Akerbeltz Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band?

AKERBELTZ was formed from the beginning by Lilith & Akerbeltz. After a time, Lilith decided not to continue any more as the drummer of this band, and Akerbeltz continued the musical trajectory by him self, playing all the instruments. In October, XXXII anno SATANNA, this recording appears from the depths of an insane mind with rage and metal. This recording is an ode to the creatures of SATAN, and his followers, Nature’s powers, and those whom take pervasion as a way of life, as long as there is a common accord. In this recording they appear various session musicians such as Lilith, Fúnebre, Isnack & Janis. In October XXXIII anno SATANNA, I enter the studio again to record “A Wave Of Darkness”, this time with no session musicians, apart from the inimitable voice of Lilith, that appears in some macabre passages of the record. After a short time, Metal Millenium was interested and they edited this record. I’ve collaborated in the arising of the first Black Metal band that there has been in this country, BEHEADED LAMB… with the recording of a split Cd with the Finish band Azaghal released through Metal Millenium again. After a while I recorded Tabellae Defixionum and Akerhell, the both through Metal Millenium. After Akerhell was recorded I had the opportunity to release finally the demo “Spreading the eternal mayhem” recorded in the ’98 anno bastardi through Blut und Eisen, this time with two bonus track. Shortly after we released with Beheaded Lamb our full length Cd “A Grave To This World”. After the Akerhell was recorded, Lilith formed HARRIDAN with which we recorded in the Redrum Studio the Lugubrious Necromancer demo and the Tales Of The Unholy, this one with the collaboration of Daemonus Von Anthian, former of Winter Frost that also had recorded previously the intro and the outro of the Akerhell; both the demos where released through my own label SATANIK RECORDS in Cdr, after a while Chaos Productions where interested in it and they also released them in tape; also the Australian label Smell The Stench released a limited edition… After this I recorded a split 7ep with the French band Armageddon though Chaos Productions. Shortly after the whole edition was out and we had to release it again through Undercover Records from Germany. In the 2004 Anno Bastardi I released the Never Deny From The Powers Of Sorcery Cd recorded with an 8track recorder through the American label Last Rights, the song from the 7ep was added to this work as we had a lack of recording time for it. In the 2005 Harridan was again releasing both the demos in a new format and this time with a bonus track and with professional cover and remastered through the Spanish label Oniric Records. In the 2006 I played live in Germany in the Under The Black Sun Festival with the Spanish band Amnion as session musicians. In the 2007 a 4way split Lp was released through the Spanish label Oniric records again with two tracks recorded in the

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

My music is a ritual sound that pretends to open the mind of the listener to the abyss. When first heard it sounds like pure chaos, but after listening twice you can start to get the point of it.

3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

Akerbeltz comes from the basque mithology, it means black hegoat; the pagans worship him as a spirit of nature, the word Akelarre comes also from this cult. I thought it was the kind of name that would give a first idea of what you could expect when you got one of my records.

4. What releases have you put out so far and what labels were they released on?

-Spreading the eternal mayhem.
Blut und Eisen-A wave of darkness. Metal Millenium-
Tabellae defixioum. Metal Millenium
-Akerhell. Metal Millenium-
Never deny from the powers of sorcery. Last Rights
I also have released the 7ep -
Solemn march towards the holocaust split with Armagedon. Chaos Productions and Undercover recordsAnd a 4 way split Lp. Oniric records
Apart from all this I have released with Beheaded Lamb:-Dark blasphemous moon split Cd with Azaghal. Metal Millenium-
A grave to this world. Metal milleniumWith Harridan:
-Lugubrious necromancer. Satanik records, Chaos productions, Smell the stench-Tales of the Unholy. Satanik records, Chaos productions, Smell the stench
-Death's sonnet. Oniric records

And with Körgull the exterminator-
The black legions of death march towards the extermination fields split with Morbil Yell.
Thor's Hammer-Dogs of war. Xtreem music

5. How would you describe the musical progress over the years, I have noticed the newer stuff seems more thrash influenced?

-My first idea was not to progress but I suppose I have learnt to play some new formulas during the years but my mission remains the same; I want to make pure chaos, so chaos shall be.

6. What direction do you see the music going into during the future?

-I want to release a few more records and then I will probably stop this band to make a different one.

