Showing posts with label avant garde black metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label avant garde black metal. Show all posts

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Eyriahrk Nunshkar Interview

 


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

The solo project, in fact, has existed since 2014, but it was under a different name, A.M Ferrari Fradejas, and the music was very different, and considerably changed over the last four years. It became clearer when I released the previous EP, "Shiarkha," in 2022. It happened very spontaneously, over a guitar gifted to me on my birthday two years ago, my main instruments to write music for over thirty five years were the piano and keyboard. Why I didn't play guitar before is another story to tell, but when I plugged this one in, two months after the EP Shiarkha was released.


2.You released an ep in February, musically how does it differ from your previous release?  

Under this project, it already differs from its predecessor, Shiarkha, which was much rawer, possibly less structured, and probably less colourful, and an only-one-flavour EP. The Eyriahrk Nunshkar EP incorporates more elements of all the music I have created over the years. In some ways, it feels like working on a puzzle, though I only noticed it after making this EP; I didn't think about it while making it. It more dramatically differs from the music I released under my previous name, which was a blend of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, contemporary, neofolk, and avant-pop, even soul. I'm not great with labels and am not keen on them, but I understand their use.


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

Until 2019, I drew inspiration from various things, such as cinema, which is also important to me, a painting, a movie, someone I met in the street or something I witnessed, and personal experiences too. I didn't talk about a release in 2021, though now I feel like it belongs to this project. I considered it to be a bit of a side project at the time. I actually wanted to distance myself from it because it was a gift for the dead or the departed. I released my first experimental short movie, which accompanied an album of mantras and rituals; the making of it was a ritual in itself. I had given myself a bit more than a month to get it ready for October 31st, 2021. I was reading a lot on the importance of the work of psychopomps (guides of souls who escort deceased souls from Earth to the afterlife), which, regardless of one's belief system or non-belief, is very much needed in our world. If we don't want to call it a soul, call it energy or memory, and we don't want it trapped here. The idea was to recreate this ritual or process in music and visuals; it came to me while I was walking in one of my favorite spots, a beautiful graveyard with a view of the sea, and so, when it happened, I had very little time to get it ready. The intertwined idea is that any sales from this release are sent to charities supporting bereavement after suicide and suicide prevention. Shiarkha, which was released in 2022, is the name of an owl I encountered during an inner journey, or shamanic journey. So far, the inspiration for this project has been drawn from journeying, channelling, or whatever you may call it. We all have a different understanding, and this is one of my understandings.


4.On the ep you also written your lyrics in 3 different languages, can you tell us a little bit more about the languages you used in your songwriting?

One of the languages is an improvised one; some people call it glossolalia, or speaking tongues. I admire those who know in their hearts what they say or what is happening to them. I have an amazing friend who speaks a light language; I don't have that confidence; I just don't know; our brain works in mysterious ways; and while there are also unseen realms that we don't know about, well, I don't. I have an understanding, but that doesn't mean that I know. However, I am working consciously on the intention and the energy I put into the work I do because, regardless of whether my music reaches two ears or more, as musicians, but not only, also as human beings, we have a duty and a responsibility to choose what energy and what message we want to convey. Regarding the languages themselves, I've always been fascinated by their sounds, dialects, and words, and as a child, I loved to sing in made-up languages. My music partner and husband, Santiago, and I have also developed some sort of dialect over the last thirteen years we have been together. Anyway, I am far from being the first to make up languages; we had Magma, Tolkien, and the Cocteau Twins, to name a few. In the creative process of this EP, other lyrics came to me in French and in English, which are the two main languages that I speak. My Spanish is not fluent, though I used some in my previous EP, "Shiarkha." The Māori bit happened when I researched sentences and words that depict the silver cord, the silver cord linking the astral form to the physical body during astral projection or out-of-body experience. I found some Māori words that I loved and used, and probably the translation wouldn't be accurate, but I love the sound of "Taura Hiriwa," for example, and so I used it.  


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

Another made-up word became a name. In fact, it was only the title of the second track of the EP at first, and when I finished the EP, it felt natural and logical that the solo project should be renamed, and that was going to be the new project name or pseudonym.


