Black Roller Crop Rotation Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band!
Ben and I have known each other for about a year and a half now and have been playing music together in an Ambient/Instrumental band called NORTHERN VALENTINE. We started BRCR awhile back to explore our fascination with dark ambient/drone/doom/black metal and it has become an obsession for us.

2. What releases have you put out so far!
We are currently working on recording and mixing our first full length album tentatively called, "PRAYERS FROM THE ROTTING SOIL"

3. When can we expect new material!
The Album should be done sometime in March and will most likely be released by GEARS OF SAND RECORDINGS

4. Are there any plans for a tour!
We haven't talked about it yet! We both have many other things going on(family, work, and hordes of other projects)but things are going so well and this has been so amazing so far, I certainly wouldn't rule it out!

5. What are some of the best shows you have played so far!
This has been a studio only project so far but we are playing two shows in March and hopefully many more as time goes on. We will be booking as much as possible!

6. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before!

Dark pummeling heavy doom, noise obsessed with devastation, destruction and loss. Meditative atonement.

7. What are some of your main influences music wise or non music wise, I can hear a bit of Abruptum and Black Pentacost in your sound!

We are both really into Abruptum and black metal in general. WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, MOSS, NADJA, ASVA,NEUROSIS, NAPALM DEATH, LIGHT OF SHIPWRECK,PRURIENT,DARKTHRONE,CRASS, are some bands that I think have directly influenced us. I'm not familiar with Black Pentacost but I'm gonna check them out as soon as I'm done writing this up! As far as non-musical influences I always have my head in a book, reading is a huge part of my life. I also have a huge affinity for the outdoors.

8. What rule does Satanism, Occultism, Left Hand Path or Anti-Christianity play in your music and life!
Satanism, the occult, ect. have been fascinating to me since I was a young kid. I'm sure they are an influence on our music as well, but for the most part this band draws its influence from natural disasters and ecological devastation and the awe that comes from the realization that you are not at the top of the food chain, and not the center of the fucking universe.

9. What are some good books or films that you would recommend!
As I said earlier I am a huge reader. I just finished a fantastic book by ROBERT KULL called, "Solitude:Seeking Wisdom In Extremes." The author spend a year in solitude in the Patagonia wilderness. Intense, brutal stuff, very fucking metal! I love books on Arctic Exploration. "In the land of the white death" by Valerian Albanov and "Noose of Laurels" by Wally Herbert are two of my favorites. Basically, if it's good writing I'm into it, mysteries, politics, spirituality, nature writing, philosophy, history. If its good, its good. Lets see, films.. I recently saw and loved "No Country for old men" and "In The Year Of The Pig"(documentary about the Vietnam war)

10. What are you listening to these days and what good bands that you would recommend!
There is no shortage of great stuff. I've currently been listening to a lot of OM, ASVA, NADJA, MOSS,BLACK FLAG,CASKET ARCHITECTS. Some great experimental stuff, HUMANS ARE THE WORST INVENTION, BELLTONE SUICIDE. Some great ambient stuff as well, ANDREW WEATHERS, MY EMPTY PHANTOM, anything on GEARS OF SAND, FDH, OR SILBER RECORDS.

11. How would you describe the music scene in the East Coast and what are some good bands that you would recommend!
The scene out here is probably about the same as it is anywhere. You got some really great, dedicated, inspired and interesting people that I'm so glad to know and be involved with and of course, you have tons of jerks. I would recommend checking out anything on the above mentions record labels, GEARS OF SAND, FDH and SILBER RECORDS.

12. Any final words!yes! Thank you so much for the interview, it means a lot to us. BLACK ROLLER CROP ROTATION is going to be very very busy in 2009 so please get in touch with us. We are really nice people. Thanks again! -Jeffrey

13.Thanks for the interview!

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Vulture Industries/The Dystopia Journals/2007 Review

 Vulture Industries are a band from Norway that plays avant garde Norweigan Black metal in the mid 90's vein and this is a review of their 2007 album "The Dystopia Journals".

