Deathillusion/Sitra Ahra/2016 EP Review

  Deathillusion  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  ep  "Sitra  Ahra".

  A  very  hard  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  small  amount of  clean  yet  distorted  playing  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  also  introduces  melodic  guitar  leads  onto  the  recording  and  when t he  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  black  metal  style.

  Vocals  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  as  well  as  a  few  seconds  of  avant  garde  elements  and  they  also  bring  in  a  Dissection  cover  as  a  bonus  track  if  you  buy  the  download  version.

  Deathillusion  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  melodic  black  and  death  metal  of  previous  material,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anticosmic  Satanism/Luciferianism,  Temple  Of  The  Black  Light,  Liber  Azerate,  and  Liber  Falxifer  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Deathillusion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Invocation  of  Qalmana".  8  out  of  10.

https://deathillusion.bandcamp.com/

 

Grimorium Verum/Relict/Symbol Of Domination Records/Cold Raw Records/2015 CD Review

  Grimorium  Verum  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2015  album  "Relict"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Symbol  Of  Domination  Records  and  Cold  Raw  Records.

  A  very  dark  ambient  keyboard  sound  starts  off  the  album  before going  into more  of  an  epic  and  symphonic  direction  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  a  very  fast  black  metal  direction  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  which  they  also  mix  in  with  the  symphonic  elements.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  is  more  rooted  in  the  90's  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  the  riffs  also  get  very  melodic  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  deep  death  metal  growls  along  with  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  finally  added  into  the  music  they  also  enhance  the  melody  that  is  present  on  the  recording  along  with  a  touch  of  traditional  metal  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  song  also  brings  in  a  few  seconds  of  clean  singing.

  Grimorium  Verum  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  more  closer  to  the  mid  90's  era  and  also  brings  back  some  of  the  blasphemy  that  has  been  missing  in  the  genre  for  years,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Anti  Christian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Grimorium  Verum  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rising  Morning  Star"  "Night  Burning  Icons"  "In  Satan  We  Trust"  and  "Odium".  8  out  of  10.     

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Blood Of The Wolf Interview

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

The band started in 2012 as a project of mine while I was playing guitar in Kommandant. We became a live band in 2013. We had a few member changes since then. As of right now the line-up is myself, Mike Koniglio, on guitar and vocals, Frank Garcia on guitar and vocals, Brandon Waszak on bass and Max Colunga on drums. We play blackened death metal with a lot of blasting and a heavy dose of melody.

2.So far you have released a demo, single and a full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?

I would describe it as blackened death metal with a lot of blasting and a lot of melody. I would say the writing style is akin to late 90’s/early 2000’s aggressive black metal. There is a lot of fast paced tremolo picking, dual guitar harmonies and melodies, and blast beats. Lots of blast beats.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Lyrics revolve around the ethos of warfare. Sometimes the lyrics describe the gore and brutality of war, but most of time they center on the philosophy of warfare and the ideal of completely destroying your enemy.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Blood Of The Wolf'?

It has no meaning. The inspiration came from watching a Nova documentary on the Viking sword. In that show they entertained one theory that the Vikings would grind the burnt bones of their ancestors, or enemies or animals they slew and use it to forge their swords. The bone made the steel stronger. The Vikings would also name their swords, often after animals like the bear or wolf, which would then give their sword that animal’s power.


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

We played a show with Incantation, Cardiac Arrest and Abysme at the Beat Kitchen here in Chicago. That was the best so far. Our live shows are relentless. We play the songs without stopping. There is very little talking. The audience gets bulldozed.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Not at this point. We are just rehearsing, getting tighter and writing new material.

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

We’re not looking for a label. We’re doing everything ourselves and that’s fine with us.

8.On the new album you had done a Marduk cover, what was the decision behind during your own version of one of their tracks?

Marduk is one of my favorite black metal bands and a huge influence on my songwriting. “With Satan and Victorious Weapons” is one of my favorite songs and I thought it would sound cool with low vocals.

