Defying/Wadera/These Hands Melt/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Defying  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  ambient,  post  black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Wadera"  which  will  be  released  on  February  23rd  by  These  Hands  Melt.

  Night  sounds,  whispers  and  spoken  words which  also  returns  on  later  songs  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction.  When  synths  are  utilzied  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  ambient  while  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  heavily  rooted  in  sludge  metal.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  direction.  

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  a  few  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  polish  horror  film  "The  Wolf(1983)"  and  the  short  story  "Wadera(1977)  written  by  Jerzy  Gieraltowski.

  In  my  opinion  Defying  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  mixture  of  ambient,  post  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tempus  Infaustum"  "The  Acquittance  Shade"  "Reluctant  To  The  Grave"  and  "Quietus".  8  out  of  10.

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The Mountain King/Apostasyn/2024 Full Length Review

 

  The  Mountain  King  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death.  post  metal.  drone  and  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Apostasyn"  which  will be   released  in  February.

  Avant  garde  style  percussion  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  post  metal  style  melodies  and  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  being  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  Clear  female  and  male  vocals  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  touches  of  drone  and  ambient  also  being  utilized  at  times.

 Synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized briefly.  Spoken  word  samples  are  also  added  on  one  song  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard,  half  of  the  album  is  also  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Religion  themes,

  In  my  opinion  The  Mountain  King  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death,  post  metal,  ambient  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apostasyn"  and  "Axoloti  Messiah".  8  out  of  10.

  

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Tele.S.Therion/Black Paintings XII - XV/Radical Matters/2020 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  which  is  also  done  in  a  'acousmatic  black  metal'  style  and  the  album  was  originally  recorded  in  2011  and  released  in  2020  and  called  "Black  Paintings  XII  -  XV"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters. 

  Dark  soundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  noises  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times.  Elements  of  underground  industrial  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction. 

  All  of  the  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  along  with  some  power  electronic  sounds  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  harsher  direction  and  when  bass  guitars  are introduced  on  the  album  they  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  some  touches  of  ambient  also  being  mixed  in  at  times.

  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  focused  more  on  an  experimental  noise  direction  with  some  touches  of  black  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  noise,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "XIII"  and  "XV".  8  out  of  10.

  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/black-paintings-xii-xv    

Espi Kvlt/Vampyre Trap/Syrup Moose Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

   Espi  Kvlt  are  a  solo  project  from  the  United  States  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  blackened  style  of  tap  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Vampyre  Trap"  which  will  be  released  on  December  29th  by  Syrup  Moose  Records.

  Ambient  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times. Some  of  the  programmed  beats  also  added  into  elements  of  industrial  and  trap  while  the  vocals  are  done  mostly  in  a  grim  black  metal  style  and  some  of  the  beats  also  add  in  touches  of  hip  hop.

  Whispers  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  Asian  style  instruments  and  female  vocals  which  also  return  on  a  later  track  which  also  give  the  recording  more  of  an  ethnic  touch.  Electric  guitars  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs  as  well  as  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction.

  On  this  recording  Espi  Kvlt  takes  black  metal  and  trap  music  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  different  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  vampirism,  sadism  and  darkness  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Espi  Kvlt  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal  and  trap  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD E "Gentle  Pornography"  "Vampyre  Trap"  "If  It  Bleeds"  and  "Villian".  8  out  of  10.

  https://espikvlt.bandcamp.com/

Bolt Gun/The Tower/Avantgarde Music/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Bolt  Gun  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  an  experimental  and  avant  garde  form  of  post  black  metal  with  elements  of  noise,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "The  Tower"  which  was  released  by  Avantgarde  Music.

