Monovoth Interview

 

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

Much of the work over the last couple of months has focused on putting the finishing touches on the visual aspects of the album, as well as the overall marketing and media strategy. While I’ve already started writing some songs that reflect the evolution of the project, it’s still hard to know which of them will eventually make it onto the next album. What I do know is that I’m constantly writing and trying to express myself through music.

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

I think people are going to be surprised by To Live in the Breath of Worship, as it’s vastly more dynamic than the previous records. I tried to write songs from a more universal perspective while maintaining the core Doom / Drone / Funeral essence. What were already quite dynamic compositions were elevated even further by Martin Visconti’s drumming contributions. I believe listeners will discover a more eclectic side of Monovoth this time.

3.You have worked with a variety of many different extreme metal styles in your other projects, how would you compare the music of 'Monovoth' to what you have done musically in previous or current groups?

I’ve worked on grindcore and death‑metal‑oriented projects before, but approaching Monovoth allows for a grandeur in scope and composition that I can’t express within those genres. The length of the songs, the layers, the atmospheres and moods all allow Monovoth to be an ‘all‑around’ experience—both as a composer and as a listener.

4.Most of your music so far has been instrumental but you did experiment a little bit with vocals on the new album, are you planning on expanding on that aspect on future releases?

Not really. I generally have one or two guest vocalists in Monovoth, and only on specific songs or sections, for artistic or textural purposes. I see Monovoth mainly as an instrumental project, but vocals can—and will—appear now and then as another instrument or layer, if the song calls for it.

The most I’ve done with vocals was a shared EP with a local singer (Ber Stinco in 'Elogio a la Noche'), leaning more into a Nick Cave‑like, very experimental territory. For now, it remains a one‑time collaboration—but who knows what the next few years will bring? Experimentation and art are central to how I envision the project.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the themes you explore on the new album?

The new album is about lonely gods in a universe without faith, part mythological, part philosophical, maybe. But as the album evolved, and considering how reality is unfolding nowadays, I began to see it as a metaphor for many of the negative things happening around the world. In a way, we are all lonely gods begging for attention under the paradigm of the algorithms. And at the same time, how many lonely gods are begging for power and attention while ruling various countries today? The parallels are endless.

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

In harmony with the album’s theme, I stumbled upon an artwork by Santiago Caruso purely by chance. He’s an outstanding Argentine artist I’ve been wanting to collaborate with for ages, and I feel his piece represents the concept and the music perfectly

7.With this project you work mostly solo but have worked with musicians in other bands. Do you prefer recording by yourself?

It’s funny, this is a ‘solo project,’ yet at this point I have a group of underground Argentine artists, whom I consider the best of the best, who have been tagging along with small (and not-so-small) contributions since the first Monovoth album. I’ve also worked with Andrew Notsch (Manipulator, Ex-Sunless) on our project Golden Cannibal, with Lindsay O’Connor (Coma Cluster Void) in Blvgth, and on many other things as well.

I love working alone, and having full artistic direction is very comfortable, but it can also get tiresome and overwhelming to handle every aspect myself. So I’ve been trying to lean on other people more and more.

In the creative process, what others can bring to your songs is always a plus. I see it as colors outside my own palette—and the results are outstanding.

8.On the new album you also have a few quests, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and also their contributions to the recording?

On To Live the Breath of Worship, first and foremost, Martin Visconti plays drums once again, but this time he truly delved into the composition and creation process with me, so his contributions to the album as a whole are incredible. Federico Ramos (Avernal) delivers a solo on Cosmically Orphaned. Ivo Bisceglia (Atadues, Los Últimos Días), a young and mind‑blowing talent, arranged parts for The Fallen. Martin Passaro and Andrew Notsch contributed vocals here and there, and Kevin Hufnagel (Gorguts, Dysrhythmia) was kind enough to play on Crimson Red Wound.

I’m so humbled to have these people perform on something I wrote. Last but not least, Sebastián Barrionuevo (Medivm) mixed and mastered the album and also contributed guitar on Crimson Red Wound.

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

The reaction to the first two records was really unexpected—especially for a one‑man band from Argentina, you know? Trepanation Recordings from the UK released those albums physically, which was incredible for me. I’ll be forever thankful to Dan and all his work. The label closed shop last year, so at the moment I’m not attached to any label

10.What is going on with your other musical projects these days?

