Okkultokrati/Snakereigns/Fysisk Format 2012 CD Review

 Okkultokrati  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  mixes  black'n'roll  with  doom  metal  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Snakereigns"  which  was  released  by  Fysisk  Format.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  black  metal,  doom,  sludge,  rock  and  punk  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  some  primitive  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  when t hey  are  utilized  are  rock'n'roll  style  guitar solos  and  leads.

  Vocals range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  to  early  80's  style  black  metal  growls,  while the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  in  addition  some  of  the  songs  are  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Okkultokrati  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  black  metal,  doom,  sludge,  rock  and  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "No  Ouroboros"  "I  Thought  Of  Demons"  "We're  So  Heavy"  and  "Nothing  Awaits". RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Vex/Memorius/Horror Pain Gore Death Productions/2013 CD Review

  Vex  are  a  band  from  Texas  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  mixes  melodic  black metal  with  progressive  death  metal  and  thrash  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Memorious"  which  will  be  released  by  Horror  Pain  Gore  Death  Productions.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  death  metal  with  progressive  death  metal  and  thrash  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  progressive  sounding  black/death  metal guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  add  more  progressive  touches  to  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  to  deep  death  metal  growls  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  and  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressing  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length..

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vex  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carve  My  Eyes"  "Spectral  Nation"  "Away  From  The  Sun"  and  "A  Drinking  Song".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.


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The Advent Equation Interview

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

A: We are a 5 member Progressive metal band from Monterrey, Mexico. That has been working on this project since 2008. Recently we released our debut album independently.

THE ADVENT EQUATION is composed by:

Daniel Cordoba: Guitar and growling vocals.

Margil H. Vallejo: Bass and clean vocals.

Luis Gómez: Guitar

Roberto Charles: Drums

Esaú García: Keyboards.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

A: it’s a mixture of heavy guitar influences, along with atmospheric leads and rhythm complexity, which can go from warm and calm melodic passages, to aggressive and dynamic grooves.

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

A: it goes around an existential theme throughout the songs, exploring the mind’s journey through loss, pain and death.

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

A: We can describe its meaning by looking at the words individually, with ADVENT we have something big, a change that will occur, that being one side of it, and on the other one we have the word EQUATION which speaks of balance, equality that each member brings .

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

A: We’ve had some memorable performances throughout the years, joining stage with bands such as Haggard, and Opeth, which have been rewarding, each on their own. And definitely a remarkable moment on our history was when we presented this album with a full venue on our hometown.

As for our performance, it has always been as energetic as it is atmospheric, trying to share the way we feel the music.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

A: we look forward to promote our music in 2013, across our country and wherever our music can be heard.

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 your music?

A: We decided to go ahead and release the album independently, to get our music out there, and of course we would be open to professionally work with a label, with intention to make an important contribution to the modern metal scene.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?

A: It has been received in a very positive light, and we would like to take this moment to thank anyone who has supported us by looking us up on social media, and given the album a listen.

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

A: Thanks to the genre’s versatility, our future releases will stay within progressive metal. We strongly believe in not limiting yourself. This has been our main drive to make things as professional as possible, to take every detail into consideration, and ensure our productions have the best of each of us.

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

A: As each member comes from a different background musically speaking, we have a multitude of influences, just to mention a few, Porcupine Tree, Tool, Cynic, Camel, Pink Floyd and melodic metal in general.

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

A: Photography, art, whiskey, sports, videogames, and what living in an industrial city entails.

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

A: We would like to thank anyone that took the time to read this interview, and invite you to listen to our music, visit our Facebook and Twitter accounts, and please be more than welcome to contact us.

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The Advent Equation/Limitless Life Reflection/2012 CD Review

  The  Advent  Equation  are  a  band  from  Monterrey,  Mexico  that  plays  a  very  progressive  form  of  melodic  black/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Limitless Life  Reflection".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  no  fast  playing  a  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  dark, atmospheric  and  progressive  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing t hat  is coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal,  doom  and  death  metal  with  progressive  rock  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for the acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  full  chords  and  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  progressive  sound  of  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  to  deep  blackened  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressing themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  and  heavy  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  along  with  a  good  amount  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  The  Advent  Equation  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic,  progressive  black/death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "On  Darkness"  "Visions  Of  Pain"  and  "Hopeless".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Sulphur Aeon/Swallowed By The Ocean's Tide/FDA Rekotz/2012 CD Review

  Sulphur  Aeon  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  very melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Swallowed  By  The  Ocean's  Tide"  which  was  released  by  FDA  Rekotz.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing,  as  for  the  synths  when  they  are  utilized  they  bring  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sound  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  sounding  black  metal  riffs  with  brutal  blackened  death  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  black/death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  to  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  occult,  Lovecraft  and  horror  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Sulphur  Aeon  are  a very  great  sounding  mixture  of  melodic  black  metal  and  death metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Incantation"  "The  Devil's  Gorge"  "Monolithic"  and  "Zombi'.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Grai Interview

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

At the very moment we’re composing the material for the 3rd album. In the first half of 2013 the recording may be begun. Besides, we’re planning to take part in some gigs – we’re preparing for them. But mainly we compose the new material which’s going to gladden our listeners, suppose.

