Bogwych/On The Wind Is All That Is Left/Trepanation Recordings/2020 Full Length Review

  Bogwych  is  a  solo  project  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  drone,  dark  ambient  blackgaze  and  doom  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "On  The  Wind  Is  All  that  Is Left"  which  will  be  released  on  January  31st  by  Trepanation  Recordings.

  A  few  seconds  of  silence  starts  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  atmospheric  sounding  drones  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  noise  and  experimental  elements  as  well  as  the  recording  also  capturing  an  improv  atmosphere  at  times.

  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  some  drums  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording.  Spoken  word  parts,  whispers  and  grim  black  metal  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album  while  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.

  Dark  ambient  soundscapes  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  bass guitars  also  being  utilized  briefly  along  with  some  touches  of  shoegaze  also  being  utilized  when  clean  guitars  are  added  onto  the  recording.  A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  riffing  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Bofwych  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  drone,  dark  ambient  blackgaze  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  8  out  of  10.

https://bogwych.bandcamp.com/album/on-the-wind-is-all-that-is-left-only-roots-remain    

(මහසෝනා​)​* /යන්ත්‍ර​.​මන්ත්‍ර​.​ගුරුකම්!/Virvpi Propaganda/2020 Demo Review

 (මහසෝනා​)​*   are  a  band  from  Sri  Lanka  that  plays  a  ritualistic  and  experimental  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  metal  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  demo  "යන්ත්‍ර​.​මන්ත්‍ර​.​ගුරුකම්!"  which  will  be  released  on  January  13th  by  Virvpi  Propaganda.



  Distorted  drones,  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounds  start  off  the  track  which  is  also  over  14  minutes  in length.  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  emtal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  track  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  grim  black  metal  screams  and  bestial  death  metal  growls.



  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  ritualistic  sounding  at  times.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  repetitive  sounding  while  also  capturing  an  improvised  atmosphere  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  (මහසෝනා​)​*  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental,  drone,  ritual,  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover t he  occultism and  demonology  and  occultism  of  Sri  Lanka.

  In  my  opinion  (මහසෝනා​)​*  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  and  ritualistic  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  metal  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  8  out  of  10.

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

  

Violence Mortuaire/Ab Intestat/2019 Full Length Review

Violence  Mortuaire  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  hardcore,  progressive  and  experimental  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Ab  Intestat".



  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  done  in  a  screaming  style  along  with  some  elements  of  hardcore  being  added  in  the  mid  tempo  sections.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  softer  sections  of  the  music  also  adding  in  some  saxophones  and  jazz  influences,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  When  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  avant  garde  style  as  well  as  the  riffing  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  thrash  metal.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  progressive  rock  style  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  poems  written  by  Paul  Verlaine,  Arthur  Rimbaud,  Victor  Hugo,  Charles  Peguy  and  Jean  de  la  Fontaine.

  In  my  opinion  Violence  Mortuaire  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  hardcore,  progressive  and  experimental  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Post  Chaos"  "Post  Hell"  "Post  Religious"  and  "Post  hate".  8  out  of  10.

https://violencemortuaire.bandcamp.com/releases
https://violencemortuaire.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2-oe6E_hvQ&feature=youtu.be      

Tovarish Interview

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

We've released our very first music video for the song The Year Without Summer and we're releasing our second music video for the song Silver And Lead. We've played a few shows and are already planning to write and record new material.

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

Our sound is always evolving. We sound much different from our first album "Da, Tovarish" and I think that's for the best. We've been providing remixes for other artists and that has lead to us having a bit more of an industrial influence. We've also been incorporating more melody and ambient sound to compliment the harsh drones.

3.This is also your first album since 2015, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

We usually go in a bit of hibernation between albums. We still play live locally, but we let the music rest so to speak. Everyday life tends to get in the way and we also work on other musical projects, so time occasionally slips away. When we do get together to write and record, it comes in large creative bursts and then we revisit later with clear minds to see if we should continue or start anew.

4.Your lyrics deal a lot with Soviet era Communism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic and what led you to be interested in that era?

A lot of extreme bands (black metal, noise etc) either flirt with or outright embrace fascist imagery and ideology. We oppose all that and created Tovarish in direct response. Fascism is on the rise around the world and people must look for a way to combat and defeat it. There are lessons to be learned from Soviet-era Communism, both good and bad and we must look to the past in order to help save the future.

5.In modern day society a lot of people think communism is making a huge come back with all the whole war between socialism and the lat right, what are your thoughts on this?

I think it's encouraging that people are becoming more socially and politically aware and active to fight against those that destroy us simply for existing. People are not just rolling over to the tiki torch-carrying hatemongers that proclaim racial and gender superiority. There is a whole new generation of people moving further to the left because they see that we must work together to become better. A rising tide lifts all ships, many hands make light work, that sort of mentality.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tovarsh'?

Tovarish means "Comrade". We chose that name because it encapsulates who we are, what we stand for, and how we work together as a band. We truly do work together in all aspects of the band, whether it's writing, recording, booking shows, and even merch design.