Drums are mostly slow beats that go along perfect with the music which is very experimental with some fast pats mixed in for good measure, while the bass playing utilizes a dark and distorted tone.

Rhythm guitars cover a lot of ground with some slow heavy riffs that utilize some palm muting and there is some mid paced to fast parts at times, while the lead guitars contain a lot of melody mixed with some distortion and the solos sound very professional and you can hear a lot of classic metal influences.

Synths when they are utilized sound very dark and avant garde which gives the music a very mysterious edge and they mix in some psychedelic and trippy parts as well, while the violins seem to be classical influenced, as for the vocals they cover a lot of ground with some clean opera type singing mixed with some high pitched black metal screams.

Production on this album sounds very professional and you can hear all of the instruments and this recording has a sound you would hear from major labels, while the lyrics seem very poetic and seem to have been influenced by gothic literature.

In my opinion this is a good album and it is good to hear an album like this these days and it has been years since I haver heard an avant garde black metal album like this, and if you are a fan of such bands such as Arcturus, Ulver, Fluerty, Vintersorg and other bands in that style you will not be disapointed. the best tracks are " Pills OF Conformity" and "Soulcage". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Sinstorm 2009 Demo Review

Sinstorm are a band from Los Angeles, California which I would describe as melodic black/death metal and this is a review of their 2009 demo. Drums are very fast with a lot of blast beats and the beats slow down at times to give the music a strong rhythm foundation, while the bass playing is very fast and melodic with a dark tone.

Rhythm guitars contain a lot of variety with a good mixture of fast Swedish style melodic black metal riffs that also have a thrashy edge while the slow riffs contain a very strong death metal m influence, while the guitar leads have a classic metal feel with a lot of melody and fast guitar solos.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams mixed in with some death metal growing, while the production sounds really professional and you can hear all of the instruments, as for the lyrics they seem to cover some paganism as well as astronomical type subjects.

In my opinion this sis a very good demo and I would recommending looking up there music on MYSpace or YouTube, or even better buy the demo. RECOMMENDED

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Sinstorm Interview

Hello , i would like to introduce myself, My name is Noor LaCroix, i play guitar and sing for SinStorm.

1. Can you tell our readers about your band, how you came into existence and what you have accomplished so far?
Well Sinstorm came together very easily compared to some of the bands i have worked with in the past. I had already known Jeremy and i was playing in another band at the time when Sinstorm was created. It was an idea we had talked about previously, but had never come to fruition. Jeremy and I had already known Gory Cory for his reputation as a bassist/musician , so it was natural he was our 1st pick for bass guitar. As soon as we recorded some material I immediately called Robbie Sherre to track some drums for the band, Robbie actually decided to come on as our permanent drummer, We had him in mind originally because he is pretty well known around los Angeles for his black metal drumming, our line up was complete and nothing was holding us back any longer . Also , right now were actually finalizing some material were very excited to release , were also working on an accompanying music video.

2. How did you come up with the name Sinstorm?
Jeremy actually came up with it one day, and it just worked for us. Sinstorm has multiple meanings , id like to think of it as a representation for the constant struggle , and perpetual barrage of temptation between good and evil that everyone battles within themselves on a daily basis. I would even go as far as to say, to non pagans - Sinstorm could be considered the Devil's temptation to the darker more selfish and individualistic side of thinking.

3. How would you define your musical style?
Well our musical style is hard to define , genres almost depend on who you are talking to now , sometimes it seems there are more genres than bands! I've heard us described as Melodic death metal, Black metal, Melodic black metal, Symphonic black metal, and Death metal, to just name a few, but there is definitely a consistent theme of METAL

