Necrophobic/In The Twilight Grey/Century Media Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Necrophobic  are  a  band  from  Sweden t hat  has  a  history  that  goes  as  bar  back  as  the  mid  60's  and  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "In  The  Twilight  Grey"  which  will  be  released  on  march  15th  by  Century  media  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  melodic  direction  which  also  utilizes a   great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clean  playing  also  returns  on  some  of  the  later  songs  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  spoken  words  and  whispers  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  synths  are  added  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Necrophobic  remains  true  to  the  melodic  and  blackened  style  of  death  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Darkness  and  the  poetry  of  W.B  Yeats.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Necrophobic  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Grace  Of  The  Past"  "Storm crow"  "Cast  In  Stone"  and  "In  The  Twilight  Grey".  8 out  of  10.

  NECROPHOBIC online:

https://www.necrophobic.net/
https://www.instagram.com/necrophobic.official/
https://www.facebook.com/necrophobic.official
https://twitter.com/necrophobic_666
https://www.youtube.com/necrophobicofficial

https://shop.necrophobic.net   

Ravenoir Interview

 

Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Very briefly. Since the music publisher Gothoom Productions failed to provide the necessary promotion for the second album "In the Womb of Sin" and it was also obvious that they would have nothing more to offer RAVENOIR band in the future, I decided to end my cooperation with this label. It didn't take long and mutual sympathies crossed with Black Barn Music. Under the auspices of this label, both of the current albums will be released on gatefold vinyl in early 2023. Both the debut "The Darkest Flame of Eternal Blasphemy" and the second full-length opus "In the Womb of Sin" will be available on individual LPs separately, as well as a limited edition of both albums in a classy, obscure box, limited to 100 copies. At the moment, each of us is individually absorbing the setlist for live shows. And since I personally can't stand to be idle as a composer for long, I'm already slowly working on new material for the next RAVENOIR album. However, I would like to realize this during 2024. The release of both albums in vinyl form will in a way perfectly fill the time parallel for the upcoming third album. Now the band wants to focus mainly on concert activity.

In July you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

The connection between the two albums is the darkness and rawness that is woven through the various soundscapes, enhancing the dark mood of the entire album. The fusion of darkness, rawness, predation with melodic elements will always be a hallmark of RAVENOIR's work.

What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored on both of the albums and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Of course, the lyrics are just as important to me as the music and always accompany the atmosphere of the song. The content of the lyrics focuses on the themes of life, death, dark mysticism, Satanism and a good dose of Blasphemy. I have been primarily a music composer and producer for years. I have always had a dark feeling deeply rooted in me and I always try to use it when writing music. I have the advantage and ability to hear the final form of songs before they are finished. When I close my eyes the arrangements of all the instruments flow in my head.  I write lyrics very sporadically. Most of the time I share the writing of lyrics with my colleague, bassist Igor Hubik. 

The band was formed during the COVID19 pandemic, did that give you a lot of time to work on the musical style more since there was nothing really on back in that year?

The idea to start a new band had been growing in me for a long time, but the truth is that the coronavirus situation at the beginning of 2020 was very helpful for the creation of RAVENOIR. All the concerts we had planned with the band Root, where we worked together with bassist Igor, were cancelled or postponed. Suddenly I had a lot of free time. So I devoted it to composing material for Raven's debut. So the formation of the band, the writing of the material and the recording of the first album took place during the first wave of the Covid epidemic. Everything came about very slowly and naturally.

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

I am the author of the motif for the cover. Let's say that it is purely my personal depiction of the image of that paradise, where the main character of the cover is a kind of ethereal being, representing the goddess of pleasure, lust, sex, desire, excitement and lechery. As is known according to Christian theology, these very natural sexual urges bring man into this world through original-inherited "sin". Personally, instead of renouncing anything, I am very happy to indulge in all the pleasures that life has to offer, so "original sin" is a completely absurd thesis to me. Several artworks by an Indonesian artist, whose artistic name is Jenglot Hitam, have come to my attention. I outlined my visions to him in a few sentences and he aptly portrayed them. The author of the back cover was the very well-known Mexican artist Néstor Avalos. The collaboration with both artists went smoothly, through an exchange of a few emails. However, I would very much like to work with Néstor Avalos in the future. I absolutely admire his artwork.

