Exiled Hope Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days?

 I have the 4th album pretty much done, the 5th album is in progress, and I have a bunch of covers that might make their way onto a separate album or EP. I also just released some new merch designs (which you can find in my online merch store here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/exiled-hope-virtual-merch-booth/). There's always a lot going on behind the scenes.

2.You have a new full length coming out early in 2025, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

It's at a much higher quality than my previous releases in terms of production and performances. Before finishing the album, I took several months off of working on original music to take lessons and work on covers in order to develop my skills, because I felt like I had plateaued and wasn't able to make the music I wanted to make. I'm a much better musician than I was on the first 2 albums and EP, and I had a professional mix engineer work on Apocrypha as well. Stylistically, this album strays a bit from the folk and progressive influences that were on the first Exiled Hope albums and plays up the black metal and power metal influences; it feels more like Kamelot and Cradle Of Filth than Eluveitie and Ensiferum.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover dark fantasy themes, can you tell us a little bit about your interest in this genre?

I love this genre because it uses escapism as a vehicle for working through real, personal emotions. When you take a feeling and turn it into something concrete in the form of music and/or lyrics, it's easier to process, understand, and work through that feeling. It becomes something you can choose to perceive instead of something that's vaguely perceptible and always there. As a result, my fantasy-inspired lyrics serve a purpose similar to that of fables or fairytales: they impart life lessons through storytelling.

4.You have also done soundtracks for films, what type of films have you contributed music to so far?

. I've done a vast array of short films for YouTuber John H. Shelton, generally in the urban fantasy or thriller genre. Most recently, I released a soundtrack album for the indie horror film What Happens After Midnight. I also recorded a folk-inspired soundtrack for Hallowed Paths (still in development), which is a loose retelling of a Finnish folktale. I would love to continue doing soundtrack work!

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

On a surface level, Hope is the name of the main protagonist of the first album, and she is exiled from her city after she learns dark secrets that the city's corrupt leaders would rather keep hidden. On a deeper level, the name Exiled Hope represents the hope for a better world that the fantasy genre instills in us, and reminds listeners that too often, we "exile" this hope from our spirits when we grow up and are forced to abandon things that inspired us as kids. The name is a reminder to keep pursuing the hope that society exiles from us, and to hold onto our passions.

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

 The cover artwork is The Deluge by John Martin (1834). I chose this piece to represent the turmoil that defines the protagonist's journey on this album, as he strives to find his own path in a world where he feels forced to choose sides and abandon different parts of himself.

7.You have worked both solo and with other musicians, do you prefer to work by yourself?

Generally, working by myself is easier because I'm fully in control of the project and can get the work done more efficiently. Working with other musicians requires compromise, discussion, scheduling, and waiting on everyone to send their parts over. I love working with other musicians, but I need my own personal outlet where I can work at my own pace and control the direction of the project. I also enjoy challenging myself to learn different parts, different skills, and different instruments, as I do in Exiled Hope; even though finishing a project is rewarding, the journey of creating the music is the fun part.

8.You have also collaborated on a few recordings with 'Steel Forge', musically how do you feel their style differs from yours?

Their style leans much harder in the melodeath direction than Exiled Hope has so far. It's a style that I've wanted to explore for a while, but that never really found its place in Exiled Hope. Working with Steel Forge and catering more to their members' skillsets and interests has given me the opportunity to tap into that creative energy. I wasn't just composing for myself, I was composing with other musicians and another vocalist in mind, and I think the challenge of building that seamless synergy between us resulted in some of my best work yet.

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

I am not looking to sign with a label. I am happy to create at my own pace, and I've built up a solid team and support system that cannot be easily replaced. There are many more paths to success in the music industry than there once were, and I think the metal scene in particular leans too hard on legacy thinking instead of taking advantage of the new opportunities that are available to musicians in the 21st century.

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

Extreme metal fans seem intrigued for the most part. Some people don't really understand the intent behind my genre blend, but that's ok; I'm not trying to appeal to a broad, general audience. My music is more for nerds (I say this lovingly, as a fellow music nerd) who like hearing unexpected twists and puzzle pieces in their music; I try to make it interesting to listen to. The people who get it, really do seem to get it. I've read multiple positive reviews that appear to perfectly understand my vision and ideas. I love seeing various interpretations of my music that, while all different, are often all correct at the same time. The emotional core of my music and the joy of creating something multifaceted and ambitious seem to resonate with people, and that's what matters to me.