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

The album’s full of different wind-instruments sounds, female vocal-trio and more lively and merry music development. Though we couldn’t’ do without ballads, we tried to expound them more brightly. Moreover, in comparison with the previous one this album is more merry, bold and energetic.

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

In particular we continue composing and playing music touching upon the theme of the holidays and our ancestors’ mode of life, some stories of nature. It contains much humor on a level of serious themes. But the major aim is to tell the listeners about all the sides of our ancestors’ way of life – from our point of view. We add to our music more wind- and folk instruments – a jew’s harp, kalyuka, bag-pipe, whistle.

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

One shouldn’t rely on the literal translation though there’s a grain of it in it’s meaning. That’s the cry or a song of a bird which can be heard in the sky and everywhere. Like us for we want our song be hears everywhere.

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

Each gig is great and unique in it’s way, but most of all we were impressed by the open-air “Peredvizhenye” in Pereslavl’ –Zalessky, “Bylinny bereg 2012” in Kimry, Folk-fest – 2012 in Ufa. We shared stage with Troll bends Fir, Skolot and many other well-known bands,. Fresh air, pure nature, great scene and sound and a friendly audience stuck in our memory.

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

Yes, we’re planning to go to the festival “Nasledye 2012” in Tambov in the nearest future. But before that we’re going to visit Kazan. Ulianovsk and after that Izhevsk at the end of this year. Moreover, we’ve got some plans to visit Europe in 2013.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of folk metal?

There were rather flattering feedback from the fans from South America, Chili, France – there were lots of reviews! Thanks to everyone for those pleasant opinions. And Russia. Of course. Thanks to everyone who knows and listens to us!

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

Yes, some of us participate in side-projects, But GRAI is first-priority, naturally)) Ruzveld, Andrey and Irina take part in the project of Alex Nightbird Soloviev – Serdze-Kamen’.

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

We think, it’s going to be a bit more complicated and melodious but thought-provoking, of course – more wind-instruments and merry inflammatory tunes. That’s going to be directed on folklore and nature even more.

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

One can’t say that playing this music we listen to folk music only. Some of us listen to electronic music, some like jazz or classical music. Some listen to progressive, the others – pagan-metal. That would take too much time to enumerate all the genres and the bands. Concerning the first part of the question - our music was influenced be Cruachan, Gods Tower, Alkonost, Korpiklaani e.t.c.

11.How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Paganism is a way of displaying of patriotism and honoring and giving respect to your Native Land. To esteem former times when all the Slavic folks were a single whole when there were no fat feudal lords. I think we should never loose the pivot making us what we are. We all should know who we are and where we live.

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

Unfortunately, we have a lack of time. Mainly we spend it at the rehearsals and at work. But some of us are fond of travelling, going cycling, arranging the gigs and celebrating some holidays))))

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

Spend your time rationally, do what you like doing and the result won’t keep you waiting, That’s going to be beyond any expectations. Listen to true music! Wish you peace and all the best!

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Frosthelm Interview

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

D - Frosthelm is a metal band from North Dakota with black/thrash metal influences.

JI - Comeing out of the friggid depths of North Dakota, we embody all that is Frosthelm. With freezing riffs and thundering rythm we ride the plains, slaying all in our quest for the Froshelm!!

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
D - Tight, catchy metal tunes brah!
T - We're an aggressive thrash inspired band.
JI - I would say that we are a Thrash/Melodic Death Metal band that utilizes strong Black Metal influences.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band

explores with the music?
T - Lots of fantasy, the dark aspects of life.
D - Video games, fantasy, murder, evil, ghosts, goblins, epic battle, the power of darkness, ect
Ji - The Frosthelm!!!

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

D - I'm not sure. We picked four or five names and did some secret ritual black magic thing with 12 sided dice or something and Frosthelm is the one that got chosen. Ghost of Gygax?
Ji - The cold, war torn battle helm of a northern warrior.

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

T - We played the Cino de Metal show in Minot with two of our favorite North Dakota bands (Gorgatron and Enviovore) and it was a fucking blast! All the bands played awesome!

Jim - Just got done playing an awesome show with Resistant Culture, the tribal crust/grind band feat. members of Terrorizer. We had a blast!