So far the band has not been able to do any live shows, what can we expect musically when you are finally able to hit the live stage?

As I mentioned above, RAVENOIR now has to prepare a programme for live performances in the next few months, which will most likely take place in 2023. I am very much looking forward to it. I miss standing on stage and performing a lot right now. We will offer RAVENOIR fans a good portion of dark death metal through a cross section of both albums.

Most of the band members are veterans that have also played in other bands, do you feel extreme metal has made plenty of changes over the last couple of decades?

Personally, I hardly follow the music scene at all with a few exceptions, so it's hard to answer this question.

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

Both the first and the second RAVENOIR albums have reached a large number of metal followers all over the world and all the criticism on this work has been and so far is more than favorable and I am duly proud of both albums. The interest in RAVENOIR is gradually growing and this is my motivation as well as my greatest satisfaction.

What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

My favourite bands for many years are Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Bathory and Slayer. From other genres I really like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails or David Bowie.

Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

In the lyrical themes, definitely yes. Satanic philosophy is very close to me personally.

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

Thank you for your kindness and also your time. Have a great time everyone and keep an eye out for more Ravenoir´s exploits.

www.gothoomproductions.com/ravenoir
www.facebook.com/RavenoirOfficial

Ravenoir/In The Womb Of Sin/Gothoom Productions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Ravenoir  are  a  band  from  Czechia  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "In  The  Womb  Of  Sin"  which  was  released  by  Gothoom  Productions.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  blast b eats. 

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  elements.  Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  old  school  style  when  they  are  utilized,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  movie  samples.  and  the  album  also  closes  with  an  instrumental  before  adding  in  a  bonus  track  which  is  a  cove r of  Mercyful  Fate's  "Black  Funeral"..

  Ravenoir  plays  a  musical  styles  that  takes  the  melodic  forms  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  blasphemy  themes.     

  In  my  opinion  Ravenoir  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  The  Womb  Of  Sin"  "Stigma  Infernoir"  and "Lunar  Choir".  8  out  of  10.

  www.gothoomproductions.com/ravenoir

www.facebook.com/RavenoirOfficial   

Condra/Aeonic Tempest From The Abyss/Tragedy Productions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Condra  are  a  band  from  Chile  that  plays  an  anti  cosmic  and  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Aeonic  Tempest  From  The  Abyss"  which  will b e  released  in  October  by  Tragedy  Productions.

  Rain  sounds  and  classical  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  while  also  introducing  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  onto  the  recording.  When  the  music  speed s up a   decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can b e  heard  and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  Swedish  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  melodic  death  emtal  elements.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  showing  an  influence  of  the  early  Dissection  era   as  well  as  the  classical  guitars  also  making  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

Clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with a  couple of  the  tracks  also  being  instrumentals  instrumentals.  One  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Cosmic  Satanism  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Condra  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  anti  cosmic  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Aeonic  Tempest  From  The  Abyss"  "Spectres  of  A  Dying  Soul"  and  "The  Omen".  8  out  of  10.

  http://www.instagram.com/condrablackmetal/

https://youtube.com/channel/UChVFwy6ULNY5I21Xo7Kb94g

Medieval Demon/Black Coven/Hells Headbangers Records/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Greece's  Medieval  Demon  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  melodic  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  from t heir  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Black  Coven"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Hells  Headbangers  Records.

  Evil  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  as  well  as  giving  the  recording  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  a  few  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling,  saxophones  are  also  utilized  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Witchcraft,  Greek  Sorcery  and  Death  Magick  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Medieval  Demon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Where  Witches  Dwell  And  Labyrinths  Confuse"  "Baptismal  Blood"  and  "The  Grave  Dwellers".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/6Ae9Q70_A7s

Grimorium Verum/REALL/Symbol Of Dominion Productions/2022 CD Review

 

  Russia's  Grimorium  Verum  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "REALL"  which  was  released  by  Symbol  Of  Dominion  Productions.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Symphonic  elements  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  influences  of  death  and  doom  metal  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  being  instrumentals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Grimorium  Verum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Through  The  Labyrinth  Of  Times"  "Last  Ritual"  and  "A  Slave  Of  The  Lamp".  8  out  of  10.

https://symbolofdomination.bandcamp.com/album/sodp150-grimorium-verum-reall-2022   

Arktotus/Black Veins/Kvlt und Kaos Productions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Arktotus  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Black  Veins"  which  will  be  released  on  April  29th  by  Kult  und  Kaos  Productions.

