Shrykull/Temple Steps/Trepanation Recordings/2020 Split Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  United  Kingdom's  Shrykull  and  Temple  Steps  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Trepanation  Recordings  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Shrykull  a  duo  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black, sludge,  doom,  death  metal,  grind  and  hardcore.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  distorted  amp  sounds  before  going  into  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction  which  also  captures  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  all of  the  musical  instruments  on  their  side  of  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  The  mid  tempo  sections  of their  songs  also  show an  influence  of  hardcore  along  with  their  second  track  being  a  cover  of  Grief's  "I  Hate  The  Human  Race"  which  also  introduces  death  metal growls  onto  their  side  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dystopian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shrykull  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of    black, sludge,  doom,  death  metal,  grind  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Misanthrope".

  Next  up  is  Temple  Steps  a  duo  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very slow, dark,  heavy  and  melodic  doom  metal  sound  while  the  bass  guitar  also  adds  in  the  heaviness  of sludge  metal.  The  vocals  are  also  done  in  a  screaming  style  along  with  all  of  the music  sticking  to  a  slower  direction  as  well  as  the  second  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  whispers.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  misanthropic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Temple  Steps  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Snapped  Crook".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal.  

Booking and info (Shrykull) – https://shrykull.bandcamp.com/

Booking and info (Temple Steps) - https://templesteps.bandcamp.com/

Facebook (Shrykull) - https://www.facebook.com/shrykull

Facebook (Temple Steps) - https://www.facebook.com/TempleSteps

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend

 

  

Chrch/Fister/Crown And Throne Ltd./2017 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  California's  Chrch  and  Missouri's  Fister  which  was  released  by  Crown  And  Throne  Ltd.  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Chrch  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  doom  and  sludge  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  clean  guitars  along  with  some  drums  being  added  onto  the  recording  a  couple  of  months  later which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  sludge  style  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  their  side  of  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  their  track  is  over  16  minutes  in  length  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  the  music  always  remaining  slow,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Chrch  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Next up  is Fister  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  sludge  and  stoner  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  drum  beats  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  along  with  the  track  being  20  minutes  in  length  as  well as  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  all  of  the musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  while  the  music  also  brings  in  elements  of  stoner  metal  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  the  music  always  sticks  to  a  slow  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Fister  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  stoner  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  stoner  metal.  8  out  of  10.

http://crownandthroneltd.bigcartel.com/product/fister-chrch-split-12 or here: http://www.battlegroundrnr.com/product/chrch-fister-split-album

Shrine Of The Serpent/Black Urn/Caligari Records/2017 Split Cassette Review

 This  is  a  review  of  a  split cassette  between  Oregon's  Shrine  Of  The  Serpent and  Pennsylvania's  Black  Urn  which  was  released  by  Caligari  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Shrine  Of  The Serpent  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  death metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with ritualistic  sounding  bells  and  drones  before  adding  in  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  riffing  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  music  is  also  very heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  and  both  of  their  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  A  decent  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  riffing  along  with  a  brief  use  of  grim  screams  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  spoken  word  samples  are  also utilized  briefly and  both  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding recording from Shrine  Of  The  Serpent  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  sludge,  doom,  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  their side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Catacombs  Of  The  Flesh".

  Next  up  is  Black  Urn  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  grindcore.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  being  introduced  onto  the  recording  a  few seconds  later  and  after  awhile  deep  death  metal  growls  start  to  make  their  presence  known  along  with  the  music  going  into  a  heavier  direction.

    A  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  only  one  of  the  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  high  pitched  screams  are  added  onto  the  recording  they  give  the  songs  more  of  a  black  metal  feeling  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  elements  of  grindcore  can  be  heard  along  with  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Urn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom  metal  and  grindcore,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "My  Strength  Is  Within  Heavenless  Plains".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge,  and  doom  metal.  8  out  of  10.

https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/split-2

Black Urn/Moros/2017 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Pennsylvania's  Black  Urn  and  Moros  which  will  be  self  released  on  February  27th  in  2017  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Black  urn  a  band  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  sludge  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  acoustic  guitar  playing  along  with  some  stringed  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  awhile  the  music  goes  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  and  the  slow  riffing  is  heavily  influenced  by  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Some  of  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of dark  sounding  melodies  and  their  track  is  over  7  minutes  in  length  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  their  side  of  the  split,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  spirituality  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Black  Urn  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  sludge  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t heir  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is Moros  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  doom  and  sludge  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  along  with  some  distorted  reverb  that  also  leads  up  to  a  heavier  and  melodic  direction  as  well  as  adding  high  pitched  sludge  style  screams  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  riffs adding  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  and  all  3  of  their  tracks  stick  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction  while  the  second  song  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  death  metal  growls,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Moros  are  a  very great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Vortexwound".