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

So far it’s been all positive.

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

Our drummer Max plays with Disinter. Frank plays guitar in Asphyxiator. Brandon and I only play in Blood of the Wolf. As for me, this is my sole musical pursuit. It’s the only thing I am interested in investing my free time in.

11.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?

I love Vader, Marduk, Belphegor, God Dethroned, and Infernal War. I would say those bands have had a great influence on my writing style. Currently I am really enjoying the new Temple of Baal album “Mysterium” and Malevolent Creation’s “Dead Man’s Path”.

12.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

I have no interest in either.

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

None. Thank you for the interview!

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Blood Of The Wolf/I: The Law Of Retaliation/2015 Full Length Review

  Blood  Of  the  Wolf  are  a  band  from Chicago,  Illinois  that  plays  a  very  brutal  and  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  with  a  touch  of  thrash  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "I: The Law Of Retaliation".

  War  samples  and battle  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavy  and  melodic  musical direction t hat  also  introduces  guitar  leads  that  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  after  the  intor  the  music  goes  into  a  very  brutal  blackened  death  metal  direction.

  Blast  beats  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  and  the  vocals  use  mostly  death  metal  growls  while  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  a  lot  of  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  a  90's  style  of  melodic  death  metal  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  some  of  the  heavier  riffs  also  bring  in  thrash  influences  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  cover  of  Marduk's  "With  Satan  And  Victorious  Weapons".

  Blood  of  The  Wolf  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  brutal  and  melodic  styles  of  death  emtal  and  mixes  it  in  with  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  influences   and  a  touch  of  thrash  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  war,  darkness  and  Satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Blood  Of  the  Wolf  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "With  iron  Weapons  And  Will"  "The  Darkness  Of  Chaos"  "Of  Strength  And  Valor"  and  "With  Satan  And  Victorious  Weapons".  8  out  of  10.   

www.facebook.com/bloodofthewolfmusic

Cult Of Occult/Five Degrees Of Insanity/Deadlight Entertainment/2015 CD Review

  Cult  Of  Occult  are  a  band  from France  that  plays  a  blackened mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Five  Degrees  of  Insanity"  which  was  released  by  Deadlight  Entertainment.

  Drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  noisy  reverb  and  after  a  minute  the  music  gets  a  lot  more  heavier  and  goes  into  more  of  a  sludge  and  doom  metal  direction  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  very  dark  and  distorted  sounding  and  as  the  album  progresses some  of the  riffs  start  utilizing  more  melodies  and  the  vocals  also  bring  in  growls  at  times  and  on  a  later  track  the  music  speeds  up  a  bit  and  brings  in  more  of  a  raw  style  of  the  genre  along  with a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  before  returning  back  to  a  slower  musical  direction  and  a  later  track  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  psychedelic  elements.

  Cult  Of  Occult  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  the  heaviest  styles  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  it  in  with  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of t heir  own,   the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satan,  Alcohol,  hatred  and  Ant  Christian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cult  Of  Occult  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nihilistic"  and  "Satanic".  8  out  of  10.

https://soundcloud.com/cvltnation/cult-of-occult-alcoholic

  

 

Diabolus Arcanium/Path Of Ascension/Transcending Obscurity Distribution/2015 CD Review

  Diabolus  Arcanium  are  a  and  from  India  that  plays  a  very symphonic  and  epic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Path  Of  Ascension"  which  will  be  rleeased  in  August  by  transcending  Obscurity  Distribution.

  A  very  dark sounding  keyboard  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  symphonic  elements  and  after  the  intro  melodic choirs  are  added  into  the  music  which  also  leads  up to  a  heavier  sound  that  also  retains  the  symphonic  elements  and  also  adds  in  grim  black  metal  screams and  the  music  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Most  of  the  music  goes  for  a  90['s  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of  melody  in  the  guitar  riffing and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  are  utilized  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  classical  music  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  epic  atmosphere  and  they close  the  album  with  an orchestra  track.

