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             

Paradise In Flames 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?

1- (A.Damien)- We were living through a pandemic, so we chose to focus our efforts on producing and recording a new album.It was very different from anything we've done because the face-to-face meetings were just me and the respective instrumentalist.  All production lasted approximately 8 months.

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

 2-(G.Alvarenga)- It has more clean vocals,especially the soprano-like ones. Also it has more keyboards, kind of symphonic metal feeling. Also,the fact that we worked with 3 different vocalists made this album sound different from the previous one.

3.From 2003 to 2018 you only released a small amount of material but have released a good amount of recordings since then, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

3- (A.Damien)- Previously, our focus was more to tour the country and few releases.  And we took a seven year break to take care of our personal lives. But after that we changed the members and the new musicians are more interested in making a band work.

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

4- (A.Damien)- All inspiration comes from everyday facts. Today I realize that I'm more mature because I can vary the lyrical themes.  I can write about everyday life as political facts or facts that bother us.

5.Some of your lyrics also cover occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

5-(G.Alvarenga)- We like to watch movies and read stuff related to that topic, this gives us lots of inspiration.  Opus Mortis practices some rituals, was initiated and is an active member of some occult groups. So most of the occult themes are a direct contribution from her.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Paradise In Flames'?

6-(A.Damien)- When we were looking for a band name we listened to a song by Disincarnate and in this lyric there was a passage talking about paradise in flames. We looked at each other and we said :-that's it.

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

7-(A.Damien)- We imagine the fact that we have three vocalists the opportunity to write a black opera.  soon I imagined a great classical theater.  So  I invited Alcides Burn, a renowned artist from Brazil, to draw my vision.  I believe the result was very beautiful.

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?

8-(A.Damien)- I'm suspicious to speak but each show has its peculiar energy.  What we can promise and always deliver the best possible performance in every presentation.

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2022?

9-(G.Alvarenga)- Some concerts are already booked in Brazil, including a festival with Belphegor, Krisiun, Crypta and Nervochaos. Our first European tour is going to happen in abril 2022 also, if pandemic conditions are under control.

10.Currently the band is unsigned but have worked with a label in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?

10-(G.Alvarenga)- Sure, we are working really hard with our recordings, music videos and with tours to show that we are really serious about that and we would like to work in a partnership with a label that is serious as well.

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

11-(A.Damien)- The feedback is positive and everyone is noticing the growth in our compositions. This is rewarding as it is the result of hard work.  I believe it's our best album.

12.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?

12-(G.Alvarenga)- Aender plays in an iconic Death Metal band from Brazil called Mortifer Rage, and has some other personal recordings going on. Bernardo has another band called Grinmessor, recently I went to one of their concerts  and my Neck is still hurting due to the insane death metal they played. Damien works constantly in his studio "maçonaria do áudio", recording and producing bands. I can't recall Opus Mortis other music projects and I have a melodic death metal one called Diabolus Alma Mater(D.A.M) and I work as a music teacher also.

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

13-(G.Alvarenga)- I see touring becoming more and more a part of our daily routines, and perhaps, due to that, musically we will try to offer a theatrical experience for those in our concerts.

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?

14-(A.Damien)- Nowadays I am listening  to a lot of horror and suspense movie soundtracks.  I don't have a favorite band, I always choose to look for new underground bands.  So I keep looking for black metal news on Spotify.

 (G.Alvarenga)- For me: Nightwish, Children of Bodom and Ensiferum were the 3 most important. I am listening to Classical Music(Joseph Haydn and Domenico Scarlatti Keyboard Sonatas specially), Judas Priest, Theatre of Tragedy and Gothic Metal in general. Recently I Discovered a Nice Black metal one : The Kovenant.  Also my friends always send me new bands to listen to and I like to do it in the morning while I take a walk.

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

15- 

(G.Alvarenga)-Thanks a lot for the opportunity to talk about our work, it will be a pleasure to meet you on our tour, so join us in a concert 😁. Final thoughts? Don't drink one liter of beer in a half hour interval, haha. Keep metal \m/

-- 

(A.Damien)- Thanks for your support. 

https://www.facebook.com/paradiseinflamesband

https://linktr.ee/paradiseinflames%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%8B

Stellar Void/Chrysalis/Inverse Records/2021 EP Review

 

  Stellar  Void  are  a  duo from  Russia  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  ep  "Chrysalis"  which  will  be  released  on  November  26th  by  inverse  Records.

  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in a  lot  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  Operatic  male  and  female  vocals  can  also be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.

  Stellar  Void  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic  and  aggressive  sounding in  the  classic  mid  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.      