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

It was a picture taken on a very very windy day. I am very blessed to be living by the sea, and I was messing around like a 5-year-old trapped in a 49-year-old body, taking pictures of my hair in the wind. One shot was of the hair covering my eyes. I posted the picture, and someone said, "It should be an album art cover." This was before I even started working on the last EP. Now the EP art cover looks nothing like the original picture because I did some work on it, but once I finished the artwork, I realised it was an eye curtain made of hair. In some shamanic cultures, such as in Siberia, for example, one of the purposes of the eye curtains is to hide their eyes from ordinary people when they merge with their spirit helpers and also to act as a screen in order to help them go into trance. It also helps with journeying and helps to reach and maintain a specific altered state of consciousness, which makes sense in this context.


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

I feel very lucky to have been collaborating with many musicians and artists. I am still collaborating with other musicians at this time. It's not that I prefer to work solo; there are just different experiences. When I work solo, I am in a different realm, and the creative process is different as well. It's a bit like being in a dream state, and when I finish a recording, I don't remember the whole process. I am not trying to be mysterious or cryptic; it's just how I experience it. I also work very fast when I am alone—not that I am better than anyone; it's just that there is a stream of information that passes through me, and it's fast when it happens. I have to follow and materialise as it happens. In fact, it is anxiety-inducing for me, and I get impatient, though as I am growing older, I am dealing much better with it, and I am much more disciplined about it these days. When I work in collaboration, I am much more aware, and it's the work and energy of the people I work with that fuel me. I am always open to working with other musicians, not only for the experience of sharing but also for the opportunity of learning and growing as a musician. In the context of Eyriahrk Nunshkar, I don't know where this is going; I am experiencing and experimenting.


8.You also release your own music on your own label, are you open to working with other labels?  

Yes, I actually contacted two record labels already because I really like the artists they are working with. For years, I didn't want to be signed, mainly due to bad past experiences, but I am not against it today.


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

I have been quite under the radar since working as a solo artist, and I would say even more with this project. But the few pieces of feedback I received have been very positive, which I am grateful for.


10.Can you tell us a little bit more about your other musical projects?  

Current or past ones? I collaborated with many people, but currently I have a joint project, and since we're not revealing our identities for the time being, I won't say more on this one. We have already released an EP, and we are planning some new material. There is also the Fradejas & Fradejas duo with Santiago Fradejas, my music partner and husband; we released one free-form experimental EP and another free-form experimental album during COVID called OUM. We released our last EP in 2022 called "Los Nueve Buhos," which is more song-oriented but is a bonkers blend of old-fashioned crooning, extreme metal, and cowboy music with lyrics made up of the mixed-up language we created over the years. Some of our sources of inspiration were drawn by the White family of West Virginia, and other sources are beings from other alternative realms who we have given life to. I also collaborated more closely on Layma Azur's albums "Zeii" and "The Lower Sky.". Layma Azur is a rock-in-opposition, prog rock project founded in Buenos Aires by Santiago in 2005. Other recent collaborations include some vocal arrangements for Jeff Eacho, a great musician and friend, and vocal arrangements for Tribes of Medusa alongside the musicians, songwriters, and vocalists Valenteen and Evi Vine, also all dear friends. I collaborated with the production, arrangements, and backing vocals on a song called "The Legacy," written by a musician and friend, Tannith Storm, which we released last year. Past and current collaborations as a guest vocalist include the UK-based Goth crossover band The Eden House between 2009 and 2011, Sand Snowman, who is an amazing artist and musician that creates very unique music, a blend of experimental psychedelic prog folk, and also the equally amazing, unique, and talented Phi-Yaan-Zek.


