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  yet  dissonant  sound  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  which  also  get  very  deep  at  times.  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.


  Throughout  his  side  of  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody. All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  used  briefly,  synths  are  also  added  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Satanism  and  Dark  Spirituality.


  In  my  opinion  Sigilo  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Lurking  Evil"  and  "Universal  Gathering  Chantic'>


  Next  up  is  Luxuria  De  Lillith  a  solo  project  that  plays  an  occult  form  of  black  metal.


  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy,  melodic  and  atmospheric  sound  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  tracks  more  of  a  raw  feeling.


  Throughout  his  side  of  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Portuguese  and  cover  Occultism,  Vampirism  and  Human  Experience.


  In  my  opinion  Luxuria  De  Lillith  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nosferatos"  and  "Asmodeus".


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


  https://www.instagram.com/sigiloblackmetal 

https://www.facebook.com/sigiloblackmetal 

https://www.sigiloblackmetal.bandcamp.com 

http://www.luxuriadelillith.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/luxuriadelillith

 https://www.instagram.com/luxuriadelillith/


      


    

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Gjallarhorn's Wrath/The Silver Key/Non Serviam Records/2025 Full Length Review

 



  Gjallarhorn's  Wrath  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "The  Silver  Key"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Non  Serviam  Records.


  Epic  sounding  keyboards  which  also  adds  in  a  symphonic  touch  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.


  A  lot  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.


  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments.  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  a  very  ritualistic  vibe  as  well  as  the  recording  also  adding  in  some  modern  touches  to  an  old  school  style,  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  myth,  existential  dread,  mysticism,  fate  and  cosmic  horror.


  In  my  opinion  Gjallarhorn's  Wrath  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Wiccan  Wyrd"  "Fangs  Of  Hate"  "With  Souls  Reborn"  and  "A  Silent  Scream".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/25mjOHja5B4

https://www.facebook.com/Gjallarhorns.Wrath

https://www.instagram.com/gjallarhornwrathband

CD: https://www.non-serviam-records.com/products/gjallarhorns-wrath-the-silver-key-digipak
VINYL: https://www.non-serviam-records.com/products/gjallarhorns-wrath-the-silver-key-vinyl

DIGITAL: https://non-serviam-records.bandcamp.com/album/the-silver-key  


      

Irshi Interview

 

For those who’ve never heard of you, can you tell us a little about your solo project?


I originally started Irshi purely as a solo endeavor. Over time, however, the name Irshi became inseparable from my own artistic identity. Although my earliest work fell under post-black metal, I gradually shifted into what I now call Acoustic DSBM—a style I believe is unique in Turkey.


In March you released a new full-length—musically, how does it differ from your past work?


Altınlı Ablam (released March 3, 2025) carries a special historical and personal significance for me. Unlike my earlier songs, it’s not just music but the first-ever recording of a truly lost folk tale told to me by my grandparents. By committing this story to record, I transformed the album into a complete narrative experience  .


The new album takes a more acoustic direction, while older releases were heavier. What prompted that change?


I began as a post-black metal artist because I loved the genre, but I realized it didn’t fully express my own voice. I was drawn to the calm, melancholic passages in DSBM—especially those rare moments of purely acoustic instrumentation. Since no one was naming or exploring “acoustic DSBM,” I decided to embrace acoustic guitar (my favorite instrument) as my main mode of expression. With Hope’s Diurnal Rhythms and now Altınlı Ablam, I’ve made Acoustic DSBM my primary genre  .


On the new album you also cover “Anatolian legends.” What draws you to that theme?


That focus is unique to Altınlı Ablam. Hearing a folk tale from my own hometown that existed nowhere else—in no library or online archive—felt like a gift. Preserving and sharing it was too meaningful to pass up; otherwise, I might never have made an album centered on it.


What other lyrical topics have you explored in your previous releases?


When I first launched Irshi, I was angry—angry about my country’s struggles. My earliest lyrics were overtly political. Over time they evolved into social critiques, and lately into deeply psychological themes. Writing about my inner battles and sharing them through music has helped me grow; I’m almost unrecognizable compared to those first years, and I’m deeply grateful to this project for that.


What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name “Irshi”?


In Turkish mythology, an irshi is a forest spirit or fairy that often acts as a mentor and can shapeshift into animals or objects—but notably, it cannot lie. Since Irshi began as a way for me to speak unvarnished truths about my society, adopting the name of a creature that simply cannot lie felt completely natural.