  Synths  and  classical  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  the  songs  are  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Synths  also  make  a  return  on  one  of  the  later  tracks  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  into  the  music  and  when  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling.    

  Arktotus  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  classic  and  melodic  era  of  Swedish  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Evil,  Darkness,  Hatred  and  Satanism  themes

  In  my  opinion  Arktotus  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Plague"  "Your  Dictator"  and  "Wind  of  Death".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook.

King Satan/Occult Spiritual Anarchy/Blood Blast Distribution/Electric Spark Records/Hemelvlam/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Finland's  King  Satan  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  industrial,  symphonic  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Occult  Spiritual  Anarchy"  which  will b e  released  in  April  as  a  joint  effort  between  Blood  Blast  Distribution,  Electric  Spark  Records  an d  Hemelvlam.

  Elements  of  industrial  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording.  When  keyboards  and  synths  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  some  symphonic  touches  and  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Shouting  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  bringing  in  more  of  a  traditional  rock/metal  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  a  few  tracks also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while t he  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  occultism,  paganism,  Philosophical,  Blasphemy,  Dark  Humour  and  Nihilistic  Absurdism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  King  Satan  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  industrial,  symphonic  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Left  Hand  Path  Symphony"  "Human  Sacrifice"  "Beyond  God"  and  "Spiritual  Anarchy".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/_TlMZnYK5cw

https://youtu.be/a1DUdHQHd4k

    

    

Hierarchy/2022 Promo Review

 

  Hierarchy  are  a  band  from  new  York  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  promo.

  Spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  promo  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  all  of  the  music  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction,  synths  can  also b e  heard  briefly  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Hierarchy  remain  true  to  the  melodic  and  blackened  style  of  death  metal  that  they had  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Ritual  Magick  and  Spiritual  Enlightenment  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hierarchy  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  blackened  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  promo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Heretic  Within"  and  "Ave  Satanas".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/a7A-BmanZ0c

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AvFvB8bFq6DgyP0Dec1jG

https://hierarchyband666.bandcamp.com/album/2022-promo

www.facebook.com/hierarchybandofficial

www.instagram.com/hierarchybandofficial

www.twitter.com/hierarchyoffic1

www.youtube.com/channel/UChJC3_6d7GaRIQ_v7a2OfT

God Dethroned/The Christhunt/Vic Records/2022 CD Re-Issue Review

 

  God  Dethroned  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  played  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "The  Christhunt"  which  was  re-issued  in  2022  by  Vic  Records.

  A  battle  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  fast  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

 Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  done  in  more  of  an  early  90's  death  metal  style,  when  keyboards  are utilized  they  also  bring  in  the  atmosphere  of  a  classic  horror  movie  soundtrack  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  slower  sections  of t he  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  doom  metal.  

  On  this  recording  God  Dethroned  went  for  more  of  an  earlier   style  of  blackened  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferianism,  Occultism,  Anti  Christianity  and  Death  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  was  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  God  Dethroned  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hordes  Of  Lucifer"  "Necromagnon"  and  "God  Dethroned".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/G9XHXrrMJ-I

Luna 13/Gorgo/Cleopatra Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Luna  13  are  a  duo  from  Los  Angeles,  California  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial,  electronica  and  bass  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Gorgo"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Cleopatra  Records.

  A  very  heavy  and  aggressive  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  melodies  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  lot  of  industrial  elements.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Demonic  voices  can  also b e  heard  at  times  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  some  touches  of  electronica  and  drum'n'bass,  synths  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also be  heard. 

