Abigail Williams/Becoming/Candlelight Records/2012 CD Review

  Abigail Williams are a band from New York that has had their previous recording reviewed before in this zine that plays a very mainstream form of atmospheric black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Becoming" which will be released by Candlelight Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the keyboards have a very dark, progressive and atmospheric sound with some violins being thrown in at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast mainstream black metal riffs that also have some progressive, thrash and death metal influences with some dark sounding melodies and clean playing being thrown in at times and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with a small amount of deep growls and clean singing, while the lyrics cover dark themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is another good album from Abigail Williams and if you where a fan of their previous recordings, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ascension Sickness" and "Bestial". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.facebook.com/abigailwilliamsofficial

http://www.myspace.com/abigailwilliams

Krampus/Kronos Heritage/2011 EP Review

  Krampus are a band from Italy that plays a mixture of folk metal mixed with melodic black/death and this is a review of their self released 2011 e.p "Kronos Heritage".

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the keyboards and folk instruments bring a very atmospheric and medievel feeling to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced riffs that combine folk metal with melodic death and black metal, while the lead guitars have a very melodic sound to the guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched melodic black/death screams and growls mixed in with some clean singing, while the lyrics cover Moral Principles and Values In The Ancient Times, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound to it.

In my opinion Krampus are a very good melodic sounding folk/death/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Aftermath". RECOMMENDED BUY.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFC4U6bs9MU&list=PLF04AA3E3C774EB2F&feature=plpp  

Nordheim Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We are a folk metal band with strong black metal influences. We are talking here about the Modern Black Metal sound, not the old black metal and poorly produced sound we used to listen to in the 90s. We mix the catchy side of folk metal with the speed and ambiance of black metal. We also strive to create the stunning guitar sound of modern metal artist such as Children Of Bodem and Black Dahlia Murder to put us aside from other folk metal bands.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?
Brutal, heavy, fast and so fucking festive :)

3. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
The lyrics refer to everybody's life. We write about sad times, good times, all disguised in pagan themes and metaphors so that nobody really gets what we are actually writing
about hahaha... Some of the songs are actually WAY MORE depressing than they may sound like.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Well... it just kinda sounded great and epic hahaha! Nothing special with any particular meaning.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The show at the Bar Octobre in Quebec City was particularly awesome... we managed to give a kick-ass performance with bodysurfing and stage diving despite having a few technical problems! The power-bar where our amps were plugged into burned down and we still managed to finish the show with honours, and we even caught the eye of a local manager! We also did some f***ing awesome shows in the Province of Quebec with our friends from Valcknacht and Valfreya... what a great tour it was!

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Hahaha... We wish to tour for f***ing ever and ever! That's what metal is all about! A European tour would be awesome... isn't that the goal of every American metal band :D

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by folk/pagan metal fans?
Well... if we refer to the Youtube views... it is WAY MORE than what we expected! It's actually amazing how much attention we have received from European metalheads! We have over 23,000 views for ‘Beer, Metal, Trolls and Vomit!’ I mean if we compare ourselves to other Quebec metal bands we are among the most famous and well known for our Genre! It is such an honour!
Our label Maple Metal Records has just announced that they have released ‘Beer, Metal, Trolls and Vomit!’ for gameplay on RockBand 3 via the Xbox 360 & PS3 platforms. So look out for the song in the next few months via the Rock Band Network!

8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases? For sure faster riffs with more blastbeats and energy!
The epic side of our music will always be primordial, so I would say expect a folk metal album with REALLY STRONG modern black metal influences like Keep of Kalessin or Watain mixed up with accordion and flutes hahahahaha!

9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
Not really, we concentrate all our energy on Nordheim!

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
It really depends on each member of the band! Everyone has individual influences that they bring into the creative process.  I mean Fred is more into Melodic Metal such as Mors Principium Est and Varg. Benfok is into Cheesy Folk metal such as Alestorm and Ensiferum. Thom is nowadays into Symphonic metal such as Fleshgod Apocalypse and metalcore like Unearth. As for myself ( Warraxe ) I'm now in an old school mood such as Toxic Holocaust, Darkthrone, Nekromantheon ( you gotta check this out thrash metal fans) and other black-thrash metal bands! We all have individual influences in writing music and that's what makes this band so special and interesting!

11. What role does Paganism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?
Eeeee... Absolutely nothing... it is just the fact that we play folk metal that has put us in the same barrel with paganism! I mean we are just some ordinary metalheads playing the music we love and we just don't give a f*** about Odin, Thor or other Scandinavian deities... Some of our lyrics mention Thor or Odin but it is not in eulogy or honour that we talk about them... Can't we just shred the shit out of our guitars while being drunk and not giving a shit about anything… hahahahahaha!

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Beer, booze, lifting weights and naked girls... yeah...

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
? We just hope that we will be able to keep on doing the music we love with the people we like! I mean nothing is more worthy than being drunk with our bandmates and friends! Thanks to ALL our fans and keep on supporting NORDHEIM! NUKE THE CROSS!!!