Can you tell us about the artwork on the full-length cover?


The cover shows a long-abandoned house in Gökçen village, destroyed by an old earthquake. In the Altınlı Ablam tale, this is the home of Ayzıt Nine, the mystical woman who shelters the story’s young heroine on a remote mountain. The ruined house perfectly captures that sense of isolation and mystery.


Aside from a few session musicians, you record almost everything yourself—would you ever work with a full band?


Irshi is always going to be my solitary diary—my own unfiltered thoughts. That said, I do play in other bands: Moko (a Turkish midwest-emo/pop-punk group, one of the first of its kind here) and an acoustic outfit called Bulutların Üstünde, also unique in Turkey. But Irshi itself will remain a one-person project.


Since 2022 you’ve released a huge amount of material. Do you spend most of your time writing and creating music?


Absolutely. Almost all my free time goes into writing and playing music. If I’m too tired to compose, I at least listen and immerse myself in sounds—alone or with friends.


On the new album you have several guests—who are they and what did they contribute?


All of my guest artists are close friends:


Ali Bülbül (blues/jazz guitarist; also plays in Bulutların Üstünde)


Bladeckest (progressive post-death metal artist; co-wrote “Alev Esintisi” to honor our country’s wildfires)


Archura (alternative melodic post-metal/rock; collaborated on the Momo film OST)


SilverMoon (alternative rock; an old friend who released a debut album after just one year on guitar)


Each of them co-wrote specific tracks, adding their unique visions and making the album more diverse.


You’ve also done splits and other collaborations—who have you worked with?


Every artist I’ve collaborated with is a personal friend. Aside from Altınlı Ablam’s guests, I wouldn’t record with someone I didn’t know well. Trust and shared vision are essential.


You’re currently unsigned—are you looking for a label or have you had any interest?


I have no plans to sign. I’ll remain fully independent as long as there are people who share and support my work without expecting anything in return.


On a worldwide level, how have black-metal fans reacted to your music?


Many listeners find my style challenging—long, quiet, depressive acoustic tracks can be heavy. But those who embrace it can’t get enough once they discover the beauty within the stillness. There are also some elitist circles that refuse to acknowledge it as “metal,” but I think it’s too early to draw conclusions. This sound needs time to find its audience.


Where do you see yourself heading as a musician in the future?


I’ll continue balancing two lives—my day job and my music. Both are equally important to me, and I intend to keep walking both paths.


Which bands or styles have influenced your music, and what are you listening to nowadays?


So many underground artists inspire me, but a few standouts are The Peregrine, Grav Morbus, Eternal Tide, Acrosome, Blodstrupmoen, Evelyna, Shtandarth, Procer Veneficus, and Мохра—along with countless others.


Before we wrap up, any final words?


Thank you so much for your support and for this first-ever interview! Your interest in such an innovative genre truly honors me.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Viserion/Fire And Blood/2026 Full Length Review

 


  New  York's  Viserion  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  fantasy  themed  form  of  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  self  released  album  "Fire  And  Blood"  which  will  be  released  in  2026.


  A  very  fast  and  raw  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  mixed  in  with  a  few  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in t he  old  school  era  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  in  more  of  a  90's  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  recording  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments,  synths  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  the  closing  track.


  On  this  recording  Viserion  expands  on  the  old  school  style  of  black  metal  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  George  R.R  Martin's  "Games  Of  Thrones"  novels.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Viserion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fire  And  Blood"  and  "Blackfyre".  8  out  of  10.


  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/viserion/1497014123

https://viserion.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ViserionOfficial/?_rdr

https://www.instagram.com/viserion_official/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/29M6a18wuS8GmtArmff2P4

https://www.youtube.com/@viserion9676?si=Vi6fojnDYmVlTfx1 

Vigljos/Tome II - Ignis Sacer/Les Acteurs de L'Ombre Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 


  Vigljos  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Tome  II  -  Ignis  Sacwe"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Les  Acteurs  de  L'Ombre  Productions.


  Medieval  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in a   great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.


  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  which  also  adds  in  a  depressive  touch  while  the  music  is  heavily  influenced  by  the  90's  second  wave  era.  Some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  adds  in  elements  of  black'n'roll  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

 

   Mellotron's  are  also  added  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  some  of  the  riffing  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  recording  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  phenomenon  of  ergotism.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vigljos  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Seed  Of  Aberration"  "Delusions  Of  Grandeur"  and  "Harvest".  8  out  of  10.