  In  conclusion  i  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge,  and  doom  metal.  8  out  of  10.

https://moros-666.bandcamp.com/album/moros-black-urn-split-2

Fister/TEETH/Broken Limbs/2016 Split EP Review

 This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Missouri's  Fister  and  California's  TEETH  which  will  be  released  in April  by  Broken  Limbs  and  we  will  start  off  the  ep  with  Fister  a  band  that plays  a  blackened  mixture  sludge,  doom,  stoner  and  death  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  distorted  sound  before  going  into  a  heavier  sludge/doom  metal  direction  that  also  uses  a  great mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  track  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  riffs  also  use  a  small  amount  of  melody  along  with  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  fashion,  the  production  on  their  side  of  the  recording  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dying  themes..

  In  my  opinion  Fister  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  mixture  of  stoner,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.

 Next  up  is  TEETH  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  death metal.

  Their  side  of the split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  sound  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  and  blast  beats  a  few  seconds  later  while  the slower  riffs  are  more  influenced  by  sludge  and  doom  metal  along  with  a  small  amount  of  melody and  the  songs  also  bring in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  their  side  of  the  recording,  the  production  sounds  very professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Teeth  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out t his  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "To  Lay  Upon  Blistered Torns".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  death,  doom  and  sludge  metal.  8  out  of  10.  

FACEBOOK / BANDCAMP

FACEBOOK / BANDCAMP
  

Primitive Man/Northless/Halo Of Flies/2016 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Colorado's  Primitive  Man  and Wisconsin's  Northless  which will  be released  in  March  by  Halo  Of  Flies  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Primitive  Man  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  form  of  sludge/doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  distorted  reverb  before  going  into  a  very  heavy  sludge  metal  direction  and  their  only  song  is  15  minutes  and  after  a  few  seconds  death  metal  growls  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  a  few  screams  that  add  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  the  recording  and  after  awhile  the  music  speeds  up  and  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover angry  themes.

  In  my opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Primitive  Man,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Northless  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  sound  that  mixes  sludge  and  post  metal  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  angry  screams  are  added  into  the  music  and  you  can also  hear  a  touch  of  hardcore  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them and  the  last  track  brings  in  a  few  seconds  of  clean  playing,  the production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Northless  are  a  very  great sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Wated  Breath".

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  album  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  sludge  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  split.  8  out  of  10. 

WEBSITE / BANDCAMP

Graves At Sea/Sourvein/Seventh Rule Recordings/2014 Split EP Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Oregon's  Graves  At  Sea  and  North  Carolina's  Sourvein  which  will  be  released  by  Seventh  Rule  Recordings  in  2014  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Graves  At  Sea  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  form  of  doom/sludge  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  some  distorted  sounding  drones  before  going  into  a  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  doom/sludge  metal  direction  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  and  after  awhile  they  also  bring  in  some  growling  vocals,  as  time  goes  in  by  the  band  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  sections  while  mainly  focusing  on  a  heavier  sound  and  both  of  the  tracks  they  bring  to  the  split  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  you  can  hear  the  vocals  using  some  sludge  elements  on  the  second  song  and  the  music  starts  having  a  more  stoner  vibe  to  it.

  Graves  of  Sea  continue  the  sound  they  are  very  well  known  for  on  this  split   and  the  music  is  as  heavy  is  it  always  is,  along  wit h a  very  powerful  and  heavy  sounding  production  and  lyrics  that  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Graves  At  Sea  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Betting  On  Black".

