Suicidal/Secrets From Beyond/Depressive Illusions Records/2021 Compilation Album Review

 

  Suicidal  are  a  band  from  Singapore  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2021  compilation  album  "Secrets  From  Beyond"  which  was  released  by  Depressive  Illusions  Records.

  Horror  movie  style  keyboards  start  off  the  compilation  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  that  also  have  their  deeper  moments  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Keyboards  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  remain  true  to  an  old  school  style  along  with  a  later  song  also  introducing  whispered  vocals  and  clean  playing  onto  the  compilation,  war  samples  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  chants.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the lyrics  cover  Satanism,  occultism,  Sumerian  Mythology,  Blasphemy,  Darkness,  War  and  Violence  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Suicidal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  old  school  black  metal ,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kiamat"  "Dark  Rituals"  "Blasphemic  Existence"  and  "Coronation  Of  Dajjal".  8  out  of  10.

https://open.spotify.com/album/3Mo1etZkul9H3VO82s9gqH?si=0pCMkIiSS0O46JrWXy0d2g

       

Suicidal Interview

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

>> Rizal SUICIDAL: Alright. Here's a write-up about the SUICIDAL's official band bio:
> Deeply rooted in black metal with influences like Emperor and Abigor, SUICIDAL was diabolically brought into existence in early 2003 by three demonic hordes namely Awi, Ijal and EZ, who were from the same band previously. The trio soon found Alif, who was recruited shortly to fill the vacant drum stool. The band rehearsed like maniacs and shortly after, they recorded and circulated the "Secrets From Beyond" Demo VCD to announce their blasphemic existence. This demo showed a definite reflection of the band's dark direction, and of things to come. After a couple of successful shows, they recorded and released three tracks of pure rawness for the "Secrets From Beyond" promo in mid 2004. 200 copies of the promo was given free upon the masses in a gig organized by Ijal. A new blood was added in late 2004 with Acap handling keyboards. Shortly after, the five demonic hordes soon released a six-track Demo entitled "Unholy Mayhem" which incorporates traditional black metal and melodic riffings. The band then concentrated on writing with more intensity, emotion and hatred. Their debut self-released full length opus "Vengeance" was released in mid 2005. This time they have added an extra dimension with a more ferocious death/black metal chords with aggressive drummings. Acap was then asked to leave the band due to some circumstances, replaced by guitarist Ferb. He will always be regarded as a close comrade and brother to the band. Soon after, the horde recruited a new drummer Ghal to keep the blasphemic existence of the band, SUICIDAL. The band continued composing more hellish tracks which saw the outcome of the "Blasphemic Existence" EP at the end of 2005. After 10 long years of silence, SUICIDAL came back with 2 new hellish tracks which were then released in a "6 Ways of Hell" split with other great asian metal bands, official distributor Satanath Records (Russia).

>> 2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: Our sounds started off with heavily influences of the mighty EMPEROR & ABIGOR. Therefore, i would describe them as Raw black Metal at its finest. We don't really go for perfection in our recordings but we deliver what we felt suitable for our music to our audience.

>> 3.Besides the split there has not been much newer music being released since 2006, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: Well, the band actually went on separate ways due to family and other personal commitments in late 2006/2007. We stopped literally everything; live shows, recordings and even jam practises. Slowly after a few years had passed, the band had some re-unions to catch-up our good old times and finally then, we started planning to record new tracks. By then, we were quite worried whether people still remember us for our existence or otherwise. So we started off with 'Armageddon' & 'Desecration' which were released in 2015 "6 Ways of Hell" split. Well, you guys can checkout one of our latest track 'Desecration' (Bootleg version) at link https://www.soundcloud.com/rizal-suhaimi/suicidal-desecration

>> 4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: Basically our lyrics are heavily driven to anti-christ. Every song has a story behind it. Like for example, in 'Black Messiah', (You can hear the song from YouTube link https://youtu.be/qClAyJe6weA) our song unfolds a story about a great deceiver (Dajjal) filled with vitriolic hatred, demanding everyone to pledge allegiance to him. The band really explore in great depth to this anti-christ issues.

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

> Rizal SUICIDAL: To be honest, our band name initially was 'Suicidal Warlocks'. Our guitars and bass instruments were BC Rich Warlock series. Back then, whenever we went jam practises, people went "Who is this band? They look deadly with their instruments & leather black pants." Hell, we even had the logo design as well for that name. But at one point, the band suddenly decided to cut short to 'Suicidal' instead. We had our inspiration from those great pioneer of Black Metal bands like MAYHEM, EMPEROR, ABIGOR, and so we decided to keep short; SUICIDAL.

