Argesk/Moonlight Pyromancy/Matriarch Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Argesk  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic,  aggressive  and  synth  orientated  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Moonlight  Pyromancy"  which  will  be  released  in  october  by  Matriarch  Records.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  a  few  death  metal  growls  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  tremolo  picking  in  the  fast  riffing  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars,  mandolin's  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  gothic  magick,  bloodlust,  damnation  and  their  own  self  created  mythology.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Argesk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodc,  aggressive  and  synth  orientated  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Servant  Of  Fire"  "Wreathing  Serpent"  and  "Moonlight  pyromancy".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/argeskuk/

https://youtu.be/gsNbjd95OFc  

Hellir Interview

 

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

-sure, hellir is kind of an amalgam of a lot of what I grew up listening to and still love. I used to describe it as black metal/80s synth-pop that forgot how to go fast and I think that’s still true enough. It’s really heavy, really bleak, but there are elements of 80s and 90s nostalgia all over the place. 

2.You have a new ep coming out in August, musically how does it differ from your previous full length?

-it’s definitely more technical from a guitar and drum standpoint. The guitars are also more prominent this time around. It’s taking a lot of what I learned when making the first record and expanding on it in every direction. In general it’s bigger and more ominous, but it also drops back into much more delicate parts. 

3.This new ep is going to first the first installment in a trilogy of ep's, can you tell us a little bit more about this concept?

-we wanted to do something a little a-typical with hollow moon and give a nod to some of the things we love and write about. Starwars and lord of the rings being key examples. Each ep will have a somewhat different atmosphere and we wanted to let them have space to feel different to one another. Once all three are out, we’ll release a full length so it can be listened to as a whole or in pieces.  

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

-I write about movies, books, and video games I like primarily. Hollow moon will be focused on stories that aren’t on earth. For this ep, firespray is about boba fett being stuck in the sarlaac pit, ishimura is about the game dead space, spiral is about the movie dark city, and below is about the Dr Who episode “the beast below” I don’t want to spoil any of the rest before their out. But definitely all in the sci-fi realm for this trilogy. 

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

-hellir means cave in old Norse and it’s a bit of a nod to the fact that I write and record everything in my basement. 

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

-it’s also a nod to the themes in the ep. Mostly just wanting to have clues to what the themes of the songs are while tying in the kind of ominous feeling it conveys. 

7.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?

-We’ve considered adding members before, but really only for live situations. We really like being a 2 piece and neither of us want to change that dynamic. 

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

-we’re definitely open to having a label and are shopping the EPs around a little to see if we can find the right fit. We have had interest before, but never anything that felt like the right move for us. 

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

-overall it’s been very positive from what I’ve seen. When I released the first record I wasn’t sure how it would go over, or if anyone would like it at all. We’re grateful that we’ve been well received both in the black metal and more modern metal spaces.

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

-at this point hellir is the only band for either of us. There were a lot of major life changes that pushed us in that direction. But we’re both really happy doing what we’re doing and letting it be the focus. 

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

-that’s a very good question. I think there will be more experimentation, I’ve toyed with the idea of writing songs that are just as heavy but have no guitar. So I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens. So maybe a little in the direction of author and punisher a little, but we’ll see. It’s heavily dependent on what I’m trying to convey at the time. 

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?

-it ranges all over but it’s much less heavy than people might expect. I’m listening to a lot of genesis, the national, Emily Haines and the soft skeleton, the midnight, overmars, giant, and as far as really heavy stuff, humanity’s last breath and ulcerate have been popping up a lot. 

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

-I just want to say thank you for checking us out, taking the time, and listening, also I hope anyone who listens enjoys what we’re doing. 

https://linktr.ee/_hellir

Hellir/Hollow Moon: Precursor/2025 EP Review

 

  Hellir  are  a  duo  from  Asheville,  North  Carolina  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal  and  synth/vaporwave  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2025  ep  "Holloe  Moon:  Precursor"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Clear  vocals  and  synths  start  off  the  ep  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  mixing  in  elements  of  80's  era  synth  pop  and  vaporwave.