  On  this  recording  Luna  13  remains  true  to  the  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial  and  electronica  that  they h ad  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Anti  Religion  and  Horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Luna  13  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  industrial,  electronica  and  bass  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Till  There's  Nothing  Left"  "Gorgo"  "Her  infernal  majesty"  and  "Upside  Down".  8  out  of  10.

https://luna13music.bandcamp.com/album/gorgo
http://www.luna13official.com/

https://youtu.be/49AWwpLnNhY

       

Mystic Circle/Self Titled/Atomic Fire Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Mystic  Circle  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  history  that  goes  all  the  way  back  to  the  90's  and  plays  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2022  album  which  will b e  released  in  February  by  Atomic  Fire  Records.

  Cinematic  sounds  and  spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  faster  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Death  metal  can  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  old  school  style.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  symphonic  moments  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  long  and  epic  in  length,  spoken  word  samples  also  return  on  later  songs  and  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  album  also  closes  with  a  cover  of  Possessed's  "Death  Metal".  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Left  hand  Path,  Occultism,  Demonology  and  Darkness  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mystic  Circle  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Belial  Is  My  Name"  "Letters  From  The  Devil"  "The  Arrival  Of  Baphomet"  and  "Satanic  Mistress".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGSlQQysk5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-OkHNSsMIY

http://www.facebook.com/mysticcircleofficial

http://www.instagram.com/mystic_circle_official         

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru Interview

 

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

CLAY - It's a continuation of what we've been doing over the last 32 years - extreme metal.

CHRIS - There were some periods of inactivity with us during that time with a few efforts to get back at it and in 2019 all the planets aligned.

2.Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?

CLAY - I put my heart and soul into this album and a little bit of my life, too.  This album is a natural progression from the eps.

CHRIS - As Clay put it, the album is a natural progression.  The main difference is some of the song writing elements i.e. structure, energy and whatnot.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover the writings of H.P Lovecraft and Weird Fiction, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these writings?

CLAY - All my life I've had an interest in weird fiction and Lovecraft, etc.  I have always loved the dark side so it is natural that I write about it.

CHRIS - Lovecraft and many other writers in that vein all deal with the unknown, metaphysics, occultism, which is interesting to write about and think about.  The unknown is very thought provoking in general.

4.You also have some satanic and occult themes in some of your lyrics, do you have an interest in Occultism?

CLAY - I write the so-called 'satanic' lyrics.  I am not a devil worshipper.  I am anti-establishment.  I hate organized religion.  Religion and satanism is fantasy to Shadu-Nar-Mattaru.  The occult is fictional as well.  My interests come from my inner self but are fictional as well.

CHRIS - I touched on that in the previous question.  Satanic lyrics are kind of an old metal thing.  It's nothing serious.  I'd say we touched on those themes more as a nod to the old days on this album.  I don't really see us elaborating further on it for future efforts, though.

5.Both of the band members where previously a part of 'Morbid Darkness', what was the decision behind splitting up your previous band and forming this newer project?

CHRIS - Back in 1996 when Morbid Darkness originally dissolved, we were both young and in the midst of our own separate problems.  Unfortunately, those problems affected the band and we had to call it quits.  Like I said earlier, our hiatus was a lengthy one, but because we each felt we were destined to make music together we eventually decided to make it happen again, back in early 2019.  It's been a constantly blazing fire ever since.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Shadu-Nar-Mattaru'?

CLAY - In English it means 'mountains of the abyss'.  That's the meaning.

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

CHRIS - The image is a photo originally created by Elti Meshau and was reworked to add even darker elements.  Basically, it represents the journey of one in the throes of sorrow.

8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

CLAY - We have always been a duo and always will be a duo.  We will not corrupt ourselves with other members.  It has always been just the two of us.

CHRIS - Yeah, we've established a dynamic as a duo since the beginning.  We've no plans to expand the line-up in order to play shows or anything...we are a studio band, simple as that.

9.Since 2019 you also have released a great amount of ep's, do the band members spend a great amount of time, writing and creating music?

CLAY - Yes.  We are like a treadmill.  With Shadu the creativity is ever flowing.