11.What is going on with 'Forgotten Shrine' these days?

We're working on some new music, but we're still a bit unsure whether it will lead to an EP or a full album this year. We've both contributed songs to the project, and we're very excited to show them all off in one format or another.

12.Where do you see herself heading into as a musician during the future?

I see myself: 1) making a decent side income from my royalties, album sales, and merch sales; and 2) licensing my music to and recording original soundtracks for TV, film, and game producers. I'd say those are my main goals at the moment.

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

I've been listening to a lot of early-2000s post-grunge and alt-metal (such as Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, and Daughtry), and some more recent power metal (such as Arion, Frozen Crown, Kalidia, and Visions Of Atlantis)

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

Thank you for your thoughtful questions and your positive reviews! I appreciate you taking the time to check out my music and put this interview together.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/exiled-hope/1563587153

https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ExiledHope

https://www.instagram.com/legally_metal/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/024Bd5ViU3F8gRFe9lnCth?si=cbd9c556aa4d441d&nd=1&dlsi=221e6a99ea844729

https://www.tiktok.com/@exiled.hope

https://x.com/exiledhope99

https://www.youtube.com/@exiledhope

The Lightbringer/Quintessence Of Dawn/2010 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  earlier  album  from  Quebec,  Canada's  The  Lightbringer  which  went  for  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  power  metal  and  the  album  was  self  released  in  2010  and  called  "Quintessence  Of  Dawn".

  A  very  dark ,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  a  lot  of  songs.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  power  metal  style  singing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Keyboards  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing. 

Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  some  female  vocals  and  flutes  also  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  tracks  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  symphonic  moments,  death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Mythology,  Fantasy,  Darkness  and  Light  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Lightbringer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  power  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Garden  Of  Forsaken  Souls"  and  "Constellation  Of  The  Gate  Of  Gods".  8  out  of  10.     

  https://www.thelightbringerofficial.com/

https://thelightbringermetal.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@thelightbringermetal
https://www.facebook.com/thelightbringerofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/thelightbringerband/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/42vunlIXOg69YegQhmFG05

https://www.tiktok.com/@thelightbtingerofficial    

Exiled Hope/Apocrypha/2025 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  album  from  Maryland's  solo  project  Exiled  Hope  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  gothic  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  her  self  released  album  "Apocrypha"  which  will  be  released  in  2025.

  Tragic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  while  also  bringing  in  symphonic  elements  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  clear  vocals  are  utilized  they  add  in  touches  of  gothic  and  power  metal  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard along  with  one  song  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction,  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.

  On  this  recording  Exiled  Hope  takes  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death,  gothic  and  power  metal  to  create  something  very  original.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  fantasy  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Exiled  Hope  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black,  death,  gothic  and  power  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Day  Will  Come"  "Altar  Of  Moloch"  "Deathslayer"  and  "Forbidden  majesties".  8  out  of  10.

  https://music.apple.com/us/artist/exiled-hope/1563587153

https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ExiledHope

https://www.instagram.com/legally_metal/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/024Bd5ViU3F8gRFe9lnCth?si=cbd9c556aa4d441d&nd=1&dlsi=221e6a99ea844729

https://www.tiktok.com/@exiled.hope

https://x.com/exiledhope99

https://www.youtube.com/@exiledhope

Exiled Hope/Steel Forge/Realm Of the Exiled/2025 Collaboration EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  collaboration  ep  between  U.S.A's  Exiled  Hope  and  United  Kingdom's  Steel  Forge  who  team  up  together  and  bring  out  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death,  power  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  ep  "Realm  of  the  Exiled"  which  will  be  released  in  2025.

  A  very  heavy,  melodic  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Harsh  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  clean  sections  are  very  heavily  rooted  in  folk  music.  One  of  the  songs  also  introduce  clear  vocals  onto  the  recording  that  are  more  rooted  in  power  and  gothic  metal  as  well  as  one  track  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length, the  whole  ep  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Exiled  Hope  and  Steel  Forge  mix  their  two  different  styles  to  create  something  very  heavy,  melodic,  symphonic  and  epic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collaboration  between  Exiled  Hope  and  Steel  Forge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black,  doom,  death,  gothic,  power  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Light  In  the  Darkness"  and  "Beyond  The  Veil".  8  out  of  10.