Not much, but I do have a couple of things in the works for Monovoth—even ideas that wouldn’t normally fall under what people expect from the project. I’ve decided not to have any more parallel projects for the time being and to channel all my creative output through this one.

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

I always find it a bit grandiose to consider myself ‘a musician,’ in a way. But I’d say something like: play better, play more, look forward and never look back. That’s the attitude and the motto behind everything I do.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?

Lately I’ve been diving back into Pink Floyd and Cynic in terms of ‘classics.’ But when it’s not that, Primitive Man, Avernal, Imperial Triumphant, and Krallice are usually in my regular rotation.

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

I just hope everyone enjoys the records. Thank you for this space and opportunity. And as a reminder, all proceeds from now until after Bandcamp Friday (Feb 6) will go toward supporting the fight against the wildfires in southern Argentina.”

Regards,

Social Media:

https://linktr.ee/monovoth 

Monovoth/To Live In The Breath Of Worship/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Monovoth  are  a  solo  project  from  Argentina  that  plays  a   mixture  of  post  black,  doom,  death  metal,  crust,  drone  and  dark  ambient  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2025  album  "To  Live  In  The  Breath  Of  Worship"  which  will  be  released  in  February.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  the  synths  also  being  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  Before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  The  slower  sections  of  the  recording  are  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  more  of  a  post  metal  style.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  drones  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  music  also  capturing  the  brutality  of  death  metal  at  times.   Touches  of  crust  are  also  added  into  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  done  in  more  of  a  black  metal  style  when  they  are  introduced,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  closing  song  also  adds  in  some  fast  riffing  and  blast  beats..

  Monovoth  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  post  black,    funeral  doom,  death  metal,  crust,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  as  well  as  sticking  to  mostly  an  instrumental  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  song themes  cover  lonely  gods  in  a  faithless  world.

  In  my  opinion  Monovoth  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  post  black,  funeral  doom,  death  metal,  crust,  drone  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  A  Dying  Star"  and  "To  Drown  In  The  Tears  Of  God".  8  out  of  10.

  https://linktr.ee/monovoth 

Onsetcold Interview

 

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

Once we recorded the album, I did a mix and master and nearly sent it to the label, but I was just not getting the right sound. I asked around and Dan Mullins (My Dying Bride) was up for it, so with all my raw stems I sent them over to him. The new mix and master was returned to us, and he’s done a brilliant job. We’re also making a video for the track Sleep Tonight on the WormHoleDeath YouTube and getting ready for the album release.

2. You have a new album coming out towards the end of November. Musically, how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Hopefully this new album is closer to what I wanted to achieve with my earlier creations, some of the 2008 and mostly 2011 tracks (Sodom and Gomorrah / Goat of Mendes / Horus You can find them on the Onsetcold YouTube Channel )which were more in keeping with the tempo and sounds I wanted to create.

3. From 2008 to 2020 there was no music being released. Can you tell us a little bit more about this 12‑year gap?

We returned to the stage with a 2011 lineup/demos and played the Terrorizer Shows that were happening at the time, with some great support from larger bands on the scene. After that I ended up going outback and then doing a degree in Fine Art and a Postgraduate Degree in Fine Art with a lot of assistance, I must add. We then released Gloomy Sunday (single) mixed and mastered myself in 2018, as for some odd reason I wanted to release every track as a single. Then came the whole album Arte Destroyer (mastered by Mick Kenney, Anaal Nathrakh), after that Death Blast EP, then Noam Chomsky leading into this release.

4. A lot of your lyrics cover apocalyptic themes. Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Similar to storytelling in an audio format. I was thinking of calling the album Edward Bernays, but I think Apocalyptic Sleep suited today’s climate.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Onsetcold’?

Onset - Cold. The beginning of the end, the end of the beginning. Maybe a post‑industrial look at the world.

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

Seiza Friedrich, also vocals, painted the album art cover titled A Morning Filled with 400 Billion Suns (homage to J.M.W. Turner). Oil on canvas, 110.5 x 139.7 cm.

7. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, but the band has had a full line‑up in the past. Are you open to adding new members again or do you prefer to remain a duo?

For sure it would be great to go live, I would be stoked. But with what I will say about my blood pressure in another question (9) and the stress of getting musicians together myself, I don’t think it would be possible at the moment. It would if they came to me, but we know that is a long stretch. Being neurodivergent, both of us, complicates things. At this moment I would like to thank previous members for supporting the creation that became Onsetcold.

8. With the live line‑up, what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far, and how would you describe your stage performance?

