Eternal Storm Interview

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

Daniel: Greetings, first of all, thank you for spending some of your time and attention on the band. About three months ago we released our debut EP 'From the Ashes' and we are busy promoting it, you know, writing to webzines in order to get reviews, answering to interviews, playing shows, looking for a label...at the same time we're working hard writing and rehearsing the new stuff which will be featured in our debut full-length. While we keep on writing new songs we will record a couple of songs for a split CD with some cool bands from our country and a cover song for a tribute CD of a well-known band from Brooklyn we really admire, even though they didn't belong to the same genre we play, so to speak. As you can see, we like to keep ourselves fairly busy ;)

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the demo and how it differs from the sound you originally went for?

Daniel: The band used to play some kind of melodic/symphonic black metal until Jaime and me joined the band. Then, we started to move towards some more death metal oriented sound and after some time tracing the sketches of the canvas that would become our style we started to breed the melodic extreme metal the band performs nowadays. I guess you could say that our roots come from the early/mid nineties Swedish death and black metal scenes, although there are as well influences hailing from Norwegian black metal bands, Finnish death or doom metal bands, more classic metal bands or even some bands from our country who had a huge influence in our sound.

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

Jaime: We deal mostly with daily issues, feelings and experiences one goes through in our everyday life. Some of them are more personal while other are more sociological.  The thing is we don't write about them in a way it can only have a particularly focused meaning, but rather we go for a more abstract way of writing so everyone can figure out the meaning on their own.

Daniel: Personal growth is a very important subject of the band's ethos but of course, some of them are more personal than others, and ocassionaly some of them can get a bit cryptic. Anyway, we try to introduce a subject or a theme in a rather abstract way so the readers can give the lyrics their own meaning and thus making the whole process a bit more enriching and interactive.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Jaime: Well, it’s kind of a cliché name for a metal band, but anyway we like it, haha. It does sound epic, and I think it fits the type of music we play. As for the meaning, I think everyone of us has a different interpretation of it, for me it is a reminder that life is always going on, and you have to face the hardships and enjoy the good things.

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

Jaime: It would be the show we played with Crownless and Somne 2.0, at Caracol, one of the best venues here in our city. There we played for the first time in front of a big and enthusiastic crowd and we really had a blast! I think with every passing gig we have a better stage performance, we try to have a lot of fun up there on stage and be energetic, which is something I believe the audience notices when watching a band playing. We use to go crazy during the final bits of “Boundaries of Serenity”, haha.

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

Jaime: Unfortunately we don’t have any touring plans yet, but it is something we are really looking forward to. All we have now is spared shows from time to time. We are eager to play outside our city, as we still haven’t played in other cities.

Kheryon: Yeah, we are always looking forward for new shows. Now we are trying to play outside Madrid, so… we will see.

Daniel: Touring is a very expensive thing but we really hope we will do one sooner than later. We have a couple of shows in Madrid and in other cities (Barcelona) scheduled for this Fall. If someone wants to see us in their city write an E-Mail to eternalstormofficial@gmail.com and we'll do our best to be there :)

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

Daniel: We've talked with some labels and we were about to signed with a pretty big and famous local label but unfortunately the guy changed his mind in the very last moment so here we are looking again for a label. It's a bit stressing to look for a label after having uploaded the whole album, because I feel as if I was fighting against time, as it's been already three months since 'From the Ashes' was out on Bandcamp and we still haven't reached an agreement with any label and the album could get a bit "old" for them.

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

Jaime: Considering the EP hasn’t been out for a long time, and given we are an underground band, I think it has been quite positive. We’ve received messages from people from all around the globe telling us how much they have loved it, and we feel grateful for that. It’s encouraging!

Kheryon: In a personal way, I’m so satisfied with the feedback. There are people from our country but also from the USA, Poland, Sweden, Australia, Korea writing to us… it’s amazing how Internet can help to spread your art worldwide.

Daniel: Even though we still have to find a label to release it in a proper way and we have to make tons of gigs to promote the album it's already having some great reviews from all over the world: We've been reviewed or we have replied to interviews from places such as the US, England, Ireland, Germany...some of the most important Spanish metal webzines as well, so we feel both grateful and surprised because of the good feedback we're getting...we really want to show you our new stuff!

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Jaime: I just do stupid shit with my friends, I’m just waiting for the day I become a rockstar and blow the whole world away, while all the pretty horny girls blow my….. my manowar-like fire extinguisher.

Kheryon: I don’t have any other projects, Dani is the crazy one in this way (and in so many others).