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZNNjK9ieVITFmcplPs1hA 

Bandcamp: https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/024Bd5ViU3F8gRFe9lnCth 

Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/exiled-hope-virtual-merch-booth/

Bandcamp: https://steelforge1.bandcamp.com/

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

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

Twitter/X: https://x.com/steelforgeband?lang=en-GB

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steelforge8934

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CNLoVLW2SVhYxd6aZsGyR

      

Master Dy/FRUCTUS : The Master's Zodiac/DMG /2024 Full Length Review

 

  Master  Dy  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  very  dark,  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  gothic,  pop  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "FRUCTUS  :  The  Master's  Zodiac"  which  was  released  by  DMG.

  A  very  heavy  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in a   very  melodic  style  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.

  When  clear  vocals  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  power  and  gothic  metal  while  the  album  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  more  of  a  mainstream  style  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  adding  in  touches  of   black  and  death  metal  when  they  are  introduced  on  the  recording  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  male  vocals,  blast  beats  and  fast  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Master  Dy  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  more  rooted  in  the  melodic  symphonic  and  gothic/power  metal  style  as  well  as  mixing  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  resilience,  self-reliance  and  the  human  spirit's  will  to  overcome.

  In  my  opinion  Master  Dy  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  gothic,  pop  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bad  Omens  Of  January"  "Ephermal  Void"  "Regel  Eclipse"  and  "Nocturnal  Veil".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/@MasterDyBand
https://sptfy.com/MasterDy
https://master-dy.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/masterdy_band/
https://www.tiktok.com/@Master.Dy
https://www.facebook.com/masterdy.band/
https://www.masterdy.com

      

Eternal Crypt/Stages Of Grief/2024 Full length Review

 

  Eternal  Crypt  are  a  band  from  new  York  that  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  folk  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Stages  Of  Grief".

  Epic  sounding  keyboards  and  orchestration  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  some  of  the  melodies  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  medieval  folk  music   touches.

   Power  metal  style  singing  is  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  and  symphonic  sounding ,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing. Some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  death  metal  growls  and  as  the  album  progresses  pianos,  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  are  also  introduced  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mysticism,  nature  and  isolation  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Eternal  Crypt  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  folk  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Notice"  "Stone  In  My  Heart"  and  "Death  Bed".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/eternalcrypt    

Metsän Alttari/Self Titled/Inverse Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

      Metsän  Alttari  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  titled  2024  album  which  was  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  

   Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  which  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  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  keyboards  can  also  be  heard  at  times,  some  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  power  metal  vocals  and  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffs.

  Metsän  Alttari  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  power  and  folk  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  heroic,  gloomy  and  blissful  themes.

  

  In  my  opinion  Metsän  Alttari  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  folk  and  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Jäätyneen  järven  tuolla  puolen"  and  "Vampyyri".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/MetsanAlttari 

https://www.instagram.com/metsan_alttari_metal 
https://metsanalttari.bandcamp.com 

     

Mythbegotten Interview

 

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

We’ve taken a bit of time to bask in finally having the album out, but we’ve pretty quickly moved onto the process of making plans for our next releases and writing and revising songs. The album release and the reception from friends, peers, and fans has been really invigorating and inspiring for us, and has us eager to continue our journey and see what's next.

2.A couple of months back you released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that is presented on the recording?

We’ve been referring to the style as “Epic Folk Metal” since it seems to get across the general sense of what we sound like. On a more granular level, our sound is a combination of elements of Power Metal, Folk Metal, Symphonic Metal, Melodic Death Metal, and Progressive Metal, but there's also bits of Black metal, Gothic Metal, and Doom Metal in there if you dig into our sound. Ultimately, while genres are useful as a point of reference, we really just make Mythbegotten: the music we want to hear and which comes naturally through our collaboration. 

3.A lot of your lyrics cover the mythology and legends of the British Isles, can you tell us a little bit more about the stories you have covered from this topic so far?

