Crowen Interview

 

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

Crowen is metal band from Finland and the music is kind of folk/black/death metal. I'm still fine tuning the style because I like different styles of music.

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

I didn’t really have a plan when I was making the songs, I just created whatever came out. I was actually surprised about the folk style myself, but I think it sounds good. The process felt natural, and I enjoyed it and just kept on going.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

I spoke with Nina Kärki who wrote all the lyrics, expect for one song (Black), and said to her that I wanted the songs to have a Viking theme, so Nina focused on that. I wanted the songs to capture the feeling of Vikings in a battle. For example, the song Exosus is about a person who is hated by others. 

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

It comes from the words “Crow” and “Raven”. For me it's somehow mythical. 

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

I talked with my old neighbor Minna Heikkilä @minzkiva who is a professional photographer and asked her if she could take some promo pictures of me for the EP cover. We were hanging out in a forest in Tampere, Finland and listened to some terrible Viking music. Then we realized how bad it really was and just had a lot of fun doing the shoot. That way she took a lot of good pictures and a few of them ended up on the cover. 

6.Orignally the band started out as a solo project but now has a full line up, what was the decision behind bringing in new members?

Actually nothing has changed. Crowen is still my solo project, but for live shows there is a line up. 

For future live shows I need good and talented people to play with me, and a new guy Mikko Merilinna was perfect for Crowen. He plays the other guitar and all the lead parts as well. 

The song making process is still the same. I still work in my studio where I make new songs and record everything by myself. That’s my thing, and that’s what I love to do. Sometimes it's hard to hear if all the parts like guitars, bass, vocals etc. sound right. So, Samuli Peltola from the band Medeia is the other producer who always listens to my songs and tells me if something should be changed. Usually he tells me to move the guitars about 5mm back or something like that. He also checks some mixing stuff as well. He’s a very talented musician. 

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

We haven't done any live shows yet, but we will in 2022.

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

I have no idea! 

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?

Mikko Merilinna plays in the band Khroma, and Teemu Hauta (drummer) plays in the band Nummirock. 

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

This is hard. Maybe next year or later. I was thinking about a few singles and another EP for next year. I already have two songs ready, which are coming out next year. I have a song with the working title "Nameless" which is very dark but slowly transforms into a beautiful song. I’m planning to make a very deep, beautiful and dark music video of the song with the model Kirsi Muukkonen @kkinsi. There will be a lot of blood, of course, and we will die in a beautiful way, haha. The other song has a folk, death, black style, and I'm focusing on that direction with future songs as well. 

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?

Well, it’s hard to speak for others, but I like Behemoth, Septicflesh and Finntroll. 

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

People, go to FB and Instagram and follow Crowen, thank you! You can find more news about Crowen online and listen to the Prophecy EP from Spotify. See ya! 

- Esa Uusimaa, Crowen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial 

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

Bandcamp: https://crowen.bandcamp.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crowen86924114

Xhamain/Na Alma/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Xhamain  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  folk  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Na  Alma".

  Celtic  folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  briefly  they  also  give  the  recording   more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  clear  vocals  are  brought  into  the  music  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  power  metal  while  symphonic  sounds  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clean  plating  onto  the  album,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  style.

  Xhamain  plays  a  musical  style  that takes  the  melodic and  symphonic  sides  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  it  with  folk  and  power  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics cover  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Xhamain  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  folk  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eterna  Soedade"  "Xunto  A  Ti"  and  "Plenilunio,  Pt.  3  (Amencer)".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.instagram.com/xhamain/

https://www.facebook.com/Xhamain

https://xhamain.com/

https://youtu.be/h8_n0Q0d1TE

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZtXsqNnI529Vw67JgsAd9

  

Hellfrost 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 our online presence as well as getting show ready. We have a lot of big plans for the near future.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ form the stuff you have released in the past?

Hellfrost is an ever evolving band. I go to a lot of concerts and I audience watch. I like to feel the energy from an excited crowd. I always look at our new songs from the audience perspective. What will get the best reaction at the show? I want every album to have its own vibe. I've met fans who haven't seen us live in a long time and they always tell me that the band sounds totally different from the last time they saw us. 