Daniel: I used to be in more bands but nowadays my main projects are Eternal Storm and blackened grindcore band called Under Vultures (http://www.facebook.com/undervultures), I've got some small projects as well but nowadays I'm busy with these two bands and some booking agencies and record labels I collaborate with. The busier, the happier.

Luis: I'm a busy man, I have a Progressive Metal band called Distance which has been around for almost ten years and we finally recorded our debut album a couple of months ago. I also have a D-Beat/Crust band called Totëmwolf and I play in a cover band of hard rock tunes as well.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Jaime: I think we are heading to a more laid-back, atmospheric style. We will certainly keep the blast beats and the aggression, but at the same time we are paying a higher level of attention to the melodies and the songwriting itself, making it more dynamic and, let's say, "ethereal".

Kheryon: I'm completely sure we will end our career playing techno-house. Nah, now being serious, I really don't know. Three years ago I was saying "Eternal Storm won't have synths or acoustic parts" and new songs are more progressive, so I don't know. But I'm sure the path we'll walk will be the path we will want to walk, not following commercial mainstream interests.

Daniel: As Jaime said, we think we're getting into a more atmospheric field. We're introducing more clean guitar parts and we're playing with effects. Keyboards and synthesizers have a more important role in our new songs as well. We're also using new ranges of vocals and now that Lucho is part of the band he's contributing with his tasteful drumming as well, as most of the drums from the EP were already written before he joined, although he contributed with several great arrangements to those songs.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Jaime: Just to name a few, Opeth, Amorphis, Insomnium, In Mourning, In Vain, Alcest... We actually listen to a huge variety of music, not only within the metal genre. Personally I'm crazy about the newest The Fall of Every Season album. Fucking great proggy doom/death with a post-rock vibe!

Kheryon: There are so many bands that influence our music so I couldn't say any… In a personal way I'm so influenced by musicians as Jeff Walker or Seth from Septicflesh. Nowadays I'm listening a lot to the new LPs of In Vain and Fractal Gates, both are amazing albums.

Daniel: We are definitely open-minded individuals. I'd say some of our biggest influences as a band are Opeth, Amorphis, Katatonia, Insomnium, Edge of Sanity, Death, Sentenced, Dissection and the likes. And in a personal side, here is some of the stuff I've been listening to the most during the last couple of days: The 3rd And The Mortal, Priapus, Manes, The Last 3 Lines, Soul Aside, Absvrdist, Jardín De La Croix, Ulcerate, Nahemah, Placebo, Oceansize, Wovenhand...tons of different stuff as you can see!

Luis: yeah I'm a open-minded musician: I listen to all kind of music, from pop to soul, rock, metal rap etc etc One of my biggest influences music-wise is Death and nowadays I'm mostly listening to Karnivool, Misery Signals, Anathema, Rihanna, Textures...

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Jaime: We enjoy reading, watching films, doing sports and having a good time with our beloved ones. We are common people, completely devoid of any unique characteristic that separates us from the billions of souls that have roamed this earth before us. Meaningless existence we have, yet classy.

Kheryon: I love sports and I'm trying to finish my career in Psychology.

Daniel: Some of the stuff I enjoy doing is reading, watching films, going to shows and having some fun with my fellow ones.

Luis: My dogs and my girlfriend, I usually spend my time watching films, reading comic books, playing basketball or football, meeting my friends...

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Daniel: Thanks for the interview and kind words! If some of you want to know more of our stuff visit the following url's:

http://www.facebook.com/eternalstormofficial
http://eternalstorm.bandcamp.com

For any questions or suggestions write an E-Mail to eternalstormofficial@gmail.com

Thanks again, support art!
Daniel.

In Silentio Noctis Interview

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

 -Since the EP was recorded with session musicians,that leaves me as the only         original member in the band. At the moment all is in the open and there are no definite plans for the future. Now we are just waiting to see what happens and what the future will bring.


How would you describe the musical sound  of the new ep and how it differs from previous releases?

-The new EP is in my opinion a lot darker, harder and definitely more symphonic than our debut album. The atmosphere and the all around production is very different from before,for example the guitars are more on the surface as well as the vocals and the drums have a little bit of a more natural sound.

The band uses all operatic vocals, instead of growls and screams, do you feel this gives the music alot more power?

-Well, the use of only clean vocals definitely gives our music a different dimension than using growls and screams.In some sense it can give the music more power and in some sense take it away a little bit.That's really more of a question of everyones personal preferences.I don't think that the use of only clean vocals should affect the meaning behind lyrics though.