Mythology and folklore (especially that of the British Isles) has always been a point of interest for us and a source of musical and lyrical inspiration. Specifically, the Dullahan, the Welsh iteration of the wild hunt, the legend of Sawney Bean, and the story of Merlin and the dragons were each picked due to fitting the vibe of the music for the songs they were used for in addition to being topics that inspired us. The Welsh wild hunt was also the source for our original band name, Hounds of Annwn, so it was nice to be able to include an allusion to that as a sort of easter egg. The story of Merlin and the Dragons was also a favorite of mine and Connor’s as kids so it was delightful to bring it to life musically.

4.You also have some lyrics inspired by the writings of H.P Lovecraft, John Milton and J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in their work?

Dan - All three of us are big Tolkein fans, and as Tolkein intended the Lord of the Rings to be a sort of origin story or new mythology for Britain, it seemed fitting to include. As a big Blind Guardian fan I had also always been disappointed they never got around to doing a grand LOTR concept album or a followup to Nightfall in Middle Earth, so this felt like us taking a bit of that task into our own hands. Lovecraft has also been a point of interest for us all at various points; Joe and I have been in campaigns of the TTRPG “Call of Cthulhu”, and for myself at least he was a big gateway for me getting interested in horror and weird fiction. While taking a Milton class back in college, I wrote the original acoustic version of “The Fall” after being particularly struck by the beginning of Book 4 of “Paradise Lost”. It's such a mournful and bittersweet depiction of Lucifer and his conflicting motivations, and it really resonated with me. Connor and Joe dug it and did a truly fantastic arrangement of it that does the story and song justice as a melancholy yet fiery power ballad, and I couldn't be more pleased with how it came out.

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

After deciding we wanted to change our name from “Hounds of Annwn”, we compiled a huge list of possible band names and ran them by each other and our friends before finally landing on Mythbegotten. We felt it was memorable and rolled off the tongue well, while also really representing our thematic ethos of being shaped and inspired by myths, legends, fantasy and history, and bringing them to life with our music.

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

The artwork was done by the wonderful and immensely talented Nathan Kwon of Haeun Creative, who also did our band logo. It’s meant to invoke the idea of sitting around the fire with a manifestation of the Unseelie Court and listening to the stories told there, as referenced in “The Heedless Horseman”. Figures from several of the songs are around the fire, as well as two central figures who are meant to be a sort of inverse or Unseelie version of Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

6.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

We are definitely open to the idea and it is something we would like to do when the time is right. Currently it's just the three of us, so in addition to recruiting live members, we’d also have to figure out the logistics of rehearsing when we live in different parts of the Northeast. But its definitely something we all want to get to eventually, so stay tuned!

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

We’re lucky to have some immensely talented friends whom we were able to bring in for this album. Dan’s bandmate Peter from Goblin Hovel is an awesome folk musician, and provided banjo on “Of Wrath and Ruin” and mandolin and banjo on “Twa Corbies” to help create that perfect spooky Celtic campfire song vibe. Andy “Hellskald” McGirr is a veteran of the Buffalo NY metal scene who shreds the violin on several songs on the album. While he is best known for his blistering guitar playing in the awesome black metal bands Hubris, Ferus Din, and Helianthus, we first met him lending his fiddling skills to Throne of Wilderness at the same show where Hounds of Annwn performed our one and only set. That’s where we also met the multitalented nameless goblin who fronts Goblin Hovel, another band Dan is in, and who lends his cello chops to “Beneath Exham Priory”. Rob Pollard, guitar wizard and frontman of the mighty Wandering Oak (and also of Helianthus and Goblin Hovel), engineered Dan’s vocals for the album. He also provides some guest harshes and gang vocals on the track “Mallt-y-Nos”, along with bassist Justin Martelo Montione of WNY prog outfit Haishen. In addition to the rogues’ gallery of colleagues from the Western New York metal scene, Joe brought in friend and trained opera singer Corinne Cotta to lend her powerful vocals throughout the album. Ultimately this all served to make the album the best it could be while also allowing us to showcase the myriad skills of the friends the band has made over the years.

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

We haven't been approached so far but are certainly open to the idea. That said, we’ve done this all so far with nothing but our wits and the support of our families, friends, and community, so carrying on as we have been is far from a tragic outcome!