CHRIS - We've got a really great system for creative process which allows for very prolific output.

10.On the album you've also done a Slaughter cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

CLAY - I first heard Slaughter in 1986.  They are a favourite.  I always wanted to be in a band like Slaughter so it is only natural that we cover Slaughter now.  In fact, this is the second time we have covered a Slaughter song in Shadu.

CHRIS - When we first heard the song on the 'Surrender or Die' demo, back in 1992, we both agreed that someday we would cover it.

11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground?

CLAY - It has been okay, but it could be better.  The main thing is what it means to us.

CHRIS - There has been limited interaction with fans aside from locals who dig our stuff, but this is really a problem of limited exposure.  The small feedback we have received has been quite positive.

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

CHRIS - I've always got some other musical projects cooking in the background.  Shadu is the main focus, obviously, but I can say there may be a new Vhod album in the near future and few other smaller things.

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

CLAY - We are presently working on our epic 'Nocturnal Winter III' saga, then comes the new year and we're headed into the unknown.  All I can say is that it will be heavy as hell and it will be Shadu.

CHRIS - Yeah.  Basically, as it sits, we plan to do more eps and perhaps a second full length next fall.

14.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?

CLAY - With me, it's mainly still what I've been listening to for the last 35-40 years.  I haven't changed much since the 80s.  Those days influence me and that's what I'm still listening to nowadays.

CHRIS - Obviously I'm not going to list them all, but back in the day, all the good metal of the 80s and early 90s was key - a few musicians that really got me going were Mike Scaccia of Rigor Mortis and Mantas of Venom...Quorthon, too.  These days hold just as many influences for me personally.  Bands such as Revocation, Watain, Humanity's Last Breath, Bulletbelt, Rosy Finch...these are heavy influences for me.

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

CLAY - I really appreciate the interview and the support and I thank anyone out there who has checked out Shadu.  Thanks a million and stay heavy.

CHRIS - Yeah, we appreciate it and look out for new Shadu stuff real fucking soon.  Cheers!

Bandcamp:https://shadu-nar-mattaru. bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ people/Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/ 100073984778040/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCmrzOavOhlit38QiGpsPk9A

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/4pcZC55m6rKuZO5buGCtuk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadunarmattaru/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaduNarMattaru

Hellgarden Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

- We have kept rehearsing, preparing to go on stage again, fine-tuning details for our next show in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

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

- The current album is a more mature, evolved, powerful and dark work. Also with a new concept which will be renewed in all our following musical works.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

- Like our previous musical work, Rise of the Beast is a concept album, which highlights an anti-Christian, occult and pagan theme.

Regarding our evolution as composers, it is worth highlighting our taste for occult and Satanist reading, which has been a reference for inspiration when writing and composing our music.

4.A lot of your lyrics also cover satanic and occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

- Our interest in the dark arts stems from our fascination for mythology, music and forbidden reading, in addition to our rejection of all religion in general and everything it represents.

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

- At the beginning of our history the band was made up of male musicians and female voices, which for us meant a similar contrast to heaven and hell in our performances, and that was what they wanted to manifest when naming our band.

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

- On the cover we wanted to capture the suffering of the witch consumed by the rotten and corrupted earth, poisoned by Christianity and its plague, in a dying and gloomy place. In addition, the ruins that can be seen in the background is an ancient and mystical building in our region of the world.

It should be noted that on the back cover the burning church that appears was part of the symbol of the social revolution that occurred in our country in 2019.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

- In our memory we have various shows which we remember with appreciation, of which we could highlight the festival held in the Elqui Valley, whose protagonist was the total eclipse of the sun in 2019, that day we were able to tear the audience apart while everything was covered with darkness.

We could say about our show, in addition to standing out for the musical, we also enhance the theatricality and power of the rawness of our metal.

8.At the beginning of the year you where also a part of a split with 'Plan Macabro', what are your thoughts on the other band that participated on the recording?

- We had the pleasure of sharing the stage with ¨Plan Macabro¨ in 2019, in the city of Concepcion, an instance in which we got to know each other, making good ties both as music and friendship, they are tremendously talented musicians with a brutality that knows no limits.