7. I know you used session musicians to play the Under The Black Sun festival in Germany, are there any future plans for shows?

-It's quite complicated for me to play live as I have to travel 400Km through a desert with my bike and my guitar to rehears with Amnion (the session musicians) so I will look very carefully the offers for doing future gigs.

8. What are your main influenced music wise or non music wise?

-I've been a metal head since I remember, so I think my first influence is musical, but I also like a lot to read medieval books, horror, history and philosophy, the lyrics come mainly influenced by this books.

9. What are you listening to nowadays and what are some good bands or releases that you would recommend?

-I haven't bought many records lately as I spend most of my time in the rehearsing room but the best and most brutal thing I've listened to lately is Inquisition and I also recommend Clandestine Blaze...

10. I noticed that underneath the band logo there are some runes, what interest do you have in Asaturu and the Northern Traditions?

-The runes under the logo come from the ancient Iberians, they are similar to the viking ones but they have some more characters and there are also two different known forms of runic writings in this land, I thought that it was quite interesting to use our traditions that are also quite rich and not having to copy the viking Asaturu. We have our own misticism very influenced by the powers from Hell. Most of the runes found are maledictions.

11. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in the music and life?

-Our world is sick, all human societies have a so called straight morality, but the biggest atrocities have been done in the name of some good god, I vomit upon them and their hypocrisy! I'm a true satanist and I don't care to who I say this because I'm convinced of it and every day I'm more convinced that Satan is my god and my music is dedicated to Him!If I had the power I would kill and exterminate just for fun with no stupid excuses.

12. What are some good films or books that you would recommend?

-I'm reading "Tirant lo Blanc" and it's quite good, I also recommend all the books from the Marquis de Sade (brutal), I like quite a lot Maquiavelo, Shakespeare and Dante.

13. Any final words?

The new record of Akerbeltz is called "Infernuko Erreka" and will be released soon through Oniric Records. If you want more info www.myspace.com/akerbeltz666

14. Thanks for the interview?-

Thanks and stay Underground!

Ashen Light Interview

1.. Can you give us a brief history of the band?

I shall tell fairly, this question very much has bothered us. Therefore I shall tell just Ashen Light it was formed in 1997 and exists about one today. For this time the structure varied and at present it: Alex - Guitars, Belf - bass and a vocal and Andrey Ishchenko - Drums.

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

We play black metal.

3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

Ashen Light? This astronomical phenomenon.

4. What releases have you put out so far?

We have written down ten albums and while one DVD. Our new album Now prepares for an output "Blood of the Apocalypse". It will leave on More Hate Prod this autumn.

5. Have you done any live shows before and if so, which ones would you say were your best and how would you describe your live shows?

We constantly act also the nearest concert takes place on September, 18th in Moscow. And we yet have not won back the best concert. In general we like to act at the open concerts, than in clubs more. Though on such performances arise more problems with Technics and the personnel serving a stage.

6. I noticed when I listened to some of your newer stuff, the sound was a lot different and had more norwegian sound than the stuff I have heard in the past, How would you describe your musical progress over the years?

All varies, including certainly and a sound. We always aspired that our music was as more as possible aggressive and with each our album it is possible to us. Any changes it is progress, it is a parameter of that the group is not necessary on a place, it develops. We vary, but nevertheless sometimes as though we look back back. Sometimes having written down a song we think and as though it sounded if we have written down it earlier.

7. What direction do you see the music going into during the future?

Me this question does not interest. I do not pursue a fashion, I am engaged in music first of all for myself. I do not wish to be limited whose or desire. To me it will be indifferent that in the future - Actually the future we do ourselves!

8. What are your main influences music wise or non music wise?

I listen to different music. The jazz, a blues or metal, is pleasant to me all. Not important in what style the group, the main thing plays that its music was good.

9. What are you listening to nowadays and what are some good bands or releases that you would recommend?

Basically I listen to music executed in the ninetieth years. They sound a little живее and sincere than that enters the name today. At that time at groups was not so many means for good record, and the equipment was dear. And now any can by means of a computer and pairs programs to enter the name not worse than in normal, dear studio and to sound thus not worse than for example Metallica.