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

As to when there will be a full-length album, I have no idea at this time, but then I said that last summer, and I released an EP last February, so who knows? I have written a lot of music over the years. I also attempted on a few occasions to put a set together and play live, but what happened instead while rehearsing were new songs, albums, and EPs, and it's not like I had an audience waiting for me to play anyway. Where do I see myself heading as a musician in the future? Well, if all goes well, I will turn 50 next year. Over the last few years, I have lost friends, some younger than me. I live in the present more than ever! I am alive now, my husband is alive, and so are some of my loved ones, and that has become the most important thing in these times of uncertainty. I am just grateful for what I have, for the luxury of being able to create at home, and for the luxury of not compromising what I do. I live with the consequences of it, which might be that I am not able to make a living from what I do. The younger me would be frustrated and filled with feelings of unfairness. Luckily, I am older and taking on my responsibilities, and I am also admiring the fresh blood taking over! The metal and avant-garde fields are crowded, and the music field is also full of young, amazing musicians. I hear people saying, "Music is not as good as it used to be." I respectfully disagree; it's just that we have to search for it in this internet ocean. There are many fantastic artists and musicians under the radar who took the teachings from their ancestors and took it to the next level with better technique and craft in creating hybrids. If I can reach an audience and have the health to keep creating and maybe playing live again, if I can overcome my anxiety, but I would if the opportunity happened, then great! I would love to. I have amazing musician friends, and we spoke about creating our own network and scene and collaborating. I would love that, but if it doesn't happen, I am at peace with it and will enjoy and honour what I have, prioritise my loved ones, and see how I can be of better service to others.


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

I wish I had more time; there is so much music to listen to and discover. At the moment, I try to make time to listen to what my friends release on Bandcamp. I listen to Zeresh, a one female band with a very unique tone, sound and atmosphere. I also listen to Kate Arnold, who does electro-mediaeval loopery on hammered dulcimer, violin, and vocals, also unique and beautiful. I try as well to make time to listen to new artists or artists I don't know on Bandcamp, YouTube, etc. I am listening to this fabulous artist called Kakushin Nishihara, a performer of a traditional instrument, the Satsuma Biwa (a five-stringed Japanese lute). She blends that with noise and experimental music. When I can make time to listen to more music, because life can get in the way, there will be Thantifaxath, Tom Yorke. A few days ago, I was introduced to Oranssi Pazuzu, and I loved it. I know they have been around for some time, but I didn't know them. Last week I listened to the last Sleepytime Gorilla Museum album, and as I expected from them, it was mind-blowing! I listen to black metal, death metal, contemporary classical, avant-garde, British 80's new wave, punk, pop, traditional folk music from various countries, fusion, grunge, electro, trance, goth, soul, industrial and the list goes on.


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

Yes, thank you so very much for inviting me to this interview and for giving musicians and artists exposure and the opportunity to express themselves.


 https://www.fradejasproductions.com/

Friday, March 15, 2024

Keygen Church/Nel Nome Del Codice/Metal Blade Recordfs/2024 Full Length Review

 


  Keygen  Church  are  a  solo  project  from  italy  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Nel  Nome  Del  Codice"  which  will b e  released  on  March  22nd  by  Metal  Blade  Records.


  Choirs  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  electronic  while  the  symphonic  side  of  the  music  also  mixes  in  some  avant  garde  and  classical  music  elements  and  some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  All  of  the  songs  also  avoid  the  use  of  traditional  extreme  metal  vocals  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  album   also  add  in  influences  of  doom  and  gothic  metal.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  gets  more  aggressive  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.


  Keygen  Church  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  symphonic  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  doom,  gothic  metal  and  classical  music  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  while  the  production  sounds  very  professional.


  In  my  opinion  Keygen  Church  is  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  avant  garde  mixture  of  black,  doom,  gothic  metal  and  classical  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Se  hal  Timore  Del  Vero"  "Nel  Nome  Del  Codice"  "La  VOce  Del  Destino"  and  "Sempre  Nel  Mio  Pensiero".  8  out  of  10.


  https://www.facebook.com/keygenchurch

https://keygenchurch.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHgbw5cuDIas28eMvbI8Nqg

https://twitter.com/keygenchurch

https://open.spotify.com/artist/49yTs5PHrOjyslAqSF2iCG

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/keygen-church/1450170610    


  

Eyriahrk Nunshkar/Self Titled/2024 EP Review

 


  Eyriahrk  Nunshkar  are  a  solo  project  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  an  avant  garde,  experimental,  progressive  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  and  self  released  2024  ep.


