AntiMozdeBeast 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?

I have been working on a new full-length album. It isn’t necessarily near completion however it is coming together very well and developing smoothly.

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

Every record of mine seems to tell a story. If you mean lyrically this album is a continuation of the story telling process. If you mean instrumentals, I applied rawer electric guitar than in my previous work and produced it so that it sounded more polished but still have that intensity my albums usually do. Every one of my albums is esthetically different than the previous whether it be the instrumentations or the general concept of the album.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years?

Since I've been writing music which began at a very young age I began with general knowledge of music theory. I would just play simple chord progressions and the themes of my music were about my romantic relationships and relationships with people. Over the years I have gradually become more familiar with the mysteries of music as well as the technical techniques of songwriting in particular.

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

Anti derived from Antichrist, Moz derived from Mozart because I believe his music is the foundation of all heavy music and de Beast was for added effect. I decided not only to name this project AntiMozdeBeast because of those key elements but because of my personal life. My mother was the 21st child of 21 children who was practicing to become a nun. I was born on June 6th and had my first open heart surgery at age 3. In my adolescence I believed I was destined to be some sort of spiritual entity that would change the course of humanity. Mind you I was very young and naive.

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

My brother passed away a few years ago and the vortex in the tombstone was symbolic for the unknown universe that is unavoidable once someone has found their way into death. As well as the inexplicable truth that life experience can answer some of those mysteries for those who seek it.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I prefer to work alone. However, I do prefer to work with others live.

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

I am currently unsigned and am not particularly searching for a label but if I do receive any interest I would take it into account.

8.Since 2019 you have released a good amount of material, do you spend a lot of your time writing and creating music?

I do, mainly every day, while most people are busy with their own daily routines I am working and writing poetry, lyrics and music.

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

On a world-wide scale? I have been featured in many publications and podcasts around the globe. I'm not certain as to my position on how followers or fans generally perceive or feel about my music as of yet.

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

I will always be a musician. I'm not quite sure what you mean by this question, the context I mean. E.g., will I develop new musical tastes, will my genres become broader, will my music become more popular? All I know is that I want to leave a body of work behind so as to be remembered.

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

I listen to a broad variety of musical genres including aggrotech, industrial metal, EDM, rap, rock, classical metal, black metal, the list goes on.

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

Thank you for taking the time and consideration of including AntiMozdeBeast in your publication.

https://linktr.ee/AntiMozdeBeast

Duskseeker Interview

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

Duskseeker is my solo black metal project. I am currently based in Denton, Texas. Duskseeker started in 2015 as a musique concréte black metal project. I would play just guitar by myself and do improvised free improv textural experimental black metal with lots of guitar pedal experimentation. That sound was captured on the album Black Wolf Nightmare (2017). Over time, the project has evolved to have a more "full band" sound, but I am recording all the instruments (though I perform guitar and vocals live with backing tracks). Spiralscape (2021) was the first album to go into this territory, and it had styles of symphonic black metal, ambient, prog rock, doom metal, and free improv with the incorporation of synthesizers and drum machines. The Maw is my latest album (July 2026), and it hones in on a more aggressive, industrial, synth-backed sound with symphonic black metal and death metal elements. 

2.Recently you have released a new ep. ,musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

It dials up the aggression more than my past works. The same musical freedom is still present, but with a more tightened industrial symphonic black metal sound with better production, more aggressive riffs and song writing, harder vocals, and more synths. 

3.Some of your lyrics cover Gnosticism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interestt in this topic?

I am not religious per se, but the world of the Gnostics is potent as an artistic tool and literary allegory. The world of Duskseeker that I have created borrows from the Gnostics the idea that a false, malevolent god is in charge of the world and this god is concealing beings of the earth from knowing real spiritual truth (gnosis). I take this idea and use it to critique the power structures of our real world and as a mode of self-empowerment. 

4.Lyrically you also cover 90's video games, which games have had an influence on the songwriting?

Final Fantasy VI and VII, Xenogears, Half Life, Elden Ring, Chrono Trigger, Dark Souls, Metroid, and King's Field are the primary video game influences on The Maw and Spiralscape, but there are others at well that probably came into play that I'm less conscious of or not recalling at the moment. 