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Bandcamp (old) @ archive.org

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Thousand Year War Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We had a line up change right before the official release of our debut
'Tyrants and Men'
Kellen who had played bass/guitar and helped with songwriting was
removed from the band for personal reasons and I took on Pablo
Magallanes(Guitar/Bass- Live Demonical, Live Internment) and am using
our session drummer from the first album, Fredrik Widigs(Live
Drums-Witchery, Live Drums-Demonical, The Ugly, Ex- Angrepp)

I just finished working on 5 new songs and a misfits cover of London
Dungeon for an EP entitled "Vulture Eyes"
The artwork is in the process is being finished and I believe Pablo
and Fredrik will be recording soon and I will be jumping into the
studio once that is all done for vocals. Right now its a pretty hard
time for me. Just moved back to the states and really struggling hard
to keep my head afloat and get Thousand Year War live. Trying to push
for a mini tour in the States!

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Its much much different....The influences are significantly more
subtle than Tyrants and Men and I doubt anyone will be thinking of
Amon Amarth when listening to the new tunes. Its very rocking and dark
metal! Title track vulture eyes almost has this black'n'roll feel to
it and its a really catchy song. Then you have Sombre as the Nightly
Shrouds is very dark, slow, but with riffs that really hook you in,
while bloodlines just rips you apart with aggression and melody. My
vocal approach is also much different in that Im straying away from
the lows while using mainly highs and a sort of low gravely singing
voice ....its very original but also fits the songs really well. When
you think some of the riffs are poppy my vocals will come in to being
a certain darkness and desperation to the mix.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explore with
the music?

The lyrical topics all have to do with opposition of Government, world
leaders, and organized religion. My lyrics hold as much importance as
to the music I write. I believe in every single word I write down!
When I look around I see a people that are being warped and
manipulated to function under control of the ruling powers. It is
really disheartening and dispiriting, but also inspirational as far as
lyrics are concerned. Seems like people are becoming the product the
new world order wants them to be.

Here is an excerpt from a new song Vulture Eyes that I especially like:

Take in what you see, below your black wings, a kingdom built on ruin
now laid in tragedy

The founders of this land, lay buried in the waste, memories of them
now the legacy of hate

Betray all that you know, soar high above the lands, rip flesh from
all the bodies, in this country of the damned!


America is simply one of the foundations of a sadistic kingdom murder
obsessed and power hungry....our founders were nothing but villains
and theives with intent on building an empire of injustice, and the
best democracy money can buy

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The name Thousand Year War is inspired by the holy war the crusaders
waged close to a Thousand Years Ago and how that war or crusade is
simply continuing on in the Middle East and orchestrated by the
leaders of the United States, England, and other countries....so
Thousand Year War

5. Are there any touring plans for the future?

Absolutely....but none of its really solidified at all. I really need
some session guys in the U.S.A to work with and we need a booking
agency. I 100% want to get a tour going to spread the word, get some
funding coming in, and gather up a broader audience. Desperately want
to get the music live in Europe. I hope summer 2012....

6. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by melodic
death/black metal fans?

It seems like its been very well received so far! I'm happy with the
response. There have been the typical Amon Amarth comparisons, but
everything has been real positive. Abyss Records and Clawhammer PR are
really doing a good job getting the word out there...I hear from
people all over the world that are enjoying the sound of TYW:)

7. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

For me my focus is Thousand Year War right now...I just don't have
any time or energy for anything else. I have 2 kids and am married, so
this is plenty for me to concentrate on. Although I would do vocals
for anyone wanting someone to lay down some tracks studio wise of
course. Long as its just writing lyrics and and doing vocals I would
gladly take part in something else. But writing guitars takes a lot
out of me and I want to just do that in TYW. I really could see myself
eventually working on some old school black metal with an eerie
atmosphere. Something like Arckanum/Wolves in the Throne Room,
Gorgoroth. I enjoy alot of raw but well produced black metal. Its
great art and expression of the natural world.

8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

I see TYW taking on a sort of more black metal style and very
emotional.....a lot of feeling and depth. Sort of taking a step away
from the Swedish Death Metal while circling around it and embracing
certain elements of it. There is something very original in this
upcoming Vulture Eyes but its hard to say exactly what it is, if that
makes sense. I think I am finding our very own style....which is a
great thing!

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and
also what are you listening to nowadays?

Some bands that have influenced my music are Old Man's Child, Amon
Amarth, In Battle, Rotting Christ, Satariel, Composer Phillip
Glass...to name a few. But now I really don't find bands as being an
influence anymore. Feelings, anger, hope, despair, the great
wilderness, wars, human emotion, these are all being translated into
TYW's music.

Nowadays I am enjoying Astriaal, Cradle of Filth's new album,
Summoning,Heaven and Hell, Dio, Gorgoroth, Windir, the Misfits,
Primordial, Iron Maiden, Arckanum, Three Inches of Blood, Demonical,
Diabolical, Bane(BM band), Nordman, and some traditional scandinavian
folk.

There is this style of music called Deathcore and I FUCKING HATE IT.
Can't wait until it passes. Its just a stupid trend and a pissing
contest to see how complicated of a shit ass riff you can write and
throw together in one huge shit pile of a song. uhggg
Hopefully those bandana wearing, above the knee shorts sporting, penny
picking model styled half assed long haired d bags dance their dumb
asses out of the metal scene and onto the next dumb ass trend.
Necrophagist chartered those territories years before this trend with
tasteful songwriting and skill. Get a clue!