4. What are some topics that you cover in your lyrics?
With my lyrics, i definitely try to talk about themes that matter to me. For example Death, its an inevitable part of our life cycle, were ever moving toward that final point and its one of the only truths of our lie - saturated mortal realm. I try to look past the modern day structure our government mainly it's economical system has put upon us The cycle we have to live in, wake , work, eat, sleep, then work again for your entire life, the one and only life that you are given is robbed.Its so amazing how well those in charge have caged our souls, our entire purpose in life is to create revenue for them and were entirely happy doing it as well, they have completely won! People tend to forget that the way we live today isn't the way we have to live, and that we once lived without the same restrictions we have today.The topics i frequently write about are astrology, science, astronomy, pre -western religion pagan worship as well, things that i feel are true and un-tainted by modern propaganda. I Don’t even fully believe what is written in any of our history books , modern or ancient. Im fully aware history is written only by those who win battles and silence their enemies. My lyrical themes are based on subjects , that some are very uneasy even thinking about, For example the final destruction of the earth , and the hypocrisy of those in charge to name a few.

5. I know you have played shows over Southern California, what can metal-heads expect when they see your live show?
Metal heads can expect to see a raw uncut barrage of energy on stage, when we play we don’t try to act like were anyone else. We don’t go on stage and try to pretend we are someone or something else, this is who we are and we stand strong and relentless. We are true , we don’t even have unnatural effects but distortion on our guitars, were as raw and uncut as possible. What you see on stage is exactly how we are, there is no air brushing here , we take our performances seriously and rehearse rigorously to perform as such.

6. Are there any plans for a tour in the upcoming future?
Were getting that together as well, but for now i can stay keep checking our page for those dates at

7. How has the response been to your music so far from the metal community?
Actually its been very surprising, were getting a lot of great feedback and a lot of inspiring messages from people all over the world.

8. What was it that inspired you to become a musician and what bands or music styles that have inspired your work?
Realistically nothing inspired me to become a musician, i had always been interested in music and upon convincing my mother to rent me a guitar i just kind of took off with it!

9. What are some bands or music styles that you listen to nowadays?
Well nowadays i listen to a lot of Melodic Death metal bands and a lot of Black metal bands as well, symphonic and melodic. Wolves in the throne room , Windir, Dissection, and Emperor are just a few of the bands i listen to.

10. Does Satanism,Paganism or Occultism play any role in the music?
Well paganism is a role that is very center to myself. I feel like a lot of the reasons why our social structure is how it is today is influenced by western religion. (and not just Christianity in particular) I feel pre western religion (world) paganism is pure and un touched by the tainted ideas that rule supreme over most of the world. I feel like western religion if it were ever pure , is now soiled with hypocrisy and altered to reap political and economical power. If there ever was religion I feel like it’s gone and dead and those in charge of continuing this charade , realize it’s non validity and are common thieves with ultimate control over the emotions of their brainwashed piggy bank servants. Paganism mentally brings me back to a time when things weren't always as they are today , and has a huge influence over my lyrical themes.

11. What are the long term goals that you have set out for Sinstorm and what do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Were actually planning on an extensive show schedule globally , but were trying to complete the tracking before anything is set in stone.

12. Any final words or thoughts? I just wanted to stay thanks for doing this interview with us, and i hope it helped you understand SINSTORM and what kind musicians we are.www.Sinstorm.com

Diabolical Interview

Diabolical Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band.

The band was formed in 1996 in Sundsvall, Sweden, by Sverker Widgren. The debut mini album "Deserts of Desolation" was released in 2000 and followed by the debut full-length in 2001, entitled "Synergy". The second album, entitled "A Thousand Deaths" was released in 2002. The album was followed by several tours during 2002 and 2003. After that we began working on a what was to become "The Gallery of Bleeding Art" which finally came out in November 2008.

2. What were you doing for the last 6 years, since the last full length.We experienced a series of unfortunate events.

The main issue for us was to find a suitable label to release "The Gallery of Bleeding Art". We have put a whole lot of effort and heart into this album and we didn't want just anybody who could give us a half-hearted deal release it for us. But after much searching we finally came across ViciSolum Productions.

3. I know in the past members in the band have played in other bands as well , are these other bands still together and can you tell our readers who those bands are.At the moment two of us are involved in other bands.

I play bass in Devian and Sverker do vocals in Demonical.

4. What are some the best live shows that you have done and what crowds would you say are the best or craziest.

It's always a pleasure to play live! It's hard to point out any particular occasion, any show where the crowd is crazy and the moshpit is wild is great. But I'd say that in general the crowds in eastern Europe are more crazy in general.

