Unholy Prophet/Summoning The Black Spirits/2023 EP Review

 

  Unholy  Prophet  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  ep  "Summoning  The  Black  Spirits"  

  Keyboards  and  spoken  word  samples  which  also  return  on  later  songs  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  raw  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  old  school  style  while  one  of  the  interludes  also  add  in a   brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  slow  riffs  which  also  changes  the  pace  of  the  recording,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.  

  Unholy  prophet  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  diverse,  raw  and  old  school  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Black  Magick,  Left  Hand  Path,  Luciferian,  Darkness  and  Blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Unholy  Prophet  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Castle  Of  Blood"  Phantasmagoric  Sorrow"  and  "Luciferian  March  of  Total  Armageddon".  8 out  of  10.

  https://unholyprophet.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-black-spirits-ep

      

Eerie/The Delirium Of The Believers/Negra Nit/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Eerie  not  to  be  confused  with  the  band  from  Poland  of  the  same  name  are  a  solo  project  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very  aggressive,  melodic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "The  Delirium  Of  The  Believers"  which  will b e  released  in  September  by  Negra  Nit.

  Epic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  creams  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Swedish  style  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  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  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  angry  shouts,  keyboards  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Eerie  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  old  school  black  metal  solo  project  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Weakness  Of  The  Believers"  "False  Hope"  "From  the  Dead  I  Will  Raise"  and  "The  Perversion".  8  out  of  10.

  https://eerie-bm.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/eerieblackmetal

Hjemsøkt/Mystikk & Mørke/Purity Through Fire/2023 EP Review

 

  Hjemsøkt  are  a  duo  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  misanthropic  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  ep  "Mystikk  &  Mørke"  which  will  be  released  in September  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  A  very  fast  and r aw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Norwegian  tradition.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Synths,  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals,  the  ep  also  closes  with  an  instrumental.

  Hjemsøkt  plays  a  style  of  black  emtal  that  is  very  old  school  and  misanthropic  and  the  90's  Norwegian  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  darkness,  nature  and  misanthropy  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Hjemsøkt  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  misanthropic  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dans  I  den  visnende  skogen"  and  "Nattestormer".  8 out  of  10.

  www.purity-through-fire.com 

  

  

 

Solomonar Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the solo project these days?

Yes, I’m actually working on a new material (EP or Album, depending on its final length). I have the concept and a few songs done, but I haven’t composed all the music and lyrics just yet. All I can say is that it’s gonna be even more introspective than what I’ve done, straying here and there from metal.

2.In June you had released a new ep, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Well, I have seen some evolution in the way I create for this particular project, especially considering that I do everything by myself, even though I am not a proper mix engineer, for instance. Undeniably, the musical taste of individuals changes over time, and I am no exception. I think this can also be heard across my discography.

3.You also play a variety of many different extreme metal genres with your other musical projects do you feel this has helped you become a more diverse musician?

Absolutely. Also, I’ve been involved in quite a few non-metal projects and commissions. It all helped me become who I am today. There’s always room for one more project, for one more genre.

4.You also play in a few other solo projects, what is it that makes the music of 'Solomonar' different form your other different musical projects?

Solomonar is a lot more, let’s say, egocentric than, for instance, Lochrian Poem. It is a project with a fixed purpose and predetermined lifetime: 51 songs depicting the 51 facets of my soul, or personalities if you will. Individuals are complex beings, and the purpose of this particular project is to explore my own complexity, spirituality and innermost driving forces.

5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that you explore with the newer music?

I tackle fears and anguish, various feelings that twist me in all kinds of directions, turning myself into a contradiction that somehow still holds together. For now, at least.

6.I know that the bands name comes form 'Romanian Mythology' can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

For sure. A Solomonar is a wizard in Romanian mythology, residing secluded in the mountains, away from society. Their main activity is controlling the weather and conjuring storms, and are largely seen as negative characters. I believe this can very well be a misinterpretation of the unknown, as it has often been done in history to various topics. The connection with the wind and air as my core element is central, of course.

 

 

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

The artwork of XIV depicts a mythical angel wielding a weapon in each hand. It is a metaphor of the otherworldly that I often strive to touch with my music. Being more introspective and dreamier, Solomonar’s music rarely deals with mundane and rational topics, more often tackling the divine and the imaginary.

8.With this project you record everything by yourself but have experience working with other musicians, do you prefer to work solo?

It’s really hard to say, as it greatly depends on the work that needs to be done, on the complexity, and on the quality of the said people. I have had the honor to work with some absolutely amazing musicians and wonderful human beings, and that is something that’s definitely missing when working solo. On the other hand, working alone has its own set of benefits, not having to rely on someone else that might be less meticulous or responsive. There are always tradeoffs, but music is a community thing, so I think I slightly enjoy more working with others. That is, until I don’t. I am a capricious guy.

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

I have received some interest, but I am not really focused on that. If the right opportunity presents itself, I will consider it.

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

There is no point in sugarcoating it: the EP release has gone largely un-noticed. The few people who listened to it seemed to have enjoyed it. I don’t know how unique or how engaging my music is, but luckily, I do not write it with such metrics in mind. It’s just something that greatly matters to me and that I want to do.

11.What is going on with your other musical projects these days?