  Dark  ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  while  atmospheric  sounding  drones  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  saxophones  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling  when t hey  are  utilized  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  tortured  sounding  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and blast  beats.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  some  growls  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Noises  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  the  album  also  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  inspired  by  the  writings  of  Brian  Evenson,,  Frank  Kafka,  Shirley  Jackson  and  cover  isolation,  extinction,  absurdity  and  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Bolt  Gun  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  experimental  mixture  of  post  black  metal,  noise,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Tower"  and  "The  Scapegoat".  8 out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/BoltGun

https://www.instagram.com/bolt_fun

https://boltgun.bandcamp.com    

  

Cunabula Interview

 

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

Goda: In some non-artistic and rather technical terms, we’re having small tasks for the album PR and also for the upcoming album release show that needs to be organized. Mentally, we’re trying to look forward and not take the album release fact as some result after which we can finally rest. And it’s not an easy task.

Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?

Jurgis: I would say that the recent release has a more consistent and defined sound than the previous EP. Also, musically the new album has some recurring rhythmic composition techniques that in my opinion plays a strong role in overall musicality of this album.  Whereas the first EP was more experimental and dedicated for bands musical research. 

Tadas: The album production is less polished and more raw/live. Musically every song on the album is like a journey, everything is more coherent. And the vocals are much more important now.

This is also your first release since 2017, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Goda: After the EP release we were into live performances more, rehearsing, bringing our audience together, and when we started developing our recent album, we actually faced lots and lots of waiting in every single phase of it. Not mentioning the pandemics that wasn‘t very grateful for the band.

Tadas: On the other hand, we had an opportunity to try the songs live before the recordings. Only two tracks in this album were never performed live.

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

Tadas: Our lyrics are very abstract, it’s the atmosphere that matters, not the story. As the sole songwriter (so far), I wish other band members would get themselves involved in the songwriting more, it would be nice to explore collaborative songwriting. 

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Cunabula'?

Goda: The name came from Kurt Vonnegut's „Cat‘s Cradle“ and the word cradle had a special meaning for us at the time the band formed. Cunabula is Latin for cradle.

Tadas: I don’t know why, but this book is very highly regarded in Lithuania. Maybe it’s the same in other countries too.

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

Goda: Nojus Petrauskas, the author of the painting in the artwork, is a Lithuanian painter, an amazing surrealist, which was noticed by us accidentally after we spent hours searching for what could be an organic fit for our album visually. We just saw the painting named ‘Heart’ and we knew.

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

Goda: We vividly remember the gig when we were given a chance to support Conan band – the evening was insane. Also, it is Something Else to play at an open-air festival. And what’s regarding the listeners – we always receive some unexpected feedback about how gigs make people feel. For me, those words are exactly how I’d wish to feel as a listener in some heavy gig myself: partly hypnotized, partly scared, and energetically crushed to the ground. That kind of feedback is definitely inspiring.

Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Goda: Not sure about the touring, but we definitely want to have an album release show in Lithuania.

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

Goda: We are happy to have some worldwide fans reaching out to us personally to express their gratitude for what we do. In general, the feedback is greatly motivating to keep doing what we do.

Tadas: Yes, the feedback was mainly positive so far. Our style is a tough cookie to crack, so it’s hard to fit it into one simple description. The music like this probably will never be popular, but if someone likes it, we are happy.  

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

Jurgis: I think Cunabula has potential for the unexpected, I would not be surprised that we would take more experimental turns in the band's musical future. However, at this moment it is fair to say that some essential elements of our music would still be transferred to our future works, especially harmonic, and textural qualities of our sound. Which in my opinion has a big role in defining Cunabula as a band and are hugely responsible for the emotional weight of our music.  

What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Jurgis: I think the overall musical spectrum of what we listen to is very wide, but regarding Cunabula style I strangely find much resemblance from 20th century’s academic minimalists or even some of the composers from New Simplicity wave. For example, works of Steve Reich, David Lang or Arvo Part. Though the similarity with such music is more of primal musical ideas level.  As for stylistically similar artists I think bands like: Cult of Luna, Russian Circles, Meshuggah plays a big role in our development. Also, i’d like to mention Polish post metal band Entropia, especially their album “Vacuum” which was a very fortunate discovery for me personally a few years ago.

