Varus Interview

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

Hi there! We’ve been working quite a lot in the background to create material and content for the upcoming release. So that might be some making of video clips, promotion material and even some new music! However, rehearsals are sadly not possible.

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

It might be very different, especially when it comes to the vocals. They’re lower, not as high pitched and more in-your-face. Apart from that, the guitar tuning is now Dropped D, whereas it’s been Dropped B on the first album. We strived for a more folky, epic sound and even introduced acoustic instruments which haven’t been there on Till The Sun Rises. The song length has also increased but it’s fewer songs therefore.

3. This is also your first release since 2014, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Our line up has changed a few times, most noticeable on lead vocals and drums. Also, we strived for getting a unique band image that should be indistinguishable, almost a Corporate Identity if you like. I’d say we’re now stronger than ever and it just feels like a strong bond between us.
On top, we’ve had some amazing concert opportunities over the years and worked hard on our live performances.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the newer album?

Our biggest theme is liberty. That’s the main topic but every song stands on its own. So we explore some drinking stories of our hometown, mourn the passing of a close friend, experience the apocalypse itself and remember how our surroundings have changed over time.

5. Originally the band was called 'Banjaxed' what was the cause of the name change?

When starting out, we played half cover, half original songs. The name Banjaxed was heavily related to that and restricted us to an all party band. As we were growing up, we strived to bring only our own material to the people. Varus was more universal and there is actually not one single metal group with that name. From that point we didn’t do covers anymore. So it wasn’t only a name change but also an image change.

8. I know that the bands name is a reference to 'Publius Quinctillus Varus', can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this historical character?

I’ve been interested in history generally and somehow I stumbled across the Battle In The Teutoburg Forest. It hooked me from the first moment on until today. One reason for Varus was that the Germanic opponent Arminius just didn’t sound good as a band name. Image people trying to remember the name or yelling it at a concert. On the other hand, the character Varus as well as his story are just more tragic and not as heroic. This makes him a very interesting subject. Be sure that there willl be music about him at some point.

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

A highlight for us has been the performance at Wolfszeit Open Air 2019. We’ve shared stage with huge established bands that could be named idols of us. Unfortunately, it was at short notice and we couldn’t rehearse that much, so some songs could have been a bit tighter. Feedback has been great though.
Our on stage performances have become very energetic and wild. There’s now a lot of movement on stage and it seems to have a good impact on people.

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

No, there’s no plans like that at the moment. We’re not actively searching for a label but if the right one comes around the corner – why not? However, we’d like to keep full control over music and image.

11. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic, melodic, folk and extreme metal?

It has been good so far! Actually, the more epic and folky aspects are well received and seem to be the favourite themes of our fans. There’s even die hard fans in South America and a following in France. People tend to fall in love with the large choir and orchestra arrangements.

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

I guess, we’ll be exploring the folk instruments a bit more but also looking for a more atmospheric approach. Moreover, there’s plans to not overdo it with lengthy songs. I’m already writing new songs and try to keep a strong songwriting, yet not to get lost in too many different parts.

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?

You can certainly hear some non-metal influences on the latest material, like Irish Folk or even Jethro Tull. Also, the metal side is inspired by other bands like those in the past. There’s fewer Alestorm-ish themes but rather hints of Ensiferum or Turisas.
At the moment, I’m listening to some Månegarm, Svartsot and again Jethro Tull.

14. Does Paganism play any role in the music?

Not really, to be honest. I know we get labelled as Pagan metal a lot of times and we’re fine with that. Musically, there might be Pagan metal in our style but lyrically, there’s not one single Pagan song in our repertoire. Nature romanticism is part of our music/lyrics but not worshiping the old gods.


15. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I want to thank you guys for these well researched questions and your support!
We’re glad to get a lot of positive feedback on our music and are grateful for it. That’s what fuels our inspiration and motivation. So we’re really looking forward to the release of our second album, even during the ongoing crisis. This is what unites us – music.
Thank you all for reading! Stay safe and healthy!