10. How would you describe the bands approach to Satanism, Paganism, or Occultism and what role does it have in the music and life?

Satanism, Paganism, or Occultism - this time phenomenon in music. Here for example earlier to all listened thrash, to it on change has come death metal, then black and to it on change has come pagan and to it on change something will come? And it is normal. The part of groups will collapse, the part will change the style pursuing for a fashion. And only those who actually likes that it does will continue begun.

11. What are some good books or films that you would recommend?

I do not love cinema, and seldom I watch TV. I very much like to read. Here some authors, whose products very much like me: Jeffrey Ford, Paul Di Filippo, also I read the documentary literature on the second world war much & I study works on theology and theosophy.

12. How does the metal scene in Russia react to your musical sound?

In any way. It is not interesting to me.

13 Any final words?

Listen Ashen Light and come on our concerts! Success!

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Southern Extremity Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band?
Certainly, Southern Extremity was formed in August 2008 by Jason Tierney (vocals, guitar), Martin Leimgruber (drums) and Andreas Eder (bass). In January/ February 2009 we recorded our debut full length 'Hymns of Darkness and Hate'.

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

Extreme metal. Basically a combination of different aspects of black and death metal but not totally focused on one genre in particular.
The sound itself is rough and raw, consistent with our 'DIY' technique of recording and producing with minimal equipment in a basement!!
.

3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

On our websites enter page the band name has been explained as follows, "If the northern extremity were referred to as 'Heaven'... SOUTHERN EXTREMITY"

4. How did you get into black metal?

Through the Norwegian scene of the early nineties. The atmosphere that was created from dark melodies, screaming vocals and blast beats really made an impression.
It was a great contrast to the death metal scene that broke through a few years before.

5. What are some of the best shows that you have played so far?
The show we played last Saturday (25.7.09) was our first as Southern Extremity and was great fun. We've already got a few more lined up for September, October and November and are looking around for more.

6. Are you looking for a record label or had any label interest?

We're not looking for a label and I'm not sure if we ever will. No one has contacted us either but even if they did I'm not sure we'd be in a hurry to sign. The main advantage of a label would be helping us get on tour but I'm quite scepticle of the music "business" and am happy to be an underground extreme metal band just doing our own thing at the moment. We'll just have to wait and see what the future has in store for us and make those decisions when required.
7. What direction do you see the band going into during the future?

Musically the next CD will be almost purely black metal. That's the way the new songs are shaping up so we won't really be mixing it up with other genres this time round. It's something I've had to resist because sometimes a sort of death metal riff fits very well. Playing live is also a high priority so we'll be trying out a couple of these new songs at the next gig. Hopefully we'll get a live preview posted before we go recording!
8. What are your main influences music wise or non music wise?

We're into the extreme metal scene from death metal to grindcore. Extreme drumming is also massive these days. Just check out youtube and you'll find a guy blasting away to Mozart! All that sort of stuff from 'do it yourself' up to the professionals like George Kollias of Nile is great for the scene in general.
Lyrically I'm inspired by the darker side of life. Death is obviously then the most intriguing subject and therefore I try to write intelligent contemplative lyrics. Death is inevitable but we know almost nothing about it. That leaves quite a bit of scope for the imagination!

9. What are you listening to nowadays and what are some good bands or releases that you would recommend?
Well we're all aware of the essentials like Mayhem so I'll name a few underground bands that are worthy of a mention. Nehëmah from France play some awesome black metal. A Transylvanian Funeral is also black metal and has a great sound. Temple of the Maggot is difficult to describe but I really like what they're doing. Just yesterday the band Mae Naak uploaded a couple of tracks to myspace and it's really quite exceptional grindcore. Fleischwald is also very busy in the grindcore scene. Checking them out on Myspace isn't a bad idea because then you'll find countless other links to other bands. Discovering new music for yourself is often the most rewarding so get surfing!

10. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in the music?

No it doesn't. In my opinion we're all searching for something in life and people find that in many different things. As long as people have the freedom to do what they choose and follow their path then they'll live life to the fullest. I'm still searching and therefore can't pledge allegiance to any particular path.