  Diabolus  Arcanium  plays  a  style of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  very  epic,  with  some  classical elements  as  well  as  being  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  style,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Christianity,  Satanism,  Death,  Destruction  and  Supernatural  Phenomena  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Diabolus  Arcanium  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kingdom  Of   Sin"  "Of  Fire  And  Ashes"  and  "Herald  Of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

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Ethereal/Opus Aethereum/Candlelight Records/2015 CD Review

  Ethereal  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  death  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Opus  Aethereum"  which was released  by  Candlelight  Records.

  A  very  epic  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  after  a  minute  and  a  half  the  music  gets  a  lot  more  heavier  and  adds  in  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  speeding  up  and  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  they  also  mix  the  heavy  and  symphonic  parts  together  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Death  metal  growls  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  bring  more  of  a  melodic  sound  to  the  songs  when  they  are  utilized.

  Spoken word  parts  can  be  heard  briefly  in  some  of  the  tracks  and  some  of  the  slower  riffs  add  elements  of  doom  metal  onto  the  recording  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  songs  also  go  for  more  of  an  aggressive  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  also  bring  in  touches  of  brutal  blackened  death  metal  and  some  of  the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  little  bit  of  clean  parts  that  are  overshadowed  by  the heavier  side  of  the  bands  musical  style.

  Ethereal  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic and  melodic  and  also  mixes  in  elements  of  death  and  doom  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness,  Hatred  and  Satanism  themes.

  In   my  opinion  Ethereal  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  death  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nomicon"  "Psalm  Of  The  Deceiver"  and  "Waking  Death".  8  out  of  10. 

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Aegrum/The Arrival/Narcoleptica Productions/2015 EP Review

  Aegrum  are  a  band  from  Indonesia  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  ep  "The  Arrival"  which  was  released  by  Narcoleptica  Productions.

  Dark  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  slowly  start  to  evolve  into  more  of  a  symphonic  direction  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  getting  a  lot  more  heavier  while  still  having  the  symphonic  sounds of  the  intro  as  well  as  bringing  in  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  few  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times.

  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  and  the  riffs  also  utilize  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  there  are  also  a  couple  of  instrumental  tracks  and  the  symphonic  elements  are  more  related  to  the  mid  90's  era  of  the  genre.

  Aegrum  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  very  dark  and  closer  to  the  original  style  of  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness,  Mysticism  and  Satanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Aegrum  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eternal  Whisper  Of  The  Dark  Forest"  and  "The  Ancient  Ov  Cult".  8  out  of  10.

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Heretical/Daemonarchist - Daemon Est Devs Inversvs/Beyond Productions/2014 CD Review

  Heretical  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "/Daemonarchist - Daemon Est Devs Inversvs"  which  was  released  by  Beyond Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  atmospheric  keyboard  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  ritualistic  parts  that  are  also  used  on  some  of  the  other  tracks  as  well  and  after  the  intro  the  music  gets  a  lot  heavier  along  with  some  brutal  blast  beats,  grim  black  metal  screams  and  melodic  guitar  solos  along  with  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  At  time  clean  singing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of t he  recording  and  the  band  also  mixes  the  symphonic  and  heavy  parts  together  ans  some  of  the  later  tracks  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  operatic  female  and  male  vocals  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  on  some  of  the  tracks  you  can  also  hear  elements  of  death  and  thrash  metal  which  the  back  up  gang  shots  come  from  being  utilized  along  with  a  small  amount  of  growling  vocals  and  a  couple  of  the  later  tracks  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  violins  and  a  few  of  the  songs  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.  