Tadas: Old Norwegian black metal, new French black metal, classic sludge metal bands, some old prog rock, some random classical music.

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

Goda: We enjoyed reading such personal and deep questions, thank you for that.

https://youtu.be/vw77kywj4dk

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Martikor/Soliloquy/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Martikor  are  a  solo  project  form  San  Francisco,  California  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  with  elements  of  ambient  and  this  is  a  revie w of  his  self  released  2023  album  "Soliloquy".

  ambient  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  drum  beats  and  post  rock  style  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  synths  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clear  vocals.  as  well  as  some  of  the  guitar  leads  also  adding  in  touches  of  blackgaze,  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard,  acoustic  guitars  and  stringed  instruments  are  also  utilized  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Martikor  is  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  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "Aimless  Dance  In  The  Hallow"  an d "Somber  pace".  8  out  of  10.

  https://open.spotify.com/album/7CEsOb1Gy7MmJ3JWf6GQFl

https://music.apple.com/us/album/soliloquy/1704619144

https://martikor.bandcamp.com/album/soliloquy

https://www.youtube.com/@Martikor_Music/featured

https://www.instagram.com/martikor_music/

https://soundcloud.com/martikor

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550720735395     

Cunabula/The Weight Of Sleep/Sleaszy Rider Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Cunabula  are  a  band  from  Lithuania  that  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  post  black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2023  album  "The  Weight  of  Sleep"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Sleaszy  Rider  Records.

  Radio  static  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  and  melodic  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Elements  of  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  vocals  ar e mostly  high  pitched  blackened metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  the  songs  also  add  in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.   Clear  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs  as  well  as  the  keyboards  also  adding  in  touches  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature,  sadness  and  solitude  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cunabala  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  mixture  of  post  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bruxa"  and  "silent  Somber  Suns".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/vw77kywj4dk

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[ BOLT ]/( 05 )/dunk! Records/2023 Double Album Review

 

  Germany's  [  BOLT  ]  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for a   mixture  of  drone,  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2023  double  album  [  05  ]"  which  was  released  by  dunk!Records.

  Drums  and  percussion  start  of  the  album  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental,  avant  garde  and  improvised  at  times.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  most  of  the  music  is  instrumental.

  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  drones.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  adding  in  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  as  well  as  the  synths  also  bringing  in  touches  of  ambient  when  they  are  utilized,  sounds  of  silence,  whispers  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  for  a  few  seconds  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  [  BOLT  ]  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  drone,  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  double  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "White  Concrete"  and  "Petite  Fieur  Des  Champs".  8  out  of  10.

  https://wearebolt.bandcamp.com/album/0-5

Hiverlucide/Spaceseer/ Φ​α​λ​α​ι​ν​ο​μ​α​ν​ι​τ​ά​ρ​ι/Syrup Moose Records/2023 Collaboration Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  collaboration  album  between  France's  Hiverlucide  and  U.S.A's  solo  project  Spaceseer  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom  synth,  experimental,  industrial,  noise  and  dark  ambient  and  the  album  will  be  released  on  July  21st  by  Syrup  Moose  records  and  called  "Φ​α​λ​α​ι​ν​ο​μ​α​ν​ι​τ​ά​ρ​ι".

  Dark  ambient  soundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  guitar  sounds  a  few  seconds  later  that  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  doom  metal.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  whole  recording  is  also  improvised.

  Harsh  noises  and  power  electronics  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  while  the  synths  also  add  in  touches  of  dungeon  synth  when  they  are  utilized.  Both  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  the  second  song  also  mixing  in  the  more  underground  side  of  industrial  and  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  briefly  towards  the  end.