  Facebook // Instragram // Bandcamp  


    

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Wékeras Interview

 

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


Vulgael: Wékeras is a four-piece black metal band, formed in 2022 and hailing from Stockholm. Musically, we play a mix of second-wave black metal with some 80s influences. Even if we are based in Sweden, we have international origins: French, Polish and German. 

Shortly after we started the band, we recorded our first demo, “Pochwała Cienia”. And just recently, a new album emerged under the Pagan Records banner: "Do wirów, do krzyków".


2.You have your first full length coming out towards the end of June, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?


Horreur: yes our first full album "Do wirów, do krzyków" came out on the 29th of June 2025.

It is a continuation of the demo, with more songs with different moods but still atmospheric. A mix of fast/mid tempo in the style of 1st and 2nd wave black metal with a pinch of thrash, one could say. 

Two songs from the demo have been re-recorded. The sound is sharper, still raw and cold, while the demo was maybe a bit more lowfi chaotic mostly due to the fact that it was recorded all at once together in our rehearsal tomb.


3.A lot of your lyrics cover primitive magic, demonology and Slavic Folklore, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?


JRMR: Slavic folklore is something I was really into since my teenage years, when I was involved in historical reenactment groups. In the beginning, my focus was strongly on pre-christian and early Middle-Age, but I gradually evolved into more general interest about everyday life and beliefs. On this album I was taking inspirations from many sources: for example, lyrics in Bezdech describe a Slavic demon called Lady Midday, while Niedola was inspired by a XIXth century story about what happens after you hang yourself…


4.Lyrically you also cover horror topics, which aspects of this genre do you bring out with the songwriting?


JRMR: I tend to focus on themes like fear, madness, and borders of reality - and not so much gore or violence. I am interested in emotions and ideas that go deeper under the surface, and evoke the darker corners of the human mind.


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


JRMR: Modern European languages have the same origins for words like “evening” or  “west”, depending on the language group. Going deeper, “wekeras” could mean “evening” in Proto-Indo-European reconstruction. Literally, it can be translated as “towards the night”, which is both symbolic and mysterious. We found it really fitting, given our international background.


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


JRMR: The illustration is based on the lyrics, especially those talking about witchcraft: Urok and Ohyda. It is strongly connected to the other illustrations in the booklet: one, depicting a female nursing an adult human skull, and the other showing a hut on a hen’s leg. Who, or what is the main character, struggling with her burden up the hill, in the morbid light? A human, or a monster? I'll let you interpret it for yourself.

About the technique, they were really special pieces for me, as I have drawn them with my own blood. It is a very interesting, quite demanding medium that requires both patience and focus. 


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


Vulgael: Our shows focus on what matters the most to us in a live setting: the raw aggressivity of old school black metal.

We performed a lot last year, so it’s not easy to pick best shows, but one that definitely comes to mind is the blast we had in Berlin, Germany at Schwartz Metall für Schwärzeste Wälder. Great atmosphere, awesome crowd response.

Also one very memorable gig was held inside a bunker in the middle of a forest on the outskirts of Stockholm. The electricity was made by generators, and all the backline had to be carried up a mountain. The bunker itself was small, humid and dirty, and it was creating an oppressive atmosphere. We also had the chance to play at few open-air festivals, which were a lot of fun. But conveying the same raw energy as in clubs can be tougher, even though the open-air setting has its own magic.


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


Vulgael: At the moment we are focusing on the new material. We plan performing and hitting the road again next year.


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


Vulgael: Our first demo, Pochwała Cienia, was well received. It was recorded live with a very raw production so international reception was not really a goal here, haha. That said, the first edition got sold out pretty quickly and was re-released by Nigredo Records. We also got interest from Asia, with a Malaysian label, Eastern Myth Records, releasing it on tape.

As of this interview, our debut album just came out, so it’s too soon to say how it’s being received overall, but the first reviews have been strong.


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


Pitoperversor is busy with several bands right now, both recording and playing live.

JRMR’s other band, Trucizna, has just released another EP. Preparing new material as we speak.


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

Horreur: Music and riffs come differently depending on mood and mindset so we will see.