  Heretical  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  very  ritualistic  at  times  and  also  brings  in  elements  ob  brutal  death  metal  and  thrash  along  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sound s very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Left  Hand  Path  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Heretical  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Averno  Resvurrectus"  "Devestate  E  Liberate"  "Lvcifer  Demasqve"  and  "Demon  Metal".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XANkJ923yJU       

NervoChaos 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?
(Edu) Yes, we’ve started early this year our tour promoting the new release and so far we’ve reached Europe and South America. This year we’ll do 100 gigs and our plan is to continue touring in support of our new album until late next year. Also, we’ve released a new music video and we’re featured in two tribute CDs, one from HEADHUNTER DC and the other from STOMACHAL CORROSION.

2.You have a new album coming out in December, 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?
(Edu) In Brazil the album was released in April but in the US and Europe it will be out in December. I believe it’s our best release up to date. The new album is an natural evolution of our music and now that we have a solid line-up for a couple of years (which is awesome) we’re very tight and also mature as a band and as musicians. It’s the most diverse album we’ve released and we could explore different music styles ranging from traditional Death Metal to Thrash Metal, Black Metal and even some Doom Metal and Hard Core elements.  Also, it’s the first time we had a producer working with us on the whole process. We’re very pleased with the new album and the response we’re getting is extremely positive.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
(Edu) We’ve always been a satanic/occult band but we do explore other topics as well. On the new album you can still find some satanic/anti-christian/occult themes but also topics about the harsh reality of our daily lives.

4.The band has been around for almost 20 years, what is it that keeps you motivated to create extreme metal after all of these years?
(Edu) I think when you do it for passion and not fashion it will last forever. We love what we do and we’re an underground band, so success for us is being active, touring and releasing albums. I think whatever you do in life, if you love it, if you have the passion it will last forever and there’s always motivation to continue with what you do.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'NervoChaos'?
(Edu) When we started the band we wanted a name that could be easily understood in English and Portuguese. Also, we wanted a name that was different from all the other bands that were around back then and a name that mixed both languages, Portuguese and English. The name also represents very well our music, our proposal and the city where we live in.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
(Edu) It’s hard to choose just one or two shows once we’ve been touring since the band started. We believe that a true band is a band that’s not afraid of touring or performing live, so we think our highlight are our live performances. Our stage performance has to sound better than our albums and I think we have an intense, in your face stage performance. We did several memorable gigs and we had the opportunity to share the stage with great acts.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
(Edu) We had our first US tour booked for this year but due to the visas we couldn’t fulfill it. It has been re-scheduled for March 2015 and we hope we can get our visas this time to tour the US for the first time in our career. We did 100 gigs this year in support of the new album and we’ll continue touring until the end of 2015.

8.Over the years how has the feedback been to your music by fans of underground metal?
(Edu) The more we tour, the more often we release material, the better is the feedback. Also, our fan base is growing worldwide and the sales are growing as well. I think that’s the best response we could have from it.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
(Edu) I hope our line-up keeps steady so we can continue with our musical evolution. We only do what we like as a band and we’re always trying to evolve but keeping true to our proposal. Our idea is to continue touring and releasing albums frequently. Every new album we release we always try to beat our previous release. We’ll continue doing extreme music without being attached to this or that music label.

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?
(Edu) We have a lot of different influences in our music, it ranges from Black Sabbath to Napalm Death or from Judas Priest to Cannibal Corpse. I could mention acts such as D.R.I., The Accused, R.D.P., old Sepultura, Death, Obituary, Benediction, Dismember, Incantation and many more to list. I still listen to the ‘classic’ albums from bands like Slayer, Iron Maiden, Sepultura, Sarcofago, Mercyful Fate, Dissection, Possessed, Dark Angel, Sadus and etc.