  Breakdowns  are  also  added  into  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  while  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  recording  also  having  its  technical  and  cinematic  moments  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  adding  in a  brief  use  of  electronic  beats  and  classical  pianos.

  Hellir  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  modern  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  90's  synth  pop  and  vaporwave  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellir  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  synth/vaporwave  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ishimura"  and  "Spiral".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/_hellir    

Morningstvr 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?

 

---There has been a lot and I’m beyond grateful for it all, ive been focused on the upcoming west coast tour, and have been offered a few other tours, collaborative releases, I’ve been designing new merch too, other than that I’ve been just focusing on myself and the better life that is unfolding for me.

 

 

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

--- I’d say its similar but upgraded from my previous album, but vastly different from when I was under the umbrella of the other genre I started out under.

 

 

3.A lot of your lyrics cover Medieval Lore, Ancient Battles and Fallen Empires, can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting?

 

--- Honestly, there isn’t much to tell in the way I can describe with words, I just write lyrics about stuff I’m interested in.

 

 

 

4.You have also mentioned an interest in the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his work and also do you have an interest in other fantasy authors?

 

--- Well, I grew up watching Lord of the Rings, and later on, The Hobbit movies, ive read enough about his books surrounding the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to where I became obsessed with the almost neverending lore, the inspiring stories of bravery, duty and honor have also inspired me to do the same in my personal life.  George RR Martin is also a great author and I love Game of Thrones (though I love Tolkien’s work a lot more), The kingdom of the North in Westeros inspired me as much as Forodwaith in middle earth to let the listeners fixate on a frozen cold empire in the north of the world and that’s referenced a lot in my music.

 

 

 

5.You have also mentioned an interest in horror films, which horror films has the biggest influence on your work?

 

--- Id say first and foremost, Nosferatu, the original from 1922 and the newest remake from 2024, Begotten (1990), Headhunter, a handful of others I’d say.

 

 

 

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Morningstvr?

 

--- Morningstvr is just Morningstar with a ‘v’ instead of an ‘a’, Morningstar is the nickname of Lucifer, the lightbringer.  I chose the name because many people throughout my life have stated I’ve brought light into their lives, the spelling however was chosen out of the aesthetic of the original genre I was in, which was known as “Witch House Music”.

 

 

 

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

 

--- The art goes along with the title I’d say. As part of my unholy trinity, I was greatly inspired by darkthrone’s unholy trinity.  The photo is of me in a dark field, a sword in my right hand, and my left hand which is significant to my beliefs, is reaching up to my logo.  To me, my music is what I am meant to do in this lifetime, it is my fate.

 

 

 

 

 

8.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

 

--- With this project, I am strictly solo.  The only way I would be open to Live members is if a major label who signs me asks me to do that.  I have been recently thinking on having a side project for a medieval black metal band, however but I’m on the fence.

 

 

 

9.You have a live show coming up in April, what can we expect from one of your life performances?

 

--- I can say that it is one of the new instances when a one-man black metal band is on stage by themselves, that seems to be happening more and more and I am thrilled.  But one can expect some kind of black metal the audience will be very new to hearing.

 

 

 

10.In the past you also did a 'Moonspell' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

 

--- Moonspell is the band that got my into metal back in the summer of 2008, I hold them in very high regard and I love their music, but that song specifically was chosen because I was asked to be part of a 90s cover/remix compilation for a witch house channel in 2023.

 

 

 

11.You have also been a part of a couple of splits, can you tell us a little bit more about the artists and bands that you shared these recordings with?

 

--- “Vostok” was fun to do with KsureN, who is a friend of mine in Kazakhstan who makes multiple genres of music, from dark electronic to blackgaze and the other, “Amongst Two Towers of Novgorod” was with a friend of mine here In southern California, Incantations of Cadaver Mutilation which is a black metal noise project which I find fascinating.