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

> Rizal SUICIDAL: One of our best shows should be 'Xtreme Metal 2' gig which we played along side with Thailand's ultimate aggressive death metal, HERETIC ANGEL and many other bands in 2005. But by far the best we had performed was definitely our very own gig i organized in 2006. Apart from SUICIDAL, i also organized gigs in Singapore. Back then, it as METALINDUSTRIES; and in 2006, i organized for the 3rd time 'Metalindustries III - Blasphemic Existence' where i called bands from 3 different countries  (Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore) to perform. That event was definitely crazy! Well, you can see some of our live shows from SUICIDAL Videography "Secrets From Beyond" at YouTube link
> https://youtu.be/Xy2AaSePEoA
>>
>> 7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: At the moment, we don't really plan to have any tours or shows. Our plan is still not concrete yet; we only recently decided to revive the band by recording and releasing new songs. We see how it goes. Only time will tell.
>
>> 8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: generally, feedback given was great. In Singapore and even fans in Japan where i had to travel to meetup my very close friend Kazuo Ogasawara from 'Asian Rock Rising' radioshow for some project releases. We had a fan in Japan who was desperate to get my autograph on his CD when i was there. I was stoked! We really apreciate every single fans and supporters of our music whereever they are from. Thanks a million guys! Without you, there is no us, SUICIDAL!
>>
>> 9.Recently you where a part of a split, what are your thoughts on the other bands that have participated on the recording?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: The split was actually started off with me discussing with the main man from Satanath Records (Russia). He wanted to release SUICIDAL album but unfortunately, the band wasn't that active yet. We had only 2 songs for our come-back and then it struck my mind; To make a split release collaborating bands from 6 asian countries; Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia & Japan. I knew the bands as one of the finest in their respective states. Only Japan's HORRIFIC DISEASE i have yet to know them and so, i travelled again to Japan to witness their live performance. They blew me away! When all 6 bands had agreed to collaborate, together Metalindustries & Satanath Records went full force for the release!

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

> Rizal SUICIDAL: i am really clueless on the date of release but i can assure you that it will happen sooner or later. Only time will tell. Our music now has strengthen and by the sound from "Armageddon" and "Desecration", i can safely say that we are heading towards more unholy & blasphemy direction on our music.

>> 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?

> Rizal SUICIDAL: The old MAYHEM had greatly influenced us lately, but we are actually listening to variety of bands, not only sticking to one. We try to create music which differs from the rest. Only our listeners can judge us better.

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

> Rizal SUICIDAL: Thanks a million to you for this great opportunity interview in occult black metalzine. Was surprised that SARCOFARGO had been featured before. They had been an idol and also greatly influence to us. SUICIDAL had even covered SARCOFARGO's Nightmare during one of our live gig! HELL YEAHH!! It is definitely an honour for SUICIDAL to be interviewed. We really appreciate it. Thanks again!

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Barzakh/Goresluts/Horrific Disease/Savage Diety/Shadowmirth/Suicidal/6 Ways Of Hell/Satanath Records/2015 Split CD Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Indonesia's  Barzakh,  Malaysia's  Goresluts,  Japan's  Horrific  Disease,  Thailand's  Savage  Deity,  Brunei's  Shadowmirth  and  Singapore's  Suicidal  called  "6  Ways  Of  Hell"  which  was  released  by  Satanath  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Barzakh  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  satanic  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  raw  and  melodic  sound  that  also  brings  in  solos  that  use  melodies  and  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  deep  growls  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Barzakh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  raw  and  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Nightmare  Of  the  Cult".

  Next  up  is  Goresluts  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  death  metal  and  grindcore.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  growls  and  screams  which  also  leads  up  to  an  old  school  grindcore  style  that  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  as  well  as  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  or  early  90's  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  very  melodic  and  bring  more  death  metal  elements  into  the  music,  the  production  sounds  very  heavy  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  prn,  gore,  and  torture  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Goresluts  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  mixture  of  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Bastards".

  Next  up  is  Horrific  Disease a  band  that  plays  an  old  school  mixture  of  death  metal  and  thrash.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  old  school  death  metal  that  also  speeds  up  and  adds  in  blast  beats  and  growling  vocals  that  also  have  a  touch  of  thrash  and  crossover  in  them  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  brings  in  a  great  mixture  of  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  on  the  second  track,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Horrific  Disease  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  mixture  of  death  metal  and  thrash  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Pissed  Punisher".

  Next  up  is  Savage  Deity  a  band  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  death  metal  sound  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences  and  the  vocals  are  done  in  a  growling  fashion  along  with  a  few  seconds  of  spoken  word  parts  while  some  of  the  riffs  bring  in  morbid  sounding  melodies and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts    while  the  solos  and  leads  are  very  heavily  influenced  by  the  Florida  bands,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  suffering  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Savage  Deity  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "They  Reign".

  Next  up  is  Shadowmirth  a  band  that  plays  a  very  melodic  form  of  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  that  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  depressive  screams  that  also  bring  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  utilized  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shadowmirth  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Endless'.

  Closing  the  split  is  Suicidal  a  band  that  plays  a raw  and  depressive  form  of  black  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  dark,  heavy  yet  distorted  sound  before  going  into  a  faster  and  raw  black  metal  direction  that  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  and  you  can  also  hear  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words  and  war  sounds,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  violence,  massacre  and  suicidal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Suicidal  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  fan  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Desecration".

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

https://satanath.bandcamp.com/track/endless