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Serene Dark/Enantiodromia/2020 CD Review

  Serene  Dark  are  a  band  from  Ottawa,  Ontario,  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  under  their  older  name  'Enddemise'   and  plays  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "Enantiodromia"  which  will  be  released  in  July.

  Tragic  sounding  keyboards  which  also  uses  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  and  spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  the  riffs  also bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  symphonic  elements  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful sound  to  them  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  brutal  moments.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  as  well  as  a couples  of  them  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  throat  singing  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  a  couple  of  tracks,  spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  brief  return  on  a  couple  of  later  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy,  stoicism,  hermeticism  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Serene  Dark  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Serpentine  Form"  "Dweller  In  The  Void  of  Spirit"  " Grieving  The  Distortion  Of  Self"  and  "Onward,  Burning,  Radiance".  8  out  of  10.

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Varus/A New Dawn/2020 Full Length Review

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Germany's  Varus  which  continues  the  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  folk,  melodic  black  and  death  metal  and  the  album  will  be  self  released  on  June  27th,  2020.

  Stringed  instruments  along  with  some  symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  operatic  female  vocals  which  also  appear  on  later  tracks  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  but  keeping  the  symphonic  elements.  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  some  clean  pagan  vocals  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  German  and  cover  local  myths/legends,  the  art  of  drinking,  Romanticism,  War  and  Historical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great sounding  recording  from  Varus  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  and  melodic  folk,  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Awakening"  "Ein  Lebewohl"  and  "The  Minstrels  Chant".  8  out  of  10.

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Varus/Till The Sun Rises/2020 CD Review

  Varus  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  folk  metal  along  with  some  elements  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Till The  Sun  Rises".

  A  very  symphonic  and  epic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  classical  music  while  also  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  a  fantasy  movie  soundtrack  and  the  symphonic  elements  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  music.

  Folk  metal  elements  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  music.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of   folk  instruments  and  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in a  mixture  of  English  and  German  and  cover  local  myths/legends,  the  art  of  drinking,  Romanticism,  War  and  Historical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Varus  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  folk,  black  and  death  metal and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres, you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "One  Day"  "Nachtgiger"  "Des  Winters  Tod"  and  "Till  The  Sun  Rises".  8  out  of  10.

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Ba'alzamon Interview

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

Marc: We all lead separate lives for the most part. This is mostly due to living so far from each other. While this hinders any hopes of live performances at the moment, we still have fun trading riffs and continuing to create music together. The internet and digital workstations have been great to us in that regard.

Rob: We are starting to track some demos for the follow up album. As a band that likely won’t be doing any touring, we want to keep the ball rolling somehow. We talked about it and I will be 50 in eight years, we’d like to have four albums out by then. So, one every 2 ½ to 3 years for the next decade.

2.In September you released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Rob: Well, what we released in September was more a demo than anything, the fully mixed and mastered album officially released in May 2020. We weren’t shooting for any particular style; we just write what we think sounds good and build upon that. 

Marc: I think we initially were trying to just redo most of the older songs as a fun project that helped keep us connected as friends. We had older demo recordings from around 1999 and wanted to update them to reflect what we have learned as musicians over the last couple decades. Once those were completed, we continued to write in the same vein musically because that just seems to be how things fall into place for the three of us. In a nutshell, I don't think we're ever going for a particular sound exactly. I think we just play what comes to us and it sounds how it does.

3.The band formed in 1998 and broke up in 2001, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?

Marc: Towards to end of our initial run there was some turmoil brewing within the group. We had other guys playing with us at the time and things just didn't seem to work out overall. During the past couple decades, we were all involved in music somehow and I think it was just decided that we should try to get those original songs recorded for our own personal enjoyment. Once we started that process it just kind of took off for us again.

