Gukurahundi Interview

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

LN- Basically we are an underground band that wants to bring a fresh new take on blackened death metal. We explore the ethereal and horrors of the world and just enjoy writing and producing songs. Right now we are just a studio project and try to experiment with different sounds and aspects of the music we enjoy playing.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

LN- We use a lot of black metal key structures and use the whole ambience feel of the genre, but we do it in a melodic way and definitely utilize groove death metal into our songs as well. At times the music can get that thrashy black metal vibe and we even throw in some blues and rock elements. I try not to limit myself in what music will come out and basically the band is always experimenting in sound, trying to evolve and progress.

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

LN- I usually come up with a title that represents the feeling or mood of the music and Pete will approach it with his own style and view on the songs. I hope to incorporate more African themes to the songs in the future but it all depends on the the music itself.

PC- Usually Lawrence will give me the name of the song along with the track so from the get go so I will have a rough understanding of what he's feeling in the music and how to approach the lyrics. For this band I mainly try to write lyrics that straddle the line between fantasy and reality. I attempt to visualize the scenario presented in the music and capture what I see down to the most grotesque detail. 

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

LN- Its the name given to a genocide which happened In Zimbabwe during the 80s. It portrays the ruthlessness of Africa and the aftermath of colonialism. The bands name is very personal to me as I grew up in Zimbabwe and have been witness to some pretty horrendous acts.

5. Currently the band members are in 2 different states, how do you organize the recording process?

LN- (Laughs) Yeah at times it can be a little difficult but we manage. Of course we would both rather be living in the same state a tleast but other commitments in our lives have made it tough. So far things have been rather smooth and everything has worked out. Maybe in the future as the band grows we could work in person and with other musicians.

PC- You would think communication would be difficult, especially with the 3 hour time difference but we are pretty good about working things out and being patient. For example, the song 'Dethroned' was probably our best test of team work, the song went through at least 3 different evolutions before both sides were completely happy.. in the end I think the results have been pretty amazing. 

6. The new release came out of Manicidic Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so

LN- Right now the band is in its early stages of development and being with a large label wouldn't really be the best thing. Manicidic is perfect for where we are right now and Pete has done well in promoting and organizing releases for the band.

PC- I've owned and operated the label since its inception in 2005. 'An Apparition In Nocturnal Splendor' is the 30th release to date. Being a part-time label run by only myself, signing and committing to more than 2 or 3 projects at a time is difficult both financially and emotionally. I like to think that a small roster comprised of friends and personal projects can never fail. 

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been so  far by fans of melodic black and death metal?

LN- Better than what i thought actually. We have received alot of positive remarks from the material that we have released so far and the support has been much appreciated by both Pete and I. We dont know what the future holds but right now it does like promising

PC- So far so good! Of the reviews, comments and blurbs I've read so far every one of them has been positive. I'm astounded how many downloads our links have generated in just about 2 weeks of being live. Hopefully more will follow. 

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band?

LN- Well right now I have alot of other commitments in my life and its even difficult to find time for Gukurahundi but as things slow down I want to focus on the band more. I do have another project I am working on but things are still in the early stages of development.

PC- I'm forever staying busy with music. I'm currently finishing up an EP to be released this summer with a grindcore band named Danny Tanner, also currently recording an EP with an OSDM/thrash band named Psionics to be released in the Fall as well as recording a demo with an international technical death metal band named Arcain. 

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

LN- Once the release of the EP is done we will begin writing for the full length. We already have a couple of songs done and the direction is more ambient in a way. Right now the band could be taken in any direction and we will just have to see what happens musically. I do, however, know that the next album will be more progressive and a lot darker.

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

LN- I basically listen to anything really. It all depends on if I feel a connection to the music. My major influences are Decapitated, Arch Enemy, Cult of Luna, Naglfar, Akercocke, Behemoth and Opeth because that is the stuff I grew up on but I do like to incorporate more obscure music into my style. Lately I have been jamming out to Goatwhore, Abigail Williams, and The Atlas Moth. I recently became a fan of Ghost, I think they bring something unique and fresh to the world of metal.

PC- I'm a huge music nerd, I have a collection of almost 4000 cds. I was raised on NJ hardcore and old school death metal. Recently, I've been stuck on obscure death metal albums and demos from 1989-1994 (Autopsy, Asphyx, Depravity, etc) and 90's black metal (Ulver, Dark Funeral, Abazagorath, etc). I love the resurgence of OSDM happening recently, bands like Horrendous, Vorum, Disma and Krypts have released some very punishing material as of late.  

11. Does Occultism play any role in your music?

LN- I think that they do. I am not religious but I connect to the darkness and mysticism of this world. To me its all about the energy we feel and how we interact with it. There is alot of torment and despair in the world of late and black metal is the perfect channel for its release. I am not trying to invoke or praise anything in my music, only trying to create a musical representation of my thoughts and feelings.

PC- Occultism is honestly a big part in most of the music and bands I've been apart of. Not necessarily from any kind of religious stand point but more so in the general themes, beliefs and the thought provoking in which they cause. I like to think that there is so much in which we have yet to understand, thoughts like that drive me study and write about what they could be. 

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

LN- Family and Music are basically my main interests. If i get spare time I enjoy hiking and just being out in the natural world. The geeky side of me is into physics and spiritualism. Nothing too exciting really (laughs)

PC- Beer, Wine and Spirits. I'm a certified WSET and Cicerone. Booze pays my bills hahaha. 

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

LN- Would like to thank everyone for the amazing support for the EP release. We hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed writing it \m/

PC- I hope your readers like the EP, thanks for doing this.

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Gukurahundi/An Apparition In Nocturnal Splendor/Manicidic Records/2013 EP Review

  Gukurahundi  are  a  band  with  members  from  both  California  and  New  Jersey  with  a  musical  style that  mixes  melodic  black  metal  with  atmospheric  elements,  death  metal,  and  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "An  Apparition  In  Nocturnal  Splendor"  which  was  released  by  Manicidic  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful tone  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording,  as  for  the  pianos  they  are  only  used  briefly and  they  bring  a  dark  and  atmospheric  sound  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal,  death  metal  and  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  black/death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  are  only used  briefly  and  they  use  finger  picking  to  add  more  originality  to  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  deep  death  metal  growls  and  whispers,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  anarchy  and  anti  christian  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Gukurahundi  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  black/death metal  band  and if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dethroned"  and  "The  Carcass  Of  Christ".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Metallum- http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Gukurahundi

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Gukurahundi

Bandcamp- http://gukurahundi.bandcamp.com/

Reverbnation- http://www.reverbnation.com/gukurahundi

Preorder/Big Cartel- http://manicidicrecords.bigcartel.com/