Monday, October 8, 2018

Night Crowned/Humanity Will Echo Out/Black Lion Records/2018 EP Review


  Night  Crowned  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  ep  "Humanity  Will  Echo  Out"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  black  Lion  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  music  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  styles  of  black  and  death  metal  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Night  Crowned  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  styles  of  Swedish  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Night  Crowned  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  TRACK  "Nocturnal  Pulse'.  8  out  of  10.

https://mailchi.mp/e6998aced10c/nightcrowned-single

The Crown/Eternal Death/Dissoance Productions/3028 CD Re-Issue Review


  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Sweden's  The  Crown  which  continues  their melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  the  album  was  originally  released  in  1997  and  called  "Eternal  Death"  with  the  re-issue  coming  out  on  October  19,  2018  by  Dissoance  Productions.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  spoken  word  samples  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  riffs  also  mixing  in  elements  of  thrash  and  speed  metal   as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  riffing  also  brings  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  as  the  album  progresses  acoustic  guitars  also  make  a  brief  return.

  On  this  recording  The  Crown  remained  true  to  their  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness,  Satanism  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Crown  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-release.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beautiful  Evil  Soul"  "The  Serpent  Garden"  "Kill  The  Priest"  and  "Death  Of  God".  8  out  of  10.

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The Crown/The Burning/Dissonance Productions/2018 CD Re-Issue Review


  The  Crown  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  played  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1995  album  "The  Burning"  which  will  be  re-issued  on  October  19th,  2018.

  War  and  spoken word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  elements  along with  the  solos  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times.

   When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  some  melody  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  the  2  closing  tracks  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  The  Crown  took  the  melodic  style  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixed  them  with  thrash  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness  of  anti  religion  themes  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  being  based  on  the  writings  of  J.R.R.  Tolkien  and  Clive  Barker.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Crown  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Good  And  Evil"  "The  Lord  Of  The  Rings"  "Neverending  Dream"  and  "Forget  The  Light".  8  out  of  10.

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Sunday, October 7, 2018

Necroart/Caino/The Goatmancer Records/2018 Full Length Review


  Necroart  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays a   very  progressive  and  avant  garde  mixture  of  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Caino"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  The  Goatmancer  Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  avant  garde  elements  onto  the  recording  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  add  goth  elements  onto  the  recording  will  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  getting  very  progressive  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  they  also  start  mixing  the  avant  garde  side  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.

  On  this  recording  Necroart  remains  true  to  their  progressive  and  avant  garde  mixture  of  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Necroart  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde,  progressive,  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "An  Invocation  For  The  Horned"  "Caino"  and  "one  Is  All.  All  In  One".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.thegoatmancer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/necroartband/

From Ashes Reborn Interview

FROM ASHES REBORN / Answered by: Thomas / Date Sep 19th 2018

From Ashes Reborn – Interview A Different Shade of Black

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are still in the promotion phase of our latest release “Existence Exiled” and received overall great feedback so far. We are close to launching the first merchandise pieces and are also evaluating options to play out material live.

2.In April you had released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical styles you went for on this recording?

The album is a mixture of melodic black & death tunes. We are always striving to create music that people will remember, hum along after they listened to the record. The things that we liked so much when we got into metal – catchy riffs, great melodies, grooving drums with accentuated blastbeats – is what characterizes the songwriting the most.

3.Most of the band members where in 'Badoc', what was the decision behind splitting up the band and forming a new one?

Mainly because the BADOC singer quit and we had kind of a hiatus for a while. In that time, our musical favors and songwriting have developed. Finally, we got exposed to our new singer Ronny, who brings a massive voice on top of our instrumental arrangements, which was another driver that changed our musical direction. So, after all, it was our desire to create a new band from scratch, with a new concept and without references to any history. And it turned out as a good decision, as it gives us full creative freedom to do what we want to do.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
There is no general lyrical concept. Generally, the lyrics are treating individual experiences, reflections on life and humanity and other thoughts, that are moving within in our minds. It´s a mix of melancholia but also a positive outlook on our ability to turn things into good. Like a “Black Clouds and Silver linings” theme so to speak.  We are avoiding topics that are very stereotype or cliché, as this would not fit to our individual personalities.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
FROM ASHES REBORN just focused on the release of the debut Existence Exiled, so there were no shows so far. But we are thrilled to bring Existence Exiled on stage and are definitely evaluating options to do so.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the remainder of 2018 and early 2019?
No, there is nothing confirmed yet. It will most likely not be able for us before early 2019. But we are definitely open for any booking offers.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We have made no efforts to get label signed so far. It was our plan to self-release “Existence Exiled” to bring the product very soon to life and to avoid any compromises. We wanted to fully control the music, the production, the design and the promotion. Generally, we are interested to work with partners who help us to grow FROM ASHES REBORN in a sustainable manner. It´s a matter of the exact conditions when we would consider to be signed, but we are open to that option in the future. With “Existence Exiled”, it was important to find our style and musical direction, also production wise.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic and extreme metal?
Very Good. Existence Exiled achieved very positive feedback not only in Germany, but also from US, Canada, Australia & Scandinavia, even Japan, both by press and fans. Also, our followers on social media channels and bandcamp are widely spread across the globe. It´s a great thing to see, that FROM ASHES REBORN is able to satisfy listeners to that style of metal globally.

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

Our style is best describes as Melodic Black / Death Metal with a strong Scandinavian influence. This is not exactly intended, but more an output of our musical preferences and the result of working together in the songwriting process. There is a tendency in our songwriting to work a bit more with acoustic elements, we are experimenting with orchestral arrangements as well. In general, I do not foresee a dramatic change in the musical direction. We are five guys in a classic metal line up and want to make the best out of this and our instruments. This is the way we got tied to this music genre and that’s our ambition.

10.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?
We have a very diversified mix of influences, ranging from old Dissection, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Kataklysm to more new bands like Fleshgod Apocalypse or Der Weg einer Freiheit. But there also bands like Cannibal Corpse, Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Trivium, Kreator or Dark Funeral that are influential for us in a way. We still have an ear on the underground and are permanently listening and digging for new stuff.


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Music is primarily the main hobby of the band members, as much as family and main jobs allow. Two of us are also playing in other bands such as HIATUS, DER ROTE MILAN, ICHOR. We have one active motor cycle rider in our band, fitness is another hobby of some. But Metal & Music is still the main thing for us.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the interview and for featuring FROM ASHES REBORN! We are looking forward to stay in touch and hope that there are some maniacs who enjoy Existence Exiled!

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Saturday, October 6, 2018

Stormcast/The Ghost Eater/2018 Full Length Review


  Stormcast  are  a  band  originally from  Cyprus  but  now  resides  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  plays  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "The  Ghost  Eater"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at times  along  with  melodic  vocals  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts,  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  added  onto  the  recording.

  Stormcast  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  and  atmospheric  sides  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  feelings,  corruption,  nature  and  anger  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Stormcast  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  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  "Resonance"  and  "Lushai  Hills".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/stormcastband/

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Norilsk/Weepers Of The Land/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2018 CD Review


  Norilsk  are  a  band  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Weepers  Of  The  Land"  which  will  be  released  on  October  12  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  Clean  yet  distorted  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  slower  riffs  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals a re  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks are  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples,  elements  of  post  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction,  clean  vocals  and  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Norilsk  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  French  and  cover  History  and  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Norilsk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "No  Sacred  Ground"  and  "Weepers  Of  The  Land".  8  out  of  10. 

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