11.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
(Edu) I’m into the Left-hand Path, Chaosophy, Chaos-Gnostic Satanism and The Cult of Death. All this is highly mixture with the Brazilian culture (since the Guarani and Tupi Indians) and with the afro-brazilian religion such as Quimbanda and Macumba. Occultism is the knowledge of the paranormal and it’s not for everybody, it must be kept hidden.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
(Edu) I love history in general, but mainly old civilizations and wars. I’m a big movie fan, I’m also deep into video games, books and weed smoking. I love traveling around and also spending time with my son.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
(Edu) Thanks a lot for such an interesting interview and I hope we can tour the US soon. Keep up the good work and stay fuckin METAL! Visitwww.nervochaos.com.br and we you all on the road!
www.greyhazerecords.com

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Nervochaos/The Art Of Vengeance/Greyhaze Records/2014 CD Review

  Nervochaos  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal, doom,  death,  thrash  and  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "The  Art  Of  Vengeance"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Greyhaze  Records.

   A  very  old  school  thrash  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  before  speeding  up  and  adding  in  hardcore  punk  style  shouts  and  the  music  sticks  mostly  to  a  mid  80's  to  early  90's  style  of  extreme  metal  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  raw  energy  of  grindcore  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them..

  You  can  tell  the  band  is  heavily  influenced  by  the  Brazilian  thrash,  death  and  black  metal  bands  of the  80's  in  the  way  they  structure  there  songs  and  a  lot  of  their  fast  riffing  and  screams  bring  in  an  old  school  black  metal  feeling  while  the thrash  and  death  metal  elements  are  still  a  very  strong  part  of  the  bands  musical  style  and  at  time s they  also  add  in  small  amounts  of  melody  to  their  aggressive  sound.  

  When  the  music  slows  down  the  album  starts  showing  more  of  an  early  90's  doom/death  metal  feeling  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  but  remain  true  to  an  old  school  style  of  death  metal,  one  some  of  the  later  tracks  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  at  times.

  Nervochaos  go  back  to  the  mid  80's  and  early  90's  styles  of  death,  thrash,  black  and  doom  metal  and  combine  them  to  create   a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  the  energy  of  grindcore  and  punk,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  professional  at  the  same  times  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christian,  Dark  and  Violent  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Nervochaos  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  death,  thrash,  black  metal,  doom,  grind  and  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Harvest"  "The  Devil's  Work"  "Blood  Ritual"  and  "The  Legacy  Is  Pain".  8  out  of  10.

www.nervochaos.com.br

    

Morb/Le Theatre de Satan/Senseless Life Records/2014 CD Review

  Morb  are  a  1  man  band  from  Canada  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black/folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Le  Theatre  de  Satan"  which  was  released  be  Senseless  Life  Records.

  Folk  music  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  after  the  first  track  the  music  starts  getting  more  heavy  and  starts  going  into  a  folk  metal  direction  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  adding  in  black  metal  vocals  along  with  symphonic  elements  and  a  great  amount  of  violins  are  utilized  throughout  the  recording.

  When  the  album  goes  into  some  of  the  other  tracks  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  are  brought  in  during  some  of  the  faster  parts  of  the  album  which  are  rare  since  the  album  is  mostly  in  a  mid  paced  direction  and  after  awhile  melodic  female  vocals  start  becoming  a  part  of  the  music  at  times  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  more  pagan  atmosphere.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  male  vocals  also start  adding  in  more  operatic  sounds  while  mostly  remaining  true  to  the  black  metal  style  of  screaming  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length   and  also  have  a  3  part  concept  going  on  with  them  as  well  as  having  more  epic  elements  in  the  songs.

  The  3  song  concept  takes  the  album  into  a  more  symphonic  and  classical  music  genre  while  also  adding  in  more  fast  black  metal  elements  which  where  not  a  part  of  the  first  half  of  the  album  and  the  music  also  starts  incorporating  more  gothic  and  operatic  moments  as  well  as  making  the  3rd  song  in  the  concept  all  instrumental  and  the  album  closes  with  a  symphonic  black  metal  version  of  Celine  Dion's  "My  Heart  Will  Go  On".

