Brokdar Interview

 

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

Loki: If you have never heard of us, you should listen to our new album «The legend of undying knights» first I think. We are here because of music and let our music tell about us!

2.In 2020 you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Loki: I don’t know what especially I can say)), because this staff except band’s founder Ranunk didn’t take a part in last releases. But only one thought comes to my mind that the songs have become mature!

Ryttaren: This is definitely a more thoughtful and conceptual work. The guys put a lot of effort into creating of compositions and sounding in general. Besides, this album has a new vocals in my person.

3.Your lyrics cover dark fantasy themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Loki: To be honest, I have read a few fantasy books)), in the beginning (before me) band choose this way of lyric. But for new album almost all lyric was written by me, except “hateful gift ” which was written by Ryttaren. Ranunk who read a plenty of different fantasy books very often told me about his favorite book series “Eleven Legion” written by Russia writer. And once I got inspired with his stories which were told under his great impression)))). I didn’t write lyric based on these books, I made it with my own vision. I wanted to make the conceptual album from the beginning.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Brokdar'?

Loki: As I know this name was taken from a well known computer game Gothic.)))

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

Loki: Nothing more that I saw it in my mind inspired by mix of music and atmosphere of lyric in album. And yes))) I liked Dark Soul concept arts))). Ahhh one interesting thing)))), the artist who made an art read “Eleven Legion” book series too!

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

Ryttaren: Great performance was in support of Arkona and Tyr. It was very pleasant to share the stage with such professionals, it is memorable. We also had cool performance with Second to Sun band, when they played in our city, we were able to fully convey the energy and dynamics to the audience. Our show can be described as a kind of mixture of ceremony with stage presentation and game with the audience. In the future, I would like to purchase stage equipment for the complete recreation of the mysteries.

7.The new album was self released while the band was on a label in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?

Loki: Why not)))

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

Ryttaren: So far we have received positive feedback from both fans of the genre and from random people. We are very glad that our work is warmly received.

Loki: To get correct answer you should ask black and death metal fans))) about their opinion, I think!

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

Ryttaren: I am recording vocals for one powerful instrumental group, it will be strong. Release is planned by the end of winter or early spring.

Loki: I and bassist Jorr take a part in one power metal project Save My Name. Ranunk has his own one man piano dark ambiance project.

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

Ryttaren: Creation of richer and deeper compositions, as well as a greater twist towards black metal.

Loki: to march along the border of melodic black and death metal))). Music, power and deep atmospheric music!

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ryttaren: I am mainly a big fan of black metal and northern folk music. Interestingly, my favorite composers also belong to the Scandinavian culture, these are Wagner and Grieg. There are a huge number of good bands, so I will single out those that had the strongest influence on me at one time. Watain, Emperor, Falkenbach, Eluveitie, Fejd, Finsterforst, Moonsorrow, Septic Flesh, Type O Negative.

Loki: A lot to enumerate, Scandinavian music what can be better?

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

Ryttaren: Listen to more music and discover something new! Music is a universal language for people, which allows us to communicate not only at a distance, but also through the centuries. And if you haven't heard Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, then listen today. You will not regret

Loki: If the music which you hear doesn’t create images in your mind and doesn’t takes you to another world. it's probably bad music or isn’t art at all!

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Hierarchy Interview

 

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

Tabotan: Well, we're a band dedicated to shedding light upon the forgotten gods of humanity, or those that were demonized by Judeo-Christian influence. 

Lucithor: We started as a Slayer tribute band called the Final Command in 2002, and eventually we branched off into writing our own songs. Early Hierarchy was basically Slayer worship, with some Deicide thrown in for good measure. As we grew and new members joined, our musical influence expanded into what it is today. It was a natural evolution for us, although we did go through different "phases" of the band when we were unsure of ourselves. But the core sound of Hierarchy has always remained the same. We're a straight up blackened death metal band that doesn't pull our punches. We hit hard coming out of the gate, and the onslaught just continues until the record is over. 

2.You have a new album coming out in 2021, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Tabotan: Basically, the first album is comprised of songs from about 15 years ago that were never released professionally, and some lyrics have changed but most have remained the same, and now that we have that out we can move on to the new horizon which is going to be a more strict black metal sound while continuing to educate those of our spirituality and beliefs. 