  Next  up  is  Sourvein  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  drum  beats  and  distortion  before  going  into  a  more  70's  doom  metal  direction  along  with  some  melodic  vocals  and  they  start  getting  more  aggressive  as  the  music  progresses  and   when  they  add  in  guitar  solos  and  leads,  the  music  starts  evoking  a  more  retro  vibe  to  it  and  they  also  bring  in  psychedelic  elements  on  the  other  tracks  and  there  are  only  3  songs  on  their  side  of  the  split  wit h the  last  one  returning  back  to  the  heavier  direction  of  the  first  song  as  well  as  adding  in  some  heavy  sounding  bass  guitars.

  Sourvein  have  a  more  calm  and  retro  sound  than  the  previous  band  reviewed  with  their  music  before  closer  to  70's  doom  metal  while  also  having  the  modern  day  elements  of  sludge  being  an  influence  on  their  sound,  along  with  a  very  heavy  sounding  production  and  lyrics  that  cover  dark  and  occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Souvein  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Equinox".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  doom  and  sludge  metal.  8  out  of  10.

http://www.facebook.com/GravesAtSea
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SOURVEIN/238932972468

Hazarder/Hesperian Death Horse/The Electric Wizard EP/PMK Records/2014 Split Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Croatia's Hazarder  and  Hesperian  Death  Horse  with  the  recording  being  called  "The  Electric  Wizard  EP"  and  released  by  PMK  Records  in  the  year  of  2014  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Hazarder  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  stoner  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  a  very  heavy  and  dark  doom  metal  sound  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful  and  a  minute  later  death/doom  metal  growls  are  added  into  the  music  and  towards  the  end  drones  are  added  into  their  side  of  the  recording.

  Song  lyrics  cover  occult  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  my  opinion  Hazarder  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  stoner  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  

  Next  up  is  Hesparian  Death  Horse  which  continues  their  mixture  of  black,  post,  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  clean  playing  and  experimental  sounds  and  after  a  couple  of  minutes  the  music  gets  a  lot  more  heavy  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  while  also  having  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  drones  and  after  awhile  they  bring  in  a  mixture  of  clean  and  heavy  parts  and  towards  the  end  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  music.

  Song  lyrics  cover  occult  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  their  side  of  the  recording  along  with  their  only  song  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Hesperian  Death  Horse  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  post  sludge,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal.  8  out  of  10.

FACEBOOK / BANDCAMP

Thoreous/Black Crow King/The Grace Of Pettiness/badGod Music/2013 Split Review

   This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Thoreous  and  Black  Crow  King  called  "The  Grace  Of  Pettiness"  which  was  released  by  badGod  music  in  the  year  of  2013  and  we  will  start  of  the r eview  with  Germany's  Thoreous  which  mixes  drone,  doom,  experimental  and  noise  together.

  Drum  programming  ranges  from  slow  to  mid  paced  beats,  while  the  sound  effects  and  synths  bring  elements  of  drone,  experimental  and  noise  to  their  side  of  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

 Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom  metal,  drone  and  noise  together  along  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  distortion  behind  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  distorted  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  weird  vocals,  deep  growls  and  high  pitched  screams  which  brings  a  black  metal/noise  sound  to  the  recording,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Sadistic  and  Perverted  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Thoreous  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  doom  metal,  drone,  noise  and  experimental  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The Genital  Scalps  Of  The  SS  Impressing  Our  Prurient  Lollipop  Balding"  and  "Occult  Masturbation  Wets  The  Sceptre  Of  Darkness  Injected. R ECOMMENDED.

  Next  up  is  Black  Crow  King  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  mixes  black  metal,  drone,  experimental,  doom  and  sludge  together.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  being  present on  their  side  of  the  recording,  while  the  synths  bring  elements  of  ambient,  drone  and  experimental  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has   a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  black  metal,  drone,  sludge  and  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  distortion  behind  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  their  side  of  the  recording.

  Vocals  are  all  deep  and  high  pitched  blackened  death  metal  growls  and  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Crow  King  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Legacy  Of  Dust"  and  "The  Beast  Within". RECOMMENDED.

  In  conclusion  I  feel t his  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  to  all  fans  of  black  metal,  drone,  doom,  sludge,  experimental  and  noise.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Interview with Robert of Third World Abortion, Amadeus St. Vitus, Wicked Stench and Exterminate The Brutes Records.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your projects and record label?