10. Does Paganism play any role in your music?
.
No, not at all. To me paganism is just a spin off of modern day
Christianity. They both feed off each other and I find them both
unappealing and just a tool used by people to control other people.
Concerning spirituality what I find I find attractive is the movements
by buddhist, tibetan monks, and the ways and beliefs of native
americans and other native tribes throughout the world. Power and
positivity through our minds is more impressive than having somebody
shove a bible, koran, or whatever and tell you what to believe and
think.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

My interest is first of all my two kids and wife.....and I love being
out in old growth forests and away from people. I'm pretty much
obsessed with Disc Golf in a big way. Play at least an hour or more a
day...its a great game once you get really into it! I like studying
about Freemasonry, natural medicine, illuminati,ancient alien
existence, and any and all lost or deceased civilizations. We have so
much to learn from these people if we approach them with an open mind.
Used to do subsistence fishing in Alaska which I really
enjoyed....basically anytime I can hunt and gather I'm truly happy.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

I would like to thank you very much for the priviledge of this
interview!! If you enjoy TYW's music please purchase a cd from me
through paypal@ thousandyearwar@gmail.com 11$ including shipping(send
shipping info!)
And of course support our label and buy TYW Merch/CD's and other great
abyss records bands @ http://www.officialabyssrecords.com
Download our demo for free at http://www.thousandyearwar.com and
'Like' TYW at http://facebook.com/tyrantsandmen
Check out http://www.infowars.com for more info on the New World
Order......HAILS!!!

Dethcentrik Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?




We formed in 2009 in Colorado Springs, a city outside of Denver. Død actually wanted to join a friend's band as vocalist, so he went home and recorded a vocal demo. The name of the band he used for his vocal demos was "Deathcentrik." Many band members have come and gone, and the current lineup is just the two of us: Jackie T and Død Beverte



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from previous release?




It's much more fluid. Død actually did do one darkwave album as Dethcentrik before Jackie joined the band, but other than that it's generally less abrasive and much more structured than our previous works as a band.




3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the duo explores with the new release?



Død is a college student, and to say the least he is not treated well at school, this town in general is very conservative and honestly treats most metalheads poorly, and the fact the the headquarters for the Christian organization Focus on the Family is actually in town seems to excuse that mistreatment. Anyway, the school had attempted to take disciplinary action against Død based on someone's word that he had done something that he actually hadn't. In turn, he made a joke about wanting to shoot people and was questioned by the campus police. "If Only" expresses anger towards those that had wronged Død, and "Columbine Justice Spree" was indirectly prodding at the school for assuming he would become violent. The video for Columbine Justice Spree was sadly banned by YouTube because to make it more controversial we used actual footage from the security cameras, and video the shooters had filmed. "Rip My Heart Out" is a song Død wrote about parting ways with a friend.



4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?




Død came up with the name Deathcentrik as a way of saying "centered around death." At the time the friend's band that he wanted to join was thrash. Thrash was all his friend would really listen to at all actually, and it rubbed off enough that as a way to pay tribute to Megadeth he changed "Death" to "Deth."


5. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows yet?




Yes actually. Despite the fact that our first performance was awful to see visually, mainly because Død was having a bad night and took it out on everyone else and was sarcastic to boot, it actually sounded good enough that we released the audio in Live 2010. The idea actually arose when his friend was over and he was reviewing show footage and had left the video on in the background, and what was funny is that the show sounded like very well performed raw black metal.


6. I have read that you run a record label, can you tell us a little bit more about the record label and if any other bands are singed to the label?




We have generally been helping promote bands that Død is in contact with. The actual releases under the label are Dethcentrik's discography, which on the single release of Rip My Heart Out includes a remix by the industrial group Cold Metal Future, we co-released one split between Dethcentrik and Bassookah, although their label actually was the official imprint, and Død Beverte's solo album. That said, we want it to be known we are willing to work with bands to the extent they need, and many bands that we help want to remain independent altogether, so we simply promote them, and in a few cases we have worked with the label Seven Times More Scary Productions to get bands Død is in contact with into compilations. Many of the bands we work with do not understand how label contracts work, and in many cases for rights reasons and to keep our bases covered we have to do as little as possible until we know we can do more. We like to help bands in a way that they will appreciate it, rather than feel infringed upon, so Død Incarnate is a promotional outlet and label hybrid really.



7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by fans of underground music?




People either love it or hate it. Funny thing is that when we started there was more hate, and more recently more people like it.




8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?




Jackie wants to add more blues influence and incorporate more sub genres of heavy metal in future releases.




9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?




Every genre has rubbed off on us in some way or another except country and rap. We listen to and are and have been influenced by Steve Vai, Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Nightwish, Emperor, Pink Floyd, Burzum, Enslaved, Dimmu Borgir, Sektor 304, Equilibrium, Combichrist, Nine Inch Nails, and quite a few others.