JI - I honestly love every show we play. No matter if it's 5 or 500 peaple, I always have a blast.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
D - Not at the moment
JI - Let's just hope that in the not too distant future Frosthelm will ride across this great nation on our bloody quest.

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 music?
T - Yes we are looking. A label that believes in us and is willing to invest in our music would be swell! 

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
D - We've only gotten a few reviews from our recent EP so far, but they have been swell!
JI - Feedback has been positive so far. Can't wait to hear from more of our metal brothers and sisters around the world.

9. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
D - Jim and I have a grind band called Ditchpig. I'm also a troubadour.
T - I have a solo acoustic project called Pfliger Fantasy.
JI - I'm trying to start some stuff. We will see what happens.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
D - The music we write is pretty varied as far as style goes, so I don't really know. I'm thinking about trying to bring nu-metal back.
JI- Let the evil ones decide.

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

D - Metallica and Slayer are the bands that inspired me to play guitar in the first place, so my riffing style is heavily influenced by thrash. Bands like Dissection and Amon Amarth taught me about melody. I've been listening to Witchery, Dark Funeral and W.A.S.P. lately.
T - Bands like Scorpions and Gwar got me into being in a band. Also, I like Cattle Decapitation, Cephalic Carnage, Setherial; bands like that. I have been spinning discs by Deathspell Omega, Portal, and Noisear.
JI - The others guys kinda nailed it. What more can I say?

Jim - I've always had it for those dark and eerie type bands i.e. Immolation, Belphegor, Dark Funeral to name a couple. Early Sepultura is what really got me hooked on playing guitar though. Lately I've been listenening to Ketzer, Watain, and Martyrdod.

12. How would you describe the metal scene in North Dakota?
D - There are not a ton of metal bands here, but the ones that are playing are all good and pretty much cover the whole metal spectrum.

T - Isolated, Starved for national acts, but our local metal bands do a good job and support one another and the local scene.

JI - Though most may not think there is much metal in ND, we do have our share.

Jim - Unpredictable.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
D - I like knives, video games, books, craft beers, hunting, fishing, and general out-of-doors activity.
T - Sluts, drugs, beer.
JI - That crazy shit no body wants to talk about.

Jim- Really into recording/producing music, and other shit like that.

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
D - Buy our EP! Stay frosty!
T- Ditto, son.

JI - Keep it metal!

Jim-

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Catamenia/The Best Of Catamenia/Massacre Records/2012 Digital Compilation Review

  Catamenia  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  I  would  describe  as  being  gothic,  melodic  and  symphonic  sounding  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  digital  compilation  album  "The  Best  Of  Catamenia"  which  was  released  by  Massacre  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow.mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times ,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark, atmospheric,  symphonic,  and  gothic  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing t hat  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  melodic  black/death  metal  riffs  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  have  a  traditional  metal  feeling  to  them.

  Vocals range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  deep  death metal  growls,  clean singing  and  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Finnish  and  English  and  they  cover dark  themes,  as  for the production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  from  Catamenia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cavalcade"  "Closed  gates  Of  Hope"  "The  Heart  Of  Darkness"  and  "Farewell".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Miseria Visage/Offering/III Rooks Records/2012 Single Review

  Miseria  Visge  are  a  band  from  The  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  single  "Offering" which  was  released  by  III  Rooks  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  song,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing t hat  dominates  throughout  the  song.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  black  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  good  amount  of  melody  in  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads  with  a  traditional  metal  feeling  to  them.

  Vocals  are  all  high  pitched  black metal  screams.  while  the  lyrics  cover  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on t he  song.

  In  my  opinion  Miseria  Visage  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre, you  should c heck  out  this  single.  RECOMMENDED.

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Cernunnos/The Beast/2003 EP Review

  Cernunnos  are  a  band  from  Georgia  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black/pagan  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  3003  ep  "The  Beast".

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

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  mainstream  style  black  metal  riffs  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  to  clean  singing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Celtic Paganism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark  sound  that  is  more  underground  sounding  than  most  symphonic  black  metal  bands  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Cerrunnos  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black/pagan  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Perpetual  Avalon"  and  "Battle  Hymn  Of  The  Motherland".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Frosthelm//The Northwinds Rend Flesh/2012 EP Review

  Frosthelm  are  a  band  from  North  Dakota  that  plays  a  mixture  of  melodic  black  and  thrash  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  ep  "The  Northwinds  Rend  Flesh".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  tone  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal  with  thrash  metal  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  have  a  traditional  metal  feeling  to  them,.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  growls  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  nature  and  corruption  themes,  as  for  the  production it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In my  opinion Frosthelm  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  melodic  black  metal  and  thrash  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Damage  Over  Time"  and  "The  Northwinds  Rend  Flesh".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Grai/O Zemle Rodnoy (About Our Native Land)/Vic Records/2012 CD Review