The song lyrics are based on a concept, can you tell us a little bit more about it?

-I have a little bit of a problem with explaining my lyrics afterwards since I have a tendency to go in a bit of a daze while writing and I tend to forget what I was thinking of at the time.I guess the full story is really for everyone to interpret as they please but the main concept is kind of blind leading the blind,which in this case is more of a hypocrite leading a hypocrite to their own destruction.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

-After throwing some ideas around we came to the conclusion that In silentio noctis, which means in the silence of the night, would be a nice fit to describe our music.
There's really no deeper inspiration behind the name.



The band broke up for a short time, can you tell us the cause of the split and the decision to reform?

-The cause of the split was really due to lack of motivation and time from other members of the band and it seemed like the best decision just to call it quits.
I didn't really like the idea that some of our best songs would be left unrealeased, so when the time was right I started working on towards getting them recorded.
I managed to find some great musicians to do this with and I'm really pleased with the end result.


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

-We have only played one gig during our seven year existence which is mostly due to the lack of a drummer.

Do you have any touring or show plans for the future/

-There has been no discussions of any touring for the future.At the moment we are just going with the flow and see what happens.Everything is possible though.

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

-Most of it has been great and some not that great.It's always good to hear that people appreciate what you do,it really gives you energy to keep going.Since the new EP isn't out yet there hasn't been a lot of feedback but I really hope that people will like it.

10.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

-Well see,if we decide to release another full-length it will most likely be more in the line of the EP than our debut.



11.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

-I can really only speak on my own behalf and since Elias is the main composer of our music I can't really say what his main influences are. The first metal band that I started listening to was Cradle of filth, so that has influenced a lot in what type of music I want to make and also had a lot to do with the birth of In silentio noctis.
Nowadays I mainly listen to bands such as Belphegor, Carach angren, Azarath,Dark funeral and so on.Most of the albums that I have are black metal in some form or the other.







13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

-Thank you very much for the interview and stay black metal!

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In Silentio Noctis/Disenchant The Hypocrites/My Kingdom Music/2013 EP Review

  In  Silentio  Noctis  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  and  gothic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Disenchant  The  Hypocrites"  which  was  released  by  My  Kingdom  Music.

  The songs  are  divided  into  3  different  songs  with  the  music  being  a  concept  album  about  the  hypocrisy  of  God  and  his  servants.

  Song  one  "The  Pit"  combines  fast  drumming  and  fast  beats  with  some  symphonic  and  gothic  sounding  keyboards,  with  the  vocals  being  all clean  singing  female  vocals  along  with  some  melodic  sounding  black  metal  riffing  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  90's  era  of  the  genre.

  Song  two  "Of  Deception"  starts  off  being  a  real  slow  symphonic  song  then  the  melodic  black  metal  guitar  riffs  kick  and  start  speeding  up  around  the  time  the  vocals  start  along  with  the  drums  throwing  in  some  blast  beats  while  switching  back  to  the  slower  riffs  which  fit  in  with  the  operatic  vocals  which  also  never  use  any  growls  or  screams  throughout  the  ep.

  Song  three  "Haunted"  starts  out  really  slow  and  symphonic  while  the  riffs  are  still  very  heavy  for  this  genre  of  music,  then  the  vocals  started  kicking  in  to make  this  song  sound  alot  more  powerful  and  are  the  perfect  closing  for  the  ep,  then  the  drums  start  going  fast  for  a  few  seconds  before  going  into  some  slow  and  melodic  sounding  riffing  as  well  as  the  drumming  switching  to  blast  beats  again  with  the  music  turning  into  a  very  powerful  sounding  melodic  black  metal  song.

  In  my  opinion  In  Silentio  Noctis  are  a v ery  great  and  original  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  that  dont  use  screams  or  growls,  and  have  great  production  while  you  still  cant  hear  any  bass  at  all  and  if  you  are  looking  for  something  different,  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Of  Deception".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OHdDolE22g

Toad Interview

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

We just released Endless Night and are already hard at work on the next record.  We're going to tour extensively in support of Endless Night later on this year, and will be playing songs from the record as well as material no one has heard. 

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Our sound is what would happen if a 1970's American rock & roll band shared a practice space somewhere in the cosmos with a 1990's Scandinavian metal band.  One night both bands are at the practice space at the same time and they watch horror films together. Then both bands end up subconsciously influencing one another. As far as how this record compares to others, Endless Night is our most powerful output to date. It's the culmination of everything we've been involved with in the past.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

In short, the themes of Endless Night deal with darkness, the unknown, and the power held within. We've described this idea in more detail, and that can be found in our Earsplit press releases.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Take Over And Destroy is both the meaning and the inspiration behind the name.