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

It means a lot of different things to me personally, but to others it can mean something else. Some have told me that it reminds them of vampires, while others have said it reminds them of cowboys. I've heard other takes as well. These are interesting interpretations, and like all art, it is open to interpretation. 

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

This is the prompt I gave to Devon Grey (Weeping Wyrm), the artist who created the art :

"I want the cover to feature as its subject a cybernetic knight/dragoon with either a sword or halberd in front of a cityscape with lightning in the background. The cityscape has many ruined buildings, but has one big gothic castle but with some spires or something indicating that it might be something futuristic. The art would seem to indicate that the giant castle has sucked the life out of the rest of the city and is some sort of nexus of malevolence. Perhaps the lightning is between the knight and the cityscape. I know this sounds a lot more sci-fi than what you probably usually do, but I like the idea of it being in your style and letting your style convey a distant dark fantasy land that may or may not be like our world and just subtly convey a sci-fi element by the fact of its otherworldliness."

7.With this recording you record most of the music by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians again in the future or do you prefer to work solo?

I am currently working with other musicians on the full length Duskseeker album that I am recording. I will also be working with somebody else on the mixing and mastering for that album as well. I would like to assemble a full live band for Duskseeker in the future. I do have some friends who have said they are interested in participating in that, but we haven't gotten together to make it happen quite yet.

8.With the live line up what are some of the best shows that you have played so far an also how would you describe your stage performance?

I really liked a lot of the shows that I did on The Maw tour I did in August. Every time I tour I feel like I learn something new and get better at touring. I've had many good shows on tours in the past, but I'd say this tour was the most successful for Duskseeker as a whole so far. When I play live, I dress in an outfit that consists of a black veil that goes over my eyes, an aluminum-plated pauldron (used by real practitioners of modernistic forms of ninjutsu), gauntlets, leggings, tactical boots, and a thin scarf that I use as a cape. All in black. I play guitar and do vocals, and I play to a backing track. I also enjoy adding free improv to some of the songs. Mostly in guitar solo sections these days, but sometimes I will improvise a whole section of the set, if the spirit moves me. Improvisation and experimentation are pillars in the foundations of Duskseeker, and I continue to embrace that as the sound of the project evolves. 

9.On the ep you also done a 'Nocturnus' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

I really like the Nocturnus album, The Key, and that song resonates with me on a musical level as well as a lyrical level. I felt that the themes behind that song are in line with the material present on the rest of my album, The Maw. Nocturnus is also a very important band in terms of helping pioneer extensive use of synthesizers in extreme metal, and for that, I felt like paying tribute to them in a Duskseeker album was appropriate. RIP Mike Browning of Nocturnus and Morbid Angel, who died shortly before The Maw was released. 

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black and death metal?

No complaints so far that I'm aware of! Everyone I've seen or talked to has had very nice things to say, which is great. I am grateful for the positive reception. 

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

Special Agent, my digital hardcore/postindustrial band has an EP up our sleeves ready to go that we are still figuring out release plans for. BONE LEECH, my sludge metal band, just tracked our debut album, which will hopefully be released in 2027. Oil Spill (black metal) has chatted about trying to get together and write sometime, but we are all collectively very busy with other obligations/projects/etc. I have thoughts for other projects as well, but those are more in the long term after I finish recording the next Duskseeker album. 

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

Some of my biggest musical influences are, in no particular order, Nobuo Uematsu, Nine Inch Nails, Death, Type O Negative, Emperor, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, Johnny Cash, Scott Walker, Secret Chiefs 3, Frank Zappa, Slowdive, The Doors, The Cure, Dead Can Dance, Motoi Sakuraba, Yasunori Mitsuda, Michiru Yamane, Gyorgy Ligeti, and the list goes on. I still keep a lot of these artists in regular rotation. Some of my more recent regular rotations have been Exxûl, Blood Incantation, the Final Fantasy VIII OST, Lycia, Youth Code, the A Fox In Space OST, Madeline Goldstein, SRSQ, the Einhander OST, Enya, and Char-X, among many others. 

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

Be on the lookout for material, as well as more out of town shows. Thank you for your time. Stay cool 😎⚔️👽

https://www.facebook.com/dvskseeker/ 

Sigh/Goh-ka/Peaceville Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Japan's  Sigh  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  experimental  and  avant  garde  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  album  "Goh-ka"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Peaceville  Records.