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




No. Jackie is a Buddhist and Død is an agnostic. In some of the older imagery Død's frustrations with the Catholic church did play a part as he was raised Catholic.



11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?




Jackie plays World of Warcraft, Død likes first person shooters. We both like messed up movies and TV shows a lot.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?




We want to thank you for taking the time to interview us, we really appreciate it!

https://www.facebook.com/Dethcentrik/

Thousand Year War/Tyrants And Men/Abyss Records/2011 CD Review

  Thousand Year War are a band from Anchorage, Alaska that plays a mixture of melodic death and black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Tyrants And Men" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used on occasion, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine melodic death and black metal together along with some traditional and classic metal influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls and high pitched melodic black/death metal screams, while the lyrics cover Mythology, epic and war themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Thousand Year War are a very good melodic death/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Defiance" "No Gods, No Masters" "The Storm I Ride" and "Spartacus". RECOMMENDED BUY.

www.myspace.com/thousandyearwar

 www.facebook.com/tyrantsandmen

 www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar

Sarah Jezebel Diva/The Corruption Of Mercy/Listenable Records/2011 CD Review

  Sarah Jezebel Diva is a singer from England that has been a part of many well known metal projects that had here previous album reviewed in this zine that plays a style that mixes symphonic, ambient and gothic metal together with a black metal edge and this is a review of her 2011 album "The Corruption Of Mercy' which was released by Listenable Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some occasional blast beats, while the keyboards are very dark, symphonic and atmospheric sounding with an industrial edge, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast melodic gothic metal riffs that still have a small amount of a black metal influence, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are all clean singing female vocals that are very operatic sounding mixed in with some whispered vocals, while the lyrics touch on dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is another decent album from Sarah Jezebel Diva and if you where a fan of her past album, you probably wont be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "No Paragon Of Virtue" "Pretty With Effects' and "The Eyes That Lie". RECOMMENDED.

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Dethcentrik/Why The innocent Die Young/2011 CD Review

  Dethcentrik are a band from Colorado Springs, that plays a mixture of industrial, experimental, noise, grindcore, black metal and doom metal to create a sound of their own and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Why The Innocent Die Young".

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming, while the noise effects add a very dark, experimental and avant garde feeling to the music and there is no bass playing present on this recording.

Guitars when they are utilized are mostly rock/metal guitar riffing, while the synths bring a very dark ambient sound to the music.

Vocals are very dark and depressing with somewhat of a grim black metal approach to the music with some clean singing male and female vocals being used on one song as well as some spoken word samples, why the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it has a very weird and dark sound to it.

In my opinion Dethcentrik are a very good avant garde metal band that is very hard to classify and if you are looking for something that is very original and different, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Demise Of Mankind" and "Columbine Justice Spree". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/Dethcentrik/

DungeonHammer Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?
R: We are DungeönHammer, a 2 man act totally dedicated to honor the old gods of metal!
E: We want to honor and to perpetuate the tradition of old school black metal.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the 7 inche's
E: We just want to sound as badass as Hellhammer did!
R: We are trying to make metal the way it used to be: simple, raw and passionate. We hope to convey this feeling in both 7"-es.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
R: We write about hell and damnation! What did you expect?
E: And about witchery and the occult.

4. I can tell by the bands name and music there is a huge Hellhammer influence, can you tell us what is about Hellhammer that inspired this project and also what are your views of Tom G Warrior disowning his first band?
R: You're right about the HellHammer influence! It should be an influence in every band. HellHammer is just one of the best bands ever (early Celtic Frost too). There's just something magical in those songs, they really don't make 'em like that anymore. My views on Tom G Warrior these days: he should do whatever he wants, this guy is a living legend.
E: Yes Hellhammer and the two first albums of Celtic Frost are our main influence. I really dig the new sound Tom G Warrior has created with Monotheist and Triptykon. I can't wait to hear the new album.

5. I have noticed that the 2 members live in different countries, how do you both work on the song writing and recording process?
R: That's right! I live in The Netherlands and E lives in France, about 600 km apart from each other. There is no other way than to mail each other a shitload of demo recordings and ideas, so that's what we do. When the basics of the songs are fully explored, we record drums, bass and guitars in our rehearsal rooms. I then make a mix and from there on we start working on vocals and solos. It takes a lot of time, but it's worth it!
E: I think it's a good thing to be in a 2 members band. It's easier to agree on riff ideas and song structures. On the other hand, It'd be definetely easier if we both lived in the same town.

6. Currently your stuff is being put out by Bestial Invasion Records, how did you come in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given the band so far?
R: Dominik of Bestial Invasion Records is really the best guy ever! When we put our first demo track on myspace he contacted us and said he wanted to release it! So he started Bestial Invasion Records. The amount of releases he put out is insane! He trades actively with all the cool distros around the world, like Hells Headbangers for example. It's really cool to see that our records are sold all over the planet. Without Dominik's support we couldn't have done this!
E: Eternal hails to Dominik!