9.The band has been around since 2002  but you waited until 2014 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

- From the beginning Hellgarden was suffering certain percanses which led to multiple changes in his training, which postponed being able to schedule a physical job and leave a record of what was interpreted at that time. In addition to 4 years of inactivity looking for new ideas which led us to return in 2011 and start fully in the new stage with more power and darkness.

10.The new album is going to be released on 'Brutal Records', how would you compare working with this label to your previous label 'Sun Empire Productions'?

- Our destiny as a band was always to be able to make our music cross borders, to be able to reach a wider audience and to spread our message across languages; With Sun Empire we were able to start this path, they opened international borders for us to show our music, it was gratifying, but it was logical to always want to climb higher and that has us where we are now.

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

- We are grateful for all the support we have received, our new album to come out has generated high expectations and we hope not to disappoint you, for example we have already released our first single ¨Blackwolf¨ which had a tremendous reception and very good reviews.

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

- We believe in maintaining a constant artistic evolution, and realizing our projects, both musical and audiovisual, in addition to being able to play live again and in a better way to be able to visit international stages.

13.What are you listening to nowadays?

- black metal in its different varieties, learned, ambient, progressive music, some heavy metal and doom metal

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

-Our eternal gratitude is to all those who have supported us and perhaps without knowing us allow us to enter their ears with our grotesque and evil music.

Do not forget, this coming December 10, the official launch of THE RISE OF THE BEAST through Brutal Records and on all online platforms.

Greetings to all from the north of Chile. HELLGARDEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjKwBab4KIc&t=4s

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/The Sorrowful Frost/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  duo  from  Armstrong,  British  Columbia,  Canada  that  plays  a  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "The  Sorrowful  Frost".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into a   faster  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast beats.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording    while  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  a  lot  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  to early  90's  era.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a good  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  tracks  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements.

 All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Slaughter's  Shadow  Of  Death".  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Lovecraft,  Weird  Fiction,  Nightmares,  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "House  Of  Hell"  "Demons  In  The  Mirror"  "The  Tomb  Of  Eryx"  and  "Sunrise  Over  Arrokoth".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp:https://shadu-nar-mattaru. bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ people/Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/ 100073984778040/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCmrzOavOhlit38QiGpsPk9A

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/4pcZC55m6rKuZO5buGCtuk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadunarmattaru/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaduNarMattaru      

    

Tine/Mergae Maris Profundi/2022 CD Review

 

  Tine  are  a  solo  project  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  album  "Mergae  Maris  Profundi"  which  will  be  released  in  2022.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Symphonic  elements  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  songs  along  with  the  vocals  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  album  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  but  mixed  with  a  more  modern  style  along  with  some  choirs  also  being  utilized  on  a  few  tracks.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  some  tremolo  picking,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffs,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  and  a  couple  of  later  songs  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  and  the  recording  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Lavey  Satanism,  Philosophy,  Anti  Christianity.  Darkness,  Horror  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tine  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  and  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Deep  Ir  beckons..."  "A  Cetacean  Dirge"  and  "The  Kracken's  Lament".  8  out  of  10.

  https://tine.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/Tine.BlackDeath/

https://www.instagram.com/tineblackdeath/

https://twitter.com/TineBlackDeath

https://www.reverbnation.com/tineblackdeath

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPblkNcP1wvLM1M669YCyMg

  

W.E.B/Colosseum/Metal Blade Records/2021 CD Review

 

  W.E.B  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in this  zine  and  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Colosseum"  which  will  be  released  on  November  19th  by  Metal  Blade  Records. 

  Symphonic  elements  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  choirs  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Elements  of  gothic  metal  can  also  be  heard  during  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording.

  Operatic  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  ethnic  style  instruments,  tribal  percussion  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  death  metal  growls.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occultism,  Darkness,  Violence  and  Philosophical  themes.

  In  my  pinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  W.E.B  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  symphonic  black  and  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Web"  "Pentalpha"  "Necrology"  and  "Exaudi  Luciferi".  8  out  of  10.

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