  A  very  avant  garde  and  experimental  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  programmed  beats  and  keyboards  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  When  guitar   solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  Asian  folk  instruments  are  also  used  at  times.  Vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  grim  black  metal  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  clear  singing  is  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  psychedelic  moments.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  some  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Japanese  and  cover  the  nine  stages  of  human  decomposition  after  death  according  the  Buddhist  views.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sigh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kuso-shi  1.2  and  3"  "Unpoetenpu" and  "Kuso=shi  8  amd  9  _Mettaijakujo".  8  out  of  10.

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AntiMozdeBeast/Prophecy/2026 Full Length Review

 

  AntiMozdeBeast  are  a  solo  project  from  Florida  that  plays  an  industrial  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2026  album  "Prophecy"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Industrial  style  beats  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  more  aggressive sections  of  the  songs  while  spoken  words  are  also  used  at  times.  Electronic  soundscapes  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  also  being  programmed and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  harsh  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  more  of  a  black  metal  style  while  synths  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  album.  At  times  the  music  also  goes  into  more  of  an  experimental  direction  along  with  each  song  also  adding  in  a  different  style  and  the  recording  avoids  the  use  of  traditional  metal  instruments,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly.   

  AntiMozdeBeast  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  experimental  and  industrial  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  organized  religion,  political  corruption  and  humanity's  failure.

  In  my  opinion  AntiMozdeBeast  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  metal  industrial  and  experimental  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  Project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prince  Of  Darkness"  and  "End  Of  Faith".  8  out  of  10.

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Duskseeker/The Maw/Fiadh Productions/Realm And Ritual/2026 EP Review

  Duskseeker  are  a  solo  project  from  Texas  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  industrial,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2026  ep  "The  maw"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Fiadh  Productions  and  Realm  And  Ritual.

  A  very  heavy  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Elements  of  industrial  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  death  emtal  influences.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  being  a  Nocturnus  cover  and  the  ep  also  adds  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Duskseeker  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  industrial  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover  Gnosticism  and  90's  Video  Game  Lore.

  In  my  opinion  Duskseeker  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  industrial,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Command  And  Control"  and  "Moonlight  Blade".  8  out  of  10.

https://duskseeker.bandcamp.com/album/the-maw

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/duskseeker.portal

https://extraterrestrial.network/    

   

Foghazer/He Left The Temple/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2026 Full Length Review

  Foghazer  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal  and  trip  hop  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2026  album  "He  Left  The  Temple"  which  was  released  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  trip  hop  elements  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Operatic  vocals  are  also  utilized  briefly  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  lot  of  record  scratching.

  Most  of  the  heavier  parts  of  the  album  are  more  rooted  in  black  metal  while  the  album  also  has  its  lo-fi  moments.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  instrumental,  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  as  well  as  the  harsh  vocals  being  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Foghazer  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal  and  trip  hop  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  whle  the  song  themes  focus  on  space  and  emotion.

  In  my  opinion Foghazer  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  trip  hop  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  ?He"  "Temple"  "Fog"  and  "Out".  8  out  of  10,

https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/he-left-the-temple   

One Leg One Eye/...And Take The Black Worm With Me/Cold Spring/2026 Full Length Review

  One  Leg  One  Eye  are  a  solo  project  from  Ireland  that h as  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  drone  and  folk  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "...And  Take  The  Black  Worm"  which  will  be  released  in  march  by  Cold  Spring.

  Water  and  nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  drones  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  music  also  captures  a  lo-fi  atmosphere  at  times.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  done  in  more  of  a  black  metal  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  all  of  the  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  an  improvised  atmosphere  along  with  the  clear  vocals  being  done  in  more  of  an  Irish  folk  music  style  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  folk  instruments,  guitars  and  church  organs.

  On  this  recording  One  Leg  One  Eye  takes  black  metal,  drone,  experimental  and  folk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover  sadness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  One  Leg  One  Eye  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal,  drone,  experimental  and  folk,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Glistening  She  Emerges"  and  "Only  The  Diceys".  8  out  of  10.