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

The artwork was created by the amazing Stephen Wilson, who has also down artwork for Crowhurst, False, and Vile Creature.  We did not really put any restrictions or give any parameters. We sent him the album and just let him create something that is incredible to look at.

8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We've been lucky enough to play with some amazing bands. Kayo Dot, SubRosa, Psalm Zero, Endon, Batillus, Kowloon Walled City. All of those were great experiences. Our live performance typically includes video projected behind us. Past videos  have included riot footage, Soviet propaganda cartoons, time-lapsed nature video. It gives the audience something to focus on while we play.

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

Not really. We don't tour and now only play shows if we're asked. In the beginning, we would play just about any show offered to us or would book our own. It led to many mixed bills in terms of genre and talent, which had less than desirable results.

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

Mixed I suppose. Your average metal fan probably wouldn't like us. No riffs, no mosh, no fun. The people that "get it" though really do understand and appreciate what we're doing. It's not easily listenable or digestible music, but there is something there and it's always encouraging when fans enjoy what we're doing.

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

Without putting us in a box, I would say more ambient and melodic sounds. We're really proud of what we have accomplished with If The War Comes Tomorrow and would probably continue on that track.

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?

It depends on the day and the mood, but recently we've been drawn to sludge, doom, drone, and soundscapes.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Politics, electronics, books.

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

Our music is available at tovarish.bandcamp.com and argonautarecords.com. Thanks so much for taking the time to ask us questions.

Savaoth Interview

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

Basically it has been all about promoting the material and working on some new stuff as well. Also working on some guest appearances that will probably happen on the next album.

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

It is quite different from Whispers Often Bleat. Less "cyber" and industrial sounding for sure. The music is now more mature and heavy sounding than before, the production is definitely better and the whole atmosphere is more ritualistic at times. Clean vocal work is also part of the music now. I can tell that it has a more progressive touch.

3.This is also your first release with this project in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Yeah it's been a very long time ! So long that most fans don't even know Savaoth still exists ! I've been busy with Word Of Life and Arkhangelsk all this time, which are the main bands I play. I also became member of a newly formed band named Khôra. Some work for the new Savaoth material also took place of course.

4.In the beginning there was a full line up but on the new recording you turned into a solo project, what was the decision behind going into this direction?

The truth is that some former Savaoth members participate now in Word Of Life and Arkhangelsk, so we ended up playing together again after years even if we did our own thing at times ! I wanted to keep Savaoth as a personal project to release my own stuff considering that it is a separate entity not related to the other bands.

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

Mainly philosophical and esoteric stuff. For Neophyte I kept all the lyrics private, as there were lots of lyrics that were written in other languages than English, so most people wouldn't be able to read them. About songwriting, I think that I tend to be more straightforward and minimal now. Less is more !

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Savaoth'?

Savaoth is one of the many "nicknames" of the Hebrew god, whose real name was forbidden to be pronounced. It basically means " powerful lord " or " lord of all powers".

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

The artwork is designed by me and it's just some cool black liquid and smoke forming random shapes. When you look at it, it reminds you of something familiar, but you can't really tell what it is. Everyone sees something different, like when you see clouds on the sky and the shapes remind you of something. It might be an alien entity, a god-like form or a dog, who knows. It represents the deeper aspects of the human soul where lots of emotions and feelings develop. Sometimes they are so deep that they are unrecognizable but yet so familiar.

8.When you had a full line up was there any live shows being performed and if so which one stood out the most?

Yeah there were many shows that took place, I can't really pick one ! Maybe the one with the Greek industrial black metal band Nyne. We had a very similar approach in music and the crowd seemed to enjoy a full night of mechanical industrial black metal.


9.The new ep was self released while you have worked with labels in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?

Savaoth is not a touring band with a full line up, so this is a problem for most labels. If a label is interested in releasing the music despite the limitations then I am open to that !


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

It is too early to make a conclusion, but the feedback is being very positive so far.


11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?

We have 2 complete full lengths with Arkhangelsk and Khôra that are waiting to be released. We are also working on the new Word Of Life full length !


12.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

A new Savaoth full length is being composed as we speak. I expect it to be ready by next year. I hope I'll keep on composing new stuff for many years to come. That's the main goal, to constantly create fresh content.


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

I am listening to lots of modern progressive metal stuff lately. This has had a huge impact on my sound. I also keep an eye on the whole black metal scene, this is my main genre of preference.

14.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

We need a whole interview to cover this one haha ! Well, occultism has certainly become a trend, especially in the black metal scene, but most bands out there have no clue about occultism in reality. They approach occultism in an epidermic and naive manner just for imagery and marketing purposes with no actual knowledge and practicing background. Occultism should be about self improvement and not for showing off. I do not consider Savaoth to be an occult band though, I would prefer to say that I work on esoteric and philosophical / psychological concepts.