  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  clear  singing  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  elements  of  doom  metal  can  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  clean  sections  also takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction.  At  times  the  recording  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  some  synths  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks.


O)one  song  also  adds  in  some  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  as  well as  the  music   also  adding  in some  industrial,  drone  and  ritualistic  touches  and  on  the  closing  track  a  brief  use  of  fast  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English,  French  and  Maori  and  cover  the  human  psyche.     


  In  my  opinion  Eyriahrk  Nunshkar  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde,  progressive,  experimental  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Oblivious  Etymology"  and  "Taura  Hiriwa".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/3KB-bSMKwI8

https://youtu.be/k4vkwucbek4

https://www.facebook.com/EyriahrkNunshkar

https://www.instagram.com/eyriahrk.nunshkar_/

https://www.youtube.com/@EyriahrkNunshkar

https://www.youtube.com/@EyriahrkNunshkar

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ef2MXyExtaxhDqwhBvGi3

https://eyriahrknunshkar.bandcamp.com/

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eyriahrk-nunshkar/1733739020

https://soundcloud.com/eyriahrk-nunshkar  

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Wells Valley/Achamoth/Lavadome Productions/2023 Full Length Review

 




  Wells  Valley  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Achamoth"  which  was  released  by  Lavadome  Productions.


  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.


  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats   and  tremolo  picking can  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  avant  garde  moments  as  well  as  the  album  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  post  metal  touches,  growls  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  keyboards  are  also  added  towards  the  end.


  On  this  album  Wells  Valley  brings  more  more  of  a  progressive  and  avant  garde  blackened  sludge/doom  metal  style  with  some  elements  of  post  metal.  The  production   sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Hermeticism,  Philosophy,  Spirituality  and  theology  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Wells  Valley  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  progressive  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Princeps"  and  "Indwelling  In  Matter".  8  out  of  10.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/WellsValley/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wellsvalley/
BC: https://wellsvalley.bandcamp.com

https://youtu.be/sKmo2W1SuDI

  


  

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/Lunurumh/Hinthv Ritvvm [Riteet v ZHinthv]/Radical Matters/2020 Collaboration Album Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  another  collaboration  between  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  and  Lunurmh  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  ritualistic  and  'acousmatic'  style  of  black  metal  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2020  and  called  "Hinthv  Ritvvm  [Riteet  v  ZHinthv]"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters.


  Field  recordings  and  ritualistic  whispers  start  off  the  album  which  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  occult  black  metal,  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  spoken  words  and  chants  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  avant  garde  style  soundscapes  are  also  added  into  the  background.


  At  times  the  vocals  also  get  very  demonic  sounding  while  one  song  also  introduces  elements  of  noise  onto  the  recording.  Bass  guitars  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  which  also  adds  in  slow  riffs  that  are  heavily  influenced  by  doom  emtal  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments,  each  track  also  sounds  very  different  from  each  other.  and  all  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  and  the  closing  song  also  adds  in  a  couple  of  minutes  of  silence.


  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  and  Lunurmh  take  black,  doom  metal,  noise,  experimental,  avant  garde  and  ritual  and  mix  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  Etruscan  and  Sumerian  Rituals.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Tele.S.Therion  and   Lunurmh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  metal,  avant  garde,  experimental,  noise  and  ritual,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Maqlu  Surpu"  "Liber  Linteus"  and  "The  Etruscan  Liver".  8  out  of  10.


  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/hinthv-ritvvm-riteet-v-hinthv          

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/Lunurumh/Liber Linteus Zagabriensis - LLZ [Ao - 4MN c​.​P22AT +x] - For voice Solo (Paper gramophone)/Radical Matters/2020 Collaboration Album Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  collaboration  between  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  and  Lunurumh  that  goes  for  a  ritualistic  and  'acoumatic'  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Liber  Linteus Zagabriensis  -  LLZ  [Ao  -  4MN  c​.​P22AT  +x]  -  For  voice  Solo  (Paper  gramophone)"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters.


  Whispered  vocals  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ritualistic  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later.  Some  of  the  deeper  vocals  also bring  in  elements  of  black  metal  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  field  recordings  and  electronic  sounds  are  also  introduced  on  the  second  track.