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

Every show is different, so we learn new things and are fulfilled in new ways every time we play. It's impossible to pick a best or favorite performance.

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

Yes. The plan is to tour extensively. We have several things in the works.

7.Currently you are signed to Comfort Point Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

"Comfort Point is very private. I own it all."

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer album by fans of underground music?

People feel the energy we put into the album, which will always be our goal.

9. Are there any other musical projects going on these days?

Certainly. Everyone has to stay busy.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Only time will tell.

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We're inspired by far too many bands and styles of music to get into specifics.  Lately we've been listening to a lot of Dio when we're all together.

12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Horror films.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks for the interview, we'll see you soon.

>^..^<

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Agathodaimon/In Darkness/Massacre Records/2013 CD Review

  Agathodaimon  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  gothic,  symphonic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "In  Darkness"  which  was  released  by  Massacre  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric,  gothic  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  melodic  black  metal  riffs  that  also  utilize  a  great  amount  of  gothic  influences  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the   lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  gothic/black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  use  full  chords  and  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  dark  atmosphere  of  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  to  clean  singing  gothic  vocals  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  and  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  to  it  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  along  with  a  couple  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Agathodaimon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Darkness  We  Shall  Be  Reborn"  "Favourite  Sin"  and  "Dusk  Of  An  Infinite  Shade  (Amurg)".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

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Nordheim/Refill/Maple Metal Records/2013 CD Review

  Nordheim  are  a  band  from  Montreal,  Quebec,  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk  and  melodic  black/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Refill"  which  was  released  by  Maple  Metal  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric,  symphonic  and  medieval  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  and  death  metal  with  folk  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  pagan  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  which  are  only  utilized  briefly  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  enhance  the  folk music  elements  of  the  album.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal s creams  to  clean  singing  pagan  vocals  as  well  as  some  back  up  shouts  and  a  brief  use  of  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism,  Fantasy  and  Drinking  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Nordheim  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ov  Frost  And  Ice"  "Get  Drunk  Or  Die  Tryin'"  "The  Grief"  and  "as  Shadows  Pass  By".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://youtu.be/-Vf9pBjmQT4 

Rituals/Self Titled/ Alerta Antifascista Records/2012 CD Review

  Rituals  are  a  band  from  Phoenix,  Arizona  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  which  was  released  by  Alerta  Antifascista  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  black  metal,  doom,  sludge  and  post  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  some  soft  and  clean  playing  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  sounding  post  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  doom/death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  black  metal/sludge  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  writing  of  Elizabeth  Kubbler-Ross,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  dark  sound  with  most  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Rituals  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  black  metal,  doom,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kubbler-Ross  Model"  and  "Takotsubo  Cardiomyopathy". RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Moss Of Moonlight Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Jenn: Moss of Moonlight began as a story.  Cavan and I wanted to tell this tale about a bunch of Pacific Northwesterners going rogue and making the bioregional Republic of Cascadia—a concept that became our first album, SEED (released last year).  Listeners of black and folk metal (and music fans in general) met it with eager ears.  Most recently, we've been working on a ritualistic EP called Winterwheel.  It's set to be released in just a couple days—June 21, actually!

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Cavan: Despite my resentment for genre labeling, I suppose Moss of Moonlight can be described as a merging of black metal and neo-folk. Black metal has become a receptacle for bands without a specific genre, so we would probably get thrown in, too. Genres aside, Moss of Moonlight has a sometimes boisterous, sometimes untamed sound, yet it's welcoming, too. Essentially, we're striving to be the mouth and percussive heart of the earth.  Listening to Moss of Moonlight is like standing naked in the rain, knee-deep in the mud and moss of the Hoh Rainforest.

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

Jenn: Story, earth, Cascadia and Paganism, always.  But while SEED focused more on our Cascadian core (the bioregion's bloody, epic tale of rebellion), our forthcoming album Winterwheel was a step off our usual path.  We recreate and expand upon the rituals, songs, and rites of times past, with a focus on our Anglo Saxon ancestors—their gods, tales, and existential understanding.  The album itself is meant to be a cyclic ritual in all ways—rhythmic motifs, narrative cycles, the huge recurring soundscapes; even the song titles are reminiscent of the nature of sacrifice and reception.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

Jenn: There's a couple different explanations.  First, of course, moss grows endlessly and everywhere in the Pacific Northwest, and both of us feel an affinity for its soggy, shaggy green.  To take the name's meaning a bit deeper, mosses are also known as epiphytes, plants that live a non-parasitic existence attached to other plants, all the while feeding upon air and rain.  So, a moss that feeds on moonlight is an epiphyte of ephemera, an epiphyte that feeds upon the every-dying, everlasting moon—an epiphyte that feeds on the raw power of life.