I have played so many shows over the years it is quite hard to remember, playing with so many bands from around the world, some that are now much further on than myself. Onsetcold touring with Hecate Enthroned, and the Terrorizer Shows. I enjoy playing live more than I can say.

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

Not at the moment. I have some heavy health issues to deal with day to day. I have had several malignant hypertensions since 2018, thus I struggle to control my blood pressure if at all.

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

In the earlier days it was very alive. I recall someone creating a Mexican/Latin website for Onsetcold news. 2011 demos were something I always wanted to do, but never an official release. I think my head was so far into fine art that the Arte Destroyer album may have leaned too far that way. I hope with Apocalyptic Sleep there is more balance between me before the art stuff and with the art stuff.

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

Seeing as I am living on borrowed time, I am just very happy to release this album. I would love to start a new album after a short break from recording music nonstop for the past 7 years. It took 2 years to get this one done. I may start something else because I really enjoyed creating this last album.

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

I’m listening to many bands, but to list a few: Igorrr, Labyrinthus Sellarum, Zeal & Ardor, Kordhell (and related), The Moody Blues, Cattle Decapitation, Kavinsky, and many more. Influences on my music span many years, including some of those mentioned in my current listens.

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

All good.

Shaq

www.youtube.com/onsetcold
www.instagram.com/onsetcold
www.facebook.com/onsetcold

Onsetcold/Apocalyptic Sleep/WormHoleDeath Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Onsetcold  are  a  duo  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  experimental  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Apocalyptic  Sleep"  which  will  be  released  on  November  28th  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

  Symphonic  style  orchestration  starts  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  avant  garde  style  clear  singing  while  female  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  and  all  of  the  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  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  very  sci-fi  orientated  atmosphere.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  pain,  survival  and  the  end  of  the  world.

  In  my  opinion  Onsetcold  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  and  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Blue  Room"  "Standing  In  the  Rain  Beside  You"  "Short  Circuit"  and  "Austere".  8  out  of  10.

  www.youtube.com/onsetcold

www.instagram.com/onsetcold

www.facebook.com/onsetcold    

Master's Hammer/Maldorör Disco/Darkness Shall Rise/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Master's Hammer  are  a  band  from  Czechia  that  has  a  history  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  80's  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Maldorör  Disco"  which  will  be  released  on  November  26th  by  Darkness  Shall  Rise.

  Synths  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  brings  in  elements  of  electronic  music  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  done  in  a  grim  black  metal  style  mixed  in  with  some  touches  of  industrial  while  clear  singing  is  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  recording  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments. 

  All  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  while  also  avoiding  the  use  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats.  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  small  amount  of  clean  sections,  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  On  this  recording  Master's  Hammer  goes  for  more  of  a  electronic  and  experimental  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  different  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Czech  and  cover  the  traditions  of  their  homeland  and  occultism.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Master's  Hammer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  and  avant  garde  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Genesis  P.  Orridge"  "Bochnatky"  "Doppleganger"  and  "Slatina".  8  out  of  10.

  www.facebook.com/MastersHammerOfficial 

Smohalla/Ruina Draconis/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Smohalia  are  a  duo  from  France  that  plays  a  very  progressive  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Ruina  Draconis"  which  will be   released  in  October  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  keyboards  also  add  in  some  symphonic  touches.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams,  growls  and  avant  garde  style  clear  singing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  recording  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  ambient  and  electronic  sounds.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  the  faster  riffing  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  words.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  dark  and  metaphysical  themes.  

 In  my  opinion  Smoholia  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ecclessia  Obsessa"  "Cantica  Servi  Sufferentis"  and  "Homunculus".  8 out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ruina-draconis  

Creatvre/Toujours Humain/I, VOidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  France's  solo  project  Creatvre  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  avant  garde  and  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Tojours  Humain"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Industrial  style  beats  and  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  sounding  while  clear  singing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  acoustic  guitars  and  wind  instruments.

  On  this  recording  Creatvre  goes  for  a  very  modern  and  progressive  form  of  avant  garde  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dystopian,  poetry  and  awareness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Creatvre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Syntropie"  "Chant  des  limbes"  "Toujours  en  bas"  and  "Shaina".  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/toujours-humain      

Sigh/I Saw The World's End (Hangman's Hymn MMXXV)/Peaceville Records/2025 Re-Recorded Album Review

 

  Japans'  Sig  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  avant  garde  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "I  Saw  The  World's  End  (Hangman's  Hymn  MMXXV)"  which  will  be  released  on  June 13th,  2025  by  Peaceville  Records  and  is  also  a  re-recorded  version  of  the  2007  album  "Hangman's  Hymn".