5. What are your touring plans for the future, any live dates scheduled for the U.S

We are about to do the Hammer Battalion North Tour 2009 together with Unleashed, Belphegor and Devian. The tour starts off in Tallin, Estonia, on the 27th of February and ends in Gothenburg, Sweden, on the 14th of March. After that we have more touring planned for the near future so check www. diabolical. se for updates soon! We'd really like to tour the U.S, although we don't have any plans for that right now.

6. How would you describe your music to a listener that has not ever heard you before.

One of the most difficult questions for any musician. Diabolical has a strong foundation in death metal, although we don’t belong to the vacuum cleaner division of death metal. We are more aligned towards the melodic death metal genre, although we’re not part of the Gothenburg style, we’re far more dark and evil. We’re technical, but we still have a natural flow to our compositions and the music isn’t spastically technical. This is a really hard question, having lived with the band and our songs for many years, but I hope I could bring some clarity to it. It’s easy to find out for yourself nowadays, you’re one click away from our myspace site: myspace. com/religionist.

7. What are some of the bands main music influences, I can hear pretty much every style of metal in your sound.

Personally I can pick up influences anywhere, regardless of band or genre. It could be anything from Morbid Angel to a couple of notes I hear in a film music score. As for the songwriting on "The Gallery of Bleeding Art", and the string arrangements in particular, I spent some time picking up inspiration from composers like Shostakovich and Bartok. There is much in classical music that can be inspiring for making metal. As for our style we don’t try to limit us to any particular style, although we are a death metal band. However we try to be aware of our sound and not trail off too far from how we want Diabolical to sound.

8. Where was the new album recorded at.

The most part of the album was recorded at Necromorbus Studio in Stockholm which is run by our own Sverker. This was very convenient since we were basically working in an environment we're used to and we could focus on creating exactly what we wanted to. The drums were recorded at Underground studio, and the mixing was done there as well. This was a natural choice for us as well since both previous albums were recorded there.

9. Does Satanism or the Occult play any rule in the bands life style or music.

Yes.

10. What are you listening to these days and what are some new bands that you would recommend.

I listen to anything that I find interesting for any reason. Recently I've listened a whole lot to the latest Enslaved album, "Vertebrae", a phenomenal album. I’ve also listened some to the new Anna Ternheim album as well. Not as good as the previous album but still enjoyable. Obviously I don’t limit myself to listening to metal. There is much to discover, and find inspiration from, from many genres. As long as a song or an album has quality and a good nerve I can listen to it and enjoy it, regardless of genre.

11. What are some good books or movies that you would recommend.

Right now I’m mostly reading poker books. Poker is one of my largest interests besides music. Right now I’m reading the second volume of Dan Harrington's book on cash games. I'd say he's one of the very best poker authors so anybody who’s interested in playing poker without going broke should spend a lot of time with his books.Just like with music there are so many crap movies that shouldn’t be viewed by anyone. I had a lousy day on my last tour with Devian and decided to watch a movie to get in a better mood, so I thought I’d watch a comedy. I started watching Disaster Movie and it was probably the worst piece of crap I’ve seen in years, had to turn it off half way through. So beware of that one! When it comes to good comedy I’d say that Monty Python’s Quest For The Holy Grail is at the top of my list. It should be at the top of everybody’s list.

12. How would you describe the metal scene in Sweden, I know in the past there have been some great metal acts that have came from that country.

The scene here is flourishing, as it has always done. For some reason Sweden has always been at the very front of the worldwide metal scene. It’s hard for me to say why, I really don’t know. At the same time I’m not that updated on the current status of the scene. But historically the Swedish scene has stood for much quality and innovation and I hope we can keep it up. With Diabolical we do our best to contribute.

13. Any final words

Listen to our album! And buy it after you downloaded it, I hope you find that investment inevitable. And I hope to see you on tour, both in the moshpit and at the bar afterwards!14. Thanks for the interview.Thank you too!

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