 

 

 

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

 

--- I am definitely looking for a label again, but I am very picky of which ones I want to go for.

 

 

 

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

 

--- I see myself doing what I’m doing into my 70s honestly, my music is what I’ve always wanted to do as a career and that will not be ending anytime soon.

 

 

 

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

 

---  Id say some of the second wave black metal such as Darkthrone and Gorgoroth, but mostly medieval black metal as I’ve become obsessed with the subgenre.

 

 

 

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

https://linktr.ee/morningstvr

Morningstvr/A Fate Engraved/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Morningstvr  are  solo  project  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  synth  orientated  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  release  2025  album  "A  Fate  Engraved"  which  will  be  released  in  June.

  Battle  horns  start  off  the  album  before  introducing  epic  sounding  synths  which  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  while  the  music  also  captures  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere  and  all  of  the  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  The  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  mix  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up,    spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  as well  as  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental  and  most  of  the  recording  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Morningstar  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  mid  tempo,  epic  and  synth  orientated.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  medieval  lore,  ancient  battles  and  fallen  empires.

  In  my  opinion  Morningstvr  are  a  very  great  sounding  synth  orientated  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  The  Cold  Wastes"  "When  Mountains  Behold  Tombs  Of  Nine"  "Her  Eyes  In  Winter  Fog"  and  "Whispers  of  Nameless  Fear".  8  out  of  10.

   https://youtu.be/5sztPKjZ42E

https://linktr.ee/morningstvr        

Saint Vengeur/Sex And Repression In Higher Society/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Saint  Vengeur  are  a  solo  project  from  Poland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  industrial  black  metal,  witch  house  and  dark  synthwave  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Sex  And  Repression  In  Higher  Society"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Industrial  style  beats  start  of  the  album  along  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  songs  also  mix  in  elements  of  witch  house.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  as  well  as  some  spoken  words  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  Some  of  the  songs  also  add a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  very  powerful  bass  orientated  sound.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  along  with  a  lot  of  the  music  bringing  in  more  of  a  electro-industrial  style  and  at  times  the  album  also  capture  a  sci-fi  orientated  atmosphere,  operatic  voices  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Saint  Vengeur  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  industrial  black  metal,  witch  house  and  dark  synthwave  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  intense  passions,  unspeakable  sins,  cheap  sex,  alcohol,  feelings  of  guilt,  depression  and  loneliness.

  In  my  opinion  Saint  Vengeur  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  industrial  black  metal,  witch  house  and  dark  synthwave  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prima  Facie"  "Immaculata"  and  "Insignificant  Lives".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sex-and-repression-in-higher-society    

Ulver/Liminal Animals/House Of Mythology/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Norway's  Ulver  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  going  for  an  experimental.  and  electronic  form  of  synth  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Liminal  Animals"  which  will  be  released  on  November  29th  by  House  Of  Mythology.

  Electronic  music  sounds  and  programmed  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  clean  style  while  the  recording  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  at  times  as  well  as  some  elements  of  ambient  also  being  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  tracks.

  Electric  guitars  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Real  drums  and  percussion  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  and  touches  of  trip  hop  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

   One  song  also  introduced  trumpets  onto  the  album  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  They  also  bring  in  a  couple  of  instrumentals  as  well  as  some  whispered  vocals  also  being  utilized  briefly,  spoken  word  parts  and  female  vocals  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  poetry,  sorrow,  humanity  and  historical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ulver  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  their  more  recent  experimental  material,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ghost  Entry"  Locusts"  and  "Helian".  8  out  of  10.

  Website / Facebook / X / Instagram / Bandcamp

Iätön/Korpimaille/Korpituli Productions/2024 Demo Review

 

  Iätön  are  a  duo  from  Finland  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  epic,  old  school  and  synth  orientated  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  demo  "Korpimaille"  which  was  released  by  Korpituli  Productions.

  Epic  sounding  synths  and  nature  sounds  start  off  the  demo  and  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  section  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  fast  riffing  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Scandinavian  tradition.  Clean  playing  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard   on  a  couple  of  tracks  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.'