  A  very  heavy  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Elements  of  thrash  metal  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  operatic  choirs  also  taking  the  music  into  more  of  an  avant  garde  direction  when  they  are  utilized.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  album  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  more  of  a  melodic  and  old  school  metal  style.  some  of  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  touch  of  power/thrash  metal.

  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  back  up  shouts  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  music  also  updating  the  black/thrash  metal  style  for  the  modern  era,  spoken  words  are  also  used  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  and  cover   death  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Sigh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  re-recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Inked  In  Blood"  "The  Master  Malice"  "In  Devils  Arms"  and  "Salvation  In  Flame/Confutatis".  8  out  of  10.

  Instagram     

  

Dramanduhr/Vertuhn/Broken Bones Promotions And Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Dramanduhr  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Vertuhn"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Broken  Bones  Promotions  and  Productions.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  clear  vocals  bring  in  more  of  an  avant  garde  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  black  emtal  style   tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard.

  The  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  grim  screams  when  they  are  utilized  on  a  few  songs  while  back  up  shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  Spoken  chants  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  folk  music  style  percussion.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  couple  of  songs,  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  esoteric themes.      

  In  my  opinion  Dramanduhr  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Andeterlit  Stahr  Hammit"  "Dertèh  Marlàhk"  "Thermanos  Trekitat"  and  "Vertuhn".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: https://dramanduhr.bandcamp.com/ 

Sito ufficiale: https://linktr.ee/Dramanduhr 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramanduhr/

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

  

  

In The Woods.../Otra/Prophecy Productions/2025 Full Length Review

 

  In  The  Woods...  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Otra"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  Prophecy  Productions.

  Acoustic  guitars  and  keyboards  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clear  singing  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction.  Harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  and  avant  garde  sounding  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  On  this  recording  In  The  Woods...  focuses  more  on  an  avant  garde  and  progressive  style  of  metal  with  some  elements  of  black  metal  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  an  aggressive  edge.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Philosophy,  Introspection  and  Sadness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  in  the  Woods...  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Things  You  Shouldn't  Know"  "The  Kiss  And  The  Lie"  and  "Come  Ye  Sinners'.  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook / Instagram  

Edyakaran/Pantheon/My Kingdom Music/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Edyakaran  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  album  "Pantheon"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  My  Kingdom  Music.

  Drum  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  when  it  is  utilized.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Synths  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  done  in  more  of  an  instruments  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  symphonic  and  avant  garde  moments  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  elements  of  noise  and  electronic  music.

  When  harsh  vocals  are  finally  utilized  they  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  deep  growls  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  fast  tremolo  playing  also  being  used  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  a  couple  of  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  self-destructive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Edyakaran  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  progressive  post  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Alfa"  "Caccia"  "Guerra"  and  "Omega".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.instagram.com/edyakaran/

Labyrinthe Heirs/Self Titled/I, Voiidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Labyrinthe  Heirs  are  a  band  from  Texas  that  plays  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2025  album  which  will  be  released  in  march  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Spoken  words  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  lot  of  avant  garde  and  noise  rock  elements  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  some  dissonant  touches.  Some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  musical  direction,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffs.

  Labyrinthe  Heirs  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  noise  rock  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Gnosticism,  the  Cloud  of  Unknowing,  the  works  of  Jiddu  Krishnamurit,  existentialism  and  anxiety  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Labyrinthe  Heirs  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Brick  Refusers  Quartered"  and  "Satan's  Domain  is  The  liver".  8  out  of  10.

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/track/brick-refusers-quartered

Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi/Droga do domu/Devoted Art Propaganda/2024 Full Length Review

 

    Poland's  Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  synth  orientated  form  of  art  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Droga  do  dormu"  which  was  released  by  Devoted  Art  Propaganda.

  Spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  clear  avant  ggarde  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  synths  also  being  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  blast beats  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  black  metal  screams  can  also be  heard  briefly.  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffing  along  with  most  of  the  recording  sticking  to  wither  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  the  songs  also  mix  in  elements  of  electronic  music. 