We do already have songs somewhat ready: we continue with similar music, still atmospheric and/or eerie, some more folkish, some faster and more violent. It basically goes as it comes, I do not want to be cornered to a particular sub genre: I prefer freedom of creation, as long as we all validate the result.

I also want to continue having synth or maybe ambient songs similar to Mogiła from the album (this song is only guitar + effects). Such tracks are a great way to illustrate further what our songs are about with a bit of mystery.


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?

Horreur: well nothing special for my side: I got fascinated by Bathory, Burzum, Emperor, Darkthrone, Gorgoroth and the like in the 2000s at first once I got access to internet (to put it simply: I am from the country side of France and had no access to such music before). So the mentioned bands really lit up a candle inside of me, and are a base for Wékeras music so far, like an homage, and also influenced how I compose and play now.  Later after that I discovered more bands from around the planet and from different times.

I am always on the look out for less known BM bands from the 90s. I recently discovered Finnish band Wanderer and I was hypnotized by their demo “Surrounded by these firs”.

Otherwise I can mention a few other bands I listen to right now: Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, Beherit, Tormentor, Maleficum Orgia, Mysteries, Katharsis.

When it comes to synth: Grausamkeit, Blod Besvimelse, Trollheim or Örnatorpet.


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


Horreur: respect Nature or what lies in your shadow might get you. 

Thanks to everyone supporting us.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wekeras.band
Bandcamp: https://wekeras.bandcamp.com


Der Märtyrer/Self Titled/EAL Productions/2025 EP Review

 


  Der  Märtyrer  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  an  industrial  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  titled  2025  ep  which  will  be  released  on  July  18th  by  EAL  Pro0ductions.


  Distorted  noises  start  off  the  ep  before  adding  in  some  blast  beats  and  spoken  word  samples  before  adding  in  elements  of  industrial.  The  tremolo  picking  in  the  fast  riffing  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  vocals  range  from  deep  to  grim  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.


  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  dissonant  sounding  while  the  songs  also  add in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of t he  vocals  also  adding  in  more  of  an  industrial  metal  style  and  the  recording  also  has  its  experimental  moments.


  Der   Märtyrer  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  industrial  and  mixes  it  with  a  more  modern  form  of  black  metal  to  create  something  different.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Der Märtyrer  are  a  very  great  sounding  industrial  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I"  and  "I".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/SB97yA6aHSc

Bad At Life Interview

 

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


Bad at Life as we know it started in the Oregon Department of Corrections. The Prison Demos, the first album, sums it up pretty well. A chaotic assemblage of black, thrash, and speed metal. The self titled album is that vision seen to completion. Few people can say they have recorded music in prison, let alone released it. This is one of those bands. 


2.Since 2021 you have released a good album of material, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recordings? 


There was a lot of experimenting being done in the earlier days. Some of it is very raw and rough sounding. The Prison Demos for example, has me on drums most of the time. And you can tell because I have no idea what I'm doing. I had a finite amount of time so I'd hit record and hope for the best, meaning a lot of it was done in one take. Prelude to Sorrow, the other album recorded behind bars, has a full line-up. After I paroled in May of 2021, I went on to record the Even Worse at Life demo, which was my take on instrumental, ambient black metal. It wasn't until recently that I had the ability to record something that was refined. And that was with the help of a local musician and recording engineer, Doug Reese. 


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


The lyrics deal with the darker side of life, as most of it was written while serving time. But there's references to Norse mythology, too, and some of the lyrics were inspired by The Poetic Edda. The song Cursed by Thorns is a reference to a curse implemented with a triple Thurisaz rune. "Blunt shall I make my enemies blade, and stain my hands with his blood." That's right out of the Edda, and it speaks to my past. The song She Who Offers Sorrow is about Angerboda, Loki's mistress. So yes, the lyrics cover a wide range of topics. Spells and curses, depression, and ancient tales of blood soaked gore spread across the nine realms. 


4.Originally the project was known as 'Midnight Empire'. what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bad At Life'?


Midnight Empire was a band I started when I was 18. We have one demo and played a handful of live shows. And while I still used the name for my project, nothing really came of it. Anyways, the name change came to me while doing time. A friend said something about being bad at life and it just clicked. That was going to be the name. There's an obvious sense of humor there, but it's also a reference to doing prison time. If you look at the logo, there's guard towers and a razor wire fence in there. 