  Hiverlucide  and  Spaceseer  team  up  together  and  mix  their  2  different  styles  together  which  results  in  an  album t hat  mixes  black,  doom  metal,  noise,  industrial,  drone,  experimental,  dark  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  as  well  as  keeping  most  of t he  music  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Hiverlucide  and  Spaceseer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  doom  synth,  industrial,  noise  and  dark  ambient,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Slowly  Collecting  Substrate  For  The  Hericium  Whale".  8  out  of  10.

https://non-serviam.bandcamp.com/album/satan-death-whale-side-project

  https://spaceseer.bandcamp.com/    

    

Espi Kvlt/Denies My Tongue To Tell/Syrup Moose Records/2023 EP Review

 

  Espi  Kvlt  is  a  solo  artist  from t he  United  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  ambient,  trap  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  ep  "Denies  My  Tongue  To  Tell"  which  was  released  by  Syrup  Moose  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  start  off  the  ep  while  trap  style  beats  can  also be   heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  ambient  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  some  harp's  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals.

  Espi  Kvlt  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  trap,  ambient  and  black  meta  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  basep  upon  different  women  from  the  Shakespeare  tragedies.

  In  my  opinion  Espi  Kvlt  is  a  very  great  soundign  mixture  of  tap,  ambient  and  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Juliet"  and  "Ophelia".  8  out  of  10.

  https://espikvlt.bandcamp.com/album/denies-my-tongue-to-tell

        

Tele.S.Therion/Stelios Romaliadas/In Umbra Malitiae Ambulabo In Aeternum In Triumpho Tenebrarum/Radical Matters/2023 Collaboration Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  collaboration  between  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  and  Greece's  solo  project  Stelios  Romaliadas  called  "In  Umbra Malitiae  Ambulabo  In  Aeternum  In  Triumpho  Tenebrarum"  which  was  released  in  2023  by  Radical  Matters  and  it  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  acoustomatic  black  metal ,  experimetnal  and  avant  garde.

  Ambient  style  drones  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  more  experimental  and  avant  garde  side  of  the  music.  Flutes  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  percussions  also  give  the  recording  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  when  they  are  introduced  in  the  first  chapter.

  Demonic  voices  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Electric  bass  guitars  are  also  brought  into  the  music  as  more  of  a  lead  instrument  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  heavier  parts  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  a  drone  style  of  doom  metal.  Black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  whole  album  also  being  improvised  as  well  as  some  electric  guitar  sounds  also  being  added  halfway  through  the  album   

  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  and  Stelios  Romaliadas  mix  there  2  different  styles  together  to  create  something  very  slow,  dark,  heavy  and  experimental  sounding  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Tele.S.Therion  and  Stelios  Romaliadas  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experiemtnal,  drone,  avant  garde  and  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  8  out  of  10.

   https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/hexis-horm-tik-para-to-kath-kon

Tele.S.Therion/In Umbra Malitiae Ambulabo In Aeternum In Triumpho Tenebrarum/Radical Matters/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  taking  their  acousmatic  black  metal  take  on  the  musical  style  of  Abruptum  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "In  Umbra  Malitiae  Ambulabo  In  Aeternum  In  Triumpho  Tenebrarum"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters.

  A  very  silent  prelude  starts  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  avant  garde  style  piano's  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction.  Elements  of  doom  metal  and  rone  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  recording  while t he  vocals  are  mostly  tortured  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  an  improvised  atmosphere  while  the  electrics  guitars  bring  in  more  of  a  distorted  style.  Electric  bass  guitars  are  also  utilized  as  a  lead  instrument  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments  as  well  as  the  recording  also  getting  very  ritualistic  sounding  at  times,  seconds  of  silence  also  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  underneath  all  of  the  heaviness  you  can  also  hear  touches  of  ambient  and  jazz  music  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  mixes  their  music  style  with  the  earlier  music  of  Abruptum  to  create  a  very  dark,  disturbing  and  ritualistic  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  are  based  upon  a  homonym  grimoire  created  by  Abruptum.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  experimental  and  ritualistic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  8  out  of  10.