1. Hi this is Robert Johnson, founder of Exterminate the Brutes Records, singer/bassist in Third World Abortion, Octagon, and Amadeus st. Vitus. I began playing in punk bands when I was really young and eventually delved into heavier and more underground stuff after discovering Morbid Angel. Back when the record industry thought death metal was going to be the next big thing and you had major labels like Warner Bros. putting out satanic music. I started Amadeus st. Vitus back in 2003 and we have had several independent records that we have put out ourselves. Third World Abortion came along later when I wanted to go in a different direction and couldn't see dragging the other project across the coals. I needed someone to release my stuff so I started my own label, which has grown much and includes many more projects other than my own as many artists are sending in their demos for review and release. The name comes from the novella "Heart of Darkness." Get it and read it. Its worth it.

2. How would you describe the differences between the 3 bands you are in?
2. Really, its just a question chronology. I write based on my mood and the projects tend to reflect that. Amadeus st. Vitus was inspired by many different artists that are not immediately apparent in the music. They hide behind the lines. With Third World Abortion I have been in a black metal mood and also love the sound of tape. Wicked Stench is a project fronted by one of my old friends. It is very doomy death metal.

3. How have the live shows been for the bands so far?
3. Live shows fluctuate everywhere you go. You can pack one night then play to two people the next. Shows have gone well though.

4. What was it that inspired you to create your own record label?
4. There are not enough labels out there that truly cater to the underground. It is my goal to do just that.

5. How has the feedback been to your releases so far from extreme music fans worldwide?
5. Our responses have been excellent and encouraging. It's almost as if everyone was waiting for someone to step up to the plate. With the dying, corporate music world, music is being put back in the hands of the artists. It's a very exciting time.

6. Out off all the bands that you have which one would you consider your main project?
6. Third World Abortion is my main focus right now. The others are no less important to me however.

7. What is the inspiration between your lyrics?
7. My lyrics are inspired by everyday life. Whatever you put into your brain will grow and yield something else. That's something they don't teach you in school. If you learn something for a history test in third grade it sticks with you and you think about that and it can even come out later in the creative process. Look at Iron Maiden if you need an example. Not that they are underground but they are a prime example.

8. What are some bans or music styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
8. I grew up listening to classic rock with parents that had a bad prejudice to country music. I stole my first metallica tape, And Justice For All, when I was 9. I got into punk rock as young kid and started playing guitar in a band. I got into Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Exodus, Morbid Angel, etc. when I was 15 or 16. I discovered Black Metal shortly after that and have had a love for the underground for many years. I am currently spinning Burzum-"Belus" Darkthrone-"Under a Funeral Moon" Eyehategod-"Confederacy of Ruined Lives" and Gorgoroth-"Destroyer"

9. Out off all the releases that you have put out so far which one are you the most satisfied with?
9. I really love the Wicked Stench-"Spreading the Word. The riffs really get stuck in my head and I catch myself humming them all day. I think that makes it great. It sticks out in your mind.

10. What are some upcoming releases on your record label?
10. I have a split with Octagon and Fjelstad coming out on cassette next month. Great black metal. I have a split with Churner and Last Rape. The Vomit Arsonist is putting out a 20 minute cassette, really brutal stuff. Also, Morbid Anal Fog will be putting out their debut full-length, "Gartgoroth."

11. What are some goals that you have set out so far for your bands and record label?
11. We are going to push things as far as they can go. I tend to never give up. Watch it go!

12. How would you describe the underground scene in your home state of Mississippi?
12. It is actually more passionate than most of the scenes I have experienced. There are so many cover bands here covering "Brown Eyed Girl" that when a band plays originals, people tend to stick together. The metal scene is building at an unbelievable rate here.


13. What are some of your interests outside of metal?
13. I enjoy reading, cooking, and drinking beer. I also enjoy art, as long as it is strange. I'm a big fan of surrealism.

14. Any final words or thoughts?
14. Contact Exterminate the Brutes Records via email at ETBRecordings@Gmail.com
Stay on the lookout. This will not be the last time you hear this name. We are accepting demos at the time to boost our distribution and discography so if you have a project and need a label, we might be able to help you. This won't last so don't wait around. Join the Brute Squad today.
--Rob aka Brute A1a