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


It's a tribute to Megadeth's first album. There is meaning to everything on there though. The ram skull represents my love for Dodge muscle cars, the candles are a tribute to Sacramentum lyrics, the imperial stout is the drink of choice, the bullets, nails, and chain are a nod to our influences and devotion to black metal, and the guitar in the background is my weapon of choice. An Eagle Lucifer that's been beaten to hell and back, complete with human blood splattered around the pickups and a knife through the strings. 


5.Originally the band started out with a full line up, what was the decision behind moving more into a solo project? 


The band started in prison, so we can't be too picky about a line-up in that environment. Out here in society the line-up changed for various reasons. Mostly differences in style or simply having to be responsible adults. Upon parole this was a solo project, yes. That quickly changed though and there has been an ever changing line-up ever since. Though a lot of the music is me handling all of the instruments, we are currently a two piece. 


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


Opening for Uada and Abigail Williams at a local venue, John Henry's, was probably our highlight so far. We were offered to play with Sacramentum, but another band I was in, Redivivus, got that one. Our stage performance was geared towards guitar work and making sure the crowd enjoyed our set. There would be a few jokes here and there, references towards various cheap malt liquors and minimal stage banter. We weren't trying to out do anyone or anything like that, we just wanted to shred and play fast. 


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


Incarceration Anthology was released on cassette by Extinctionist Records and we are currently talking with Blackmass records about the newest release, which was initially released by Nailship Records. If it seems like a good thing, I'm all for it. 


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


I think it's always been positive. Even with the really raw stuff. We seem to get more attention outside of our local scene, which is to my liking. 


9.Are you currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?


I'm doing bass for Ancient North and another local black metal act, Accretion. 


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


We're finalizing songs for our second album and are in the process of finding a solid line-up to play live. I see smoke, spikes and leather. 


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?


Sacramentum, Nifelheim, Dissection, Sohrin, and French greats like Vlad Tepes and Mutiilation. While there are many other bands that helped shape the musician I am, those played the biggest role. There's a huge dose of early thrash in there, too. It's what I grew up on and how I learned to play. Hell Awaits by Slayer and Killing is my Business by Megadeth. Both albums were very heavy for their time. Lately I've been listening to Cardinal Sin and Thulcandra. 


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


Only Evil is Real...

https://badatlife1.bandcamp.com/album/bad-at-life

Monday, July 14, 2025

Dashiem Interview

 

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

Dashiem started in 2019 when I realised that it's too hard to gather members that  have the same interest and same passion in my occult black metal style. 

Dashiem came to the light when I realised I have so much knowledge and love for the unknown and demonology, specifically in middle eastern and Egyptian witchcraft, which this knowledge must be presented by my musical atmosphere.


2.In 2023 you had released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

The EP was home-recorded, So i put really much effort into reaching the dark atmosphere that I seek. Since I'm talking about demonology and witchcraft, I created the ambience and dark vibe while i'm mixing and mastering the tracks.

After all you can say that my musical genre/theme is Occult/Orthodox Black Metal.


3.A lot of your lyrics cover Demonology, Arabian Witchcraft and Middle Eastern Magick, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

My interests in witchcraft or the darkside category in general, come from reading and seeking the knowledge of this forbidden art since I was 16 as I remember, and I read through the years so many books that were made by Egyptian witchcraft specialists, and also international masters. 


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

Dashiem is taken from a witchery book called "Book of the seventh Ifrits" containing seven chapters, each chapter has his own Ifrit with the incantation to summon him. So Dashiem is the third Ifrit from the fifth chapter.


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

The artwork is taken from a scene of the 1922 Swedish/Danish silent film "Häxan" , a documentary about witchcraft.


6.On the ep you recorded everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians in the studio or do you prefer to work solo?

I prefer to compose solo actually, but recently I started to rehersale my tracks with live/session members for a live performance.


7.With the live line up what are some of the best show s that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We made only one small live studio performance, it was actually great.

I describe my stage performance gloomy and ferventز


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

For now no, but we are trying to rehersale from time to time, and maybe we can make something bigger than the live studio.


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

I didn't receive an offer till now, I only released my EP in a Cassette Tape by Narbentage production.


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

Actually it was really satisfying, and I was glad for the feedback.


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

A full length is expected to be out at the end of this year after mixing and mastering, I hope I can play live in the future with lineup of the bands I like, maybe in "Caerimonia Nidrosiæ Festival" in Norway.


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?