  Morb  have  a  very  diverse sound  with  his  music  starting  out  in  a  more  folk/black  metal  direction  and  getting  more  symphonic  and  classical  influenced  as  the  album  progresses,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  and  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  French  and  cover  Satanism  and  Occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Morb  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black/folk  metal  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Joker"  "Le  Clochard  en  Costume"  "Terre  Chapiteau"  and  "My  Heart  Will  Go  On".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/M%C3%B6rb/3540371744

Cradle Of Filth/Total Fucking Darkness/Mordgrimm/2014 2LP Review

  Cradle  of  Filth  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  are  probably  the  most  famous  band  when  it  comes  to  symphonic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  double  album  "Total  Fucking  Darkness"  which  was  released  by  Mordgrimm  Records  and  is  all  demo  tracks  for  the  early  90's.

  The  album  starts  out  with  symphonic  keyboards  and  a  few  seconds  alter  the  music  goes  into  a  faster  and  heavier  direction  along  with  a  mixture  of  death  and  black  metal  vocals  as  well  as  some  blast  beats  and  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars.

  As  the  album  progresses  a  mixture  of  slow  and  fast  parts  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  some  melody  and  solos  and  the  music  also  retains  its  symphonic  elements  an d the  band  brings  in  more  death  metal  influences  and  mixes  it  in  with  black  metal  and  this  sounds  nothing  like  the  Cradle  of  Filth  of  modern  days  and  at  times  you  can  hear  traces  of  thrash  and  doom  metal  in  the  recording  and  they  also bring  in  a  few  instrumentals  at  times.

  With  this  album  Cradle  of  Filth  have  a  very  different  sound  than  what  they  have  these  days  with  the  music  being  in  a  more  melodic  black/death  metal  direction  while  still  having  a  good  amount  of  symphonic  elements  and  their  early  stuff  shows  why  they  where  once  respected  in  black  metal  before  going  into  a  more  commercial  direction  in  the  later  years  and  alienating t heir  old  audience  for  the  more  trendy  audience  they  have  these  days.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  occultism  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  more  raw  and  demo  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  along  with  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Cradle  of  Filth  and  if  you  are  interested  in  hearing  them  in  their  more  earlier  sound,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Black  Goddess  Arises"  "Unbridled  At  Dark"  "Devil  Mayfair  (Advocatus  Diaboli)"  and  "The  Raping  of  Faith".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.facebook.com/cradleoffilth

 

Arcanorum Astrum Interview

ARCANORUM ASTRUM is a Russian band, and established in 2009, but the roots of the idea of creating a musical ensemble go much deeper. Initially we positioned ourselves as black metal project, but over the time with the development of both ourselves and the music, style transformed into experimental black-death metal. In 2009 we released our debut EP album “The way to myself “, which has got many highest reviews as in Russia, as abroad. At the same time we started recording our full-length album, alternating it with a variety of performances at home and in the CIS countries. By 2012 was ready our debut album ”Enlightenment” and official music-video “ The way to myself”. At present we are engaged in record of the second album, having enough material for the third album. In general, work goes at full blast – and it, perhaps, is enough for an introduction.
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2. In your own words how would you describe your musical sound?


Let our sound be estimated by listeners. I can add the we were surprised pleasantly by responses from Sweden, where such a surplus of metal bands. Perhaps, I will quote:"The band seem to really have found their own sound which is nice as we all know how todays industry is, with people bitching about how much a band sounds to much like the other!"
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3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

Root of all our lyrics is the Darkness in all its manifestations. Lucifer, whom we eulogize in concluding composition of an album, personifies it. Also one of the main components of our verses is Death because it means regeneration, transition to new level, experience through which all of us should pass anyway. Through the all album some kind of drama develops. The drama of the relations between the Person and the highest Deity. Through what only the Person shouldn’t pass; it is pain, suffering and destructive mind contradictions, there lies which multiples itself every millennium; infinite wars, death. Among all this obstacles, people of inquisitive mind will always in searches of his Way to perfection, to the divine, if you want. He will plunge into the depths of the consciousness until will begin to see clearly that he and God is one essence. In our case, God is the Satan.  
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4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Arcanorum Astrum'?