7. Are there any other projects besides this band?
R: I also play in an experimental project and a noise project. Nothing that's really interesting for the people that like DungeönHammer...
E: DungeönHammer is my priority at the moment.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by underground metal fans?
R: Really well! We were really surprised about that! Our first split with the Necro-Thrashers of RUST got some great reviews and is already sold out at Bestial Invasion Records! That's 500 records in 1 year! We are still really happy with that split and it's great to notice that the fans like it too.
E: We had a lot of positive reactions from true old school metal fans which is the most important thing for me.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
E: Same direction, making badass tracks from hell!
R: Yeah, we keep on heading in the same direction as the last 2 releases.

10. Besides Hellhammer what are some other bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
R: Bathory, Motörhead and Discharge are my main influences for DungeönHammer. For the rest I listen to grindcore and experimental stuff, I don't listen to a lot of black metal.
E: My main influences are of course the first wave of black metal but also some doom metal and 70s rock too. I'm a huge fan of Pentagram and Saint Vitus.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in the music?
R: It does not play any role for me.
E: Occultism plays a role in the lyrics writing.

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
R: The usual stuff: hanging with friends, listening music, watching movies, going to gigs...
E: Headbanging, hanging out in pubs...

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
R,E: Thanks a lot for this interview, we really appreciate it! Check out our songs at our bandcamp: http://dungeonhammer.bandcamp.com/ and add us on facebook (www.facebook.com/dungeonhammer). Pay your respect to these bands and labels: Occvlta, Rust, Purgatör, Bestial Invasion Records, Burning World Records, Do Not Run We Are Your Friends, Geiser and Dead Neanderthals!

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DungeonHammer/Frozen Wasteland/Bestial Invasion Records/2010 Split 7 Inch Review

DungeonHammer are a band that has members from both France and Holland that mixes thrash, black metal , doom and punk together and this is a review of their 2011 split 7 inch which was released by Bestial Invasion Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced riffs that combine black, doom, thrash and punk together together to create a sound that is very dark and could of easily came out in the 80's, while the lead guitars are very raw and chaotic sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are in the vein of Celtic Frost and Hellhammer style grunts and growls, while the lyrics cover dark and evil themes, as for the production it has a very raw, primitive, and dark sounding 80's feeling to it.

In my opinion DungeonHammer are a very good old school sounding black/thrash/doom metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this. RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Nordheim/Lost In The North/Maple Metal Records/2011 CD Review

  Nordheim are a band from Quebec, Canada that plays a mixture of pagan, folk, melodic death and black metal and this is a review of their album which was originally self released in 2010 but re-issued by maple Metal Records in 2011.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards bring a very symphonic, atmospheric and epic feel to the music with some pagan sounding flutes being thrown in at times, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffing that combines melodic death metal with black and folk metal with a touch of classic metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic and skilled sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars which are only used for a few seconds they bring a very dark and medieval feeling to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched screams that combine melodic death metal and black metal together with some clean singing pagan metal vocals being thrown in at times as well as some deep growls, while the lyrics cover paganism, folklore and drinking, as for the production it has a very heavy, powerful and professional feeling to it.

In my opinion Nordheim are a very good melodic pagan/folk/black/death metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Nightborn' "Praise To The Gods" "Sailing The Drakaar" and "Blessing From The Stars". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Chthonic Interview

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

After the former album ‘Mirror of Retribution’ released in 2009 and two-month tour in North America and UK, we were heading to writing new songs for next album. During those days we also did some successful performance at festivals like Loud Park (Japan), Hammerfest (UK), Download Festival (UK), Wave Gotik Treffen (DE).



In 2011 spring, we recorded our new album ‘Takasago Army’ at Sweet Spot Studio in Halmstad, Sweden’, produced by Rickard Bengtsson (Arch Enemy, Nemesis) , and it released in the middle of this year.



We had successful headline tour in Japan and Taiwan right after album release, and also were invited to play ‘Busan Festival’ in Korea. Then we’re heading to tour North America and Europe for the rest of this year!



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?



The theme of ‘Takasago Army’ has more various emotions: from the confusion of themselves because of the identity to become proud of their own bravery in battle field, and then the depress feeling when they have to face to the loss of the war but at the same time they find themselves a inner freedom and their identity to Taiwanese ancestors. So the emotion of rise and fall of ‘Takasago Army’ is huge than ‘Mirror of Retribution’.



3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?



《Takasago Army》is our 6th full-length album. It’s talking about the struggling emotions and struggles of those over 200,000 Taiwanese soldiers who were fighting for Imperial Japanese Army in South Pacific in WWII.



They find themselves’ dignity and identity though this brutal and bloody process.



But after WWII, Chinese army (KMT party) occupied Taiwan, and those soldiers were forced to fight for Chinese army in their inner war with communist regime, most of them never come back. At the meantime, there’s also an uprising from Taiwanese people to against Chinese government, but it leads to a tragic massacre in Taiwan called ‘228 Massacre’.



It’s a series concept album, and it’s also the last part of the trilogy of our former two albums.



4. I know that the album title is based on the aboriginal tribes in Taiwan joining the military in World War II, what interest do you have in the mythology of these people and I have noticed not that many bands have ever explored that form of mythology with their lyrics?



Because this is a good story, and it’s based on the REAL history but was hidden by the history for over 60 years, so not too many people knows those people of WWII.