Lucithor: Like Tabotan said, the first album we just released is all older songs that I rewrote to fit today's landscape. Some of the songs that were written early on were too simplistic due to my inability to play and write well. Fast forward 15 years later where the skill has vastly improved, and you find it in yourself to want to make the material much better than it was. In the past we've released live albums and EPs and they don't quite hold up with time, but a lot of those songs were great and deserved a proper release. So what you're hearing on the record are songs that are over 15 years old, written when I was just a teenager. Revamped, re-written, and released in this day and age. 

3.The band was broken up for 10 years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?

Tabotan: Life got in the way. Some of us moved away, some of us went on to do different things musically and some of us tried to make a living through labor intensive work. Come years later when none of that worked out we realized that we had some unfinished business and it was time to get to work in order to appease the gods. 

Lucithor: The indefinite hiatus was largely my fault. I lost interest in the band and went on to explore other types of music. I played in a punk band, a hardcore band and a metalcore band over those years, and I also became an MMA fighter. So training took a large portion of my time. Years later when I was at an all time low in life, Tabotan was there to pull me out from the slump and remind me that Hierarchy was still alive and roaring to go. So I guess you could say this band saved my life, because it kind of did. And the best decision I ever made was to reform this band, because it has given me a new lease on life. 

4. A lot of your lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism and Anti Christianity themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

Tabotan: I couldn't really get into it without writing you an entire book, which I plan on doing one day. So the short and sweet answer is this is just what vibes with me naturally. And also, look to the music and the lyrics for answers in the meantime.

Lucithor: I've always been drawn to the darker side of life, even as a child. I loved horror movies and all things death and morbid, so this type of music came naturally for me. I was raised in a Roman Catholic environment and had a severe distaste in Christianity when I was young. Even at that age I could see the bullshit and the hypocrisy that stems from that religion. But my main gripe with it comes from my Norse Pagan beliefs. The Christians basically rolled over everything in their path, and it was either convert or die. They eradicated so many ancient religions and beliefs, some lost to the ages. As for Satan, I also feel a pull towards that side as well, although I tend to fall on the Luciferian side of things. Satan equals freedom, and unlike the Judeo-Christian Jehova he isn't a jealous god, and allows you to worship and explore whatever you so wish. It's that freedom and strength from within that comes from those deities that really drives you forward on those dark days. Some days I thank Odin and Thor, while other days I may call on Satan to destroy an enemy. It's all in the same realm to me. 

5.You also have some lyrics inspired by the writings of H.P Lovecraft, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his works?

Tabotan: Well that goes basically back to the question before hand on my interest in the dark arts and my beliefs in general. Short and sweet once again not to write an entire book, but when HP Lovecraft wrote about these gods he said they came to him in his dreams, and I believe its highly possible that he vibed with super entities from very far away, and that the stories might be more than just fiction. 

Lucithor: Like the question before, I've always been attracted to horror and the dark side of life. And his stories and bodies of work just called to me. They were so mysterious and haunting, and always got my imagination roaring. But like Tabotan said, the gods came to him in a dream, and they very well could have been beings or deities from aeons past that spoke to him through dreams. You never quite know. Most fiction does stem from some sort of truth, doesn't it?

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hierarchy'?

Tabotan: This isnt really my question to answer, seeing as how the band already had the name when I entered, being the 3rd vocalist to come along. But apparently the most influential. I didn't name the band, but I definitely believed in it and the Hierarchy name to me I saw as the potential to speak upon the forgotten gods and tell their story as it was told to me by my influences. 

Lucithor: There's a short answer and a more involved answer. The short answer is that one day I was looking through a book on demons and demonology, and there was a chapter called "The Hierarchy of Infernal Demons", and that word just popped out and stuck with me. So I decided that would be a proper band name for this type of music. The more involved answer would be that as the band grew, so did our beliefs. Hierarchy could mean any form of structure within a belief system. For us, those would be the dark gods of those religions. Which is why we write about all things left hand path, no matter what sect or religious belief they follow. 

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

Tabotan: Absolutely. My sister in law is an amazing artist who is also a follower of the left hand path. And unfortunately at the time a single mother, so I basically commissioned her to create some artwork for the band so that we could hopefully become somewhat successful and kick back to her to help her out with bills and such. And also to portray her skills as an artist and help her rise with us. 

