Hoofmark/Blood Red Lullabies/Raging Planet Records/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Hoofmark  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  moves  away  from  the  black  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  goes  for  a  mixture  of  avant  garde  metal,  rock  and  blues  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Blood  Red  Lullabies"  which  was  released  by  Raging  Planet  Records.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  Clear  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  folk  instruments  and  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times.

  Elements  of  blues  and  progressive  rock  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  pianos  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats, some  of  the  slower  riffing  also  adds  in  touches  of  doom  metal.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a raw  feeling  along  with  some  songs  also  add  in  some  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  each  track  also  bringing  in  a  very  different  sound  to  them,  acoustic  guitars  and  percussion  can  also  be heard  briefly  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Folklore  and  Evil  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  decent  sounding  recording f rom  Hoofmark  and  while  some  black  metal  fans  might  not  like  the  new  direction,  I c an  see  this  album  appealing  to  fans  of  avant  garde  metal.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "So  Indifferent  Blues"  "Azuis  &  Vermelhidao"  and  "All  About  Our  Family  (Ella  Esta  Muerta)".  7/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/hoofmarkofficial

https://www.instagram.com/hoofmark_official

https://hoofmark.bandcamp.com/music          

The Parasite Paradise/His Only Begotten Son/2017 Single Review

  The  Parasite  Paradise  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  satanic  black  metal  and  dark  blues  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2017  single  "His  Only  Begotten  Son".

  Blues  influenced  riffing  starts  off  the  single  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  which  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  fashion.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  the  second  track  which  also  continues  the  dark  blues  style  of  the  first  song  as  well  as  keeping  the  black  metal  elements  around  and  both  of  the  tracks  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  The  Parasite  Paradise  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  dark  blues  and  satanic  black  metal  mixture  of  the  previous  demo,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  satanism  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Parasite  Paradise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark  blues  and  satanic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "His  Only  Begotten  Son".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm9Jxw4jNeM

The Parasite Paradise/Lucifer Luminous;/Demo MMXVI Review

  The  Parasite  Paradise  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  blues  and  satanic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  demo  "Lucifer  Luminous;".

  Guitar  amp  sounds  start  off  the  demo  before  adding  in  blues  style  riffing  along  with  some  grim  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  that  add  a  black  metal  touch  to  the  music  as  well  as  using  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  screams  and  the  guitar  leads  and  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

    Slide  guitars  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  they also  take  blues  style chords  and  mix  them  in  with  a  more  metal  influenced  distortion  and  when  drum  beats  are  utilized  they  give  the  music  more  of  a  tribal  and  ritualistic  feeling  and  clean  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  raw  black  metal  feeling.

  The  Parasite  Paradise  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  satanic  black  metal  and  dark  blues  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occultism  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Parasite  Paradise  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  dark  blues  and  satanic  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lucifer  Luminous"  and  "Mother  Plague".  8  out  of  10.

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

Bandcamp: https://theparasiteparadise.bandcamp.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-parasite-paradise

  

Vvlad Interview

•  
• 1. Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?

  1. VVLAD is cigar box guitar black metal with heavy inspiration from the real devils music, the blues, and its makers. It is my personal outlet where i can do whatever i want.

  2. How would you describe your musical sound and can you tell us a little bit more about cigar box guitar black blues metal?

  2. My sound is a mix of my northern roots in black metal, with a heavy dose of LLN and blues. It is distorted and lofi, noisy and sometimes melodic. My sound is what i want it to be. You can find out what you want to know about CBG black metal over at www.negromancy.com. Build your own instrument and release the sonic plague.

  3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the project explores with the music?

  3. My lyrics deal with my hatred for mankind mostly. And other stuff i don`t feel the need to talk about.

  4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the projects name?

  4. It is my name.

  5. Currently there is only 1 member in the band, do you feel that having more than 1 member for the musical sound that you are going for would not be suitable for the style?

  5. I play drums, my cigar box guitar and i sing on my recordings. I always search for things i can use as instruments on my recordings. I`ve used alot of stuff some BM bands wouldn`t dream of putting in a song. This is the main reason i am just one man. I can do what i want without compromise. Pure ego.