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

Thank you very much for this interview. I hope black metal fans out there give Neophyte a shot and I am looking forward to sharing more stuff with you in the future, cheers !

https://www.facebook.com/savaoth/
https://savaoth.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSKDcfnk9A

Savaoth/Neophyte/2019 EP Review

  Savaoth  are  a  solo  project  from  Greece  that  plays  a  very  experimental  form  of  industrial  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2019  ep  "Neophyte".

  Ritualistic  soundscapes  and  throat  singing  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  music  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  some  synths  and  industrial  elements.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  death  metal  growls  are  added  on  the  closing  track.

  Savaoth  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  modern  sounding  while  the  experimental  and  industrial  elements  makes  the  songs  stand  out  a  lot  more.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  occult,  metaphysical  and  psychological  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Savaoth  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  and  industrial  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eleusis"  and  "Gnosis".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/savaoth/
https://savaoth.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LSKDcfnk9A 

  

Baradj 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?

► Since the release, we've been working on some media content related to Hunnar: artworks, play-through videos, several music videos, interviews, and more. New interesting merch is coming soon as well. J At the same time, we prepare ourselves for a live show, the first one since the album release.

1. Можете ли вы рассказать нам о том, что происходило с группой с момента записи и релиза нового альбома?

► На данный момент мы работаем над различным медиа-контентом, который связан с альбомом Hunnar: графическое оформление, видео play-through, несколько клипов, интервью и многое другое. Скоро у нас появится интересный мерч. J На вторую половину июля мы планируем подготовку к первым выступлениям с момента выхода альбома.

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


►Alex: Well, it would be easier to say what it has in common with previous albums. When the work on Hunnar was about to start, even at that time, it was pretty clear, that the musical idea, structure and sound features will be different from the previous releases, but it's still Baradj. Perhaps, the melodic elements and some part of songwriting (structural) elements, which we used in Hunnar, may have something in common with Nardughan and Triptych, our previous studio records.

Djonathan: The new release is connected with the old ones through their concept and idea, while the difference is in the sound’s progression and production. Album Алтынчәч was done in 2006 inspired by old folk-metal. Nardughan 2012 was also folk-metal, but mixed with fresh melodic death and metalcore. The next one, EP Tryptich 2013 is the beginning of post-folk-metal. And the new release Hunnar is the mix of the old Baradj and the new one, in both sound and the band’s line-up.

We added vocals to post-folk-metal, made more atmospheric sound, and the result is album Hunnar. The album’s bonus track #14 Boygala ham Laish is an allusion to Алтынчәч 2006, a remake of a khiyal from that demo-album. Also, it is worth noting that Hunnar took 6 years to create, which is also its difference from previous releases.
2. Недавно вы выпустили новый альбом, чем с музыкальной точки зрения он отличается от материала, который вы выпустили до этого?

►Alex: Честно говоря, проще сказать, что у него есть общего с предыдущими альбомами. Когда мы были близки к началу работы над Hunnar, даже тогда было вполне очевидно, что музыкальная концепция, структура и звучание будут отличаться от предыдущих релизов группы, при этом это по-прежнему Барадж. Возможно, что у мелодических элементов и некоторой части структурных элементов, которые мы использовали в альбоме, могут иметь что-то общее с альбомом Nardughan и EP Tryptich, нашими предыдущими студийными записями.

Djonathan: Связь между старыми и новыми релизов – это ее концепция и идея, а отличие в прогрессии звука и ее извлечение. Альбом Алтынчәч 2006 был написан в духе старого фолк метала. Пластинка Нардуган 2012 была написана в том же стиле фолк метала, но с примесью свежего мелодик-дэт-метала и металкора. Следом вышла студийная работа ЕP Триптих 2013 является началом жанра post folk metal. Новый релиз "Гунны" – это смесь старого Бараджа с новым. Как и в звуке, так и в составе.

Мы добавили вокал к Post folk metal жанру, добились более атмосферного звучания. и получился альбом Hunnar. Бонус трек, который мы добавили в альбом, является отсылкой к первому альбому Алтынчәч 2006. Мы переписали один инструментальный хыял «Бойгала и Лаиш», который уже выходил в первом демо-альбоме. Также стоит отметить, что альбом Гунны формировался 6 лет, это тоже отличает его от предыдущих релизов.

3. The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you had covered on the album?

►The new record’s track list builds a sequence that corresponds to the chronology of historical events in Asia and Europe starting from the fall of Roman Empire and nomadic invasion. Each track describes a story of historic figures or the characters of myths and legends of ancient Bulgarian ethnicity.

We are going to post a series of publications describing the detailed story behind each of the record’s tracks.
3. В текстах песен заложена концепция альбома, можете ли вы рассказать нам немного подробнее об истории, которая была рассказана в альбоме?

►Треклист нового альбома соответствует хронологической последовательности исторических событий в Азии и Европе, начиная с падения Римской Империи и вторжения кочевников. Каждый трек рассказывает об исторической личности либо о персонаже из мифов и легенд древне-булгарского этноса.

Мы планируем опубликовать серию постов, в которых мы более подробно расскажем историю, стоящую за каждым из треков пластинки.