Lucithor: It's really a great cover isn't it? Tabotan's in-law (we call her Lilith) came up with the design after we told her what we wanted. Which was basically the hierarchy of all the demons, with Satan on his throne ruling them all. We wanted to stimulate a reaction from people as well. Kind of like when you're a teenager looking through the CDs at a record store and you come across one that has killer artwork, so you buy it based on that and discover something totally new. We're hoping that happens with our music. That someone would see this killer looking artwork and want to buy it, hopefully gaining a new fan of the music in the process. 

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

Tabotan: As for our stage show we try to put on a visual performance that matches the tone of the music and lyrics within, in order to stimulate the audience's energy to create an atmosphere that we can all revel in. 

Lucithor: We've been lucky enough to share the stage with many great bands, a lot of them our heroes or musical influences such as Deicide, Goatwhore, Mortician, Cannibal Corpse, Dimentianon, and recently Usurper and Kvlt of Frost. The Goatwhore show was a standout show because we got to hang out with the guys in the band and talk all things metal and left hand path. They were great dudes. We'd love to share the stage with them again. Deicide was another fun one, although Glen Benton really didn't talk to us that much. He kind of did his own thing. We've also had the pleasure to play with a lot of great local bands over the years as well. 

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

Tabotan: Of course getting help by being signed would be a lovely thing. I mean as far as getting the music out there and getting shows with other big name artists in our genre and also getting our merch out and becoming successful. However, it is not a breaking point for me if we don't accomplish getting signed. With the way social media is these days with Facebook and Youtube and the Bandcamp we can still continue on with the music and get it out there, which is in the end our main goal. Fortune and fame be damned...

Lucithor: I'd love to be signed to a great metal label. I think most guys who start bands and are serious about their music want to be signed to a label and tour the world, I mean that's the rock n roll dream, isn't it? But its very different with our kind of music. We've submitted to a few labels so far, including Season of Mist, Napalm Records, Noble Demon Records, Earache Records, and SPV records, which I guess is what used to be Century Media. We're also going to submit to Nuclear Blast eventually, and that is currently in the works as well. Back in Feb of 2019 we met Amon Amarth singer Johan Hegg at Duff's Bar in Brooklyn, and we gave him a demo, which he gave the guys at Metal Blade. So fingers crossed with that. Otherwise like Tabotan said if we don't get signed we have social media. You can get your music worldwide with the click of a button nowadays and we are grateful for that. So we'll see what happens. 

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

Tabotan: Honestly I feel like there's only two ways about it. You're either gonna like the band or you're not gonna like the band. There's no middle ground  in extreme metal. 

Lucithor; Everyone that has heard the album so far has loved it. We've gotten responses from people in countries halfway around the world like Russia and Greece. We even had someone from France email us asking us for our autograph on the album, so that's a pretty cool feeling. All of the reviews we've had so far said great things about it, so that makes me very happy to hear. We worked our asses off perfecting this album, and we're glad that its getting the praise that it is, because we feel like we've earned it at this point in our careers. 

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

Tabotan: Well, the plan was to get these original songs down and on an album, and then we wanted to produce a black metal album and then go on to do a Nordic themed album eventually. Then cover the Greek and Egyptian gods afterwards. So that's basically the direction we had planned on heading, but of course the future is subject to change. 

Lucithor: We wanted to get the album of original Hierarchy songs finished and released first and foremost. That was our main goal. And now that we've accomplished that we can look towards the future for other releases. We have an EP called 'Ravenous" that should be coming out within these next few months. And that EP is just straight up brutal death metal. What I love about this band is that we aren't stuck in one genre. One song or album could have a thrash vibe, while the other is a 90s death metal sound, etc. But in the end you still know it's the same band. I feel like that gives us an advantage musically. We're also working on a melodic black metal album called "The Gospel of Judas" that will see the light of day eventually. Hopefully by the end of the year or early next year. So there's that. I also have an entire album written on the Norse Pagan deities, so there is most certainly no lack of material. 

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Tabotan: When we met we were all pretty big fans of bands like Slayer, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Sepultura, Behemoth, Amon Amarth, Dissection, Dark Funeral, Cradle of Filth, Cannibal Corpse, and Vital Remains, just to name a few. Currently I'm pretty much listening to all of that still, with a few of the other bands I grew up on like Suicidal Tendencies and Metallica. I've also discovered some bands like Septicflesh, Gojira, HATE, and Watain. 