It’s the summer festival season, so I’m travelling quite a bit through Romania and Europe these days. E-an-na released an album this year, and we’re working on some other materials as well. Dirty Shirt is also working on new music and we revealed a brand new song in a few live performances this month, and Clouds has recently released the single Chasing Ghosts. We are also preparing to release our debut album with the Chilean band Bosque de Hualles, which I’m a member of.

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

End of 2023 or early 2024, I would say, but without any promises. I have no schedule for this project, for a change. I have other ambitious projects in the making, so I don’t see the intense activity ceasing in the near future.

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

Well, Arkona released Kob’ in June, so I’ve been heavily spinning that one. My interest in Tuva got resurrected recently, so I’m listening to a lot of Hun Huur Tu, Alash Ensemble and the Tuvan National Orchestra, and more broadly to a lot of throat singing and jaw harp music. Other than that, demos. A lot of demos of the projects I’m involved in.

14.How would you describe your views on Paganism?

I’m not entirely up to date with what’s considered pagan nowadays. I have my own set of beliefs and superstitions that might be considered pagan, but it’s mostly based on empirical findings through my own experience.

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

Thank you for having me, and I hope you enjoyed XIV. Talk to you soon!

https://youtu.be/eiQ8pndRg2c

Geist Of Quachita Interview

 

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

    Geist of Ouachita is an attempt to focus my writing in the more depraved and dark aspects of black metal. It began with some riffs I didn’t feel fit with any of my other projects and slowly turned into a project of itself.

2.So far with this project you have released a split and a full length, musically how do they both differ from each other?

The split was written as 3 songs that were unrelated. Where as the full length was written with the intention of maintaining a growing atmosphere and related themes. In that aspect, the full length, while using the same basic sounds, is a much more cohesive piece. 

3.You also have a few other solo projects, how does the music of 'Geist Of Quachita', differ from your other projects?

Geist of Ouachita operates in a more grim and minor based sound than a lot of my other work. I also feel it has a colder atmosphere compared to my other works. 

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

Lyrical the focus of Geist of Ouachita varies from occult themes, folklore, hatred, nature and isolation. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Geist Of Quachita'?

The name is based on the nearby Ouachita Mountains an area which has been highly influential in the music I write. 

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

The album cover and overall theme of the album is based on a folktale regarding a man who was killed in the Ouachita woods and his spirit was reincarnated as a bear who could not die until he achieved vengeance.

7.With this project and a few other projects you record everything by yourself but have also recorded music with other musicians, do you prefer to work solo?

I enjoy certain aspects of both working solo and with other musicians. While working solo allows you to work at your own pace and have complete control, working with others can lead your music in directions you otherwise would not have gone. 

8.Since 2021 you have released a good amount of your music with your projects, do you spend a great amount of time writing and creating music?

Yes, I try to spend any free time I have writing music as it is my main creative outlet.

9.Earlier this year you where a part of a split with 'Eternal Tomb', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

I really enjoy the music Eternal Tomb has produced. It is no frills, straight to the point black metal.

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

In general, I’ve mostly had positive feedback from fans and other musicians. Which is certainly greatly appreciated. However, I would continue to make music even if no one was listening, as I first and foremost create music for myself. 

11.What is going on with your other musical projects these days?

I’ve had most of what I have been working on released, however I am slowing way down and or ending a large portion of the projects I have been involved in over the last few years. 

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

I will certainly continue to create music in the future but I do not know what that will be. I plan to work as I am inspired. 

13.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’ve of course been influenced by your standard second wave black metal bands and heavily by the French and Finnish scenes. However recently I have been listening to mostly Traditional Heavy Metal and have found lots of influence that I’ve tried to incorporate in my riff writing.

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

I would say that both Satanism and Occultism play a role in my music, in the lyrical themes, imagery and ritualism of writing.

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

I appreciate you taking the time to send these questions and for listening to the record.

geistofouachita.bandcamp.com

Sorry.../Self inflicted Razor Cutting/Tragedy Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Sorry...  are  an  international b and  with  members  from  Greece  and  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plats  a  very  depressive  and  suicidal  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Self  Inflicted  Razor  Cutting"  which  will b e  released  in  October  by  Tragedy  Productions. 

  A  very  heavy  and  melancholic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  suicidal  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  added  on  a  few  tracks.  

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  2000's  era.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  some  melodies  at  times,  when tremolo  picking  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  album  more  of  a  raw  feeling  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  keyboards.

  On  this  recording  Sorry...  goes  for  more  of  a  mid  tempo  style  of  suicidal  depressive  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  all  improvised  on  focus  more  on  depression  and  suicide  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sorry...  and  if  you  are  of  depressive  suicidal  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Self  Inflicted  Razor  Cutting"  "Days  of  Uselessness"  "Window  To  Another  Pointless  Sunset"  and  "Path  of  Nothingness".  8 out  of  10.

  

Facebook

Instagram

        

Solus Grief/What If This Was Everything/Purity Through Fire/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Solus  Grief  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric,  depressive  and  melodic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  his  2023  album  "What If  This  Was  Everything"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Purity  Through  Fire.

  Melodic  yet  heavy  sounding  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  depressive  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric sounding  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  clear  chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  keyboards  are  added  on  the  closing  track  

  On  this  recording  Solus  Grief  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric,  depressive  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  depression  and  nature  themes.

\  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  r4ecording  from  Solus  Grief  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  depressive  and  melodic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Upon  The  Winds,  My  Breath  Left"  and  "Of  The  Earth  Cold".  8  out  of  10.

www.solusgrief.bandcamp.com