Curtis: Well the disbanding was brought on by many things. A big portion was due to not having support in the local scene (which was thriving at the time). There was national publicity in the Little Rock sludge scene which I was a part of, but somehow Ba'alzamon was not. On any given weekend, you would see some amazing extreme band come through with 2 or 3 stoner bands made up of the same handful of guys, and that was beyond frustrating. All that, along with previous members causing turmoil within the band, just killed it for all of us for a while.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Marc: The original songs from the 1998-2001 era were kind of all over the place. There was no one solid topic that we used. We had a protest song (There Was No Blood), a song about cults (Heathens of the Blackest Fold), and even a song about celestial rebirth (A Vow of Celestial Fealty). We were younger then and were exploring many topics based on the state of the world then and also our influences at the time.

Curtis: Subjects tend to gravitate toward Cults and cult type activity, astral projection, breaking out of dark places in life and destroying what oppresses you. One song is a dedication for my love of nature and the beauty of the Ozarks.

5.I know that the band’s name comes from Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time” series, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these writings and also are there any other fantasy authors that have had an influence on the music?

Marc: Unfortunately, I'm not much of a fantasy reader. That would be Rob who read those books and suggested the name. I'm personally more of a Sword and Sandals guy, while The Wheel of Time is Sword and Sorcery type stuff.

Curtis: Knights of Soth is about a character in the Dragonlance / Ravenloft series.

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

Marc: We wanted to capture some of the area where Ba'alzamon first got together as a band and started writing while also keeping things a little spooky.

Curtis: I took that while at sunset on a swampy part of Lake Conway.

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

Rob: Probably a show we did at a place called Vino's. It is a staple club in the scene (has been for decades), and it was kind of a rite of passage to play there. Plus, I can still remember the after-party pretty well, and that was, I think, where we were peaking with that particular line-up.

Marc: We were a wild bunch for sure. Lots of DIY theatrics. We would use fake blood, homemade stage lighting and whatever else we could think of to try to give the crowd the best show possible. My personal favorite show that we ever played was at Vino's in Little Rock. We had all seen many bands that we loved there so sharing that same stage finally was a great experience. Other shows that are memorable were at The Parlor Tattoos in Little Rock and The Electric Moo in Russellville.

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

Marc: I don't believe we've received any interest at this point. It may be a bit soon for that considering the album just got released. I think if the right offer were to come around, we may be interested.

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

Marc: People into metal seem to like it so far and we've received some good reviews. I'm not sure how many international listeners have heard us at this point, however.

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

Marc: I think we'll keep writing music and working on the next release. With modern technology and faster ways of trading ideas, we could probably do this for a long time to come.

Rob: When we last spoke on it, we talked about doing 3 more albums before evaluating if it was worth continuing. For now, we are starting to lay some tracks for the next album.

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?

Rob: A lot of early second wave black metal and early symphonic black metal. Those first few Emperor, Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir albums, anything produced by Peter Tägtgren, some early melodic death metal. That is what influences me. I listen to a wide variety of things but lately have enjoyed the newest mgła album, Deathspell Omega, Dark Funeral’s Angelus Exuro pro Eternus.

Marc: I think we had a lot of black metal influence early on. I've personally never been much of a true death metal fan and was always the guy trying to get Luca Turilli into the CD rotation at parties. Cradle of Filth was a favorite especially during the Dusk and Her Embrace/Cruelty and the Beast era. Dimmu Borgir's Spiritual Black Dimensions was another one I think we all listened to often. There was also Borknagar, Manowar, Acid Bath, Rwake, Emperor, etc. Nowadays I'm listening to mostly bands like Nargaroth, Rotting Christ, Lustre, None, and Insomnium.

Curtis: UADA, Dopethrone, Graves at Sea, Origin, Cattle Decapitation


12.What are some of your non-musical interests?

Marc: I'm actually an avid trading card collector. I mainly stick with baseball, football and Star Wars cards. I have a good time buying, selling and trading with others like me who just enjoy the hobby.

Curtis: Camping, kayaking, youth football really all the youth sports we are involved in.

Rob: I am currently working on a PhD in Communication and Information Studies. I am in the dissertation phase, with two kids aged seven and one, as well as teaching undergraduate courses, so all that eats up most of my time. Any free time I usually dedicate to music.