  All  of t he  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  while  the  album  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  an  avant  garde  style  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  few  seconds  of  silence  and  elements  of  noise  are  added  on  the  closing  song  and  all  of t he  music  is  also  improvised.


  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  teams  up  with  Lunurumh  and  goes  for  mostly  a  ritualistic  appproach  with  this  rleease  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  the  song  themes  focus  more  on  occult  rituals.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Tele.S.Therion  and  Lunirumh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  ritualistic  music  with  touches  of  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Liber  Linteus  Zagabriensis  -  LLZ  [Ao  -  4MN  c.P22AT  +x]  -  Paper  gramophone  with  three  cones".  8  out  of  10.


  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/liber-linteus-zagabriensis-llz-ao-4mn-c-p22at-x-for-voice-solo-paper-gramophone     

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/Nature Unveiled/Radical Matters/2020 Full Length Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  which  shows  them  expanding  on  the  acousmatic  style  of  black  metal  and  the  album  was  released  in  2020  by  Radical  Matters  and  called  "Nature  Unveiled".


  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  power  electronics  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  music  also  gets  very  ritualistic  sounding  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some   voices  and  chants  also  being  added  into  the  background on  a  couple  of  tracks.   


  Elements  of  black  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recordings  while  the  bass  guitars  also  enhance  the  heaviness  of  the  album.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  apocalyptic  sounding  along  with  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  as  well as  all  of  the  music  also  being  improvised,  radio  receivers  and  harsh  noises  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album.


  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  went  more  experimental  and  ritualistic  sounding  as  well  as  only  adding  in  small  touches  of  black  and  doom  metal.  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  songs  themes  are  based  upon  Current  93's  "Nature Unveiled".


  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  album  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  ritual,  noise,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I -pt. I"  and  "II".  8  out  of  10.


https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/nature-unveiled  


      

Tele.S.Therion/Black Paintings XII - XV/Radical Matters/2020 Full Length Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  which  is  also  done  in  a  'acousmatic  black  metal'  style  and  the  album  was  originally  recorded  in  2011  and  released  in  2020  and  called  "Black  Paintings  XII  -  XV"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters. 


  Dark  soundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  noises  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times.  Elements  of  underground  industrial  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction. 


  All  of  the  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  along  with  some  power  electronic  sounds  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  harsher  direction  and  when  bass  guitars  are introduced  on  the  album  they  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  some  touches  of  ambient  also  being  mixed  in  at  times.


  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  focused  more  on  an  experimental  noise  direction  with  some  touches  of  black  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.


  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  noise,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "XIII"  and  "XV".  8  out  of  10.


  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/black-paintings-xii-xv    

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/The Chapel/Radical Matters/2020 Album Re-Issue Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  an  earlier  recording  from  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  which  displays  beginnings  of the  'acousmatic  black  metal  style'  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  2011  and  called  "The  Chapel"  and  was  re-issued  in  2020  by  Radical  Matters.


  Ambient  style  soundscapes  and  electric  bass  guitar  sounds  start  off  the  album  while  the  music  also  brings  in  elements  of  noise.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  amplifier  distortion  as  well  as  going  into  a  very  ritualistic  direction  at  times.


  All  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  while  metaphonic  chants  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  A  lot  of  the  album  also  mixes  in  elements  of  black  and  doom  metal  to  take  the  recording  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  along  with  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other.


  Field  recordings  and  drones  can  also  be  heard  on  certain  tracks  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times.  Most  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  an  instrumental  style  as  well  as  the  whole  album  also  remaining  true  to  a  slower  direction  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  experimental  and  ritualistic  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "I"  "IV"  and  "VII".  8  out  of  10.


  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/the-chapel    


      

Tele.S.Therion/Wilderness Perversion/Grimoire XIII/Radical Matters/2020 Collaboration Album Review

 


  This  is  a  review  of  a  collaboration  between  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  and  Wilderness  Perversion  better  known  for  his  work  in  Mortuary  Drape  and  the  music  goes  for  an  acousmatic  form  of  black  metal  and  the  album  is  called  "Grimoire  XIII"  and  was  released  in  2020  by  Radical  Matters.