11. What are some good films or books that you would recommend?
I don't watch that many movies and those that I watch usually have their title so badly translated from English to German that you wouldn't know which film I meant anyway.
An interesting book that I'm reading is called 'The science of the initiates' from 1934. Now you really need to go in with an open mind. It's a Q and A from start to finish with an "Initiate" of this particular sect whose name eludes me at the moment. There's stuff where you think "what??" and "naaa" but I've just got up to a bit where they learn about preparing themselves for death! (Pages 119-123 roughly). It's pretty intense stuff and certainly not for everyone so don't blame me if you don't like it. :) I still don't know where I stand on the subject matter but I'm reading it anyway. It might help with writing lyrics if nothing else.

12. How does Italy react to your style of black metal?
Very well. Extreme metal is very widespread these days, it's a lot more accepted and is now almost "normal"! An extreme metal scene is emerging up here in the north with lots of new bands and it's great to be involved.

13. Any final; words?
Keep an eye on youtube for coming live videos. If we're able to get an almost listenable sound out of the video camera then it'll be posted. :)
The album 'Hymns of Darkness and Hate' is free to download at the moment and CD's and T-Shirts are available to buy from the website. www.southernextremity.com

14. Thanks for the interview?
Thanks alot for the interview and for supporting underground extreme metal!
Hails!!
Jason

Southern Extremity/Hymns of Darkness And Hate/2009 CD Review

 Southern Extremity are a 3 man band hailing from Italy who plays an unique style of raw black metal and this is a review of their self released album "Hymns of Darkness And Hate".

Drums on this recording use a mixture of slow beats with some really fast blast beats, while the bass playing which is mixed low in the mix seem to be all rhythm bass and and it has a sound which makes the guitars sound darker.

Guitars on this recording uses a lot of different types of riffs, with some parts being really slow and it has a trippy distorted feel at times and a lot of times there are some really fast black metal riffs that kind of have an early 90's underground death/thrash feel, however I did not hear any guitar leads.

Vocals are mostly raspy black metal screams with some occasional clean singing, while the lyrics cover topics such as demons, Armageddon and hate, as for the production on this cd recoded on an 8 track in the drummers basement has a very raw feel and you can tell this band really knows how to work an 8 track recording and this album has a better sound than most releases that are recorded on that kind of equipment.

In my own personal opinion this is a really good album and I feel this band has plenty of potential and I am looking forward to hearing their progress over the next few years. Standout tracks include "Winter Requiems" and "Sign OF The Times". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Nokturnicon MySpace Music Review

Nokturnicon are a 2 man band with one member from Florida and another one from Arkansas that plays a raw form of black metal and this is a review of their music from MySpace.

Drums are very fast with a lot of blast beats, while the bass playing which is mixed down low in the mix is tuned down low and has a dark sound.

Guitars while mostly black metal have some death metal influences with some slow riffs that also combine fast riffs that are very primal and give the music a brutal edge, I did not however hear that many guitar leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams while the lyrics seem to cover Satanic topics, as for the production it has a very raw feel.

In my opinion this band sounds really great and I hear plenty of potential in the music.

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Sorrows Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band?
Sorrows has been an image I've had in my head for years now. I wrote an albums worth of songs four years ago but never got to recording them. So I felt the need to start fresh and decided to go a different direction instead of going for a traditional black metal sound. The new stuff I've been writing has more acoustic melodies, mid-tempo sounding guitars played along with keyboards and piano. The Sorrows demo was recorded and released to the public January 2009.

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
It's definitely in the Black Metal genre. Sorrows uses acoustic throughout the songs to give it something extra and different than usual. The sound is very depressing as opposed to evil.

3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?
Basically what the name means, Sorrows. There's so many things in this world people go through everyday and I feel the need to write about it.

4. What was it that got you into black metal?
Years ago I was a Death Metal fanatic and discovered Black Metal due to the imagery I was seeing from bands such as Dark Throne, Mayhem and Marduk. I was curious to what they were writing about and why they choose the imagery they did. It was completely new to me and I loved the fast paced guitars and drums. I choose do to Sorrows in the vein of Black Metal
because I feel it is the only music to take you to another world and have a sound of sorrow.

5. Are there any plans to create a full line up?
As of right now, there are no plans in creating a full line up. Sorrows is a project that I need to do personally and maintain full control of the creativity. This is my outlet to getting things off my chest and to teach society a few things most people don't see on a daily basis.