4. You also have some lyrics that deal with Tengrism and Bulgarian Folklore, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?


►These elements do really have place to be. As our lyrics are inspired with the history of the nations, the cultural experiences of these epochs are highlighted as well. This is actually one our base goals – to share these myths and legends shaped and delivered with the music. We see our mission as not only to promote our native culture, but also to encourage people to discover and remember their own roots.

4. У вас также есть тексты, имеющие отношение к булгарскому фольклору и тенгризму, не могли бы вы рассказать нам немного больше о вашем интересе в этих темах?

►Это действительно имеет место быть. Поскольку тексты наших песен вдохновлены историей народов, культурным особенностям тех эпох мы также уделяем особое внимание. Одна из наших основных целей – делиться этими мифами и легендами, заключенными и передаваемыми в форме музыкального творчества. Мы считаем, что наша миссия заключается не только в популяризации и развитию нашей родной культуры, но и в том, чтобы призвать людей к изучению своих собственных корней и хранению памяти о них.

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

►According to legends, Baradj is the name of the dragon (a chimaera of three animals – Snow Leopard, Snake and Falcon) that lived on the place of Şaytan qalası (Shaytan’s castle, also known as "Yelabuga settlement"), a 10th century’s fortress in the town of Yelabuga, ruins of which are still there. The dragon protected Bulgarians from all evil spirits and wars. One of varations of this dragon can even be found on Kazan city's emblem (Zilant is Baradj, the thing is that archaeologists found a different name for it based on Tatar word “yılan/елан"). So even the name of the band comes out from Bulgarian folklore.

5. В чем значение названия "Baradj", и чем оно было вдохновлено?

►Согласно легендам, Барадж – это имя дракона (химера из трех животных – Снежный Барс, Змей и Сокол), жившего на месте Чертового городища (Шайтан каласы, Елабужское городище), крепости, построенной в 10-м веке, руины которой по-прежнему сохранились в городе Елабуга. Дракон Барадж защищал булгар от всех злых духов и войн. Одну из вариаций этого дракона можно найти даже на гербе города Казани (Зилант – это Барадж, только ученые археологи нашли ему другое название исходя из татарского слова Елан (змей)) . Поэтому даже название группы происходит из булгарского фольклора.

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

►This cover is a digital artwork that was made by Djonathan Lindaive (band's guitar player, singer and founder) based on Bulat Gilvanov's picture. Bulat is a modern painter, and he's our close friend who has influenced the band a lot, and even gave the band a hint about its name back in 2003. Bulat created most of the paintings that are displayed on our album covers, wrote lyrics for many songs of Baradj, including Altynchach and Bolgar Dalasy from the new album.

6. Можете ли вы рассказать нам немного больше об оформлении обложки нового альбома?

►Обложка альбома Hunnar – это графическая работа Джонатана Линдэйва (гитариста, вокалиста и основателя группы), сделанная на основе картин Булата Гильванова. Булат – современный художник, он близок к самой группе и значительно повлиял на нас, начиная с того, что подсказал само название для группы еще в 2003 году. Булат создал большинство картин, которые изображены на обложках наших альбомов, является автором текстов многих песен нашей группы, включая Altynchach и Bolgar Dalasy из нового альбома.

nnar7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

►It's not so easy to point out a specific show because there were many of them since 2003. What for our live performances, we're currently working on it as we having a first live show after a big break, and literally it's gonna be our 3rd show in the current line-up. All of us have reached the understanding that a live performance should be aesthetic and sincere.
7. Какие из концертов, которые были даны группой за годы ее существования вы можете назвать лучшими, а также как бы вы описали свое выступление на сцене?

►Выделить какое-то отдельное представление сложно, поскольку их было достаточно много с 2003 года. Что касается наших живых выступлений, в данный момент мы готовимся к нашему первому шоу после долгого перерыва, и это будет в буквальном смысле наше третье выступление в нашем текущем составе. Мы пришли к тому, что живое выступление должно быть эстетичным и искренним.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

►For now, we have approved the first big festivals of youth-oriented ethnic music. As regards a tour, we can't announce any exact information right now, but will do that in September, so stay tuned!

8. Есть ли у вас какие-либо планы насчет турне и концертов в поддержку нового альбома?

►На текущий момент мы утвердили первые большие фестивали молодежной этнической музыки. Что касается тура, пока мы не можем оглашать точную информацию, но сделаем это в сентябре. Следите за новостями!
9. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

►Actually, it seems better for us to stay an independent DIY band, however, this is a classical case "never say never". Currently, we’re relying on our own funds, digital sales and fan donations, but if we get a reliable proposal from a good label, we would be interested to discuss it.

9. В настоящий момент вы не подписаны на лейбл. Ищете ли вы для себя лейбл, получали ли подобные предложения?

►Честно говоря, наилучший вариант для нас – оставаться независимой DIY-группой, хотя это и классический случай "никогда не говори никогда". В данный момент мы сами занимаемся всей издательской деятельностью, ведем ее в на свои средства, плюс доход от цифровых продаж и донаты от поклонников, но если мы получим надежное предложение от хорошего лейбла, нам будет интересно его обсудить.
10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of post and folk metal?