We have a very strong interest toward to this kind of topic. Our former albums were also related to mythology/history theme.



We are not interested in bring fans History class, what we want to reveal via the concept is the spirit and the value as a human beings based on those stories. J


5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?



‘ChthoniC’ means ‘Gods from the underworld’. For the past few albums, we’re re-creating the Oriental mythology based on the real history or culture background, like the second album was talking about Taiwanese Aboriginal Gods wake up and fight against the Gods from Mainland China to protect the island; In third album, we’re writing a revenge story by a female ghost who was been killed and tortured both mentally and physically. For the later 3 albums, we are writing the heroic battles based on our folk stories and hidden history in WWII.



All the elements of the stories, the living and dead people are all connected to the concept of ‘Acheron’.



6. You have done a lot of tours over the years, out of all of the places that you have played so far which one did you enjoy the most and also which band was the funnest to tour with or do live shows with, and also how would you describe your stage performance?



Actually I LOVE all fans from every countries, I ‘enjoy’ them very much! Haha! But the most favorite fans are still in Taiwan! ;)



7. What are the touring plans for the new album?



US Tour: From Sep 8th to Oct 4th, we will tour with Arch Enemy, Devil Driver and Skeletonwitch in the US and Canada! Excited!



UK Tour: From Oct 27th to Nov 17th, we will be main support of Turisas UK tour. Looking forward to play with them (and also the other band from Finland- Kiuas! ;)



Europe Tour: We will Tour from Dec 6th to Dec 22nd with Arch Enemy and Warbringer in Germany, France, Switzerland and Netherlands.



CHTHONIC will have a big outdoor concert in Taiwan on Oct 22nd. And the place is right in front of 'Sing-Ling Temple'. Sing-Ling Temple is a very important concept in our albums (Mirror of Retribution and Takasago Army). So the concert will connect to our album perfectly.



Now not only the place is very special, our guest play will also be very special. Now Randy Blythe from Lamb of God will fly to Taiwan to play with us and BBQ for fans!!! And now we're having a 'competition' for foreign fans, if you pass the competition, you can win the flight tickets to Taiwan to see our concert! :)



8. How has the feedback been from fans that have heard the new album so far?



I think it’s pretty good, and again, better than former album!



Especially this album is the last piece of the trilogy, that interest many people and draw more fans to notice our former albums! This ‘Takasago Army’ completes a trilogy that binds together the band’s Seediq Bale and Mirror Of Retribution albums, released in 2007 and 2009 respectively.



9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?



From the new experience of composing songs for our latest album, we think we will use more Oriental elements and Taiwanese folk music as the base foundation, then mix metal music into it. The logic is different from our former albums, and we love to do our music in this way now. J


10. The last few albums came out on Spinefarm, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you compare Spinefarm to the other record labels that you have been on?



Our label manager in Spinefarm UK has already listened to our music before we signed with them. So when we start to shop labels, it’s naturally for us to get connection with this label.



Before Spinefarm, we’ve been worked SPV, and some individual label in different countries. After signing with Spinefarm, of course the aspect becomes wider and the strategy is more international.



We have good time in working with them. J


11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have influenced the new album and also what are you listening to nowadays?



The main song writers Freddy and Jesse have listened more Taiwanese traditional music (Enka) according to their ages getting older! (haha!) So if talking about the influence to CHTHONIC nowadays, I think that might be bunch of names on the list are Taiwanese singers or artists! :D



12. What role does Occultism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?



Maybe it’s because the word ‘Orient Metal’ that we use more often nowadays has given some imagination of ‘Occultism’? J But we do use many concepts from the mythology of aboriginals, Taiwanese, Japanese and some other Eastern Asia countries.



It’s a natural process for us to use those elements just because we’re so into this kind of topic and theme. J


13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

For me, that would be cooking and traveling! I love good food all over the world! J And also I love to read some novels / poem or business magazines under the dim light at night! J


14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?



Join the competition and win the flight ticket from your country to Taiwan for our concert in Oct 22nd! (And also having BBQ with CHTHONIC and Randy from Lam of God!)



Also, our new album ‘Takasago Army’ will release in North America on Sep 6th, and soon CHTHONIC and Arch Enemy will start our NA tour from this Sep 8th! Don’t miss it!!! J


Our new music video! :)

Takao: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_UkowmQs30
Broken Jade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heF_NPJbv8Y

Scythia/Of Exile/2011 CD Review

Scythia are a band from Canada that has their previous album reviewed in this zine that plays a musical style that I would describe as being folk metal mixed with melodic black/death metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "OF Exile".

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the folk instruments and synths give the music a folk music feel added in with touches of psychedelia, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced folk metal riffing that is very melodic at times and does not have the melodic black.death metal influences like the previous recording, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding heavy metal guitar leads, as for the acoustic guitars they use finger picking and fell chords to bring a very dark medieval folk music feel to the music.