  On  this  recording  Iätön  remains  true  to t he  old  school  epic  and  atmospheric  style  of  black  metal  that  they  introduced  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and r aw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  nature,  darkness,  misanthropy  and  mysticism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Iätön  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  epic  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tähdet  hänen  kruununsa".  8  out  of  10.

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U2Mu7ewmtY        

DeArma/Synthwave Sessions, Vol. 2/Silent Future Recordings/2024 EP Review

 

  Sweden's  DeArma  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  expanding  on  the  80's  influenced  style  of  synthwave  from  their  previous  release  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Synthwave  Sessions,  Vol.  2"  which  will  be  released  on  may  31st  by  Silent  Future  Recordings.

  Synths  start  off t he  ep  and  also  adds  in  elements  of  goth,  post  punk,  synth  pop  and  darkwave  while  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  along  with  both  of  the  tracks  also  sticking  to  an  instrumental  direction.

  On  this  recording  DeArma  expands  on  the  80's  influenced  style  of  synthwave  they  introduced  on  their  previous  release  as  well a s  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion t his  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  DeArma  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  synthwave,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Nighttime  Departure".   out  of  10.

  Shadowstreets"

 

Ringare/Of Momentous Endless Night/Avantgarde Music/2023 Full Length Review

 

  U.S.A/Sweden's  duo  Ringare  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  from  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Of  Momentous  Endless  Night"  which  will  be  released  on  December  15th  by  Avantgarde  Music.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  a  few  seconds  alter  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  album  also  mixing  in  influences  from  both  the  old  school  and  modern  era  of  the  genre.

  On  this  recording  Ringare  goes  for  more  of  a  synth  orientated  and  epic  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  past  battles,  nefarious  rituals  and  Satanic  summoning's.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Ringare  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Usurping  Dark  Magicks"  and  "Blood  pact  Vindication".  8  out  of  10.

  https://ringare.bandcamp.com/

-- 

    

Outland Hill Interview

 

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

We are a new band from France. Erroiak and I (Septev) are playing also in Hrad together. 

I wanted to explore new horizons and try to blend some old 80’s synths with black metal, so I created this project and Erroiak joined me. I am writing the music and do the mixing and mastering, and Erroiak is taking care of the guitars and the vocals.  

2.You have a new album coming out towards the end of December, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Yes, our first album will come out the 22nd December 2023, and we propose some kind of synthwave with black metal. This is a concept album, and the music serve the story. Each track is immersive and gives an identities to the story. There are multiple layers of synths blended with strong guitars. The vocals performed by Erroiak are really powerfull. There are 2 instrumental tracks. 

3.The lyrics on the new recording is a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you had covered with this rleease?

The lyrics were written by Simon Gould. Based on the music, he created a whole story with a synopsis. From the synopsis he wrote the lyrics adapted to each track that are an episode of the story. 

A small town is tortured by an interdimensional being that controls the weak minds of children, sending them to absorb the memories of the adults and feed them to it. The more memories it consumes, the being grows stronger. A rogue scientist who has been following the being’s attempts to enter our reality arrives in town for a final confrontation.

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

There is no particular meaning. Outland Hill is the name of the city where the story takes place. A small Americana town, where nothing happens and where people are living their life quietly. Until the firsts strange events happens. 

This a made up name. 

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

The artwork represent a dodecahedron over a hill. In the story, the interdimensional being is the dodecahedron. He is the evil that comes in town to destroy the reality. 

I wanted an artwork in the mood of the eighties artwork, with a retro logo as well. It fits the mood set by the synths perfectly. 

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

No live will be done. This is a studio project only. We have a full fil life with work, children, etc that doesn’t gives us the opportunity to meet every week to have rehearsal, and go on tour on the weekend. 

We also have other side projects that require time. 

7.On the new album you also have a few guests, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and their contributions to the recording?