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

When it comes to lyrics we usually write about what's going on in the world around us. Music is a reflection of the times. We try to avoid your typical metal themes. We don't write about Satanism or even curse in our music.

4.On one of your older albums you also covered some paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

With my lyric writing I'm always looking for new and interesting topics. I listen to other people for ideas and inspiration all the time. Our former guitarist we were working with during Pagan Son suggested the idea and we just went with it. Every album we release has its own theme. Extinction is about man destroying nature and Dark Ages is about all the craziness in the last two years. 

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

The name comes from the idea that the universe is made up of opposites. Night and day, the sun and moon, heaven and hell etc. 

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

The album cover is artwork from Psalter of Bonne de Luxembourg which is an illustrated manuscript from the year 1349. This was during the black plague era. There's a story that goes with the art called The Three Living and the Three Dead which we drew some inspiration from in the lyrics.

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?

The best show we played recently was Tampa Death Fest 2021 at The Brass Mug in Tampa FL. We brought a lively, high energy performance that the fans truly appreciated. The true spirit of Hellfrost can only be experienced in the live setting. 

8. .Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Right now our objective is to build our fan base. To me that's more important than trying to get signed. Fans first.

9. What are you listening to nowadays?

Nita Strauss

Children of Bodom

Gojira

Terror

Dave Brubeck

The Damned

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Hellfrostband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCfm5Oal1W0ljZkMLNoNoKEA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ album/2MJtuo29zwPc2RjoiMyuba? si=l29DmIN9Sle16-UaQK5QQg& fbclid=IwAR390NL9-ou5Ho_ aA8fz4pZcxjnd3gtJUHo7HrAd25qBH EU-sLE0FfsPYT0&nd=1

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

Tik tok: Hellfrostband

VK: https://vk.com/artist/ hellfrost

Primalfrost/Lost Elegies/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Primalfrost  are  a  solo  project  from  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2021  album  "Lost  Elegies"  which  will  be  released  on  December  28th.

  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  orchestrations.

  Some  of  the  melodies  also  show  an  influence  of  power  and  traditional  metal  along  with  some  elements  of  folk  metal  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  classical  guitars  one  of  which  is  also  a  brief  instrumental,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  battles,  quests  and  rebellion  against  tyrannical  rule  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Primalfrost  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black,  death  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Maelstrom"  "Voyage  into  Ruin"  and  "T4enebrous  Skies".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook.com/Primalfrost
Instagram.com/Primalfrostofficial

  

Evangelion/Revelations Or The Spawn Of Greed And War/Auric Records/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Evangelion  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Revelations  Or  The  Spawn  Of  Greed  And  War"  which  will  be  released  on  December  24th  by  Auric  Records.

  Bells  and  epic  sounding  drum  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  powerful  sounding b ass  guitar  a  few  seconds  later.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Keyboards  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while clear  vocals  can  also be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  ad d in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Some  of  the  riffs  and  leads  also  show  an  influence  of  mid  90's  era  Swedish  melodic  death  metal  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts.  The  album  also  adds  in  a  few  instrumentals  which  also  introduce  acoustic  guitars  and  folk  instruments  onto  the  recording  and  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  War,  Medieval  and  Apocalyptic  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Evangelion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Reign  Of  The  Prophets"  "A  King's  Dream  II"  and  "As  The  Soldiers  leave  the  Battleground".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/Z1AQB1a2yfI 

https://youtu.be/jN73mi3oGxI 

https://youtu.be/7tsSlabA4ec    

  

Cadaveria/The Shadows Madame/Time To Kill Records/2022 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Cadaveria  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  horror  themed  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2002  album  "The  Shadows  Madame"  which  will b e  re-issued  in  2022  by  Time  To  Kill  Records.