Vocals are all clean singing folk metal vocals with some occasional female vocals mixed in with some whispers and spoken word passages in addition the screams and growls from the previous recording don't make much of an appearance on this recording except for a couple of songs, while the lyrics touch on fantasy and mythology, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion while I still preferred their first album I still feel this is a good album from Scythia and if you are a fan of this band, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Spirit Of The Quest" "Voice Of The Sword" "For The King" and "Dies Irae II". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yKgWHAv4E8

Bolero Interview

Answered by Morgan Rider (vocalist/bass)


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


We have just put out our first album, 'Voyage from Vinland' as well as our first music video for our song 'Pints Held High'. We are writing, rehearsing and playing shows more than we ever have before. We've had the opportunity to play our local area with some larger bands this year. Also, the 2nd album is coming along quite nicely!


2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?


The sounds you might hear on 'Voyage from Vinland' range from folk, celtic, symphonic, thrash, traditional, ambient, death metal, black metal and everything in between. Most importantly, it is Bolero.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?


Our lyrical approach on this album varies from song to song depending on the mood and atmosphere of the music. On Send of the War Summons, the lyrics were written about a savage attack on a settlement and being through the perspective of those at the spear point and the assailants simultaneously. On the other hand, A Silence Prolonging (the albums' acoustic song) depicts the psychological and physical falling of a great conqueror as his victories only fuel his willingness to die. We never intended on it in the first place, but the album ended up becoming a story from start to finish.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?


We decided on our band name (and I should state right now that everything that we do in this band is deliberate and thought out well in advance) after Maurice Ravel's 'Bolero'. We decided the name personified everything we wanted this band to strive for musically and logistically. These traits include direction, flow, change and diversity.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?


It seems that every show we play becomes the new 'best' for the band in general. The songs feel smoother than ever to play live. Some of the best shows of the past year though might include our CD release party for Voyage from Vinland. This was one raucious party. The beer flowed as much as the hair did. Good times all around. Another notable one was the last time we played with TYR and Crimson Shadows. I would describe our stage performance as being a party in fast forward. Lots of energy, movement and alcohol fueled positive atmosphere. We love our fans.


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


We are taking what we're getting at this point! Right now we do have some plans to cover Central and North Ontario change as well as a few jaunts into Quebec in September for the hell of it. We have some larger shows planned for the Autumn, but of course that is all I can say about that at this point.


7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so, what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the band?


At this point in the band's development, we are passively seeking label representation and are open to any offers that may come along. We have an excellent manager and an excellent publicist right now and are very happy with the growth we are seeing.


8. I have been noticing for the last few months that there has been more bands coming out of Canada playing the folk metal style and that is something I have not seen in the U.S even though when bands of that genre play down here there is a decent crowd, do you feel Canada adopts the European culture alot better than the Americans?


I really think it depends on what regions of Canada and the United States you are looking at when it comes to the influence of European culture. For us, the majority of this resides in Quebec (particularly Montreal).


9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?


At this point, we all have jobs and this band is the only musical project we are all involved in.


10. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by folk metal fans?


Overwhelmingly positive. It is always awesome to hear a supportive fan in person talking about how much they enjoyed your album or your set, but when you begin seeing 10/10 reviews from Italy and Finland, it begins to stir some different vibes of satisfaction. Other than that, we cannot complain with the great feedback we've been getting not only from the folk and epic metal fans, but fans of music in general.


11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Definitely more intelligently written music from hereon in. We want to keep the same epic and major scale melody feel as that is a huge part of our sound. We might see longer songs, more clean singing, who knows?!


12. What are some, bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


Windir, Arcturus, Flogging Molly, Vital Remains, Viraemia, Cannibis Corpse, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium, Planxty, Irish Rovers Adagio. Pretty much a wide helping of everything.


13. What role does Paganism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?


It does not play any part in our music besides in the lyrical themes and only from an outsiders view. None of us are religious nor do we feel we have any need for it. I think Paganism is a term used too loosely and ignorantly nowadays, especially when it comes to being used to describe this sort of music. But from that sort of standpoint, we are relatively neutral and uncaring.


14. outside of music what are some of your interests?


We all obviously have different interests outside of music which include cars, videogames, bonfires, roadtrips, drinking. All the good things this life has to offer!


15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?


Thank you very much for the opportunity and best regards!

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Bolero/Voyage From Vinland/2011 CD Review

Bolero are a band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada that mixes Celtic folk metal with melodic black metal and death metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Voyage From Vinland".


Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the keyboards and flutes being a very atmospheric, symphonic and Celtic folk music feel to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffing that combines influences from Celtic Music, folk metal, melodic black metal and death metal with a great amount of melodies being thrown in the music, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding heavy metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they being a very medieval sounding Celtic folk music feel to the music.

Vocals combine high pitched screams that are influenced by both black metal and melodic death metal with deep growls and clean singing male and female vocals, while the lyrics cover Celtic Mythology, Paganism and War, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy and professional sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Bolero are a very good Celtic folk/black/melodic death metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Send Of The War Summons" "When Legends Die" "O' Hail To The Northlander" and "Way To Forgotten Lands". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlaCcVvVfVY

Chthonic/Takosago Army/Spinefarm/2011 CD Review

Chthonic are a band from Thailand that has one of their previous albums reviewed before in this zine with a music style that I would describe as being symphonic black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Takosago Army" which was released by Spinefarm.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the synths bring a very dark, atmospheric and symphonic sound to the music with some occasional folk instruments that bring an oriental flavor to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are melodic at times and utilize influences from death and traditional metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos that have a traditional metal feel to them.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep growls and some clean singing male and female, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of English and their native tongue with touch on Oriental Mysticism and dark topics, as for the production it has a very powerful, heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Chthonic and if you where a fan of their previous albums, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Legend Of The Seediq" "Oceanquake" "Southern Cross" and "Mahakala". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.chthonic.org
http://www.facebook.com/chthonic

Furor Gallico Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of your before?