  Grim  black  metal  vocals  and  ritualistic  chants  start  off  the  album  while  the  bass  guitars  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  are  used  as  a  lead  instrument  on  the  recording.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  music  also  being  improvised  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at times.


  The  album  also  has  its  experimental  and  avant  garde  moments  while  harsh  noises  and  drones  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Sound  effects  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  demonic  voices  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  slower  direction.


 On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  and  Wilderness  Perversion  mix  their  2  different  styles  together  and  create  a  very  ritualistic  and  experimental  sounding  album t hat  captures  the  heaviness  and  black  and  doom  metal  while  the  song  themes  focuses  on  grimoires  and  rituals.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Tele.S.Therion  and  Wilderness  Perversion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  and  ritualistic  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  8  out  of  10.


  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/grimoire-xiii     


      

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Raven Wundis Interview

 

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


The solo project was conceived to pave the way for a more diverse and personal musical exploration, having the freedom to create art without the boundaries of anything or anyone. Somehow, it liberates myself from the limitation of a band setup and gives me a fresh perspective.


2.So far you have released 2 full lengths, musically how do they both differ from each other?

In actuality, I have released just one concept album comprised of 7 previously released singles, chapters if I may say. The third chapter “A Glimpse of Being” is a 35-minute epic track, which some streaming platforms see as a full length or an EP. So it may seem that I have released to separate full lengths  but it’s actually just one. The 7 seven chapters have their own story to tell and has their own identity but all are connected.


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

“In Shadows Summons Divinity” is a 1 hour and 27 minutes long concept album which took 3 years to complete. The story is about an ancient god named Orhyd, his creations, his doubts, his failures and triumphs. It began in darkness and his journey towards the formation of the celestial sphere, eventually leading to the evolution of existence, its struggles, its expansive resilience, the vicious cycle of death and rebirth, creation and destruction. In its conclusion, existence is fully developed yet Orhyd seem to doubt his creation if it is truly a gift or a curse. The lyrical content between chapters presents a chain in which the last word of a preceding chapter is also the beginning word of the next chapter, adding to the connection and binding of the concept tale. The whole album is a single track with the same title as the album title, comprised of 7 chapters.  I am extremely confident that I have done justice to the voices in my head with this release, they are actually not pissed


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Raven Wundis'/

Raven Wundis is an anagram of my real name and I am a confessed sucker for such. It somehow depicts the meaning of shadows shrouded in mystery, and it has the nice ring to it, don’t you think?


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

The artwork is a collage of concept and mysticism as well. It has the divine hands that represent Orhyd, his creation, the firmament and the abyss, the progessing time representing the evolution, existence and darkness


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

I am open to working with other musicians. In fact, I am currently involved with 2 bands, Corporate Fiction and The Muted Squalls. Both are also from the Philippines but it is in the opposite side of the musical spectrum


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

Yes  I am curranty unsigned and am looking for a label that could help me put out a physical distribution. 3 record labels have shown interest but somehow financial terms seem to be a little confusing so I am still on the lookout for a label, perhaps you can point me to the right direction with this


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

So far so good, and they seem to appreciate the works that I have put out with this release. Pretty much a positive reception and I really appreciate it. It has been fun and humbling at the same time.



9.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?


Yup, with Corporate Fiction and The Muted Squals


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

The musical direction of the upcoming releases that I cannot divulge as of yet since I write as the creative machine begins spinning, when the savage itch needed to be taken cared of. Hopefully, by that time, I am able to find the appropriate label


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?

Opeth has been a huge influence. Also Bjork, Ne Obliviscaris, Death Spell Omega, The Ocean Colective, Pain of Salvation, The Church, The Cure, Depeche Mode. I practically listen to any music that tingles my ears, regardless of genre


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

A massive thanks to ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine for this opportunity. Continue showing support to original music and keep the fire burning by raising the horns!