  6.Currently you are singed to Negromancy Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

  6. Negromancy is a lable just for CBG black metal. For more info visit their homepage.

  7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal and other musical genres?

  7. The feedback has been good. I have gotten good feedback for example from your traditional CBG builder who never thought a CBG could be used for this type of music, and from BM fans who thinks the crazier the better.

  8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this full time?

  8. This is my mind and thoughts. so you could say this is full time.

  9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

  9. I have no direction at all. I never plan a sound or a song from start to finnish. It all happens during the recording.

  10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

  10. I am inspired by old tyme blues, noise, LLn and old Norwegian BM. I am inspired by conversations with Oede and Vermapyre mostly. Exchanging ideas an thoughts. At this time i listen to alot of Dark Punk and bands such as Veld and Herxebeth.

  11.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

  11. Yes and no. I am more into Norse mythology.

  12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

  12. Documentaries about the evil side of mankind and our society. I like watching old horror films too. They have some of the most haunting music in them ever made.

  13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

  13. Listen to Oede

https://www.facebook.com/VvladCBGBM/

ZUD Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Zud has had gone through two very distinct "phases," if that's the right word. The first was just me playing an octave mandolin and recording material in places with lots of natural reverb, then adding vocals and other layers of sound over that. It was a slow process but not because it was difficult or anything. There just wasn't any intent with it, but eventually there was enough material for an EP, which I released in 2011 with a very limited run of CD-R's. I may have it properly mastered some day and pressed for real. "The Good, the Bad and the Damned," was recorded with a normal "metal" line-up which I assembled last year. Those with their ears tuned properly should be able to hear the loyalties which both "phases" have to each other, while they are both very different at the same time. These two releases form, in my mind, a pretty limitless foundation for Zud.

2. How would you describe your musical sound and also do you feel that with your recording's that a new genre of metal might evolve out of them?
"The Good, the Bad and the Damned," is best described as sleazy 'n cheesy, bluesy, rockin' black metal. I don't think a new genre will be born or anything like that, being that all of those elements have existed for over 30 years and some go WAY back before that. Any asshole can play the blues through a HM2 although to be fair, there are a lot of places one can go with that, even though most just do the same thing over and over.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Mostly things based from real life experience mixed with dreams or intuitive feelings. Most of these in turn have something in relation to death and how it is always nearby as we "evolve" throughout this journey that is life; while always searching for ways to go about things on as close to ones own terms as possible in this bizarre and hilarious, shit-hole of a world.

4. I know that the band name comes from the Mongolian language, what was the decision behind using it as a band name?
When I saw the word and read what it meant, I knew that was the name. I think it serves as a perfect moniker for both phases the band has gone through so far and I believe that it will continue to do so for however long the band might exist.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
There have only been four shows as I write this and each were very cool for different reasons. The fourth was probably the overall best. The second show was very interesting...

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Yes, but only in the US for now and I doubt we'll be going much further south than NYC or Philly until the spring.

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or received any interest?
No, but if offers come in, we will sort through them accordingly.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and underground metal?
Though it only been out for a minute, feedback for "The Good, the Bad and the Damned," so far has been very positive. For the "Fevered Dreams" EP there was never any feedback because I only shared it with friends, though everyone I shared it with seemed to enjoy it.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
Both Zak and Greg are in a thrash band called Stone Tools, which I would say has a shit load of potential and could probably take over the entire "modern thrash" genre if they play their cards right. Greg has a very interesting band which has been in the works for a long time. It doesn't sound like anything I've every heard, but fans of Negative Plane and Arizmenda would likely be very interested in it. Stay tuned...

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases.
That is a secret, but I don't think it's very hard to figure out...