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

Marc: Just that we appreciate every single person who has given us a listen and hope to continue making music. Thank you to everyone who has listened and reviewed us as well.
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Ba'alzamon/A Desolate Place/2019 Full Length Review

  Ba'alzamon  are  a  band  from  Arkansas  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "A  Desolate  Place".

  Ritualistic  chants  and  whispers  start  off  the  album  while  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  choir  vocals  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  and  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling  and  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  deep  death  metal  growls  and  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic style  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  female  vocals  and  spoken  words  onto  the  recording.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  parts  as  well  as  one  song  also  bringing  clean  playing  into  the  music,  the  album also  closes  with  a  cover  of  Raf's  "Self  Control".  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ba'alzamon  are  a  very  great sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Heathens  Of  The  Blackest  Fold"  "There  Was  No  Blood"  "Knights  Of  Soth"  and  "Quest  For  The  Twelfth  Sphere  Of  Amaroth".  8  out  of  10.

https://baalzamon.bandcamp.com/album/a-desolate-place

  

Welicoruss/Siberian Heathen Horde/El Puerto Records/2020 CD Review

  Welicoruss  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Siberian  heathen  Horde"  which  was  released  by  El  Puerto  Records.

  Wind  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  tribal  style  drums  a  few  seconds  later  before  adding  in  some  symphonic  elements  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of the  songs.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  done  in  an  angry  yet  deep  style  while  the  music  is  also  mostly  rooted  in  black  metal.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  utilized  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while the  lyrics  cover  Philosophy,  Theosophy,  Esoteric,  Heathenism,  Astral  Travels,  Mystery  and  Siberia  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Welicoruss  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  "Speelcaster"  "Metaphysical"  and  "Hymn  Of  Lost  Souls".  8  out  of  10.

BAND:  https://www.facebook.com/welicoruss

Official merchandis: https://welicoruss.bandcamp.com/merch

Instagram:  https://bit.ly/2TyORbd

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Inlandsys/Carthago/2018 Full Length Review

  Inlandsys  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "Carthago".

   Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  keyboards  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording.  Black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  songs  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  solos and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  A  couple  of  the  songs  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  symphonic  moments,  towards  the  end  a  brief  use  of  clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Inlandsys  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carthago"  "Siege  For  Souls"  and  "Burn  For  Baal".  8  out  of  10.

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Valdrin/Effigy Of Nightmares/Blood Harvest/2020 Full Length Review

  Ohio's  Valdrin  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  continuing  the  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Effigy  of  Nightmares" which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Blood  Harvest.

  A  very  dark  and  synth  orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Symphonic  elements  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  have  a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences.

  Elements  of  melodic  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  utilized  briefly.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  introducing  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album  and  as  the  recording  progresses  whispered  vocals  also  return  briefly,  the  closing  track  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  continuing  their  own  mythos  and  story  of   Valdrin  Ausadjur.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Valdrin  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Exsanguination  Tunnels"  and  "Down  The  Oubliette  Of  Maelstrom".  8  out  of  10.

http://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/effigy-of-nightmares    

Helioss/Devenir Le Soleil/Satanath Records/Mourning Light Records/2020 CD Review

  Helioss  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays a  very  melodic,  progressive  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Devenir  Le  Soliel"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  and  Mourning  Light  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while symphonic  elements  are  also  mixed  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  Vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  as  well  as the  solos  and  leads  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks.  The  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  prog  metal  elements  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  One  track  also  introduces  stringed  instruments  onto  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  being  programmed.  A  lot  of  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  touches  of  the  neo-classical  and  shred  style  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  and  melodic  male  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  synths  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  psychedelic  influences  and  the  album  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  French  and  English  and  cover  dark  and  scientific  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Helioss  and  if  you  are a  fan  of  melodic,  symphonic  and  progressive  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Wall  Of  Certainity"  "Singularity"  "La  Lepre  Des  Hommes"  and  "Now...Shine!".  8  out  of  10.