Official Site: https://ravenwundis.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/raven.wundis.music

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravenwundis/?hl=en

X formerly Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWundis

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4M8inNwbtLAvU5sIWvnhqR

BANDCAMP: https://ravenwundis.bandcamp.com/album/in-shadows-summons-divinity

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/raven-wundis/1511447052


Monday, December 4, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/Pho Ba Grong 'Jug - Acta incognitorum, r. g. i. v. VIII TA - Contemplatio Musicae In Musicae Absentia [For solo performer]/Radical Matters/2023 FUll Length Review

 


  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  expanding  on  their  acoustomatic  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Pho  Ba  Grong  'Jug - Acta  incognitorum,  r. g. i. v.  VIII  TA  -  Contemplatio  Musicae  In  Musicae  Absentia  [For  solo performer]"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters.


  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  an  experimental  and  avant  garde  musical  direction.  All  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  while  viola  bow's  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  electric  bass  also  being  utilized  more  as  a  lead  instrument  and  the  album  also h as  its  ritualistic  moments.


  Elements  of  black  and  doom  metal a re  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  noises  are  also  added  into  some  part  of  the  album.  When  percussion  is  utilized  it  is  also  done  in  a  very  aggressive  style  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  home  made  instruments,  evil  voices  are  also  utilized  at  times.


  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  takes  black,  doom  metal,  experimental,  avant  garde  and  noise  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  album  as  well  as  keeping  everything  improvised  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark,


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  meta,  noise,  avant  garde  and  experimental  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  8  out  of  10.


  : https://telestherion.bandcamp.com

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


    

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Raven Wundis/In Shadows Summon Divinity/2023 Full Length Review

 


  Raven  Wundis  are  a  solo  project  from  the  Philippines  that  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  emtal  with  elements  of  jazz  fusion  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2023  album  "In  Shadows  Summon  Divinity".


  Clean  playing  and  clear  vocals  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  progressive  touches  and  elements  of  jazz  fusion  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.


  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  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  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  synths  also  being  utilized  on  a  few  songs.  Spoken  word  parts  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  pianos  also  give  the  songs  more  of  an  avant  garde  touch.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  origin  tale  of  the  celestial  sphere  and  an,  in t he  eys  of  Orhyd  -  an  ancient  god.


  In  my  opinion  Raven  Wundis  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  metal  and  jazz  fusion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t hose  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vision  Of  Collapsing  Stars"  and  "Of  Primal  Quickening".  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/JoIt9zPNFEI


Official Site: https://ravenwundis.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/raven.wundis.music

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravenwundis/?hl=en

X formerly Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWundis

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4M8inNwbtLAvU5sIWvnhqR

BANDCAMP: https://ravenwundis.bandcamp.com/album/in-shadows-summons-divinity

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/raven-wundis/1511447052              

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Tele.S.Therion/VERB.D.SVM C.S.T ARCON/Radical Matters/2023 Full Length Review

 


  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  expanding  on  their  acousmatic  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "VERB.D.SVM  C.S.T  ARCON"  which  will  be  released  on  Halloween  by  Radical  Matters.


  Dark  soundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  heavy  guitar  riffing  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  black  and  doom  metal.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  along  with  the  percussion  also  taking  the  recording  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction.


  The  only  track  that  is  presented  on  this  recording  is  also  very  close  to  being  80  minutes  in  length  while  a  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  improvised.  Trumpets,  trombones  and  daxophones  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  distorted  guitar  amp  sounds  also  adding  in  touches  of  noise.


  The  whole  album  also  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction  along  with  the  music  also  getting  more  diverse  sounding  as  the  track  progresses.  At  times  the  music  also  captures  the  atmosphere  of  nightmares  and  violent  hallucinations  as  well  as  some  fast  drumming  and  blast beats  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  after  almost  an  hour  piano's  are  also  introduced  onto  the  recording,  a  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde,  experimental  and  ritualistic  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  tihs  album.  8  out  of  10.


  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wte3JaCtl9Y

https://telestherion.bandcamp.com              

Friday, September 15, 2023

Bolt Gun/The Tower/Avantgarde Music/2023 Full Length Review

 


  Bolt  Gun  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  an  experimental  and  avant  garde  form  of  post  black  metal  with  elements  of  noise,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "The  Tower"  which  was  released  by  Avantgarde  Music.


  Dark  ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  while  atmospheric  sounding  drones  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  saxophones  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling  when t hey  are  utilized  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.