  Opera  music  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clean  singing  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  keyboards  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  gothic  horror  atmosphere.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  tracks  also  having  their  symphonic  moments  as  well  as  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  80's  and  90's  influences,  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Cadeveria  took  the  black  and  gothic  metal  styles  of  the  mid  90's  and  mixed  them  together  with  some  horror  elements  to  create  a  very  dark  yet  heavy  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyric's  cover  Occultism,  Witchcraft  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cadaveria  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spell"  "Circle  Of  Eternal  Becoming"  and  "The  Magic  Rebirth".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/cadaveria

https://www.instagram.com/cadaveriaofficial/

https://twitter.com/_Cadaveria

https://www.cadaveria.com/

Carnac/Barren Wastes Of Want/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Carnac  are  a  band  from  Turkey  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Barren  Wastes  Of  Want".

  Rain  and  thunder  sound  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  keyboards  and  acoustic  guitars  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  in  between  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  progressive  moments.

  On  this  recording  Carnac  takes  their  music  into  a  more  aggressive  yet  melodic  and  progressive  blackened  death  metal  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  philosophy  and  abstract  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from Carnac  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  progressive  blackened  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prevalence"  "Abysmal  Ire"  and  "Loathing  Gaze".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_ub8FCG-YU

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

Existence: Void/Anatman/Non Liberatio Records/Gruesome Records/2021

 

  Existence:  Void  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  very  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Anatman"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Non  Liberatio  and  Gruesome  Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  orchestration  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  ar e mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  progressive  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Angry  shouts  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  Some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into certain  sections  of  the  album,  samples  and  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Existence:  Void  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tome  Of  Void"  "Sword  Of  The  Overman"  and  "Metamorphosis  Of  Man".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/ExistenceVoid/  

Torri/Self Titled/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Torii  are  a  solo  project  from  Arkansas  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a mixture  of  post  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  and  self  titled  2021  album.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  and  dark  yet  melodic  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Acoustic  guitars  and  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks  while  some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  post  metal.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  instrumentals,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  musical  direction  and  synths  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks. 

  On  this  recording  Torii  takes  the  atmospheric  style  of  post  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  to  create  a  very  dark  sounding  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  apocalyptic  and  mythological  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Torii  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Synthetic  Dust"  "Grey  Expanse"  and  "Torii".  8  out  of  10.

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Instagram

Bandcamp

Spotify   

[BOLT]/Aidan Baker/dunk!records/A Thousand Arms/Church Road Records/Bird's Robe Records/New Noise China/2021 Collaboration Album Review

 

  Germany's  [BOLT]  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  where  they  team  up  with  Canada's  Aidan  Baker  to  create  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  sludge  metal,  ambient,  experimental,  drone  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2021  collaboration  album  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  A  Thousand  Arms,  dunk!  Church  Road,  Bird's  Robe  Records  and  New  Noise  China.

  Drone  orientated  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  the  bell's  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  when  they  are  utilized  and  bass  guitars  when t hey  are utilized  show  some  influences  of  black,  doom  and  sludge  metal.  

  Guitar  sounds  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumental.  Elements  of  noise  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  all  of  the  music  also being  improvised  along  with  the  synth  also  adding  in  touches  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  and  percussion  can  also b e  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  [BOLT]  team  up  with  Aidan  baker  to  create  a  recording  that  is  less  metal  influenced  than  previous  releases  and  goes  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  noise,  experimental,  ambient  and  drone  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  [BOLT]  and  Aidan  Baker  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of   black,  doom,  sludge  metal,  ambient,  experimental,  drone  and  noise,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  (35)/Clover".  8 out  of  10.

Bandcamp: https://wearebolt.bandcamp.com/album/b-o-l-t-aidan-baker
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/34dcI9jNYaCGKuvrEaYu4U?si=VoONTkCcRZm7zlu5N2Tbwg
Order: https://dunkrecords.com/collections/all-releases/products/b-o-l-t-aidan-baker

Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaLuWtndD1o       

Crowen/Prophecy/Inverse Records/2021 EP Review

 

  Crowen  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  folk  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  ep  "Prophecy"  which  was  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  Dark  yet  epic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffing.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  screams  and  blackened  screams.  Black  metal  style  tremolo  picking can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  a  good  balance  between  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  utilizing  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  folk  metal  elements  but  focusing  more  on  the  heavier  side  of  the  genre,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  Crowen  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  folk  metal  and  mixes  it  with  the  melodic  sides  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  fantasy  orientated  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Crowen  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  folk  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Seer's  Prophecy"  and  "Black". 8  out  of  10.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial 