  

◢ URL: https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/in-umbra-malitiae-ambulabo-in-aeternum-in-triumpho-tenebraru    

V:XII/Lu-Cipher-Sabbatean/Sentient Ruin Laboratories/2023 Full Length Review

 

    V:XII are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black, death metal,  industrial,  dark  ambient  and  harsh  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Lu-Cipher-Sabbatean"  which  will  be  released  in April  by  Sentient  Ruin  laboratories.

  Industrial  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  the  synths  also  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  when t hey  are utilized.  Death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  harsh  noises  and  power  electronics  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  while  the  music  also  adds  in  touches  of  martial  at  times.  On  some  of  the  tracks  the  music  also  goes  into  more  of  a  ritualistic  direction  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other,  melodic  chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  

  On  this  recording   V:XII  takes  black,  death  metal,  industrial,  dark  ambient  and  harsh  noise  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  album.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  religious  and  ritualistic  power  leading  to  a  world  drowned  in  darkness  and d read.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  V:XII  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of   black, death metal,  industrial,  dark  ambient  and  harsh  noise,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blood  Strategies"  "Hivermind  Nation"  and  "Mindworm".  8 out  of  10.

BANDCAMP RELEASE            

Hiverlucide/Satan Death Whale/Fiadh Productions/Vita Detestabilis Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Hiverlucide  are  a  duo  from  France  that  consists  of  members  from  Non  Serviam  and  plays  a mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Satan  Death  Whale"  which  will  be  released  in  march  by  Fiadh  Productions  and  Vita  Detestabilis  Records.

  Ambient  style  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  keyboards  and  power  electronics  a  few  seconds  later.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  power  electronics,  loops  and  harsh  noises,  whale  chants  and  field  recordings  are  also  utilized  at  times.

  Guitar  amp  sounds  and  heavy  riffing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  decent  amount  of  black  metal  and  death  industrial   elements  along  with  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Hiverlucide  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  harsh  noise,  death  industrial,  ambient,  drone  and  experimental  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Hiverlucide  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial  and  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Satan".  8  out  of  10.

  Hiverlucide    

One Leg One Eye/And Take The Black Worm With Me/Nyaah Records/2022 Full Length Review

 

    One  Leg  One  Eye  are  a  solo  project  from  Ireland  that  plays  a  lo-fi  mixture  of  black  metal, e experimental,  drone,  ambient,  folk  and  musique  concrete  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2022  album  "And  Take  The  Black  Worm  With  Me"  which  will  be  released  on  October  27th  by  Nyaah  Records.

  Water  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ambient  style  synths  and  guitar  orientated  drones  a  few  seconds  later.  High  pitched  black  emtal s creams  can  be  heard  briefly  while  most of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  a  couple  of  tracks also  adds  in  Irish  folk  music  style  clear  vocals.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental,  avant  garde  and  lo-fi  sounding  while  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  harsh  noises.  All  of  the  songs  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  different  sound  to  them  along  with a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  musical  direction.as  well  as  some  folk  instruments  also  being  utilized  at  times   and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental 

  One  Leg  One  Eye  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  experimental,  drone,  ambient,  folk  and  musique  concrete  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover   light  and  dark  themes.     

  In  my  opinion  One  Leg  one  Eye  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal, e experimental,  ambient,  folk  and  misuque  concrete  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  these  musical genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Glistering  She  Emerges"  and  "Only  The  Diceys".  8  out  of  10.

  https://nyahhrecords.bandcamp.com/     

The Magik Way/Dracula(25 Years Anniversary/My Kingdom Music/2022 Full length Review

 

  Italy's  The  Magik  Way  has  returned  with  a  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of   ambient,  ritual,  experimental,  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Dracula(25  Years  Anniversary)"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  my  Kingdom  Music.

  A  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  keyboards  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  darker  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  female  vocals.  