6. What direction do you see the music going into during the future?
I picture the music sounding very erie and melodic as opposed to depressing and raw sounding. As far as the lyrical content goes, it's going to be more about whats going on in this world we live in and the struggles society goes through. There's only so much a person can say about their personal issues. After a while, it just gets repetitive. I personally feel thats what black metal is missing today, there aren't many bands speaking out about problems others face on a daily basis instead they're writing about their personal issues over and over again.. I hope to see Sorrows reach out to tons of people that share the same mentality and open a few close-minded eyes.

7. What are your main influences music wise or non music wise?

I'm more influenced by the things that I see around me and whats goes on in this world. Thats what is fueling the music and for me to continue writing. As far as musically, I would like to say Dark Throne is a a big influence and early Celtic Frost. I don't really listen to black metal to help me write, I just write whatever comes out naturally and those bands are the only thing I can say I sound similar to, riff wise anyway.

8. What are you listening to nowadays and what are some good bands or releases that you would recommend?
The past few years I haven't been too active with the Black Metal scene due to bands sounding very similar to each other. I listen to everything this world has to offer musically. I'm very open-minded when it comes to music. In fact, the majority of the music I listen to nowadays isn't along the lines of extreme metal. Some current bands that I do feel are worth checking out is Proxenus from Spain. They're a Dark Ambient band that takes you to another world while listening to their music. The Funeral Pyre from Southern California, that band has put in so much hard work and don't get the respect they deserve, the sound they evolved into is amazing, I expect great things from that band. I also recommend listening to music outside of metal for a change.

9. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in the music?
Satanism or Occultism has no role in Sorrows music nor will it ever. There's been so many bands that followed that path and sound just like the next band, it's played out. I have more respect for a Black Metal band that's Christian than Satanic because I would rather see a band enter something and go against everything the music has stand for in the past than to see a band that portray themselves as a Satanic band that's just doing it for the image or to fit in with the rest.

10. Are there any good films or books that you would recommend?
I mainly watch Comedy movies to get my mind off things but some good Documentary's I have seen and strongy recommend are The Bridge, Grizzleman and American Hardcore. For books I recommend Strangers From A Different Shore by Ronald Takiki, The Hero of Skid Row by George Mitchell, and The Soloist by Steve Lopez. Check out these books and read about the less-fortunate people of our world. Some people have it worse then we do.

11. How would you compare the U.S black metal scene to other countries?
I feel the US Black Metal scene is growing in the amount of bands popping up but I don't see it being accepted as well as Europe has accepted it. Where I'm from, there aren't too many Black Metal shows that go on unless it's some huge tour going through and I don't live in a small town or small state for that matter. Promoters really don't care what the band stands for or has to offer, they're only concerned about the money that goes into their pockets. Europe will always be the leader of Black Metal, the United States re-creates the sound the Europeans have made many years ago.

12. Any final words?
I appreciated the interview and giving me a chance to speak my mind. This is the first interview I've done for Sorrows and I'm greatly thankful for the opportunity. Keep your eyes open for future releases. I have a split coming out soon with Proxenus and I'm currently writing for an ep entitled "...A Chorus for the Helpless."

13. Thanks for the interview?
Thank you, make sure to check Sorrows out on www.myspace.com/sorrowsden

Sorrows 2 Song Demo Review 2009

Sorrows- 2 song demo review
Sorrows is a 1 man project hailing from the united States and I would describe their music as a depressing from of black metal that mixes fast parts with some slow doom sounding black metal.

Drums cover a lot of ground with some slow beats mixed with some real fast blast beats, while the bass playing which is mixed down low in the mix has a really dark and depressing tone.

Keyboards when they are utilized have a dark ambient feel mixed with the feel of an epic movie, while the guitars have a very heavy sound with some slow riffs that mix in a lot of fast and midpaced parts as well while the acoustic guitars  sound very melodic and clean.

Vocals are high pitched black metal screams that have a very brutal edge, while the lyrics seem to be about depressing topics, as for the production it sounds good for a demo and you can hear all of the instruments.

In my opinion Sorrows are  a good band with a lot of potential and I am looking forward to hearing future material.  RECOMMENDED.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Sorrows/3540278784