Lucithor: For me, in the beginning it was AC/DC. I saw a live video of Highway to Hell and I was hooked immediately. I became absolutely obsessed with that band, and from there it got progressively heavier. Metallica, Slayer, etc to then early forms of death metal and black metal. Now, I actually play guitar in an AC/DC tribute band called Problem Child, and I do that on the side of Hierarchy, which still helps me get that love for the band out there. But today my favorite bands are Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth, Darkthrone, Dark Funeral, Watain, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Manegarm, and the list goes on and on. I'm always discovering new music. But metal isn't the only genre I love. I also listen to punk rock like the Misfits and Bad Religion, who happen to be in my top 5 favorite bands ever. I love classic rock, blues and even country. But nothing will ever surpass my love for metal.

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

Tabotan: If you let the magic and imagination die out in this world you're gonna be left with a very soul crushing life of politicians and rules. So I urge everybody to go out and seek something that brings you closer to the energies of the universe. Ave Satanas. 

Lucithor: I just want to thank you guys for this interview opportunity, and for the great review on our album. I also want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years, and to all who have bought the record so far. But keep an eye on us, because the best is yet to come. Ave Satanas and Hail Odin!

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Empyrean Fire Interview

 

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

We have been working hard on promoting our album, as we self released on the 26th of December 2020, working on new music, staying sane haha

2.Recently you have  released a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Well, the musical style is pretty broad , but mostly elements of symphonic black metal, with hints of thrash at times. 

3.On the new album you also covered the writings of John Milton, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his work?

Yes, I love reading, love words, his writings to me are so beautiful, the way he uses words, those poems in particular are brutal and dark, a great concept for an album. 

4.You also mention some interest in the occult on the facebook page, how would you describe your interest in Occultism?

This is a question that answering could go on for a long time as I believe it is very personal for each of us. 

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

Above Heaven is a sky of fire "Empyrean Fire" the highest point.

6.On the album cover you used some of Gustav Dore's artwork, do you feel his work is perfect for the lyrical concepts?

Yes, as he originally  illustrated Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained 

7.has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

Not yet BUT we definitely want to!

8.The album was released by 'Heavy Gloom Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Yes, this label is owned and operated by Jason Yorke, our guitar player. His label has been around for several years with releases from Eternal Valley and more. 

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

We have had excellent feedback! GREAT reviews! Can not thank you all enough for your support! 

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

We will keep on the same path, as it is a great one, continue to write music that explores different ideas. 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Emperor, Dissection, Dimmu Borgir heavily influenced by these bands, so very talented! What are we listening to nowadays, Panzerfaust, Uada, Skogen, Silver Talon. 

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

Yes, thank you ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine for the interview, and thank you to everyone for their support! 

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Hierarchy/Self Titled/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Hierarchy  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death   metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their   self   titled  and  self  released   album  which  will  be  released  in  2021.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  death  metal  style.

  Demonic  voices  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Hierarchy  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  melodic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  90's  era  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Left  hand  Path,  Occultism,  Blasphemy,  Anti  Christianity  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.

  In  my  opinion  Hierarchy  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Light  Ov  the  Morning  Star"  "Ave  Satanas"  "Suicide  Ceremony"  and  "Through  The  Fires  Of  Moloch".  8  out  of  10.

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Brokdar/The Legend Of Undying Knights/2020 Full Length Review

 

  

 

 Brokdar  are   a  band  from   Russia   that  plays  a  dark  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "The  Legend  Of   Undying  Knights''.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going   into  a  heavier   direction   which  also  introduces   black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great   amounts  of  melody  while   the   faster   sections   of  the  songs   also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  the  solos   and  leads  are  also  done   in  a  melodic   style.

  Throughout   the  recording   you   can  also  hear   a  decent    mixture   of  slow ,  mid   paced  and  fast  parts  while  death   metal   growls   can  also   be  heard   at  times.  A  great  portion   of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  tremolo  picking   being  added  into  the  faster  sections   of  the  songs  as  well  as  synths  also   being  at  times.  

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

  In  my  opinion  Brokdar  are  a  very  sounding   dark   and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death   metal   and  if  you are a   fan of   those  musical   genres ,  you   should   check   out   this   band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS   INCLUDE   The  Legend  Of   Undying  Knights''  "No  Hate  For  Fate''  and  "No  More".  8  out  of  10.  