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our influences are pretty broad. Apart from Bathory, Mayhem and a few others, there isn't too much to look to for in musical influences for Zud in the black metal genre. A lot of the shit that was on the classic rock radio stations in the late 80's/earlier 90's when I was 1st discovering the world of rock 'n roll has a HUGE presence in Zud's sound. Stuff from the late 70's/early 80's, plus the basic NWOBHM stuff of course. Lot's of really cheesy and sappy stuff like W.A.S.P., Van Halen and even Heart. Also a lot of Roky Erickson and some fairly obscure older shit like Aphrodite's Child and the Message which I didn't discover until more recently. Another big one of course is Ennio Morricone, whose stuff has been saturated in my head since I was a little kid. I think Zud comes out with such a "blackened" sound because of who we are and how we go about things, not because we "wanted to play in a black metal band," or anything. I think that later approach is where most metal bands make their first big mistake usually. It is not an attempt to put on an act or an imitation. It is just Zud and it is from the fucking heart. It's up to the listener to take it or leave it.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
They are never ending. Many are very obscure and most do not go hand in hand with any of the others at all. I have a lot of goals in life, as do the other members of Zud. Some of them have already been accomplished. Some of them may never happen, but a lot of them will.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Stay tuned and Beware...

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ZUD/The Good,The Bad And The Damned/2013 Full Length Review

  ZUD  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Maine  that  plays  black  metal  mixed  in  with  some  blues, classic  rock  and  NWOBHM  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2013  album  "The Good,  The  Bad  And  The  Damned".

  Song  one  "Portal  To  Infinity"  starts  of  with  some  spoken  word  elements  and  distorted  parts  along  with  some  female  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  which  is  also  a  perfect  intro to  the  album.

  Song  two  "Skull  Shaped  Hell"  starts  off  with  some  acoustic  guitars  before  heading  into  a  heavy  blues  rock  guitar  solo  before  going  into  a  more  primitive  black  metal  direction  with  some  grim  sounding  screams  and  deep  death  metal  growls  making  their  appearance  along  with  some  catchy  riffing  before  switching  into  some  NWOBHM  influenced  black  metal  along  with  some  thrash  elements  then  the  song  goes  into  a  more  classic  rock  direction  with  some  powerful  bass  riffing  and  old  school  rock  style  drumming  along  with  some  southern  rock  style  guitar  solos  which  remain  that  will  for  a  long  time  before  closing  the  song  with  a  blast  beat  from  the  drums.

  Song  Three  "Blood  and  Twilight"  starts  of  with  a  punk  rock  style  black  metal  riff  before  going  into  a  more  proto  metal  direction  with  the  guitar  solo,  then  the  grim  screams  start  kicking  in  with  the  music  shifting  more  towards  black'n'roll  while  retaining  the  classic  rock  elements  before  shifting  into  some  acoustic  guitars  which  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  then  back  to  the  primitive  black  metal  riffs  which  utilize  some  powerful  drumming  in  those  areas  while  also  bringing  back  the  southern  rock  style  guitar  solos  which  adds  to  the  originality  of  the  music  while  the  song  closes  with  some  drunken  spoken  word  parts.

  Song  four  "The  Junction"  starts  off  with  a  very  old  school  sounding  melodic  black  metal  riffs  with  a  very  cold  atmosphere,  before  the  blast  beat,  and  grim  vocals  kick  in  making  this  the  most  black  metal  sounding  song  on  the  album  along  with  some  dark  lyrics  before  switching  to  some  spoken  word  parts  and  blues  rock  guitar  leads  while  style  retaining  the  grim  black  metal  approach, then  the  song  starts  going  for  a  more  a  more  catchy  black/thrash  mode  along  with  some  powerful  drumming  and  blast  beats  as  well  as  some  heavy  bass  riffs  combined  with  some  classic  rock/metal  guitar  solos.

  Song  five  "Dendrite  Fumes"  starts  off  with  some  spoken  word  parts  and  psychedelic  sounding  acoustic  guitar  riffs  which  combine  finger  picking  with  full  chords  while  the  electric  guitar  in  the  background  a  classic  rock  feeling  into  the  song  and  the  heavier  riffs  along  with  the  black  metal  screams  kick  in,  which  leads  up  to  the  mid  paced  riffing  and  melodic  guitar  leads,  shortly  after that  the  drums  and  guitars  start  getting  faster  with  some  blast  beats  before  the  song  goes  more  into rock'n'roll  direction  along  with  the  return  of  the  spoken  word  parts  which  stay  that  way  for  a  few  minutes  before  closing  the  album  and  song  with  some  clean  playing.