  In  my  opinion  Stellar  Void  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shifting  Sands"  and  "The  Seer".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/stellarvoidofficial  
https://stellarvoidmetal.bandcamp.com  
https://vk.com/stellarvoidofficial  
https://www.instagram.com/stellarvoid_official 

 https://youtu.be/1_gaK6-6BuU 

 

 

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/The Sorrowful Frost/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  duo  from  Armstrong,  British  Columbia,  Canada  that  plays  a  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "The  Sorrowful  Frost".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into a   faster  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast beats.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording    while  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  a  lot  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  to early  90's  era.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a good  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  tracks  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements.

 All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Slaughter's  Shadow  Of  Death".  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Lovecraft,  Weird  Fiction,  Nightmares,  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "House  Of  Hell"  "Demons  In  The  Mirror"  "The  Tomb  Of  Eryx"  and  "Sunrise  Over  Arrokoth".  8  out  of  10.

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      

    

i Helvete/Sinisten Puiden Niity/2021 Full Length Review

 

  i  Helvete  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Sinisten  Puiden  Niity"  which  will  be  released  on  November  26th.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  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  keyboards.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Back  up  shouts,  whispers  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  a  couple  of  later  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  and  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  is  a  concept  album  based  upon  an  individual  whose  future  does  not  look  promising. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  i  Helvete  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  " Kunnes  Kuolema  Meidät  Erottaa"  and  "Hirsipuu'.  8  out  of  10.

Website: https://www.ihelvete.com/

Bandcamp: https://ihelvete.bandcamp.com/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCEs1W3FVRH2ujQJtXImolyg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/1hqfWpaEEb9wI4HqLvCEoc

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

  

    

Civerous/Decrepit Flesh Relic/Transylvanian Tapes/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Civerous  are  a  band  from  Los  Angles,  California  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death,  drone,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Decrepit  Flesh  Relic"  which  will  be  released  on  November  19th  by  Transylvanian  Tapes.

  Dark  yet  ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls.  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  evil  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clean  playing  and  stringed  instruments  on  the  album,  drones  can  also b e  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  disease,  death  and  decay  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Civerous  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death,  drone,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Crypt  To  The  Cavern"  and  "Spiral  of  Eyes".  8  out  of  10.

  http://www.instagram.com/civerous_disease

        

Paradise in Flames/Act One/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Paradise  In  Flames  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Act  One".

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  operatic  male  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also h ear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  some  songs  adding  in  whispered  vocals,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals  and  clean  playing  are  also  utilized.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Evilness,  Darkness,  Anti  Christianity  and  Misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Paradise  In  Flames  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  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  "Old  Ritual  To  An  Ancient  Curse"  "Dancer  Of  The  Mist"  "Unseen  God"  and  "The  Way  To  The  Pentagram".  8  out  of  10. 

  https://www.facebook.com/paradiseinflamesband

https://linktr.ee/paradiseinflames%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%8B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD8wjdtUb20 

    

3xperimental/Dimorphis/2021 Single Review

 

  3xperimental  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  single  "Dimorphis"  which  will  be  released  on  November  24th.

  Sci-fi  orientated  keyboards  start  off  the  single  along  with  some  programmed  drum  beats  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great amount  of  atmospheric  and  symphonic  elements  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  second  track  is  also  an  instrumental  version  of t he  first  song.

  On  this  recording  3xperimental  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while t he  lyrics  cover  space  exploration  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  3xperimental  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp: https://3xperimental.bandcamp. com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ 3xperimentalofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCV4Sr1ddDzpS3XmqaezEHwQ

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/7FfVUqDrJou7hZpMuNpMdB

  

    

Tine/Mergae Maris Profundi/2022 CD Review

 

  Tine  are  a  solo  project  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  album  "Mergae  Maris  Profundi"  which  will  be  released  in  2022.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Symphonic  elements  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  songs  along  with  the  vocals  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  album  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  but  mixed  with  a  more  modern  style  along  with  some  choirs  also  being  utilized  on  a  few  tracks.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  some  tremolo  picking,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffs,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  and  a  couple  of  later  songs  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  and  the  recording  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Lavey  Satanism,  Philosophy,  Anti  Christianity.  Darkness,  Horror  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tine  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  and  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Deep  Ir  beckons..."  "A  Cetacean  Dirge"  and  "The  Kracken's  Lament".  8  out  of  10.

  https://tine.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/Tine.BlackDeath/

https://www.instagram.com/tineblackdeath/

https://twitter.com/TineBlackDeath

https://www.reverbnation.com/tineblackdeath

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPblkNcP1wvLM1M669YCyMg

  