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Kultika Interview

 

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

Like many other bands we were making touring plans to promote the new album, when this pandemic hit; we were just planning to start the whole production for the live sessions. Unfortunately now everything is frozen and we await proper times to do that.

Having this free time and the work done for the recordings, we concentrated on other musical projects because in Kultika we need a lot more time to develop new ideas and we are kind of drain out at this point after working on “Capricorn Wolves” for so many years, so we need some time before we return to the composition phase, we need to absorb new energies to be able to create something worthily.

2.In 2021 you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

We worked for about six years to complete this full-length, and it wasn’t easy, many times we scraped entire projects, because we didn’t liked the results, so all the emotions in the end are encapsulated in this result.

It contains similar aesthetics to our previous releases like sludge, black and post elements but it has also many new influences, there are three new members in the band and they have a more technical approach and background, they are highly skilled and they know very well to play their instruments. So we could expand this time the environment into a more progressive and 70’s psychedelic direction, resulting a sound very hard to integrate in a certain genre, hermetic in its own ranks.

3.This is also your first full length since 2013, other than an ep and a single can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

We concentrated a lot on playing live, at least until 2016, when we realized we kind of neglected the composition aspect, doing little progress in that direction. We also had various line-up changes based on different reasons, so we had to do many rehearsals to integrate the new comers and also there were some collaborations that didn’t go as planned, resulting in losing a lot of time and frustration.

But since 2017 when we welcomed Sergiu Nadaban on drums and Marcel Iovanov on bass, things progressed a lot faster, even if we didn’t play live as much as we would have wanted, they were very serious on putting out this album, and it was a new energy and progress, Sergiu is also a producer and has his own studio and is musically trained, so with all the ideas and the preproduction we did, it was very helpful for the final results.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

We see an album like Haruki Murakami said in one of his books, as a declaration of art and a way of life, it is a conceptual journey. An album for us means, to stay with the booklet in front of you and to listen the music and read the lyrics, to connect with the whole experience.

With this thing in mind we composed this album also.

The lyrical theme is somehow changed but the background is logically the same, because the authors are the same, so we cannot betray our views.

On “The strange Innerdweller” it was more a narrative story based on questions upon religion and personal experiences. This time we went into a more abstract and philosophical territory, about the  simulation of life, what is tangible and what in eerie, the concept of measuring and relating to time and collective conscience.

The progress in songwriting we see it as a new development without any external scope, on the previous materials we all the time had the live component in mind, to have catchy riffs, to have a certain atmosphere and not to complicate and do too many odd time signatures. This time we had this rather distant approach from the listener and effectively related only on our own tastes and it is made primarily for us. At the end of the process we think the songs have a superior quality and musicianship as a result of this initial relaxed approach, yes maybe it’s an album made more for musicians than the general public, but it is what it is and we are very proud of the general result.

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

The origin is in the book “The sacred and profane” from Mircea Eliade, it was a synthesis made by our initial drummer, Tammuz; in the beginning when we started rehearsing for this project around 2008, we were playing a sludgy raw black metal with some old school 80’s influences, and this name suited very well that environment. But you know in time the name picked all kind of new symbols. I remember amused when we released the first album, people writing on internet that we ripped this name from Cult of Luna, forgetting about our initial EP “Kultika” from 2009, in the style of early Samael, Beherit, early Katatonia mixed with Sodom and Hellhammer/Celtic Frost  worship; it was quite an odd and laughable idea, but we learned to live with everyone’s opinion, it is (still) a free world in some degrees of politically correctness so we don’t have a problem with this, nowadays everyone has an opinion about everything and can write about this online and became an “influencer” in 10 minutes.

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

The artwork it is made by our long time collaborator and friend, Alexandru Das, and depicts the two elements: “Capricorn” as an astral and spiritual part, an annual renewal constellation at the end of time, and the “Wolves” that impersonate the world and society we live in, that dictates everything like in a dystopia: moral conventions, religion, food, technology…altering the ancestral purity of the soul and the primordial freedom of the people, handcuffing in something foreseeable, under order and predictable. It supports the central theme of this album and honestly when we received the printed booklets it looks amazing on paper!

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

Maybe the best one was when we released “The Strange Innerdweeler”, in most cases the home concerts are the most enjoying ones, you are with your friends, everybody comes to support you, it’s like a big cozy party… it was a memorable night, with special guests and a String Quartet playing with us, we also had a new visual concept, lights…everything connected to one big production, and the results were very professional and it was the first time for us doing that.