  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  tortured  sounding  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and blast  beats.


  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  some  growls  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Noises  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  album  also  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  inspired  by  the  writings  of  Brian  Evenson,,  Frank  Kafka,  Shirley  Jackson  and  cover  isolation,  extinction,  absurdity  and  nihilism  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Bolt  Gun  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  experimental  mixture  of  post  black  metal,  noise,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Tower"  and  "The  Scapegoat".  8 out  of  10.


  https://www.facebook.com/BoltGun

https://boltgun.bandcamp.com    


  

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Hexvessel/Polar Veil/Svart Records/2023 Full Length Review

 


  Hexvessel  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom  rock,  goth,  ritual,  folk  and psychedelia  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2023  album  "Polar  Veil"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Svart  Records.


  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  clear  vocals  a  few  seconds  later.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  avant  garde  moments  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  synths  also  add  in  some  psychedelic  touches  when  they  are  utilized.  Pagan  folk  metal  vocals  are  also  introduced  on  one  of  the  songs  along  with  the  shouts  also  giving  the  music  more  aggression  when  they  are  utilized  and  black  metal  screams  are  also  added  on  one  of  the  tracks.


  On  some  of  the  songs  the  synths  also  add  in  more  gothic  overtones  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  also  utilized,  acoustic  guitars  can  also b e  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  personal  spiritual  transcendence  and  nature  mysticism  themes.    


  In  my  opinion  Hexvessel  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom  rock,  goth,  ritual,  folk  and  psychedelia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Older  Than  The  Gods"  "Eternal  Meadow"  and  "Homeward  Polar  Shift".  8 out  of  10.


  Hexvessel website

Hexvessel Facebook
Hexvessel Instagram
Hexvessel YouTube
Hexvessel Spotify


    

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Nibiru/Anamorphosis/Argonauta Records/2023 Full Length Review

 


  Nibiru  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  ritualistic  and  psychedelic  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  metal  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Anamorphosis"  which  was  released  by  Argonauta  Records.


  Heavy  breathing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  drones  and  ritualistic  soundscapes  a  few  seconds  later.  The  only  song  that  is  presented  on  this  recording  is  also  over  55  minutes  in  length  while  the  music  also  has  its  experimental  and  avant  garde  moments  and  harsh  noises  can  also  be  heard  at  times.


  When  tribal  percussion  is  utilized  they  also  enhance  the  occult  atmosphere  of  the  music  while  a  lot  of  the  album  also  sounds  improvised.  Grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  spoken  word  parts  also  calling  upon  the  ancient  spirits  when  they  are  utilized.


  Elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  song  along  with  the  bass  guitars  also  giving  the  music  a  lot  more  heaviness  when  they  are  introduced  on  the  album,  Keyboards  and  organs  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album  as  well  as  some  clear  singing  also  being  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while t he  lyrics  cover  the  Enochian  keys,  the  writings  of  Aliester  Crowley,  Austin  Osman  Spare,  Kenneth Grant  and  Psychiatric  Essays.


  In  my  opinion  Nibiru  are  a  very  great  sounding  ritualistic  and  psychedelic  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  metal  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t hose  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  8  out  of  10.


  https://youtu.be/RI_4viJaNZ0


https://nibiru667.bandcamp. com/

https://www.facebook.com/ nibiruritual    


    

[ BOLT ]/( 05 )/dunk! Records/2023 Double Album Review

 


  Germany's  [  BOLT  ]  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for a   mixture  of  drone,  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2023  double  album  [  05  ]"  which  was  released  by  dunk!Records.


  Drums  and  percussion  start  of  the  album  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental,  avant  garde  and  improvised  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  most  of  the  music  is  instrumental.


  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  drones.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  adding  in  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  as  well  as  the  synths  also  bringing  in  touches  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized,  sounds  of  silence,  whispers  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  for  a  few  seconds  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark. 


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  [  BOLT  ]  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  drone,  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  double  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "White  Concrete"  and  "Petite  Fieur  Des  Champs".  8  out  of  10.


  https://wearebolt.bandcamp.com/album/0-5