Mainly black metal, I have influences  from so many bands like: Mare(Norway), Dodsengel, Nahasheol, Spectrum Mortis, Nightbringer, Hetroertzen...

Nowadays Iam listening to Akhlys, Gorgoroth, Enevelde, Demonic Temple, Darvaza, Qayin Regis.


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

I would like to thank you so much for having interest in my music, and I would like to say also that the new album will be improved in recording  but with the same black dim sound. 

Empalamento Interview

 

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


When we met, we quickly discovered that we shared a common taste in black metal and similar philosophical views underlying the genre. Although we come from a generation somewhat removed from the golden age of the ’90s, we felt the responsibility to “carry the torch” and advance this cause with the support of scene veterans. It was only a matter of weeks before we began our first jam sessions, encouraged by the outcome, the challenge of starting a project was born. Thus, Empalamento came into being during the peak of the winter of 2023.


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?


Our initial goal was to create a completely raw demo based on our influences from the Raw Black Metal scene. We aimed to incorporate elements from Polish projects of Temple of the Full Moon, France’s LLN, Saarland Black Metal especially Grausamkeit and beyond. We wanted to make something detailed while keeping it as simple as possible. We honestly didn’t do something you see quite often, with artists trying to sound like other artists using a riffing formula already created. Although we channeled various influences into the project, we always made sure not to sound obvious or predictable despite the simplicity


3.A lot of your lyrics cover Fantasy and occult themes; can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?


Both members in this band live in another type of world in our minds, different worlds, but similar in certain points, each with their own fantasy, a dark side perhaps we share in this project.


We tried to express ourselves in a personal level with metaphors which leads to a fantasy realm, a bitterness and vengeful side of our minds, it is a portrait of the current frustrations and pride, the need of revenge on our mind just like a vampire bloodlust, and the urge to honor our ancestors hardships, which made who we are, by the true way of redemption: destroying our enemies and everything who stand in our way.


To honor those ideals, we made this EP an Ode to Vlad Tepes, Voivod of Wallachia, the Impaler of traitors and the defender of his land, a true inspiration who fought empires at the same time, even with a small territory in comparison, he mastered the art of the horror and did not let his empire fall. We expressed an irreligious version of Vlad, for he sinned and had no mercy for his opponents nor for innocent people from the other empire... A Devil version of him, possessed by revenge due to his traumatic life, someone who treated Christianity as a tool to his empire, but had no values of it, a beast who was aware of the true essence of the Abrahamic religions: population control and self-ego mutilation.


The lesson that you can learn with this EP is that a wounded vampire can be the fiercest one, because the loss of blood increases the bloodlust.




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


"Empalamento" in Portuguese means "Impalement", a method used by Vlad Tepes to exterminate his enemies, and we thought that the idea of raising the stake to slowly destroy everyone who stands in our way, was a good portrait of this band.


It is real what we feel inside about this metaphor in which we treat the "stake" as ourselves, to penetrate beyond any hardship in life. Empalamento is a true expression of our Bloodlust.


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


It's about NekroTeppeş current job, which he is a ceramist who works with 17th century methods, in a way to keep his village traditions, and the photo itself is about the ceramic firing method called "Soenga".


Soenga or Black Clay firing began in the Paleolithic period (a period of prehistory that began around 3 million years ago, when human ancestors began to produce the first chipped stone artefacts, standing out from all other animals, and which lasted until around 10000 BC) and arrived in Gondar, Amarante in the mid-17th century. It is believed that the art originated in Portugal with the potters of São Martinho de Mouros, who "exported" it to the parish of Gondar.


 This firing consists of placing the ceramic pieces in a large hole (on average 3 meters in diameter and 1 meter high) to be heated (bonfire) to adapt to high temperatures. In the final stage, they are covered with wood and earth, usually at a temperature of between 800° and 1000° degrees, absorbing the smoke itself (carbon dioxide), giving the pieces black, grey and white tones and a more metallic sound.


NekroTeppeş added some stakes him and his friends made a photoshoot, and one of his friends catches a goatlike figure in the fire, like a spirit. The CD Image is raw, no edition added, no Photoshop, true event catches in a camera.


 


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


Empalamento is and always will be a duo project. We believe that if we add more members, there would be a risk of diluting the project's sonic essence. In fact, the fewer members, the better—and the two of us are more than enough: fewer personalities to manage, fewer chances of interpersonal issues. Thankfully, we get along very well and respect each other’s creative contributions.