Other than that there were other super experiences on some festivals like Rockstadt Extreme Fest and in major clubs from Bucharest… I don’t know why we concentrated over the years to play more in Romania than starting tours abroad, maybe we were comfortable in a gang of friends like Cap de Craniu, Fjord, Negura Bunget, The Thirteenth Sun, Valerinne and played with them most of the time.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, sludge and post metal?

The first album was very well received getting coverage and good press from prestigious publications like Metal Injection, Hammer, Legacy or Metalsucks, but you know if you don’t support this with investments in buying touring slots with European and US coverage to make a name also for the booking agencies and to be in attention of the major labels, to enter in this environment and to have all the right connections, things move very slowly for a small band from the Eastern Europe…the energy of the fans and great enthusiasm we learned it is not enough, on the long run underground is all you can do, and we are pretty normal individuals with jobs, families, dogs and cats…so we decided to stick in making music only as a hobby, professional one with all the tool but at an amateurish level for our souls then for our pockets; so basically as a review stated once, we are a “hidden treasure buried in the underground” , some find us and enjoy it others don’t.

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

Fulmineos:

– Ordinul Negru (occult black metal): released in 2020 a new EP entitled “Nebuisa”, with great response from the underground community and coming up with a new conceptual EP in 2021.

- Katharos XIII (doom dark jazz): preparing to release a new album for 2021, as a follow up for the highly praised third album “Palindrome” and the expectations are high for this one.

 - Argus Megere (atmospheric black metal): started recording the fifth album, to be completed in 2022.

Jack Popescu

 – moved to France last year and started some collaborations in a new environment but nothing fulfilled until now with new discography.

Sergiu Nadaban 

– Sur Austru (atmospheric folk death metal): to release in 2021 the new album: entitled “Obarsie”.

Marcel Iovanov 

– playes mostly live with some local bands, but in this times when everything is closed his activity shrieked a lot

Marius Muntean:

 – Black Water (synth pop ambient): managed to release a new material in 2020 entitled “Hollow” and even played some shows in these crazy times.

- The Thirteenth Sun (atmospheric progressive metal): started composing a follow up after their highly acclaimed debut album “Stardust” from 2017.

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

Playing live as much as it will possible and in a few years we will start composing new music, but we won’t assault the world with big tours and became famous, because we are quite realistic about the musical environment we live in, we understood many years ago what it takes to be a professional musician and band, and we don’t fit in that category.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We listen very diverse music, but somehow intersect in some points in styles related to the band: Pink Floyd, Steven Wilson, Deafheaven, Opeth, Neurosis, Katatonia,  Mastodon, Intronaut, The Ocean, Karnivool, Devin Townsend, Tesseract or Monuments. 

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

Thank you very much for this opportunity to present our work and all the best!

https://youtu.be/0TKWKjA19z8

Kultika/Capricorm Wolves/Loud Rage Music/2021CD Review

 

  Kultika  are  a  band  from  Romania  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "The  great  Capricorn" which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Loud  Rage  Music.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  goin  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  High  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  a  great  amount  of  shouts  and  growls  along  with  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.  Clean  vocals  can  also  be heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  elements  of  70's progressive  and  psychedelic  rock  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.    

  Kultika  plays a musical style  that  takes  black,  sludge and  post  metal  and  mixes  it  with  some  touches  of  psychedelic  and  70's  progressive  rock  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover darkness  and  mythological  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kultika  are  a  very  great sounding  mixture  of  black, sludge  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those musical  genres, you  should  check  out this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Building  Nothingness  inside  Faith"  and  "A  Fixed  Reality  For  Prometheus' Identity".  8 out  of  10.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TKWKjA19z8      

Tragedy In Hope/Sleep Paralysis/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Tragedy  In  Hope  are  a  duo  from  Russia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  album  "Sleep  Paralysis"  which  will  be  released  in  2021.