We have on the first tracks Cryo from Eminentia Tenebris, that played a nice lead guitar. On several tracks Maggot comes as narrator (she was also with us on our last album from our project Hrad). 

On the electro track, in the middle of the album, H4kser0 (from Oreskah) plays a guitar solo from outer space, he is really talented! And on the last track, Dave Lee plays all the guitars, and gives us a nice 80’s feel. 

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

To be honest, I don’t know for the moment. I think that we are the only band that blend these 2 genre like this. There is Abstract Void as well but he is more in a blackgaze mood. 

I hope the reaction will be great when we will reveal the whole album. 

9.The physical version of the album is coming out on 'Weregone Records', how did you get in contact with this label?

Weregnome is in charge of the tape edition. It was quite natural to contact them, as they have already produce our 2 albums with Hrad and also the first album of my dungeon synth side project Eklemata. 

We are doing a small run of CD in autoproduction. 

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

I don’t know, but I feel I will follow my instinct and see where it goes. I like this album, I like how things took shape, and I guess I’ll continue this way. The mix of the 2 genre is kinda new, so there are tons of unexplored horizons! 

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?

For this project I didn’t had lots of influence. They were more synthwave than BM. I’d say Kavinsky or Perturbator. 

I discovered Abstract Void when I was writing the album, but he didn’t influence me that much. 

I listen to many different band classical and unknown, but for example I have now in my truck the last Wintermoon (from France), the Cavalera new version of Morbid Vision, the last Kvelertak, the last Eminentia Tenebris. And I also like to listen some Caladan Brood or Mayhem (Grand Declaration of War and Wolf’s Lair Abyss) 

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

Thanks a lot for this interview and for your interest. I hope people will at least have a listen to our unsual sound. 

We are also preparing a new album for our project Hrad, which is more atmospheric black metal. 

https://outlandhill.bandcamp.com/album/dodecahedron

Outland Hill/Dodecahedron/Weregnome Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Outland  Hill  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal  and  synthwave  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Dodecahedron"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Wregnome  Records.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  bringing  in  elements  of  synthwave  as  well  as  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  added  into  the  faster  riffing  they  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow, mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  words.

  Outland  Hill  plays  a  musical  style  that  takers  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  synthwave  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  small  town  that  is  tortured  by  an  interdimensional  that  controls  the  weak  minds  of  children.

  In  my  opinion  Outland  Hill  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  synthwave  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Plastic  Geometry"  "Metamind"  and  "Rain  Sp0linters  Town  -  Part  2".  8  out  of  10.

  https://outlandhill.bandcamp.com/album/dodecahedron

Oerheks/Valkengebed/Amor Fati Productions/Babylon Doom Cult/2023 Demo Review

 

  Netherlands's  solo  project  Oerheks  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  an  old  school  and  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  demo  "Valkengebed"  which  will  be  released  in  October  as  a  joint  effort  between  Amor  Fati  Productions  and  Babylon  Doom  Cult  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  demo  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  while  the  faster   sections  of  the recording  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast beats  and  tremolo  picking  which  also  adds  in  more  of  a  raw  touch.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era,,  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  the  second  track.

  On  this  recording  Oerheks  brings  in  more  of  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  synth  orientated  and  atmospheric  in  the  mid  90's  tradition..  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Flemish  and  cover  nature,  birds  and  folklore  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Oerheks  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  old  school  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Blauwe  Vleugels".  8 out  of  10.

  www.oerheks.bandcamp.com  

  

Omnikoloss/Wandering Through Concrete Valleys/Unholy Conspiracy Deathwork/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Omnikoloss  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  with  element s of  industrial  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Wandering  Through  Concrete  Valleys"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Unholy  Conspiracy  Deathwork.

  Drum  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Vocals  are  mostly  tortured  sounding  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  synths  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  when  they  are  utilized.

  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  growls  are  also  added  into  the  music  at   times.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  industrial  style  beats  and  samples  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  music  also  capturing  a  very  sci-fi  orientated  atmosphere,  the  songs  also  have  their  experimental  moments  and  wind  instruments  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  vices  of  greed  for  technology  in  a  not  so  distant  future.