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  ritualistic  sounding  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  the  atmosphere  of  a  horror  movie  soundtrack.  Touches  of  ambient  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  the  male  vocals  also  adding  in a  mixture  of  clear  singing  and  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal  as  well  as  the  spoken  word  parts  also  enhancing  the  occult  side  of  the  music  when  they  are utilized,  melodic  guitar  leads  can  also b e  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  The  Magik  Way  takes  ambient,  ritual,  experimental,  black  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  Bram  Stoker's  "Dracula'.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Magik  Way  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ambient,  ritual,  experimental,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Castel  Dracula"  "Lucy"  and  "Van  Helsing".  8  out  of  10.

  ttp://facebook.com/themagikway

Breaths/Isolera/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Richmond,  Virginia's  solo  project  Breaths  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  instrumental  mixture  of  blackgaze,  doom  metal,  post  rock,  chillhop,  ambient  and  drone  and  the  album  was  self  released  in  2022  and  called  "Isolera".

  Ambient  style  synths  and  drones  start  off  the  album  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  All  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  an  instrumental  direction  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  repetitive  moments  and  when  slow  guitar  riffs  are  added  onto  the  recording  they  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal.

  Blackgaze  style  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  sounds  while  a  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  very  improvised.  All  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  post  rock  style  clean  playing  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction,  programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  breaths  takes  ambient,  drone,  cillhop,  post  rock,  doom  metal  and  blackgaze  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  different  from  previous  releases  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Breaths  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackgaze,  doom  metal,  post  rock  chillhop,  ambient  and  drone,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Movement  II"  and  "Movement  IV".  8  out  of  10.

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Metakosmia Interview

 

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

VASILIS: Hello, we are METAKOSMIA, a metal band from Greece, Athens. The band was created about 2 years ago by two persons -Vasilis Kakafikas and Petros Geromarkakis. The aim was to create music that is both unique and that would represent the concept behind the name of the band: METAKOSMIA.

2.In March you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

V: Yes. From the very beginning, what we had in mind when creating our debut album -Aperantos Kosmos, was that musically, the medium through which we would let our artistic selves to unfold, would be that of the metal sound for sure. But with no boundaries. 

We knew that we should use lots of keyboards and sounds, combined with a more harsh directions, to the extend of reaching the death and black metal territory. In every step of the process of creating and recording, we would ask ourselves: Ïs this really METAKOSMIA? Does it give to the listener (us for start) this otherwordly sense? Is it truly a METAKOSMIA sound? Does it take you there? If the answer was "no", we would immediately delete and go for a new start. If the answer was "YES!", we then knew we were on the right track and that we should move forward to that same direction.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover Greek Philosophy, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

V: We have always been interested in philosophy. We consider ourselves to be philosophers as well. Being a friend with wisdom also has a practical side inside the meaning of the word. Philos - Sophia. It is a way of life, not just an empty idea. In the early years reading Plato about Socrates, and then moving to all the rest of the giants of thought. It has been said that everything you can think or imagine, has already been talked about from one or more of our weirdly smart ancestors. Every culture has its own wisdom. At the same Golden times of Greece (500 BC), Chinese philosophy was also at its greatest peak.

The truths are universal.

4.Lyrically you also go into Science and Mysticism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these paths have evolved over the years?

V: Science becomes more and more obscure with every new step it takes. Especially after the "new" quantum physics evolving, new interesting ideas and realizations like the string theory, the multifaceted universes, the discovery of dark matter and dark energy, science has humbly lowered the head and admitted that knows only 5% of what is out there. And this is a stance that science ought's to maintain. Otherwise it may very easily transform into a totalitarian monster, a godlike Authority like -unfortunately- it tends to have  become in some of its aspects, in the past few years, for example in the medicine field... 