  On  this  recording  Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi  brings  in  more  of  a  synth  orientated  and  experimental  style  of  black  metal  as  well  as  adding  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  make  a  more  diverse  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  poetic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  synth  orientated  art  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Agapa  II"  and  "Droga  do  domu".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/w%C4%99drowcy-tu%C5%82acze-zbiegi/1493555571

https://wedrowcy-tulacze-zbiegi.bandcamp.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dKd0pPpF21n7JzaHTsW8n?si=DIWok7I3S0q5ku91D-CM2A&utm_source=copy-link 

  

Goblin Hovel/Gobischkevrot/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Goblin  Hovel  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  plays  an  avant  garde  mixture  of  folk  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Gpbischkevrot".

  Nature  sounds  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  harsh  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  angry  shouts,  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  Folk  instruments  also  mix  in  with  the  heavy  side  of  the  music  and  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  album  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  old  school  extreme  metal  style  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Power  metal  style  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  having  narrative  interludes  in  between  them.  Keyboards  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  One  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals,  throat  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  a  beleaguered  clan  of  goblins  seeking  mystical  power  in  a  desperate  struggle  for  survival  in  a  human  dominated  world.

  In  my  opinion  Goblin  Hovel  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  mixture  of  folk  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gobischkevrot"  "Borokol  I"  "Moon's  Fist"  and  "Crineiga'.  8  out  of  10.

  goblinhovel.bandcamp.com  

Runopatia/Archaistia/T.D.M Archivist/2024 EP Review

 

  Runopatia  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  an  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  ep  "Archaistia"  which  will b e  released  in  December  by  T.D.M  Archivist.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  ep  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  all  of  the  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  and  the  vocals  have  an  aggressive  approach  that  is  more  closer  to  80's  extreme  metal  then  black  metal.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  the  recording  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments  as  well  as  some  spoken word  parts  also being  utilized  at  times,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffing.

  Runopatia  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  avant  garde  yet  aggressive  at  the  same  time.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Runopatia  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Serce  Krwawe".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/runopatia/    

Eva Can't/Emisferi/My Kingdom Music/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Eva  Can't  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  avant  garde  and  progressive  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Emisferi"  which  will  be  released  by  September  20th  by  My  Kingdom  music.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  also  adding  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys.  When  clear  singing  is  utilized  they  also  give  the  recording  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.

  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  are  also  utilized  while  some  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  a  few  songs  also  being  instrumentals,  classical  guitars  and  wind  instruments  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  is  a  concept  album  based  upon  an  emotional  and  physical  journey  divided  into  4  chapters.

  In  my  opinion  Eva  Can't  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  progressive  post  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  Volta  (Ghiacci  Boreali  I)"  "Prima  Tempesta  (Mari Boreali  I)"  "Di  Stanze  Assenti  (Mari  Australi  I)"  and  " Labirinti  (Ghiacci  Australi  III)".  8  out  of  10.

  facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evacantofficial

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evacantofficial   

Mycena 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?

Currently, we are still promoting our latest album "Serendisarray" and brainstorming concepts for our next album. I've also switched focus to my other musical projects (Vrhovec, Grinded Grin, Acid Hags). We've started collecting ideas, riffs, and themes for the new album. Once we gather a good number, we'll begin compiling and arranging them into a concept that best suits the new album. We plan to start working on the album this fall, and the writing and recording process is expected to take about six months.

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

On our previous albums, we relied heavily on improvisation. We didn't have finished themes, and they were recorded spontaneously when we all got together without prior arrangements or rehearsals. It was classic jamming. Our new album "Serendisarray" took about a year to record, spread across 10 sessions, with constant work on the concept. Every riff was tested and refined to fit the concept. Some songs started with a guitar riff, while others began with a drum pattern.

3. 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?

Some of the lyrical themes include Nostradamus' predictions, Pythagoras and Pythagorean teachings, cosmic chaos and serenity, and emotional disturbances and passions. Progress as a songwriter is very evident in Mycena. However, since Mycena isn't the only band I'm in, the writing styles intertwine and improve through my other projects, making everything look different when I return to Mycena. With each album, the writing style evolves, and the art of songwriting is honed into the unique expression that each of us possesses.

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

The name Mycena was taken from a hallucinogenic mushroom, which perfectly fit the initial concept of a psychedelic band. An added bonus is that no one had used this name for a band before. Nowadays, it's challenging to find a super cool band name that hasn't already been taken.

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

The artwork for the album was created by the phenomenal artist Vhan. It perfectly represents the album, which has chaos as its main theme, with a psychedelic touch, space, mantra, the human in the center, and the third eye—everything you can hear and feel on the album.