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

Dan - So far the reaction has been great! In addition to a healthy North American listenership, we've been getting lot of listeners in Europe and China, so we're thrilled our music is resonating with a global audience. One of my favorite things about metal is its ability to serve as a bridge and point of unification across cultures and continents, and it’s lovely to be part of that.

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

Dan - Were all excited to forge ahead and see whats next musically. We have a few more songs “in the tank”, so to speak, that have already been written and will be part of an EP we plan on releasing next, but for our second album we will be breaking entirely new ground. Our sense of collaboration and musical identity really came together over the process of this recording so it will be great to see what an album of all-brand-new material looks like for us. Sound-wise I think the influences we’ve previously mentioned will continue to be our primary touchstones, but the three of us all have eclectic musical palettes and interests so I don't see things getting stale.

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

Dan - For me personally I think my most relevant influences are Blind Guardian (my favorite band), the folk metal boom of the mid-2000s and the many bands who played on the Pagan Fest tours between 2007 and 2014, Cradle of Filth and Dani’s harsh vocal virtuosity and originality, Stan Rogers and his beautiful baritone vocals and expressive folk songwriting, and the wealth of traditional folk music that we draw from (particularly from Ireland and Scotland). Lately I’ve been listening to a few more experimental bands, including Tropical Fuckstorm, Troldhaugen, and Flummox in heavy rotation. I’ve been really digging the latest Ensiferum album, and like pretty much every power metal fan I adore Fellowship and have been listening to their new record quite a bit.

Connor - In terms of guitar arrangements I draw a lot of inspiration from classic melodeath and power metal, as well as a range of progressive acts such as The Ocean, Ne Obliviscaris, and Haken. Lately I've been listening a lot to the recent releases by MakeMake, The Warning, Kenshi Yonezu, Poppy, Fourth Dominion, and unpeople.

Joe - For me, acts like Equilibrium, Nightwish, and Eluveitie will always have a dominant role in my playlist, and I think one needn’t look too hard to see their influence in our release. But coming from a more classically-oriented background, greats like Chopin, Beethoven, and JS Bach have also played a huge role in shaping my tastes, and more modern idols would certainly include John Williams, Howard Shore, and Danny Elfman. Which makes for a hard pivot when I say that recently, I’ve mostly been listening to Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan. But hey, if variety is the spice of life, I guess I’m just a spicy lad. 

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

Dan - The era of Mythbegotten is only beginning. The chaotic state of the world has redoubled our drive to create art and share old tales to provide inspiration, catharsis, and comfort as best we can. We’ll be continuing to post and share updates as things progress, and can't wait to regale our listeners with more tales.

 mythbegotten.bandcamp.com

 youtube.com/@Mythbegotten

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  

Mythbegotten/Tales From The Unseelie Court/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Mythbegotten  are  a  band  with  embers  from  Central  new  York  and  New  England  that  plays  an  epic  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Tales  From  The  Unseele  Court".

  Field  recordings  and  distorted  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  folk  instruments  and  symphonic  sounds  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Power  metal  style  vocals  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  the  album  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars.  One  song  also  introduces  black  metal  screams  onto  the  album  as  well  as  some  female  vocals  also  being  utilized  at  times,  the  recording  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  mythologies  of  England,  Scotland  and  Ireland,  Arthurian  Legends  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft,  John  Milton  and  J.R.R  Tolkien.

  In  my  opinion  Mythbegotten  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Headless  Horseman"  "The  Fall"  and  "Of  Wrath  And  Ruin".  8  out  of  10.

    mythbegotten.bandcamp.com

 youtube.com/@Mythbegotten

Antipope/Doors Of The Dead/Moribund Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Finland's  Antipope  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  moving  away  from  the  black  and  death  metal  elements  of  earlier  releases  and  focusing  more  on  a  shamanistic,  psychedelic  and  progressive  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2024  album  "Doors  Of  The  Dead"  which  will  be  released  on  october  25th  by  Moribund  Records.