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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
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Unsouling/Outward Streams Of Devotional Woe/I, Voidhanger Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Unsouling  are  a  solo  project  from  Minnesota  that  plays  an  experimental  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2025  album  "Outward  Streams  of  Devotional  Woe"  which  was  released  by  i,  Voidhanger  Records.

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  while  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.  Blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  along with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  fast  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  influences  of  goth  rock  and  darkwave.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moment,  whispers  are  also  introduced  on  a  later  song.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  loss  and  grief  from  a  spiritual  and  metaphysical  point  of  view.

  In  my  opinion  Unsouling  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  mixture  of  black  and death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Immaterial  Existence"  "Grief  Reconfigured"  and  "Dissolved  In  Spiritus'.  8  out  of  10.

  https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/outward-streams-of-devotional-woe

      

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  

Agenbite Misery/Remorse Of Conscience/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Agenbite  Misery  are  a  band  from  New  Hampshire  that  plays  an  experimental  mixture  of  black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  album  "Remorse  Of  Conscience"  which  will  be  released  in  2026.

  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  words  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  emtal  screams,  death  metal  growls  and  sludge  style  shouts  and  a  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Influences  of  hardcore  and  power  violence  can  also b e  heard  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also b e  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  album  also  having  its  experimental  moments  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  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  melodic  style.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  some  ambient  style  textures  also  being  utilized  at  times,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffing.  

  Some  of  the  riffing  also  brings  in  the  classic  noise  rock  style  as  well  as  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other.  Synths  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  album  along  with  one  song  also  bringing  in  more  of  an  industrial  and  post  punk  style  mixed  in  with  a  touch  of  blackgaze,  programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  and  some  tracks  also  adds  in  touches  of  noise,  drone,  indie  rock,  dungeon  synth  and  psychedelia.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  writings  of  James  Joyce.

  In  my  opinion  Agenbite  Misery  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cascara  Sagrada"  "Circe"  and  "Mnesterophonia".  8  out  of  10.

  

• Bandcamp: https://agenbitemisery.bandcamp.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574211514876#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agenbitemisery/?hl=en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjOZilhkqTRkZHpJJwlbhw
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dYQgCtNvpvNWwfQ06LQQZ
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/agenbite-misery/1716987132
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@agenbite.misery

  

  

  

Lifetaker/Herbsthunde/Van Records/2025 EP Review

 

  Lifetaker  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of   harcore, black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2025  ep  "Herbsthunde"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Van  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sludge  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  noises  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background.  Vocals  also  add  in  a  lot  of  angry  hardcore  style  shouts  as  well  as  adding  in  some  black  metal  screams  and  clear  singing  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  distorted  melodies    

  The  recording  also  has  its  experimental  moments  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  dissonant  touches.  Programmed  beats  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  slower  direction,  spoken  word  samples  are  also  briefly.

  Lifetaker  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  hardcore,  noise  rock,  dissonant  black  and  sludge  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  awareness  and  self-reflection  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Lifetaker  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  hardcore,  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUD  "Totsignal"  and  "Maschinesturm".  8  out  of  10.

  Bandcamp: lifetaker.bandcamp.com

Contact and booking: contact@lifetaker.net

Instagram:  @lifetaker_wrath

Facebook:  /LifetakerPRZR

https://youtu.be/M54F7L2EzsE

LaColpa/In Absentia Lucis/Brucia Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Italy's  LaColpa  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  mixture  of  dissonant  black,  sludge,  doom  meta,  experimental,  drone  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "In  Absentia  Lucis"  which  was  released  by  Brucia  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  At  times  the  recording  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  along  with  some  whispers  also  being  utilized  briefly  along  with  some  noises  and  drones  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  songs.

  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  A  lot  of  the  riffing  also  brings  in  a  very  dissonant  vibe  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  distorted  style.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  music  also  bringing  in  more  of  an  improvised  style.  A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  album  finally  speeds  up  blast  beats  are  also  introduced  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  clear  singing.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  negativity  and  pain.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  LaColpa  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dissonant  black,  sludge,  doom  metal,  drone,  experimental  and  noise,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Our  Vast  Loneliness"  and  "Wher  God  lives".  8  out  of  10.

  https://lacolpa666.bandcamp.com/     

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 

  

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