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

Currently, we are a duo when creating the album, but for concerts and recording, we have several musicians who join us depending on the concept of the concert or album. Moving forward, we will continue writing and recording as a duo, serving as the core idea center, and then we will use session musicians to enrich the album's sound.

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

The best concert, in my opinion, was in Koprivnica at FUNK Day when the festival was held outdoors. There were six of us on stage, and we created quite a scene with tons of smoke. I wore a white rabbit mask while playing the synth.

8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

No, we don't tour; we only play occasional concerts at local festivals. We don't have that obligation or need because we are on our own label, and we don't make a living from music. But we live for music.

9. Currently the band is singed to 'Olde Scratch Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Olde Scratch is my label, covering all my bands and allowing me to keep everything under one umbrella. It's easier to reach journalists and promote our music, and the audience knows what to expect when they see an Olde Scratch release.

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

With the exception of one of my black metal project, Mycena has reached the furthest of all my endeavors. The response has been phenomenal and very surprising. Both journalists and the audience have reacted excellently. It's a great motivation for us to continue our work.

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

I think we'll be moving towards less improvisation in the future and aim to work more on concept and arrangement. Our goal is also to ensure each song has vocals and melody, while still embracing tension through dissonance. That's our current plan, and we'll see in a few months how much of it we can achieve and how well our current ideas will come to life.

12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?

My all-time favorites are Croatian Seven That Spells, Oranssi Pazuzu, Deathspell Omega, King Crimson, and Master Musicians of Bukkake. They embody that psychedelic dissonance with a unique atmosphere that I crave when listening to and creating music.

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

Nothing more, thank you very much for the interview, and thanks to everyone for listening to the "Serendisarray" album :)

(Aleksandar Vrhovec, Mycena)

https://mycena.bandcamp.com/album/serendisarray
https://youtu.be/STyy8PQ-fvc?si=eZm794NnY5bnSmK1

Mycenia/Serendisarray/Olde Scratch Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Mycena  are  a  duo  from  Croatia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  stoner  rock,  jazz,  avant  garde,  experimental,  psychedelic  and  prog  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Serendisarray"  which  was  released  by  Olde  Scratch  Records.

  Psychedelic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  clean  sections  also  take  the  music  into  more  of  a  progressive  direction  when  they  are  added  in  the  music.

  High  pitched  black  metal  screams  can  be  heard  briefly  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  stoner  metal.  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  along  with  a  lot  of  the  vocals  adding  in  more  of  a  spoken  demonic  style,  saxophones  and  clarinets  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.

  The  album  also  adds  in  a  few  instrumentals  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  introduced  into  the  music,  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  most  of  the  songs  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.   The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric  themes.

  In  mu  opinion  Mycena  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  stoner  metal,  jazz,  avant  garde,  experimental,  psychedelic  and  prog  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lacrima  Futurum"  "Erato"  and  "Apatheia".  8  out  of  10.

  https://mycena.bandcamp.com/album/serendisarray

https://youtu.be/STyy8PQ-fvc?si=eZm794NnY5bnSmK1 

Les Chants Du Hasard/Livre Quart/2024 Full length Review

 

  France's  Les  Chants  Du  Hasard  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  orchestral  and  operatic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Livre  Quart"  which  will  be  released  in  June.

  Orchestra  sounds  and  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  high  pitched  black  emtal  screams  a  few  seconds  later.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  operatic  vocals  and  choirs  while  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  symphonic  and  classical  music  elements  and  at  times  the  recording  also  brings  in  a  very  ritualistic  atmosphere.

  The  whole  album  also  avoids  the  use  of  any  traditional  instruments  except  for  the  harsh  vocals  bringing  that  style  onto  the  recording.  Female  vocals  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times   as  well  as  one  of  the songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Les  Chants  Du  Hasrd  focuses  more  on  a  extreme  and  orchestral  style  of  opera  as  well  as  mixing  in  black  metal  vocals to  create  something  very  different.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  the  writings  of  Charles  Baudelaire.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Les  Chants  Du  Husard  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  orchestra  and  opera  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Parmi  Les  Poussieres"  "Sous  La  Mitre  De  Fer"  and  "Les  Ombres  Vagabondes".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/leschantsduhasard

https://www.instagram.com/hasard_malivore

https://leschantsduhasard.bigcartel.com

https://leschantsduhasard.bandcamp.com