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Vitam Et Mortem/El Rio De La Muerte/Satanath Records/Exhumed Records/2020 CD Review

  Vitam  Et  Mortem  are  a  band  from  Columbia  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "El  Rio  De  La  Muerte"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  and  Exhumed  Records.

  Symphonic  elements  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  female  vocals  can  also  be heard.

  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  death  metal  growls  are  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  A  couple  of  tracks  also  introduces  clean  playing  and  classical  guitars  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  some  clean  vocals  and  folk  music  elements  also  being  used  briefly.  as  the  problem  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  and  the  closing  track  is  also  a  Masacre  cover.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  death,  war,  chaos,  history  and  ancient  culture  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Vitam  Et  Mortem  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Los  cuerpos  en  el  rio"  "El  animero"  "Plegaria  a  los  muertos"  and  "Rito  de  muerte".  8  out  of  10.

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Mazikeen/The Solace Of Death/Satanath Records/Iron, Blood And Death Corporation/2020 CD Review

  Mazikeen  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "The  Solace  Of  Death"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Satanath  Records  and  Iron,  Blood  And  Death  Corporation.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  drum  beats  and  whispered  vocals  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  The  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  symphonic  elements  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  but  modern  at  the  same  time.  Some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  vocals  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  classical  guitars  onto  the  recording.

  Harsh  noises  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  couple  of  instrumentals  can  also  be  heard  and  the  album  closes  with  some  Mayhem,  Dissection,  Dimmu  Borgir  and  Darkthrone  covers  and  re doing Freezing  Moon  and  Transylvanian  Hunger  in  2020  is  completely  useless  and  there  original  material  is  good  enough  to  the  point  where  they  have  no  need  in covering  these  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  destroying  souls,  death  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mazikeen  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Solace  Of  Death"  "Fratricide"  and  "Cerulean  Last  Night".  8  out  of  10.

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3xperimental Interview

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

Hi everyone, 3xperimental is an expression of the musical ideas that come to my mind. I have been composing music for more than 15 years, mostly for myself, but eventually felt a desire to share the songs with a larger audience. The feedback has been great so far and it motivates me to keep exploring new ideas.


2.So far you have released 2 albums, musically how do they both differ from each other?

Each album follows a thematic concept, and this is partly reflected in the composition. The first album "Virtual World" tells a near future story, and is perhaps darker and a bit more industrial. The new release "Symphony of Elements" is more orchestral and progressive, with many organic sounds that represent Nature. But the major difference is the production. I learned a lot from the recording of the first album, and was also able to invest more into the second recording (hardware, studio time, sound engineer, ...). This led to a full professional production from start to finish, and overall a much higher quality of sound.


3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?

I think the overall subject of both albums is "Ending Worlds", whether it is on a global or more personal scale. The first album dealt with people who feel (rightly or not) that the world is ending and find refuge in virtual worlds. The new album discusses our place in Nature, and how little we are compared to forces that can end us all. I can already tell that the next album will continue to explore such themes !


4.I have read that you also had 3 concept albums that where never published, can you tell us a little bit more about it?

Some of these concepts were not mature enough to end up in an album, some will need a massive investment and involvement of many other musicians, both are not feasible at the moment. Let's say I have ideas and material for many other albums, and can't wait to get back to writing music, but for now I focus on my energy on the release of "Symphony of Elements" !


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 3xperimental?

Each song/album is an experiment. I don't want to restrict the music to a specific genre, and I try to introduce structural or melodic elements that may surprise the listener. For instance the whale song in "Water".


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

The artwork was done by Vini Hummel, a very talented artist. I explained to him the concept of the album (natural elements: earth, water, wind, fire) and let him come up with his own interpretation. I think his design is an awesome representation of the forces of Nature.


7.With the exception of a few guests you record most of the music by yourself, are you open to working with a full band or do you prefer to work solo?

I like to work alone on the songwriting, I usually have a very clear vision of what each song should be. I would love, however, to turn the project into a full band and would welcome contributions.