  Clean  playing  and  symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  some  clean  vocals  also  being  utilized  at  times  while  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  songs.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences  as  well  as  the  songs  also  showing  an  influence  of  90's  era  Cradle  of  Filth,  touches  of  classical  music  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dreams  and  nightmare  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tragedy  In  Hope  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lucid  Dream"  "Winter  Wedding  Ceremony"  and  "Sleep  Paralysis".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/tragedyinhope/

  https://www.instagram.com/tragedyinhopeofficial/ 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Paf36CCoAXpgDrpdhjYeA

https://youtu.be/Kfi1z6ZiWms     

Awrizis Interview

 

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

 

After finishing recording of previous album Dreadful Reflection, we have been mostly on the road to support this album. But all this time we had plan return to studio in spring of 2020. The corona virus pandemic appeared, and we had to change our plans little bit. So whole album Gears of Fear was recorded during quarantine and our plans for touring are postponed to 2021.

This time we are focused on activities around new album, rehearsing and preparing live show. Also, every week we have live stream on our Facebook page so you can already hear songs and important news

 

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

 

The fact that whole album was produced during quarantine affected sound and overall vibe for new album. It is more aggressive yet dark and melodic. Even in this weird situation whole process was very inspiring and unique.

 

3.You refer to your music as being 'hybrid metal', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?

 

We are not orthodox metal listeners and musicians, so our music is influenced in many ways. You can hear elements of melodic death and Black metal but also some doom or heavy metal vibes. Our music is for open minded people with wide range of taste.

 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

 

We are constantly writing new material and we had no pause or break in 10 years because we are still evolving in our craft. As I said whole pandemic situation affected everything including our lyrics. Dealing with nowadays situations was cathartic through the lyrics of new album.

 

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

 

It’s combination of anti-religious and anti-corporate symbolism because these influences are not good for mankind and their negative aspects were fully discovered during pandemic crisis. Red color represents blood and warning.

 

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

 

Live performance is for us very important. Small clubs or even big festivals every gig is unique and different. We have played lot of shows and we always trying to do our best without theatrical gestures. One of our favorite times were for example on Czech Death Fest or supporting Batushka.

 

7.The new album is going to be released on 'Slovak Metal Army', how would you compare working with this label to your previous labels 'MetalGate' and 'Parax Magizine' and 'DeFox Records'?

 

We are still searching for new label to promote our music to new fans. To evaluate cooperation with SMA is still early, we will see fruits of our cooperation after year.

 

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

 

We are grateful for positive abroad response for new album and even for older ones. Hope that we will be able to arrange some European tour in near future.

 

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

 

POSTCARDS FROM ARKHAM is our very close band. Check out their music videos and the latest album Oakvyl. More atmospheric side of heavy music.

 

10.Whre do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

 

Preproduction of new album already begun but we want to take time and improve our skills, explore more territories and try new approaches for production. We don’t have specific plans, just what comes naturally.

 www.myspace.com/awrizis 

www.bandzone.cz/awrizis 
www.facebook.com/awrizis 
www.youtube.com/user/thefrodys 

Demon King/The Final Tyranny/The Artisan Era/2021 EP Review

 

  Demon  King  are  a  band  from  Nashville,  Tennessee  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  technical  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  ep  "The  Final  Tyranny"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  The  Artisan  Era.

  Heavy  riffing  and  black  metal  screams  start  off  the  ep  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  The  riffs  also  get  very  technical  and  melodic  at times  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  faster  riffing  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking.  When  guitar  solos  and  leas  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  technical  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  symphonic  touch  and  the  songs  also  incorporate  a  great  amount  of  melodic  death  metal  elements.

  Demon  King  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the melodic  sides  of  black  and  death  metal and  mixes  them  together  with  some  technical  elements  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  end  times  and  eschatology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Demon  King  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic and  technical  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Invoking  the  Spirit  of  Chaos"  and  "The  Watcher,  Wreathed  in  Flame".  8 out  of  10.

 https://demonking.bandcamp.com/album/the-final-tyranny

https://www.facebook.com/kingovdemons/  

    

ORCumentary/Fully ORChestrated/2021 Full Length Review

 

  ORCumentary  are  a  solo  project  from  New  England  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  comedic  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  album  "Fully  ORChestrated"  which  will  be  released  in  2021.

  Folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the metal  influenced  sections  of  the  music  along  with  some  symphonic  and  orchestra  elements  also  being  added  into  the  songs.  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  grim  style  as  well  as  adding  in  some  touches  of  black  metal.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  some  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  pagan  vocals.  When  rums  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  aggressive  style  and  all  of  the  songs  also  avoid  electric  guitars  or  any  traditional  metal  instruments  as  well  as  one  of  the  tracks  being  a  cover  of  "Where's There  A  Whip,  there  is  A Way"  which  also  introduces  female  vocals  onto  the  recording.