►According to the latest data, Hunnar is already the most listened of all of our releases ever, and it's based only on Bandcamp stats, as the album is available exclusively there at this moment. We were quite surprised, for example, that the US is one of the "top-listening" regions. We have a lot of listeners across Europe, especially in Bulgaria and Turkey.

As for genre, it appears that many post and folk metal listeners find our music interesting enough. We get new reviews for the album every week and will share some of them in our social media.

10. Какова была реакция фанатов пост-метала и фолк-метала на вашу музыку, если рассматривать глобальный уровень?

►Согласно последним данным, альбом Hunnar уже является самым прослушиваемым из всех наших релизов, и это только данные с Bandcamp, поскольку альбом на данный момент доступен исключительно на этом ресурсе. Мы были удивлены, например, тем, что США являются одним из самых слушающих регионов. Также у нас достаточно много слушателей по всей Европе, особенно в Болгарии и Турции.

Что касается жанра, то похоже, что многие любители жанров пост-метал и фолк-метал находят нашу музыку интересной. Мы получаем новые рецензии на альбом каждую неделю и будем делиться некоторыми из них  наших соцсетях.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

►Can't make any forecast, but even for today, our early demos of the new songs sound somewhat differently, but it is a follow-up to Hunnar. So the main goal for us is still the same – to create a brand new music while preserving the band's authenticity and familiar sound.

11. Как вы считаете, каково будет дальнейшее развитие музыки вашей группы?

►Пока мы не можем давать каких-либо прогнозов, но даже на сегодня наши ранние демо-записи новых песен звучат несколько иначе, при этом являясь продолжением альбома Hunnar. Поэтому основная цель с музыкальной точки зрения остается той же – создавать совершенно новую музыку, сохраняя аутентичность группы и узнаваемое звучание.
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?

►Each of us has totally different playlists. There are some common artists between them, but it's quite hard to mark exact artists that had influence, or how one or another artist has influenced our music. However, it’s important to note that our fans and reviewers mention such names as Opeth, Amorphis, Pelican, Eluveitie, In Flames, Brontide, Holding Onto Hope, Insomnium, Long Distance Calling, Cellar Darling, Ирбис, Deva Obida, Yaşru, Tengger Cavalry, Scale The Summit, pg.lost, Sunpocrisy, Syberia, Toundra, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster.

As for the music that we listen to now... OK, here are some last artist names came from each band member: Cloudkicker, Mother's Cake, Рубежи, We Lost The Sea.

12. Назовите несколько групп или музыкальных стилей, которые повлияли на вашу музыку, и расскажите, что вы слушаете сейчас?

►У каждого из нас совершенно разные плейлисты. Между ними есть кое-что общее, но довольно сложно выделить конкретных исполнителей, которые повлияли на нас, и как именно. При этом важно отметить, что наши слушатели и авторы рецензий к альбому отмечают его сходство с такими артистами как Opeth, Amorphis, Pelican, Eluveitie, In Flames, Brontide, Holding Onto Hope, Insomnium, Long Distance Calling, Cellar Darling, Ирбис, Deva Obida, Yaşru, Tengger Cavalry, Scale The Summit, pg.lost, Sunpocrisy, Syberia, Toundra, Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster.

Что касается музыки, которую мы слушаем сейчас… Окей, вот несколько последних имен исполнителей, о которых было слышно от каждого из участников группы: Cloudkicker, Mother's Cake, Рубежи, We Lost The Sea.
13.What are some of your non-musical interests?

►We also give time to another arts and hobbies, like visual and digital art, clothes design, electronic music, photography, traveling, trekking, languages and self-education. Sometimes, it could also be jam sessions, video games, some scientific content found on the Internet, education of a cat or even just slopping around for some time J

13. Чем вы интересуетесь помимо музыки?

►Мы также уделяем время другим делам и хобби, таким как изобразительное и цифровое искусство, электронная музыка, фотография, путешествия, горный туризм, языки, медитации и самообразование. Иногда это могут быть джем-сейшены, видеоигры, научные материалы в Интернете, дрессировка кота или даже просто немного безделья J
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

►We wish you to remember who you are in your essence, and always learn the things that people have already forgotten. Keep the peace of the world! With love, Baradj.

14. Перед тем как мы закончим это интервью, что вы можете добавить напоследок?

►Мы желаем всем вам не забывать кто вы есть на самом деле и всегда учиться тому, что люди уже позабыли. Всем мира во всем мире! С любовью, Baradj.

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Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi/Marynistyka Suchego Ladu/Devoted Art Propaganda/2019 Full Length Review

Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  started  out  as  more  of  an  experimental  black  metal  band  but  on  this  recording  have  evolved  into  more  of  an  experimental  rock/metal  style  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "Marynistyka  Suchego  Ladu"  which  will  be  released  on  July  20th  by  Devoted  Art  Propaganda.