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

Bandcamp: https://crowen.bandcamp.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crowen86924114

https://youtu.be/dKwe-9jcTGw

        

  

XCIII/Void/My Kingdom Music/2022 CD Review

 

  France's  XCIII  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  moving  even  more  further  from  their  black  and  extreme  metal  roots  and  focuses  on  more  of  a  mixture  of  avant  garde,  post  rock,  coldwave  and  electronic  dark  music  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  album  "Void"  which  will b e  released  in  2022  by  My  Kingdom  Music.

  Keyboards  and  programmed  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  are  done  in  mostly  a  clean  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  are  more  rooted  in  a  post  rock  style  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  coldwave  elements.  Female  vocals  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  spoken  word  parts  also  making  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  album.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  songs  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other.  Touches  of  trip  hop  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  of  the  heavier  riffing  also  showing  an  influence  of  metal,  one  song  also  introduces  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Romanticism  and  Human  Nature  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  XCIII  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  the  newer  stuff  from  Ulver,  Anathema,  trip  hop  and  post  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Red  Lights"  "Rosemary"  and  "Tapeworm".  8  out  of  10.

http://facebook.com/XCIIIspleen

https://youtu.be/fvSZulLzz30 

  

Hellfrost/Dark Ages/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Hellfrost  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Dark  Ages".

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  old  school  metal  style.  Some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  thrash  metal  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  some  80's  and  90's  influences  in  with  a  more  modern  style  as  well  as  some  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Hellfrost  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  melodic  black  and  mixes  it  with  old  school  death  metal  as  well  as  some  touches  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover conflicts,  nature  and  fiction  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellfrost  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Ages"  "Behind  The  Wall"  "The  Descent"  and  "Final  Kill".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Hellfrostband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCfm5Oal1W0ljZkMLNoNoKEA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ album/2MJtuo29zwPc2RjoiMyuba? si=l29DmIN9Sle16-UaQK5QQg& fbclid=IwAR390NL9-ou5Ho_ aA8fz4pZcxjnd3gtJUHo7HrAd25qBH EU-sLE0FfsPYT0&nd=1

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

Tik tok: Hellfrostband

VK: https://vk.com/artist/ hellfrost    

Tenebral Rift/Umbra/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Tenebral  Rift  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Umbra".

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Water  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  tortured  sounding  whispers  being  added  on  one  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  all  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a decent  amount  of  spoken  word  parts

  Elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  post  metal  style  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals,  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  dark  and  uncharted  territories  of  the  mind.

  In  my  opinion  Tenebral  Rift  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  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  "Vale  Of  Shadows"  and  "Lingering  Wound".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/8sRLjr7mnE8

https://open.spotify.com/album/741NSedHGoImGKlwETBFvU

https://tenebralrift.bandcamp.com/

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru Interview

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaduNarMattaru

Hellgarden Interview

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13.What are you listening to nowadays?

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

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

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

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

Greetings to all from the north of Chile. HELLGARDEN

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

Empyreal Sorrow/Harm(ony) Within/2021 EP Review

 

  Empyreal  Sorrow  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  ep  "Harm(ony)  Within"  which  will  be  released  in  December.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal growls  and  black  metal  screams.  The  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  era  Swedish  influences  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  all  of the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  along  with  the  track  also  showing  no  use  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  but  still  managing  to  create  a  very  heavy  recording  and  the  closing  track  is  also  a  re-mix  song  that  also  adds  in  some  elements  of  electronic  music.

  On  this  recording  Empyreal  Sorrow  remain  true  to  the  melodic  and  blackened  death  emtal  style  that  they  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Empyreal  Sorrow  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  blackened  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cursed  Be  the  False  Promise"  and  "No  Absolution".  8  out  of  10.

Website: https://www.empyrealsorrow.de/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empyrealsorrowmetal 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empyrealsorrow/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotlWovcAgd-WXMn0es0J2w 

Bandcamp: https://empyrealsorrow.bandcamp.com