  In  my  opinion  Omnikoloss  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  industrial  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Million  Dead  Eyes"  "In  Our  Eyes"  and  "Forsaken  In  A  Lost  World".  8  out  of  10.

  https://omnikoloss.bandcamp.com    

    

Sever Interview

 

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

I've been a musician my entire life and making recordings for years.   However, as I've grown older, I decided that after spending so much time sharpening my skills - especially in recent years - that maybe it was time I try to create something fresh, complete it and put it out there.  Iron Bonehead is actually the only label I submitted tracks to (before I'd decided what the band was even called or the demo title), just to see if I'd get any response, and much to my surprise I got a really enthusiastic reply from Patrick telling me I should finish the tracks I was working on and we'd put out a demo tape through Iron Bonehead.  That's how the "Sadistic Sorcery" demo tape came about.  He then green lighted me to make a proper record.  I was really inspired by the sudden interest in my totally unknown project and was able to get really motivated and channel some pretty wild music that's resulted in our debut album, "At Midnight, By Torch Light". 

2.In April you have a new length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?

Definitely spent a little more time on the album than the demo tracks, but both were made pretty sporadically during sudden bursts of extreme inspiration and focus over the last year.   The demo was just recorded in May, 2022 and released shortly thereafter.   I wrote and recorded the album right in the wake of the demo being released.  It's all happened really fast.   The antenna in my mind that is the conduit for this darkness that's being channeled through me was receiving extremely strong signals around this time, and after some late nights and deep, trance-like sessions, the album was completed.   It differs in that the songs are a bit longer than the demo tracks, just a bit more to them.  Some songs are very bestial, others are more atmospheric.  There's a consistent presence of synths throughout the entire record, which gives somewhat of a unique vibe (in my personal opinion, of course) to the more bestial parts, which isn't terribly common for the style.    

Also wanted to briefly mention that both the demo and the album were mastered by VJS at Dirge Forge Studio in Belgium.  VJS is a known mastering engineer, but he's also better known for his roles in the bands Adaestuo, Heinous, Sargeist, Nightbringer and Demoncy.   He had a big role in helping me dial in the mixes of both the demo and the album (especially with the full length)   He really helped me with my engineering and mixing, and then he made both recordings complete with his razor-sharp and crisp mastering he applied to both recordings.   My hope is to continue to work with him, and as it stands today, that will be the plan.

3.Some of your lyrics cover Occultism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

I am indeed interested in the occult, black magic, dark arts, etc.  These subjects have fascinated me since I was a teenager and I've continued to learn and research them into my adult life.   I would never claim to be some deep, practicing occultist or black magician, though, because that would be far from the truth.   I'm a well informed artist who dabbles with the subject matter from a place of creativity in my lyrics, to tell stories and convey images that tell the story of the sounds being channeled through me.   This is not the central lyrical theme to Sever, however.

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

My primary interests / lyrical themes deal more the insanely corrupt and deceitful flesh & blood reality we all inhabit currently.   The hidden history of our world is more fascinating to me than anything in my personal voyage for truth and understanding of my own reality.  My research (and opinions formed from it) finds its way into my lyrics more than anything.  Often metaphorically, but the messages are all stated with a firm intent / agenda behind their meanings.  I have strong political leanings and I live a very "free" life.  I do not use banks and haven't in over a decade, the food I eat is all grown (or killed) by me or someone I know,  I live out in the middle of nowhere in the mountains working on a farm far away from society.  This is my way and this is what my music represents.   I did the city life when I was younger and I found my way into a degenerate lifestyle that took a decade from me.   I've completely changed how I see the world since then (and experienced this terrifying, Orwellian past three years we've all lived through since covid kicked off in 2020) and for the last decade, I've been living this lifestyle.  Farther away and more disconnected each year than the previous, in all ways possible.  Particularly since the pandemic.