  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  avant  garde  and  experimental  elements  also  being  used  at  times.  Clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  as  well as  some  synths  also  being  used  in  some  parts  of  the  music  and  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.



  At  times  the  vocals also  get  very  aggressive  as  well  as  adding  in  some  grim  sounding  black  metal  influences  into  some  parts  of  the  songs.  Psychedelic  elements  can  also  be  heard  at times  along  with  some  trombones  and  harmonicas  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  whispered  vocals  into  the  album  and  some  tracks  also  show  influences  of  synthpop,  new  wave,  industrial,  post  punk  and  goth  rock.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  dark  thoughts  and  depression  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Wedrowcy-Tulacze-Zbiegi  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  rock/metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of   this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album. RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Starganiec"  "Sucha  Gora"  "Zelazo"  and  "Hoburgsgubbben  10104".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Baradj/Hunnar/2019 Full Length Review

  Baradj  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  an  experimental  form  of  post  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Hunnar".

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  death  metal  vocals  which  also  use  screams  at  times  that  also  gives  the  music  a  touch  of  black  metal  a  few  seconds  later  as  well as  the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  folk  instruments  are  also  added  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.

  Clear  vocals  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  acoustic  guitars  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  progressive  feeling.  Elements  of  post  rock  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  music  gets  more  experimental  along  with  some  songs  also  showing  influences  of  shoegaze  and  ambient  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  instrumentals,  one  track  also  introduces  whispered  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  more  of  a  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a s elf  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  and  cover  Tengrism,  Bulgarian  Folklore,  the  history  of  centuries-long  wars  and  the  reign  of  great  leaders  who  had  an  immense  influence  on  the  whole  world.

  In  my  opinion  Baradj  are  a  very  great  sounding  post  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  looking  for  something  very  original  sounding,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hunnar"  "Attila"  "Tengri"  and  "Khiyal -  Boiek  Bolgar".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp: baradj.bandcamp.com
Instagram: instagram.com/baradj
Youtube: youtube.com/c/Baradj
Facebook: facebook.com/baradjband/
VK: vk.com/baradj
Telegram: t.me/baradj_telegram       

Tovarish/If The War Comes Tomorrow/Argonauta Records/2019 CD Review

Tovarish  are  a  band  from  Providence,  Rhode  Island  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  noise,  drone,  dark  ambient, black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "If  the  War  Comes  Tomorrow"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Argonauta  Records.



  Spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies.  A  touch  of  black  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  screams  along  with  some  ambient  style  synths  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.



  Elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music  while  harsh  noises  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  songs.  Spoken  word  samples  are  also  brought  onto  some  of  the  later  tracks  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  recording.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  avant  garde  and  experimental  sounding  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  As  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of field  recordings,  female  vocals  and  demonic  growls  can  also  be  heard,  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Soviet  era  Communism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tovarish  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  noise,  drone,  dark  ambient, black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "They  Know"  "Silver  And  Lead"  From  Trench  To  Triumph"  and  "If  The  War  COmes  Tomorrow".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tovarishband

https://tovarish.bandcamp.com

Yerusalem/The Sublime/Debember Morti Productions/2019 CD Review

  Yerusalem  are  a  duo  from  France  that  consists  of  a  member  of  Blut  Aus  Nord  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial,  post  punk,  new  wave,  electronica,  and  goth  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "The  Sublime"which  will  be  released  in  2019  by  Debembur  Morti  Productions.

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  melodic  guitar  leads  and  programmed  beats  while  the  clean  vocals  gives  the  music  more  of  a  post  punk  feeling  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  avant  garde  and  experimental  at  times  and  the  heavy  riffs  also  add  in  touches  of  early  90's  industrial  metal.

  Elements  of  goth  rock.  psychedelia,  new  wave,  electronica  and  dreamgaze  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  synths  as  well  as  one  of  the  tracks  being  an  instrumental  and  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  structures  of  mid  90's  to  early  2000's  era  experimental  black  metal  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  Yerasalem  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  industrial,  new  wave,  electronica,  post  punk,  goth  rock  and  black  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Yeraalem  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  industrial,  new  wave,  electronica,  post  punk,  goth  rock  and  black  metal  and  if  you  are  looking for  something  very  original,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Sublime"  "Joyless"  and  "Reverso".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.facebook.com/Yeruselemprojekt/

Felis Catus/Banquet On The Moon/Masked Dead Records/2018 EP Review

  Felis  Catus  is  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  ep  "Banquet  On  The  Moon"  which  will  be  released  on  September  25th  by  Masked  Dead  Records.

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  grim  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later  while   clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  ambient  and  electronic  music  which  is  also  mixed  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  and  the  music  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments.

  At  times  the  music  gets  very  experimental  along  with  a  great  amount  of  progressive  rock  elements  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  add  in  some  session  work  from  Grey  Ravenmoon  and  Alessandro  Riva  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  being  used  briefly  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  as  the  ep  progresses  a  brief  use  of  middle  eastern  style  chants  can  also  be  heard  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Felis  Catus  plays  a  music  style  that  takes  black,  death  metal,  experimental,  ambient  and  electronic  music  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  science  and  space  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Felis  Catus  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Banquet  On  the  Moon"  and  "Baron  Munchausen".  8  out  of  10.