Hi everybody!! What can I say..
Furor Gallico was born for joke in 2007 from an idea of Ste, Becky and Mela, our first bass player.
Than we started writing songs playing our folk celtic metal with the insertion of traditional instruments like celtic harp, violin,
tin whistle, bouzouki, etc. we recorded our demo "390 b.C. - The Glorious Dawn" in 2008 and our
full-length "Furor Gallico" in 2010, now republished by Massacre record.


2. How would you describe your musical sound?


Our musical sound is.. Folk Metal! Everybody us listen to different musical genres, death, black, brutal, prog ecc..
Furor Gallico is a combination of all that kind of music for make our Folk Metal.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the music explores?


Here in Italy we have a lot of legends, a beautiful history. So we speak about it, our history, our ancestors, the ancient religion..
La Caccia Morta, one of te italian songs we play, is an ancient legend from Bergamo, north-italian city;
Medhelan is dedicated to the founder of our city, Milano; Ancient Rites is simply a way to remember the ancestors that lived here before us..


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?


We have decided this name one evening in a pub.. we was looking for an italian name that was "aggressive"..
So Furor Gallico came out! This is the description that roman people gave to the celtic people during a battle,
the famous Celtic warriors Fury named by Gulio Cesare in his De Bello Gallico as Furor Gallico.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?


We have done a lot of gigs during the years, in Italy and in Europe. I remember the one with Eluveitie in Fribourgh (CH) at the Fri-Son,
or the most recent show in Bavarian Battle (D).. of course that are the best show we have done! Beautifl location, beautiful people..
we hope to have again some beautiful experiences like these!! And about our show what can I say? we play to have fun!
Our music is a mix of Folk, Death, Black metal.. so is an heavy music! But we think to have fun on the stage and we hope to transmit
our sensation to the people!!


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


Now we are writing the tour for the release, we have some gigs in Italy and we're gonna come back in Germany and Switzertland between
autumn and winter.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by folk metal fans?


We have listened a lot of people out of Europe that like our music, we have sended some cd in Canada, Brazil, Japan, ever with a good
response.. and when we have played out of Italy we have had beautiful experiences everytime!! So we hope to play, why not, also in America or in
Asia hehe for now we are having a lot of gigs in Italy with a beautiful public and a beautiful response!


8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line -up?


Simo, our drummer, join in Bastard Saints, Italian Brutal Death (strange, eh? hehe).
They have a big discography and they had a lot of gigs in Italy and in Europe in the past.
He is the only one with another band.


9. What direction dou see the music heading into on future releases?


we've just composed several songs for our next album and they play really different than the previous. our sound is still the same, but
we're trying to find something new, to create new solutions, hoping that people will appriciate our work.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


Of course band as Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Manegarm, Primordial and other famous folk metal band has influenced our music,
but as I said before everybody of us has a different musical background, we listen to every musical genre and this is the real
influences of Furor Gallico's sound: many difference kind of music!


11. How would you describe your views on Celtic -paganism?


we want to let this cultures reborn trough our songs. we love celtic legends, celtic culture and its connection with nature.
anyway we're not that kind of fanatic people that live in the past. we live in 2011 with our beer, our sigarettes, our tv and our
facebook account eheheh, but we think is important to not forget our roots.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?


We study or work outside Furor Gallico, so we have other occupation.. Pagan and Fabio are studying Graphic Design
(great for us so we don't need to look forward for a graphic designer hehe).. Becky loves nature, Ste is a fucking awful engineer,
Oldhan an informaticsÉ so we have a lot of different interests...


13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?


Thank you very much for this interview, I hope to see you or someone reading this words at one our show soon hehe thank to everyone
read this interview!
You can find more info about Furor Gallico on our myspace, facebook and website pages:

www.myspace.com/furorgallico
www.furorgallico.it
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Furor-Gallico/201640203204769

Furor Gallico/Self Titled/Massacre Records/2011 CD Review

Furor Gallico are a band from Italy that plays Celtic Folk Metal with a melodic black/death edge and this is a review of their self titled 2011 album which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with not much in the way of blast beats, while the folk instruments bring a medieval Celtic folk music feel to the music, as for the bass playing, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine folk/pagan metal with melodic black/death metal, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding metal guitar leads, as for the accoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a dark sound to the music.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep death metal growls and clean singing pagan vocals, while the lyrics cover Celtic Mythology and Paganism, as for the production it has a very professional sound to it.

In my opinion Furor Gallico are a very good folk metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Ancient Rites" "the Gods Have Returned" "Miraculous Child" and "Banshee". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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