  In  my  opinion  Zud  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  black  metal  and  blues  rock  along  with  a  great  production  for  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments,  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.


http://zud666.blogspot.com
https://soundcloud.com/thetruezud 

Vvlad/Demo I/Negromancy Records/2013 Cassette Review

  Vvlad  are  a  1  man  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  mixture  of  raw  black  metal,  experimental  and  southern  blues  with  a  musical s tyle  they  call  cigar  box  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  cassette  "Demo  I"  which  was  released  by  Negromancy  Records.

  Sound  effects  bring  in  the  experimental,  harsh  noise,  and  avant  garde  elements  along  with  a  brief  use  of  drum  playing  and  loops  while  the  rest  of  the  music  concentrate's  more  on  vocals  and  guitar  with  no  use  of  a  regular  drum  kit  or  bass  guitar  being  present  on  this  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine r aw  and  primitive  sounding  black  metal  with  experimental  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  and  there  are  no guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  full  chords  to  bring  the  southern  blues  elements  to  the  demo.

  Vocals  range  from  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  to  clean  singing  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  whispers,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  with  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.  

  In  my  opinion  Vvlad  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  raw  black  metal,  experimental  and  southern  blues  and  if  you  are  looking  for  something  original,  you  should  check  out  this  project.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/VvladCBGBM/ 

Oede/Sor Norsk Djevel Blues/Negromancy Records/2013 EP Review

  Oede  are  a  1  man  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  mixture  of  raw  black  metal,  experimental,  blues  and  southern  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Sor  Norsk  Djevel  Blues"  which  was  released  by  Negromancy  Records.

  Regular  drums  and  bass  guitar  are  absent  from  this  recording  while  you  can  still  hear  some  drum  programming  and  sound  effects  being  utilized  at  times  with  the  music  concentrating  more  on  guitars  and  vocals.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  raw  and  primitive  sounding  black  metal  with  experimental,  blues,  and  southern  rock  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording,  as  for  the  steel  guitars  they  bring  a  1920's  to  early  30's  blues  sound  to  the  ep.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams   to  spoken  word  parts  and  clean  singing  blues  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  southern  and  anti  christian themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  with  the  only  song  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Oede  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  raw  black  metal,  experimental,  blues  and  southern  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

ReverbNation

Panopticon/Lake Of Blood/Lundr Records/2009 Split CD Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Kentucky's  Panopticon  and  California'a  Lake  Of  Blood with  both  of  them  being  featured  before  in  this  zine,  the  split  was  released  in  2009  by  Lundr  Records  and  we  will  start  of  the  review  with  Panopticon  with  the  musical  style  being  atmospheric   black  metal  with  elements  of  folk  and  bluegrass.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  atmospheric  black  metal  riffs  that  also  utilize   some  melody,  drone  elements  and  death  and  doom  metal  influences,  while  the  elad  guitars  are  very  melodic,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  finger  picking  and  full chords  to  bring  elements  of  folk  music  and  bluegrass  to  their  side  of  the  split.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  with  some  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  conspiracy  theories,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive sound  with  one  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Panopticon  which  also  has  the  best  music  on  this  album  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "La  Passione  di  sacco  &  vanzetti".  RECOMMENDED.

  Next  up  is  Lake  Of  Blood  with  the  musical  style  being  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black  and  death  metal.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  atmospheric  black  metal  with  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  black/death  metal  guitar  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  deep  blackened  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy  and  isolation,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  dark  sound  along  with  a  mixture  of  live  and  studio  tracks.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lake  Of  Blood  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  heavy  and  atmospheric  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Eternal  In  My  Domain".RECOMMENDED.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal  or  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  add  this  album  to  your  collection.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Panopticon/126117
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Lake_of_Blood/3540258516