Agnes Vein/Deathcall/Venerate Industries/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Agnes  Vein  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  an  epic  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Deathcall"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Venerate  Industries.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  onto  the  recording.  All  of  the  tracks  on  the  recording  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  touches  of  80's  era  epic  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Agnes  Vein  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge  and  epic  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  inner  thoughts  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Agnes  Vein  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Deathcall"  and  "The  Golgotha  Entanglement".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/agnesveinband
https://agnesvein.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BD60vhHcGClnZ9sTD3k2J?si=az_DR_MGRrmPLXP5cHvMMA 

https://youtu.be/P7UafQF9aK0

Orbital Soul System Interview

 

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

I've been interested in cosmic music for a long time. Since I've heard Arcturus "Sham mirrors" and Samael 'Eternal' (still my favourite cosmic metal album) I was trying to find some more space metal albums. There were not so many of them and the balance of guitars and synths was not the one I was trying to find. After some years playing in different bands as a guitarist (Rakoth is the one that should be mentioned) I decided to start creating the cosmic music I'd like to hear all this time. So I left Rakoth in 2008 and started my cosmic metal project. It was supposed to be only studio one-man band (as it is still nowadays), so I had to learn to play bass, work with synths (I don't use virtual synths, only real ones) to perform vocals and many other... The demo of two songs (Into the sun and Eternal voyage) was done in 2010, the process went slow and the album was recorded only in 2017. 

2.A few months back you also released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

It's hard to describe clearly. It's a mix of black, doom,death and modern metal from my opinion. Maybe with some ambient parts. I must say that it became a problem on particular moment with the promotion because it is not so 'doom' for doom-metal fans, not so 'black' for black metal fans etc. The thoughts about this point  for the second album seem to be scary for me :) But there will be more black metal parts definitely.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer album?

To tell the truth all the the lyrics has been written in one day, so I didn't achieve the lyrical level I'd like to. Some of songs describe inner thoughts and human's self-contemplation (Into the sun, The path, Hollow), the title song "Eternal voyage" describes the thoughts of a space rescue boat lost in the deep space. Someday I will definitely make a concept-oriented album.

4.You also had a solo project a few years ago called 'Orbital Dawn', is 'Orbital Soul System' a continuation of your previous project?

Yes. Orbital Soul System is a rebranding of Orbital Dawn. The album was recorded in 2017 but didn't get a good mixing and mastering. So it was half-released as a demo-album of Orbital Dawn project. My brother Alex Zalessky started to study sound engineering and in 2020 he asked me to give him my tracks to see if he could do some good sound for the album. And the result was very cool (I must say that the recording in 2017 was not performed very correct for great mixing) so I decided to release the album now.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Orbital Soul System'?

The meaning is the question of similarity between human soul and universe. And I like the sounding of "Orbital" word :)

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

The artwork was made by MOSAEYE ART&DESIGN. The idea was mine, I would like to place the image of the rescue boat from the title song. So it came that way. A damaged space ship doomed to eternal wandering in the universe...

7.With this project you record everything by yourself but have experience working with a full line up in a previous band, how would you compare the two?

It was fun and interesting to play in a band but the current format of working on music is as convenient as possible for me. I feel free to make what I want and when I want, to experiment as much as necessary. The only negative thing is the lack of opportunity to play live shows. So I would like to stay alone in music creating  but taking some session musicians for live shows in the future is possible.

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

I would like to get signed on a label really able to bring my music to more listeners. So I'm interested in labels with really good promotion. I didn't really try enough to get signed with the debut album, we'll see if my second album will arouse some interest from such labels. If not- ok, I'll stay independent.

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

The reaction is quite good. Many people really like the album. Some of them didn't like the sound but tastes differ, many people say that the sound is very good. I like the sound of this album because it's really heavy and not so unpolished as it used to be on plenty of modern records. Many of them notice the real COSMIC spirit and the originality.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I hope to create some music that will outlive the creator. The music that will become something special for some people.  Maybe I'll make another project to play electronic music parallel to Orbital Some System in future.

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?

Too many of them. Some music can be influential for you even if you are not huge fan of it. As some really influential bands I should name Arcturus, Ulver (great fan of synth-pop Ulver, hehe), Emperor (Anthems and Eclipse), Bad Sector, Pink Floyd, Theatre of tragedy, Soilwork (Peter Wichers), Mayhem, Samael, Meshuggah, Scream Silence, Covenant (swedish synth-pop band), Royksopp. I'm listening to plenty of bands nowadays. From late Bring me the horizon to Atrium Carceri and Rome. There are many interesting bands and styles, it's bad if you are caged just in 5 styles... As for black metal: 90's and 00's bands plus some modern bands as Raventale, Darkspace...

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

Be really thinking, feeling and strong ones.  

https://orbitalsoulsystem.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Orbitalsoulsystemofficial/
https://open.spotify.com/album/6GAd8pgJ30hpR7A3PCPCzY