I will began with that we initially decided  to chose the name of the band in Latin. So called “Dead Language”. There where two reasons, the first – Latin, along with the Sanskrit, is language of sacraments, the various rituals, uplifting us on new spiritual level. The second – to render memory to the wise ancestors , living about ten thousand years ago.  Arcanorum Astrum is literally translated as “Mysterious Star”. Relying on Aleister Crowley Revelations, saying that each person – is a star , our name can be interpreted so: the mysterious star -  is a way to divine, a way to itself , covered with the secret veil which curtain , sooner or later, each of us is fated to slightly open.  
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5.What are some of the things you bring out with this band that you have not been able to do with the other musical projects that the band members are involved with?


In “Arcanorum Astrum”  we realize ourselves and this is the main thing!
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6.Over the years what are some of the best shows and tours that the band has been a part of and also how would you describe your stage performance?


We had many significant gigs. But certainly is a wish to notice a tour with a well-known Swedish band hypocrisy in September 2013. It was a great tour for many reasons. For some members of the band, to share the stage with Peter Tagtgren, was a childhood dream, that come true. Besides there were many obstacles, witch we overcame, having  got valuable experience. 

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7.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2014?


Of course! But I will note, that first of all, we planned to record and release our second album. About tours, there are very good variants, but ,all the details is not known yet, I don’t consider it necessary to advertise them. What is known,  it is a trip to Latvia on a newly made festival, and headlining shows in Russia.
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8.The last album was released by MSR Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?


Actually there was a stupid mistake! MSR Produсtion helped us with the album release, but DIDN’T LET OUT! So we still in search of label! MSR is good label, knowing the business, but it is a little weak, in promotion, we want either serious label, or any. Everything or nothing.  -----------------------------------------------

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


Without any modesty, i can say, that there was a set of positive responses from different countries. Some people from U.S. wrote us gratitude letters that our music helps them to live, helps to overcome difficult and conflict situations in life. And we are happy about that!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.When can we expect the next album and also where do you see the band heading into musically in the future?


The album is expected to autumn of this year. There will be some changes: songs become more brutal, evil and technical , will be more death metal. There will be experiments with a sound, industrial samples will be added. Anyway we are adjusted to development, we will try to make an album original and unusual.
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11.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


There are six people in “ARCANORUM ASTRUM”, and tastes are quite different, through  somewhere we are crossed anyway. It should be noted some bands such as: METALLICA, DEATH, PANTERA, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE, MARYLIN MANSON, DEICIDE. From black – metal in the separate line DIABOLICAL MASQUARADE  should be allocate. Listening of songs of this band strongly affected our guitarist CASURUS,  that further led him to black metal music. Also we will note: DARK FUNERAL, MARDUK, BURZUM, EMPEROR, SUMMONING. The List is very long actually . 
As for the present – we listening to everything. Beginning from country and blues to most brutal styles of metal, and rap.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?


The Satanism is as a point of support. To come to it, it is necessary to pass a thorny road to understanding of the Essence of Things. No more and no less. It not life, and not the death, is Chaos. It not life and not death, is Chaos. All of us are in the Chaos turn. We are movable by Chaos and we move It. Satanism it as part you. It all the same what to ask "what do you think of itself personally?". There are things which you accept, or don't accept. And so we accept the Satanism and we pass through ourselves, through the music, lyrics, through all creativity as a whole.

As for an occultism, here it is simpler. In itself this doctrine about hidden forces of person/the nature/space which aren't available to science. Probably, aren't available yet, but today the picture is necessary in such look. Encouraging any supernatural phenomena, a shamanizm, an astrology, magic, philosophy and other, we validly treat an occultism, as the tradition studying all these subjects. And, certainly, we as validly treat the people who have devoted the life to an occultism. To philosophers, tremblingly and carefully keeping secrets to which the most part from us we are yet ready.