  On  this  recording  ORCumentary  keeps  the  black  and  death  metal  vocals,  folk  music  elements  and  goes  into  more  of  a  symphonic  and  orchestral  direction  with  this  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  humorous  and  ORC  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  ORCumentary  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black, death,  pagan,  folk  and  symphonic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Goblin  Death  March"  "Troll  Snot"  and  "Orcs On  Ice".  8 out  of  10.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORCumentaryOfficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ORCumentary
• Bandcamp: https://orcumentary.bandcamp.com/

  

  

Moonskin/Lycanthropy/2020 Single Review

 

  Moonskin  are  a  band  from  Kelowna,  B.C,  Canada  that plays  a  dark  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  single  "Lycanthropy".

 Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  single  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  The  music  also  brings  in  elements  of  dark  metal  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  the  riffing.

  Keyboards  are  also  utilized  at times  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  symphonic  touch  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  second  track  is  also  a  cover  of  HIM's  "Soul  On  Fire"  which  also  introduces  clean  goth  style  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow   or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Moonskin  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  supernatural,  lycanthropy  and  high  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Moonskin  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  8  out  of  10.

Watch the video HERE!  

From North/Lurhorns Call/2020 Single Review

 

  From  North  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk  and  Viking  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  single.

  Folk  instruments  start  off  the  single  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.  Clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  some  symphonic  sounds  also  being  added  into  the  background.

  Most  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  more  of  a  mid  tempo  style,  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  direction  along  with  the  closing  track  going  into  more  an  epic direction.

  On  this  single  From  North  remains  true  to  the  mixture  of  Viking  and  folk  metal  that  they  had  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  th e lyrics  cover  Norse  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording f rom  From  North  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of Viking  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Lurhorns  Call".  8  out  of  10.

http://fromnorth.se
https://facebook.com/fromnorthsweden

https://instagram.com/fromnorthswe  

      

Ardduc/Othila/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Ardduc  are  a  solo  project  from  Australia  that  plays  a  pagan  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  album  "Othila".

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  music  instruments  a  few  seconds  alter  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.

  Rough  yet  semi  melodic  pagan  vocals  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  also  adding  in  some  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  All of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  along  with  the  riffing  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  gang  back  up  vocals.

  Most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  style  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  songs  along  with  one  of  the  later  tracks  also adding  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Shamanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ardduc  are  a  very  great  sounding  pagan  folk  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ancient  Ones"  "Antlers"  "Cyclic  Dance"  and  "Raise  Your  brew".  8  out  of  10.

Watch the video HERE!

  

Flood Peak/Fixed Ritual/Anima Recordings/2021 EP Review

 

  Flood  Peak  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  ep  "Fixed  Ritual"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Anima  Recordings.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody. The  slower  sections  of  the  music  also  adds  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  post  metal  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  most  of  the  tracks  also  adds  clean  playing  into  the  music.  A  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  riffing  add  in  some  drone  like  and  dissonant  structures  and  the  whole  ep  sticks  to  a  slower  musical  direction  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  utilized  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Flood  Peak  takes  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mental  and  emotional  states.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Flood  Peak  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Salve  Curator"  and  "Sectarian  Hilt".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/floodpeakband
https://www.instagram.com/floodpeakband

https://twitter.com/floodpeakband 

https://youtu.be/C9PApZU9pKI  

Empyrean Fire/Deliverance/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Empyrean  Fire  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "Deliverance"  which  will  be  released  on  December  26th.

  A  very  dark  and  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  ritualistic  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  symphonic  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  deep  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.  Melodic  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  being  programmed.  One  of  the  songs  also  introduces  clean  female  vocals  onto  the  album  as  well  as  a  couple  also  bringing  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  brief  return.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  John  Milton's  "Paradise  Lost"  and  "Paradise  Regained"  with  some  touches  of  occultism,  pain  and  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  Empyrean  Fire  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gathering  Storm"  and  "Final  battle".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCya0242W32bKGm4WrC2K4ew

https://www.instagram.com/empyreanfire666/

https://www.facebook.com/empyreanfire666

https://empyreanfire666.bandcamp.com/album/deliverance  .