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Krepuskul/Hybrid/Morning Star Heathens Music Group/2018 CD Review

Krepuskul  are  a  band  from  Romania  that  plays  an  experimental  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Hybrid"  which  was  released  by  Morning  Star  Heathens  Music  Group.

  A  sci-fi  orientated  synth starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  musical  direction  along  with  some  angry  shouting  vocals  while  the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  groove  metal  along  with  some  screams  being  utilized  at  times  which  also  brings  in  a  touch  of  black  metal.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  music  also  mixes  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats,'

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  melodic  vocals  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  back  up  shouts  can  be  heard,

  Krepuskul  plays  a  music  style  that takes  experimental,  melodic  black,  death  and  groove  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  hatred,  darkness  and  war  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Krepuskul  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  mixture  of  melodic  black,  death  and  groove  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "OCD  Let's  Start  A  War" "The  Disciples" "Psychotherapy"  and  "Awake  17".  8  out  of  10.

http://krepuskul.com/

Hildr Valkyrie Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the solo project since the recording and release of the new album?
First of all thank you for granting me the pleasure to have an interview with you.

For the time, all are in shadows, just few songs in a very primitive form, ideas that needs to bloom into something new. That was caused because my Keyboards in which I composed everything on, has been broken; and this took me some more time than I expected to learn new ways to write music with my midi and pc. Had to be familiar with new technologies that have never involved with and this kept me back by having fast new material for Hildr Valkyrie, but definitely there will be a new album in the main future.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I can’t really give you a specific genre for the album as it comes for the music itself, almost all songs have their own personality in which also happened to my previous releases. You can find from Folk (polyphonic) to Viking metal, Black metal, Symphonic metal etc, you can recognize a lot of genres in, so how do we describe the music of Hildr Valkyrie? I simply do it from the themes that my lyrics refer to, so in just two words we can describe it as Heathen Metal.
Now as it comes to the differences between the releases of the past. I can say that still I kept the identity of Hildr Valkyrie, and in the same time my session guitarist Jan Twothousandarrows made the difference by playing a huge role in the nowadays sound of the band, he was free to act as he wanted and recorded the guitars and bass in free will also he added a part of the drum programming as well!  Then my sound producer Patric from WSL studio also put his knowledge to reveal the details of the music in this album and last but not least “time”, yes time that helped me to become a bit better than before, I am not a professional musician, I am self-taught one and time is my best friend in many occasions.

3.This is your first solo release since 2008, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Yes, I am a “bit” slow with the releases of Hildr Valkyrie this is true, but as an artist I am not. In the meantime I have done some appearances in V/A either with covers, either with new songs as Hildr Valkyrie and also many, many collaborations with bands I appreciate so much in small or bigger roles. I can name you a few such as with Elffor (Basque/Spain), Emyn Muil (Italy), Helrunar (Germany), Eliwagar (Norway), Celtefog (Hellas), Voluspaa (Norway), Kawir (Hellas), The Wolves of Avalon (UK), Folkearth and Folkodia (International), Meneapneontes (Hellas) and many others that in total we can count around 45 different releases as far in my bio.     

4.A lot of your lyrics are based on Norse Mythology and Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
From little child I was unfriendly with christian religion, something was wrong in my childish little mind, something did not fitted well. Later on I was considering myself as an agnostic. Years passed and found myself pretty close to the Nordic Paganism, I started to study, learning with much passion about Odinism, trying with each possible way to learn as much more I was able to; by reading online books that was not in my mother language and of course not the easiest way to achieve the goal I wanted. In the very beginning I thought I was strange and alone, but this did not bothered me at all because finally I felt complete into my soul. Later on I found European and American Folks from Odinic Rite that gladly accepted me as an equal member to their Religious community even if my blood is not from North Europe and gladly helped me to learn even more.
You see, Traditions of Europe must stay alive, even if you are Hellenes, or Norwegian, or Germanic, or Italian, or Basque, or Slav etc, because this is our Identity and our secure mean to survive cultural into the multiculturalism way of life that the clique of managers (because this is what they exactly are), the “big heads” in which we are (forced to) ruled from, compulsion us to live in deeper in this situation, day by day more and more, without being able to even speak about it; because automatically they point a finger to you screaming about politics. No! It is not about politics; Religion and Traditions are more than this and something complete different topic, it is about our European Cultural Identity. Christianity was and is one of their weapon as this religion itself is multicultural, all Nations under the banner of jehovah and his son yeshua the woodcutter, well no, my Gods are more than just this!
So, let’s go to the conclusion, because this question may never have an end. For me, these topics are not just fashion as for many meant to be, are not just fancy stories with swords and axes to play with, neither I wear my Mjollnir or carry Heathen Symbols on me for fun or any kind of fame or to create a name around my person, this is my living Faith, my Oath.
And by the chance I would like to refer a problem that I am still reading in written articles or dialogs around the net for our Religion, Gods ARE, Gods DO exist, Odhinn IS not was, Thor IS not was, Gods can’t die and you want to call it Paganism in general? You want to call it Heathenism? You want to call it Old Faith? Asatru? Odinism? Hellenism? Nordic? Germanic? Slavic? Ancestral? This is not a dead Religion, we have to make up our minds and think different than the way they we’ve been taught as far from the christian society, and so; our Gods ARE!