  A  very  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  while  shamanistic  chants  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  adds  in  touches  of  black  and  death  metal  while  the  album  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  power  metal  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  harsh  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  album  also  has  its  psychedelic  moments,  synths  are  also  added  on  a  lot  of  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Ancient  Greek  Myths.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Antipope  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  power  metal  with  touches  of  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Magisteria"  "A  Ritual  Of  Snake  And  Dance"  and  "Doors  OF  The  Dead".  8  out  of  10.

  www.antipope.info

https://www.instagram.com/ antipopeofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/ antipopeband
www.facebook.com/Antipope/

twitter.com/antipope_band  

Ensiferum/Winter Storm/Metal Blade Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Finland's  Ensiferum  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  controls  the  epic  style  of  folk  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Winter  Storm"  which  will  be  released  in  october  by  Metal  Blade  Records.

  Folk  instruments  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  orchestration  a  few  seconds  later  which  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  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  clear  vocals  mix  pagan  and  power  metal  together.  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.  

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  songs  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  one  song  also  introduces  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Shamanism,  Magick  and  Fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ensiferum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Winter  Storm  Vigilantes"  "Scars  In  My  Heart"  and  "Victorious".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.ensiferum.com

https://www.facebook.com/Ensiferum
https://www.instagram.com/ensiferummetal/

  

Mythologik/Blood In The Sky/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Mythologik  are  a  duo  from  Texas  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Blood  In  The  Sky"  which  will  be  released  on  June  14th.

  Clean  playing  which  also  returns  on  later  songs  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  keyboards  also  being  utilized  briefly  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  an  old  school  power/thrash  metal  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in a   great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  also  bring  in  elements  of    black  and  death  metal.  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  he  album  also  takes  an  80's  style  and  mixes  it  in  with  a  more  modern  day  brutality.

 Harsh  vocals  can  also  he  heard  briefly,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  some  orchestra  touches.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  darkness  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mythologik  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blood  In  The  Sky"  "Fallen  Empire"  and  "Dark  Waters".  8  out  of  10.

  https://lnk.bio/mythologik      

  

Moisson Livide/Sent Emperi Gascon/Antiq/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Moisson  Livide  are  a  duo  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  folk,  power  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "Sent  Emperi  Gascon"  which  will be  released  in  may  by  Antiq.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  folk  music  before  going  into  more  of  a  faster  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  good  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in a   very  melodic  style  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  mixed  in  with  some  clear  power  metal  style  singing.  Folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  

 All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  one  of  tracks  also  being  an  instrumental,  influences  of  punk  rock  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Gascon  and  cover  everyday  life  and  old  legends.

  In  my  opinion  Mossson  Livide  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  folk,  power  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "La  sèrp  d’Isavit"  "Sent  Empèri  Gascon"  and  "Caçaire d’eternitat".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook          

The Lightbringer/Seven Thrones/2024 Full Length Review

 

  The  Lightbringer  are  a  band  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Seven  Thrones"  which  will  be  released  in  March.

  Keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Operatic  female  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats.

  The  cleat  male  vocals  also  bring  in  elements  of  power  metal  while  the  harsher  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts,  death  metal  growls  and  clean  playing  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  are  a  concept  album  that  explores  mythology,  light  and  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Lightbringer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  power  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Worlds  Beyond"  "Pillar  Of  Creation"  and  "Mystic  Places  of  Dawn".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://thelightbringermetal.bandcamp.com/merch

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA7skqQQUfCRXwQh9g2oKGQ/?sub_confirmation=1
https://www.facebook.com/thelightbringerofficial/
https://www.instagram.com/thelightbringerband/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/42vunlIXOg69YegQhmFG05

ORCumentary/Self Titled/2023 EP Review

 

  New  England's  ORCumentary  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for a   mixture  of  folk,  death  and  power  metal  with  a  musical  style  they  refer  to  as  being  'orc  metal'  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  and  self  released  2023  ep  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Symphonic  sounds  can  also be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Keyboards  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  songs  also  mix  in  influences  from  power  metal  into  the  more  melodic  side  of  the  music  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats,  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.   

 On  this  recording  ORCumentary  goes  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  symphonic  black,  death,  folk  and  power  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy  and  humor  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  ORCumentary  and  if  you a re  a  fan  of  folk,  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blood"  and  "Into  The  West".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/fc1Pf7dcwY4

https://open.spotify.com/artist/71XpqE5MgSFHgSSs6TLBFA

https://orcumentary.bandcamp.com/album/orcumentary-2