I use the term "outlaw black metal" to describe Sever on the back of our debut album and it will appear on most of our merchandise as well.  That's not some slogan or attempt at being edgy....that's the most honest description possible for what this music and who it's made by.   I live outside of society and it's constraints to the fullest of my ability, and I'd say I'm doing it successfully.   This lifestyle and my personal, very tribal, small-community-mindedness is a central theme in all things Sever.  

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

Severing from society and the grip on our lives from the scum that run our governments, tax enforcement agencies and police forces. 

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

It's a particularly savage wild boar.   The boar is a reoccurring theme in Sever lyrics and imagery (and will continue to be).   I've always been fascinated by these animals.  They represent nature at it's most bestial and primal.   I can't think of a beast that more perfectly represents Sever.   

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

Sever's output will always be summoned through me as the conduit exclusively.   Nothing while I've been receiving this music has told me to bring another party into the process.  If that were to change, well, that'd be different.  But I don't get the sense that's coming any time soon.   It'd be difficult for me as well, as I truly live in the middle of nowhere and don't know other musicians playing this type of music in my area.

8.Very little is known about the solo project other then it is based in the United States, do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

Sever is summoned in the mountains of the southwestern United States.   That's as much as I'd care to reveal.   Where my fleshly body sleeps at night and works by day is irrelevant to Sever's music.   Obscurity has been totally lost in this type of music over the last two decades.   I have no financial or ego-driven goals with this project, so I'm going to embrace the obscurity aesthetic quite a bit.  Beyond small interviews like this, there will not be much other details released because its just really not relevant.

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

Well, considering I've only released a single demo tape so far and the debut album is just about to be released, there's not been much of a response yet as the music is still trying to find it's way to peoples ears.   However, the demo was streamed on popular Youtube channel, NoGleamingLight, and has been played about 1,300 times last I checked.  There were several comments and they were all very positive.  Over 100 people left likes.  I guess this is a good sign in the age of streaming?   The label seems happy with whatever has happened (or just likes the music enough to invest in it and let it do it's thing for a while and, hopefully, catch on at some point).   So, to answer your question as directly as I can: the response has been small but positive.  

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

I see myself continuing to do what I've been doing for the last many years and just continuing to write songs when the music comes to me.   I'll make recordings as the inspiration arrives, and when I've got enough for a record or an EP or some sort...a collection of songs that make sense together...I'll continue to release them.  Hopefully Patrick will continue to be supportive of the band and we can stay with Iron Bonehead.  He's been really supportive since the beginning, and considering I didn't have any social media presence or anything, starting completely unknown, I took it as a big compliment that he took this project on and believes in it enough to try to build it from the ground up.  Loyalty is one of the most important moral virtues for me as a person privately, so, I intend to remain loyal to Iron Bonehead and put my music out with them for as long as they'll have a spot on their roster for Sever.   

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?

I don't listen to any new bands, really.  I'm an old man...stuck in my ways, I like what I like and I'm not really open to hearing / discovering new bands these days because it honestly just doesn't interest me.  Maybe it's just an "old man" thing, but that's how I am.   The bands that inspire my music and always have are the same as they were 20 years ago when I started playing seriously:   Beherit, Bathory, Blasphemy. Burzum.  The 4 B's, I call them.   Those four bands are the primary inspiration for my reasons to start playing guitar when I was younger.   It'd be fair to say that Sever is also highly influenced by bands like Demoncy, Black Witchery, Von, early Darkthrone, Samael, early Emperor, Bestial Warlust, Grand Belial's Key, Nifelheim, Sarcofago, Dissection, Venom, Necrovore,  etc.    