8.You also have a few guests on the album, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and also their contributions?

My wife recorded the female backing vocals on a few tracks, and I hired another singer to perform the female vocals and opera lines in the song "At the End of the World". They add a lot to the album !


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

I am looking for a label, and some discussion is happening. I hope to receive more interest once "Symphony of Elements" is out.


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

Excellent so far ! Despite almost no promotion for the first album, it got quite a few sales (even physical copies!) in Europe and the USA. The feedback has been very positive and motivating !


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

I would like the next album to incorporate much more synthesizers so this is definitely a direction I want to explore. I am also looking for session musicians who could support live shows.


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?

I listen to so many bands, so it's difficult for me to know what really influenced the album. The symphonic elements are certainly reminiscent of when I discovered symphonic metal in the early nineties with bands like After Forever, Rhapsody, or Nightwish. Nowadays I listen mostly darker metal bands like Behemoth, Mgla, The Project Hate. And Evergrey, my all time favourite for sad tunes. My hope is that fans will find many familiar elements in our new album, but also something completely new and exciting.


13.What are some of your non musical interests?

In my non-musical life I am a planetary scientist, so I am very much into space stuff ! I also love scuba diving, and the song "Water" reflects some of that. We should take better care of our oceans !


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

I hope you all will enjoy the album. Don't hesitate to get in touch via Bandcamp or Facebook !

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3xperimental/Symphony Of Element/2020 CD Review

3xperimental  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  album  "Symphony  Of  Element"  which  will  be  released  in  June.



  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  synths  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Melodic  choirs  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.



  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  symphonic  elements  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording.  Progressive  influences  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.



  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.  Nature  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  atmospheric  moments  and  touches  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs,  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  one  track  also  adds  in  some  operatic  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  album  while  the  lyrics  cover  end  of  the  world  themes.

  In  my  opinion  3xperimental  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Earth"  "Fire"  and  "Visions".  8  out  of  10.

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Xaemora/At Dusk Of Existence/2020 EP Review

  St.  Louis,  Missouri's  Xaemora  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the    symphonic  style  of  black  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  ep  "At  Dusk  Of  Existence".

 A  very  fast  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  while  also  mixing  the  symphonic  elements  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  recording  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  On  this  recording  Xaemora  remain  true  to  the  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  that  they  have established  on  their  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  chaos  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Xaemora  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal, you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Descent  To  Oblivion"  and  "At  Dusk  Of  Existence".  8 out  of  10.

 Xaemora.bandcamp.com    

SWMM/Trail Of The Fallen/2020 Full Length Review

  SWMM(Sometimes  We  Make  Music)  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  folk,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020 album  "Trail  Of  The  Fallen".

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  symphonic  elements  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  some  clean  vocals  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blackened  screams.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording.

  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  melodic  death  metal  elements  along  with  some  folk  instruments  also  being  utilized  at  times.  one  track  also  introduces  clean  vocals  onto  the  album  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  touch  of  ska  can  also  be  heard  and  female  vocals  are  also  added  onto  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norwegian  folklore  and  ancient  times.

  In  my  opinion  SWMM  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  folk,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "By  The  Might  Of  The  Crow"  "Demon"  and  "Two  Kings".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp https://swmm.bandcamp.com

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Lycantrophilia/Blood Moon Chronicles/2020 Full Length Review

  Lycantrophilia  are  a  duo  with  members  from  Germany  and  France  that  plays  a  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "Blood  Moon  Chronicles"  which  will  be  released  on  April  17th.

  Symphonic  elements  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Elements  of  slam  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  music  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  One  track  also  introduces  back  up  shouts  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses     clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks   and  at  times  the  music  also  shows  an  influence  of  90's  era  symphonic  black  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lycantrophilia  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  yo  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Queen  Of  Night"  "Sinister  Gospel"  "Hymn  Of  Lies"  and  "Footsteps  In  Our  Path". 8  out  of  10.

 Homepage: https://lycantrophilia.bandcamp.com/
Contact: info@lycantrophilia.de