What may happen, however, is we have session contributions, as was the case on the EP with Koraxid, who helped us record drums and provided vocals on the track “Ordem da Estaca.”




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


So far, we’ve had only four shows, each a completely different experience. But we’ve always tried to recreate our first one, which was very special a dual debut both live and for the Tape edition release of the EP (first release), and in what we believe was the best possible context in Portugal. That context was the Eternal Winter Fest, very much in the style of Invicta Requiem Mass, which couldn’t take place in 2024. In other words, it was an excellent debut: the show went well and came as a surprise to the Portuguese community, who knew almost nothing about us because we had kept utmost secrecy until that date. At that event, we sold practically our entire tape stock (pre-orders of close friends and distros); in other words, the tapes went sold out within the first few days.


 


8.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2025?


We don't have anything in sight for now and we don't intend to play many concerts for now. It will all depend on the type of organization and the conditions. We are not big advocates of playing shows with a mix of different Extreme Metal genres, but we are aware that we are subject to this in the early days of the band.


 


9. Can you tell us a little bit more about the 'Sulphur Waters Black Metal Allegiance'?


Black Metal is a genre with a tradition of forming various local inner circles, a way for artists to connect and form a stronger cause. Inspired by the famous circles from the ’90s—like the Norwegian Inner Circle, the Austrian Black Metal Syndicate, Les Légions Noires, the French Concilium, etc.—Koraxid from Grievance and Lord Drahkul created the Sulphur Waters Black Metal Allegiance, a circle meant to honor the past and build an ambitious future through quality projects and strong connections with our people. The name comes from one of the most important symbols of Caldas da Rainha: the hot springs, which are sulphurous. The history of these waters is closely linked to the founding of Caldas da Rainha. In 1484, during a trip, Queen Leonor observed people bathing in the hot waters and, upon learning of their healing properties, decided to build a thermal hospital there. Thus, the Rainha D. Leonor Thermal Hospital was born, considered the oldest operating thermal hospital in the world.


 


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


We were surprised when we released the tape, that was more of a private release, very limited copies, a dude in US surprisingly knew about the release and ordered a tape.


It's been good reviews so far, it's always important to pay attention to the critics, it can touch in a very crucial point of our next works. That was our first experience and one of its purposes is to learn with it...


Everything about this release made us want to continue with this project, more ambitious, yet to maintain the essence of the old spirited and true black metal.


 


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


We expect to return to the studio as soon as possible to conceptualize a potential album this year. We won’t promise a release date yet; we’ll create the album at our own pace—calm and stress-free—to optimize our creativity and produce a more mature version of the EP with new ideas. Our goal is to release new material by the end of next year or in 2027.


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?


“The musical inspiration didn’t come alone, as each of us wandered through various places with strong primordial energy in coexistence with music nearby forests, castles, mountains and rivers… These locations lie at the heart of our fantasy, bringing forth ancestral and medieval themes.


We both used many bands as influences for this EP. We can mention some of them: Satanic Warmaster, Sargeist, Old Dimmu Borgir, Akhenaton - Divine Symphonies, Mortiis, Graveland, Vlad Tepes, Dodheimsgard, Horna, Kristallnacht, Diabolical Fullmoon, Mephistus, Mütiilation, Nargaroth, Drowning the Light, Order of Nosferatu, Odium, Burzum, Enslaved, Nokturnal Mortum, Hecate Enthroned, Falkenbach—and especially Anthropolatri and Bathory.


NekroTeppeş: “I still listen to those bands sometimes, but now I’d like to mention others like Vargrav, Branikald, Nidernes, Evilfeast, Forteresse, Bekhira, Obtained Enslavement, Cripta Oculta, Osculum Infame, Cryogenic, Warmoon Lord, and many more…”


Lord Drahkul: “I’ve been listening to Ishtar (a small, forgotten Swedish project), Vlad Tepes, Immortal, Godkiller, Thy Serpent, Moonblood, Seigneur Voland, Grausamkeit, Paysage d’Hiver, etc.”


 


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


Everything in this project was made by what we were feeling in the moment and with our individual personal ideals of what life is about.


we'd like to thank to everyone who was involved directly or indirectly during the making process of “Ordem da Estaca” and those maniacs who supported us since the birth of Empalamento.


Long live Sulphur Waters Black Metal Allegiance.


Satanás Governa o Mundo!


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