So science, by admitting that knows nothing really, and furthermore reassures that the observer IS the observed, opens again the gates for mysticism to pass through and enter the realm, in all its past glory. Magic is again a reality, not just by the future that technology may imply, but by the role of perseptionin the game and how it shapes reality. An ancient knowledge that gets lost and resurrects through the passing of aeons.

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

V: One of the greatest of all times, Epicurus, following the teachings of Democritus, who further built on the system of his teacher Leucippus, who shaped the atomic theory, figured out between other things, that Gods exist, but have nothing to do with the common image of the gods, that the every day man imagines, or had been led to believe as such. Metakosmia are those relatively empty- of ordinary matter- places, vast voids of almost perfect emptiness between the galaxies. There they live and prosper. They have nothing to do with humans and they don't intervene. They are almost indestructible beings. To us, they look Godly-like. Unfortunately, so little of the works of Epicurus has been saved. But do a favor to yourself and read Lucretius' "De rerum natura". It hides inside

more than one book of Epicurus.

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

V: On the top there is a photo I shot, of a sculpture from the archaeological museum of Peiraius in Greece. It is a scene depicting theurgy, part of the Eleusis mysteries. One can see the symbolic gestures, symbolic hand shapes from the high-priest and the high-priestess while they whisper the mystic language of the ancient mysteries. It is well known that the truths were revealed there by gestures, symbolic images, unknown -to the common listener- words, etc. that "worked" with the subconscious mind of the initiate. 

At the lower side of the cover, one can see the sea. And the endless sky. The logo and the title stand in the middle of the picture, in a way that reminds us and increases the feeling of the enormous size of infinite space... Aperantos Kosmos (World without end - infinite cosmos)

7.On the album you worked as a duo, how do both of your styles different from each other and what impact did it have on the musical style?

V: I would say that Petros was more experienced in ambient music and sounds and more on the black metal aesthetic, while I am into a more death metal and melodic expression of feelings. We both like almost every kind of metal in general as well as everything that sounds inspiring, interesting, innovative etc. 

Having myself participated in various musical projects in the past, I think that METAKOSMIA - Aperantos Kosmos is the best one yet.

8.Currently you are unsigned, have you received any label interest?

V: We are currently in contact with a few labels. There is a great possibility that there is going to be an agreement. We have to be a little patient for the moment. We would to see the album released in double vinyl and cassette tape formats.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of extreme metal and the more experimental and ambient musical genres? 

V: The truth is that from the 2-3 reviews that are on the net and from the 2-3 youtube channels that it has been on, the feedback has so far been very positive. 

People seem to appreciate and understand the concept of the album. Back when we were creating the songs, we wanted the album to be an experience, not just another listen. I believe we have succeeded in this, it is an emotional journey, an initiation almost to another world.

10.With the death of the other member of the project what affect does this have on the future of the musical project?

V: Although the album was ready, it took me about a year after the passing of my good friend and bandmate, to release it. My first thoughts was that, that was it, there was going to be nothing more, after this one album. After some more thought, a few days ago to be honest, I decided that METAKOSMIA are here to stay.

I feel I ought it to Petros too. Alone or with the help of others, METAKOSMIA will continue to be and create unique music in every step. A never-ending journey in a never-ending world...

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?

V: So many bands that one can mention. The classics from the swedish melodic death, like: Dark tranquillity and the gallery, In flames wth the jester race, Edge of sanity etc. Heavy metal bands like Manowar or judas priest. Celtic frost, Arcturus, Pan thy monium, Diana Ankudinova, Babymetal, Dark millenium, Perfect bliss, Terrasound with abstract portrait and more...

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

V: Thank you for this interesting questions and thanks for the nice review of Aperantos Kosmos, I wish you and all your readers, the best.

Bandcamp: https://metakosmia1.bandcamp.com/album/aperantos-kosmos
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBc5TTJs5oxT4YcVjTqD4hw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Hy5rQ3E5SFiF0WqVbTd2o
Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/metakosmia/aperantos-kosmos