5.You have worked both solo and with full bands, which one do you prefer?
Actually the time that I had true rehearsals with bands is a far past for me, far back before the creation of Hildr Valkyrie, just had a small “refresh” of memory of how it is with Kawir before we go on stage because I was called to be their guest (for the Hellenic live in Athens) for the 20th anniversary of the band.
Further more, I can not compare the full bands that they are asking me to join them, with my solo project, of course and I live the process through the first note till “that last little detail” which is needed to be changed, I get the inspiration to write lyrics through the music and sing to give the last touch to the songs, something that I do not enjoy when I get complete songs to sing, but in the end; for me it is the same satisfaction, and to tell you the truth, I feel more responsible to the bands that they trust in me and ask to join them. To my creations, I can find mistakes (no one is perfect) but I care much more if I find mistakes to my guest or session appearances.

6.You have also released a great amount of material with your other musical projects, do you spend a great amount of time writing, performing and recording music?
Well, I never thought of that. You know, I never count the time when I am doing these activities. For me the time stops when I start a recording, when finish and I get up my head it is or dark, or dawn. I forgot completely the time, I am somewhere else, in another cosmos, in another dimension.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of viking and folk metal?
Ow, by my own standards of course I am more than happy! I have fans from almost all around the world. I could never imagine that when I first started Hildr Valkyrie. In the beginning I must admit that the enthusiasm of the fans was much more than now, and to be honest, this is my fault because whatever you leave it behind it does leave you too. I should have been a little more active with Hildr Valkyrie, for example to had at least one more album in the meantime to keep the interest of my fans, but Hildr Valkyrie is not the only thing I deal with in my life of course!

8.what is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?
Most of the bands that I have been involved with are active, and as I am learning news from them, they keep on recording new music. Some they will call me again, as my most of collaborations are not just for one album and I’ll be more than happy to give my help again! I also have new proposals for new collaborations and one new born black metal band that we are just started to record our first songs with a very talented Hellenic guitarist and the band name is “Solis in Antris” which means “Alone in the Caves” (you are the first that I announce it)!

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
I don’t know what future will bring, more collaborations maybe? New bands? I just hope that the Norns will be well favored as possible!

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The mainly influences in which I never hid, are Falkenbach and Summoning. Two different genres of metal in which I combine them in a special way with my own identity. This is also one of the reasons why I can’t refer to one specific genre for my one-woman band.
At the time, I am listening more to Anglo-Saxon bands such as Winterfylleth, Wodensthrone, Ildra etc but I do not think that this showed up to my music since my skills can not touch these megatheriums!

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I like photography and photography manipulation, even if I have not the time as I used to. Also with my husband and beloved friends we run an organization under the name of Thyrsos – Oikos of Ethnikoi Hellenes, in which members and friends organize and have active practice by having Rites to the Gods, we have done European meetings with other members of Heathen organizations, we have presented Hellenism within European Heathenism to other countries, street activities such as raising banners and protest, also we run online publications that has to do with Heathenism in all its forms, and I think if you add the daily job for earing my living and music activities is a full life!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
 I think this was a wonderful interview, one of the few indeed! Thank you for taking time to write these questions and I must thank also and your readers for their patience and interest to read this interview too! 

Haire!

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Hildr Valkyrie/Revealing The Heathen Sun/Stygian Crypt Productions/2017 CD Review

  Hildr  Valkyrie  is  a  solo  artist  from  Greece  that  plays  an  experimental  and  ambient  mixture  of  folk,  heathen  and  viking  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  her  2017  album  "Revealing  The  Heathen  Sun"  which  was  released  by  Stygian  Crypt  Productions.

  Tribal  style  percussion starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  female  vocals  a  few  seconds  alter  while  the  music  also brings  in  a  very  tribal,  ritual  and  shamanistic  atmosphere  and  after  the  thunder  sounds  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  symphonic  musical direction  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  whispers  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  gets  more  experimental and  also  mixes  in  more  ambient  touches  and  when  acoustic  guitars  and  flutes  are  utilized  they  bring  in  elements  of  folk  music  onto  the  recording.

  Hildr  Valkyrie  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  viking  and  folk  metal  while also  mixing  in  elements  of  black  metal,  experimental  and  ambient  to  create  something very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  Sagas  and  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hildr  Valkyrie  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  and  ambient  mixture  of  folk  and  viking  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should c heck  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ove  Lands  Mountains  And  Shade"  "The  Rune's  Song"  "An  Ode  To  Allfather  Odhinn"  and  "Summoning  The  Heathen  Fire".  8  out  of  10.

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