  Grai  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "O  Zemle  Rodnoy  (About  Our  Native  Land)"  which  was  released  by  Vic  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  while  the  flutes  and  other  folk  instruments  bring  a  very  medieval  and  pagan  sound  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  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  folk  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  influences  from  melodic  pagan  and  black  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  full  chords  to  bring  a  folk  music  sound  to the  music.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  female  pagan/folk  metal  vocals  with a  brief  use  of  deep  growls  and harsh  screams being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Russian  and  cover Slavic  Folklore  and  Paganism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Grai  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Psen  O  Zemle  Rodnoy"  "Leshak"  "Uchody  dalyoko,  gore"  and  "Vstavy  s  koleni!".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Sloth Herder/8.13.12 Room Recordings/2012 EP Review

  This  is  another  review  of  an  ep  from  Sloth  Herder  called  "8.13.12  Room  Recordings.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times  adding  more  grindcore  influences,  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,  mid  paced  to  fast  blackened  grindcore  riffs  that  utilize  some  sludge  influences  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

    Vocals  are  all  high  pitched  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  recording  from  Sloth  Herder.  RECOMMENDED

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Sloth Herder/Sluggard/2012 EP Review

 Sloth  Herder  are  a  band  from  Maryland  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  sludge  mixed  with  grindcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  ep  "Sluggard".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  little  to  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  black  metal,  sludge,  and  grindcore  together  to create  a  sound  of  their  own  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  all  high  pitched  screams  that  combine  black  metal,  grind  and  sludge  together,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Sloth  Herder  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  black  metal,  sludge  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blown"  and  "WB".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Band Camp: http://slothherdermd.bandcamp.com/album/sluggard-ep

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sloth-Herder/191788187515489

StereoKiller: http://www.slothherder.stereokiller.com/

Lastfm: http://www.last.fm/music/Sloth+Herder

Blogspot: http://slothherdermd.blogspot.com/

E-mail: abandonpopsensibility@gmail.com

Kalter/Spiritual Angel/Maple Metal Records/2012 CD Re-IssueReview

  Kalter  are  a band  from  Quebec  City,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  melodic  black/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2010  album  "Spiritual  Angel"  which  was  released  by  Maple  Metal  Records  in  2012.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats,  while  the  keyboards  have  a  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sound  to  them  with  some  progressive  rock  elements,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal,  death  and  traditional  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  progressive  sounding  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  add  another  dark  dimension  to  the  music.

  Vocals  range from  high  pitched  screams,  deep  growls  and  clean  singing  male  and  female  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Kalter  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  melodic  black/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Darker  By  The  Day"  "From  Now  To  Eternity"  and  "Spiritual Angel".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Ensiferum Interview

...answered by Sami:

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

We are currently on European tour and there are lots of gigs planned for this and next year. But we also plan to start working with new songs later this autumn.

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

I think Unsung Heroes is very natural step ahead from From Afar -album. We learned a lot from previous studio session and we were much wiser with arrangements on Unsung Heroes. We also wanted to push our boundries on the two key elements of our music: folk and metal.

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

All the lyrics are inspired by real life but of course I used a lots of time to find metaphoras that fit Ensiferum's medieval/fantasy -theme. But I rather not explain my lyrics too much because I want every listener to find their own meaning for those.

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

Markus found the word Ensiferum from latin-finnish -dictionary when he was like 15 years old and he thought it would be perfect name for his new band. He was right.

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

Impossible to name just few shows over others because we have played hundreds of gret shows around the world. We love to play live and we are pretty energetic on stage but we also get a lot of extra boost from our fans who tend to be really crazy no matter where we go.

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

We are currently on European tour and there are lots of plans to tour around the world even in some countries we havent ever played before.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer album by fans of pagan and folk metal?

So far the feedback and reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Of course it's impossible to please everyone but that's not even our goal. We compose to ourselves and if something sounds good to us, then we record it.

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

Who knows. We want to evolve and try all kind of new stuff. There is no point keep repeating yourself album after album so the next album will be again another step ahead.

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

It's impossible to name influences but of course many things affect how your new songs turn out. Most of the time when I'm home I'm just enjoying the silence but if someone recommends me some band I will always check them out.

10. How would you describe your views on Paganism?

As a band we don't have any political or religious agenda and I think we all have quite different views to the world. I really don't care in what people believe or don't believe as long they don't expect other people to live by their faith or harm others. Paganism in general would be too vast topic to be answered shortly.

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

I read a lot and few years ago I started to do astenga yoga to keep up in shape. I really like it because it's hard exercise and gets your thuoghts away from everyday problems.

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

Check out Unsung Heroes and see you on tour! Folk on!

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