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

Thanks for being the first person to reach out and interview me about Sever.  Really appreciate your interest.   My final words to the possible readers of this?   See through the manipulation, stop allowing yourself to be enslaved by the criminal bankers and globalists trying to destroy your way of life and force false realities on you.   Stop using banks, learn to farm your own food, buy guns and ammo, train physically and get healthy.  Be someone who never has to kneel to anyone for any reason!  Take control back and trust no one!   Hail!

http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/sever-abyssonaut

Sever/At Midnight, By Torch Light/Iron Bonehead Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Sever  are  a  solo  project  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  synth  orientated  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "At  Midnight,  By  Torch  Light"  which  will b e  released  in  April  by  Iron  Bonehead  Productions.

  A  very  fast  and r aw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals also  add  in  a  good  amount  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while t he  riffs  also  add  in  a great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in t h e 90's  era  while  the  vocals  also  have  their  deep  and  grim  moments.  Synths  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Sever  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  old  school  and  synth  orientated  in  the  mid  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  chaos  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Sever  are  a  very  great  sounding  synth  orientated  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lunar  Sacrifice"  and  "Eastern  Boar".  8 out  of  10.

  http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/sever-abyssonaut      

DeArma/Synthwave Sessions Vol. 1/Silent Future Recordings/2023 EP Review

 

  Sweden's  duo  DeArma  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  moving  even  more  far  way  from  the  black  metal  style  of  earlier  releases  and  going  into  more  of  an  80's  influenced  synthwave  style  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  ep  "Synthwave  Sessions  Vol.  1"  which  will  be  released  on  march  10th  by  Silent  Future  Recordings.

  80's  style  synths  which  also  brings  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  start  off  the  ep  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  synth  pop  while  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed.  At  times  the  music  also  captures  the  atmosphere  of  a  classic  John  Carpenter  film  along  with  all  of t he  music  remaining  instrumental.

  The  second  track  goes  into  more  of  a  different  direction  from  the  first  song  bringing  in  more  of  an  early  200's  techno  rave  style.  Each  track  sounds  very  different  from  each  other  and  the  closing song  brings  in  more  of  an  New  Romantic  direction.

  On  this  recording  DeArma  moves  away  from  all  of  the  metal  elements  of  earlier  releases  and  goes  for  more  of  a  synthwave  direction  as  well  as keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  DeArma  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  synthwave,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Left  Behind".  8  out  of  10.

  https://bfan.link/synthwave-sessions

     

Fortress Of The Pearl/The Grove/Fiadh Productions/Vita Detestabilis Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Fortress  Of  The  Pearl  are  a  solo  project  from  Greece  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "The  Grove"  which  will  be  released  in  February  as  a  joint  effort  between  Fiadh  Productions  and  Vita  Detestabilis  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  raw  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Epic  sounding  synths  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  vocals  ar e mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solo  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  At  times  the  riffs  also  get  very  repetitive  sounding  along  with  some  tragic  sounding  pianos  also  being  utilized  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  also  adds  on  touches  of  classical  music,    nature  sounds  can  also  be  heard  for  a  few  seconds.  A  couple  of  the  songs  are  instrumentals  and  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  stick  to  either  a  mid  tempo  or  fast  direction.

  Fortress  Of  The  Pearl  plays  a  style  of  black  metal t ha t is  very  atmospheric  sounding  and  also  very  synth  and  piano  orientated.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion   Fortress  Of  The  Pearl  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Solemn  Sanctuary"  and  "At  The  Center  of  it  All,  I  Fear  Of  What's  Outside".  8  out  of  10.

  Fortress of the Pearl  

        

Siegetower/2022 Demo Review

 

  Siegetower  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Australia  and  the  United  States  that  plays  a  very  raw,  medieval  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  demo.

  Medieval  battle  sounds  start  off  the  demo  along  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  At  times  the  music  also  adds  in  some  symphonic  touches  and  most  of  the  music  also  sounds  like  it  could  pass  for  a  90's  era  black  metal  demo.

  Siegetower  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  old  school  and  medieval  sounding  in  the  90's  tradition.   The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Siegetower  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw,  medieval  and  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Sacrament  Of  Black"  and  "Prophetess  Of  Jettenbuhl  Forest".  8 out  of  10.

  https://siegetower.bandcamp.com/releases