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13.Do you have any non musical interests?


Interest are different at all , but we all like to party and have a good time. Sometimes! Not always. Also sport, computers, reading and self – development. 
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14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?


Be yourself! Be worthy the Lives , whatever it was. Also be worthy significant Death. Don’t forget about sincerity – award it favorite people.

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Hecate Enthroned/Virulent Rapture/Crank Records/2013 CD Review

  Hecate  Enthroned  are  a  band  from  Wales  that  has  a  long  history  with  a  musical  style  i  would  describe  as  being  symphonic  black  metal  with  traces  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Virulent  Rapture"  which  was  released  by  Crank  Records.

  The  album  begins  with  avant  garde  sounds  and  a  few  seconds  later  the  music  gets  heavier  and  black  metal  vocals  are  added  in  along  with  death  metal  growls  and  synths  and  melody  and  after  awhile  fast  parts  and  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  music.

  As  the  album  progresses  it  finds  a  perfect  balance  between  symphonic  black  metal  and  death  metal  and  at  times  clean  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  and  the  album  has  more  melodic  than  symphonic  black  metal  elements  and  when t hey  mix  in  death  metal  it  is  off  the  more  brutal  side  of  that  genre  and  when  spoken  words  are  utilized  they  bring  poetic  and  epic  elements  to  the  recording.

  When  the  symphonic  elements  are  utilized  they  bring  in  an  orchestra  feeling  while  the  band  does  not  really  on  them  not  much  with  this  recording  and  over  the  years  the  sound  has  changed  and  if  there  is  nothing  on  this  record  that  sound s like  the  first  2  albums  and  on  the  6th  song  female  vocals  are  added  into  the  music.

  On  this  album  Hecate  Enthroned  pick  up  where  they  left  off  9  years  ago  and  continue  their  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal  mixed  with  brutal  death  metal  sound  and  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  comeback  album.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Darkness  and  Occultism  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  with  the  bass  guitars  being  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix  as  well  as  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hecate  Enthroned  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Thrones  Of  Shadow"  "Plagued  By  Shadows"  "Of  Witchery  And  The  Blood  Moon"  and  "Paths  of  Silence".  8/5  out  of  10.

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Arcanorum Astrum/Npo3pehne/MSR Productions/2012 CD Review

  Arcanorum  Astrum  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Nop3pehne"  which  was  released  by  MSR  Productions.

  The  album  starts  out  with a  dark  and  demonic  sounding  intro  which  also  utilizes  some  symphonic  sounding  and  ritualistic  passages  and  then  the  album  goes  into  a  more  symphonic  black  metal  direction  along  with  some  melody  and  a  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  vocals  and  at  times  there  are  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  and  when  bass  and  clean  guitars  brought  in  they  enhance  the  dark  and  evil  qualities  of  the  record.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  getting  more  brutal  and  you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of  old  school  death  metal  influences  being  added  in  and  when  solos  are  added  in  you  can  hear  a  great  amount  of  traditional  metal  elements  and  at  times  melodic  vocals  are  also  added  in  and  after  awhile  there  is  a  small  amount  of  electronic  music  being  added  in  for  a  few  seconds  and  the  ritualistic  parts  also  make  a  return  and  one  the  last  song  they  do  a  Death  cover  and  add  a  symphonic  black  metal  twist  to  it.

      Arcanorum  Astrum  show  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  skill  on  this  album  and  take  take  symphonic  and  melodic  black  metal  and  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  influences  while  also  sounding  more  evil  than  other  bands  that  play  this  genre  of  music.

  Song  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Darkness  and  Occult  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Arcanorum  Astrum  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  with  elements  of  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Warrior  Of  the  Dark"  "Chaos  War"  "The  Way  to  Myself" and  "Without  judgement".  8/5  out  of  10.

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