With all this in mind, Moss of Moonlight is symbolic of our attachment to the earth—deep, gentle (and, on occasion, violent), and beyond explanation.  Something only music can express, I suppose—ha!

5. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you choose to remain a duo?

Cavan: Being a duo has certainly had its benefits for Moss of Moonlight. Jenn and I are able to creatively play off of one another and really hone the underlying concepts behind the music without too much outside interference. In a world that incessantly promotes so much inattentive corporate-driven thought, it can be difficult to think independently from the bloated sheep herd that is society. Being the duo that we are, it allows us to sort of become hermits together (when writing music) and develop music in a calmer setting. With that said, having more band members has its advantages too, and we hope expand our rank in the next couple of years.

6. Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?

Cavan: Our reasons for expansion are for the purpose of playing shows in the future. Our music has huge potential for powerful shows, and we would very much like to experience that kind of atmosphere and share it with our fans.

7. Currently the band is signed to Cascadian Alliance, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Cavan: Cascadian Alliance is our small independent label. It houses all of the music projects we’re involved in--Cerridwen, Gundabad, Moss of Moonlight. The overall purpose behind it is to assist in the conception and contribution to the ideological identity of our beautiful home region, Cascadia.

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

Jenn: Very, very receptive.  Not only are people loving the music, but they're connecting to it on a gut-level, which is exactly what we're hoping for, as we're trying to craft songs that do more than make your ears happy.  Thus far, we've been lucky to hear—constantly—from people so deeply in thrall to this weird thing we call our music.  So in short—fans of black and folk metal seem to like the songs quite well.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Cavan: It is our intention to forge a seasonal counterpart to Winterwheel and bring this Heathen offering around full swing. I’ve already begun the writing process for a second EP to accompany the first and we’re hoping to get in the studio within the upcoming months. Following that, we’ll probably go back to exploring our Cascadian focal point.

Jenn: To play off of what Cavan said above, and basically just be a tease, we actually know the title of the full length that will follow the second EP.  But we're not saying what. ; )

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Cavan: There are a lot of bands that go above and beyond in epic quality, like Myrkgrav and Agalloch, but I also venture off into folkier bands too, like The moon and the night spirit, Omnia, and Stellamara. My influences change with the seasons and can certainly be found in metal and neo-folk alike. Lately, the new Amorphis and Wardruna albums have been ensnaring me with so much might!

Jenn: Yes, yes, yes, (etc) to all that Cavan said.  As for what I'm listening to these days…I love the raw, emotional honesty of Pain of Salvation's new albums, and I've been listening to Swallow the Sun pretty intensely.  I also just discovered Dalriada, so that's quickly becoming an obsession.

11.How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Cavan: Well, it is through Paganism that we as humans are able to rekindle our relation with the earth and our past roots. There is a serious disconnect between modern society and where we come from, and where we get our food, our energy. Paganism attempts to understand the source and process of providing ourselves with that energy and in turn, life. It is true that we have lost many of the old ways and truths to time, however it’s important to recognize that we Pagans have a duty to fill this recent aeon of forgotten knowledge, and build upon what remnants are left. Moss of Moonlight does exactly that. It taps into other realms, otherworlds, and expands upon those remains.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Cavan: There are many interests outside of music to which we tend to incorporate into Moss of Moonlight in some way or other. I like hiking the mountains and photographing nature, and usually some of the resulting images get used for promotional pics and album art. In this upcoming album, Winterwheel, I was able to apply my interests and studies in linguistics through the use of the Anglo-Saxon language.

Jenn: Cavan's too modest to say so, but he's actually (right this very moment) studying to get his Masters in linguistics.  So these 'studies' he speaks of are actually quite serious. : )

I, too, love being essentially any place I can't hear or see cities, or cars.  I'm also a devoted cyclist; except for extreme long distances that have to be covered quickly, I travel by bike, even in the deep of winter.  (My bike, by the way, is named Asfaloth.  The Tolkien fans reading this will understand. : )  Besides that, I'm a published writer—mostly poetry at the moment, but sometimes I write books about enraged earth goddesses and existentially confused aliens.  I also get paid to make people sandwiches.

13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Jenn:  We'll be releasing a music video for the EP in a couple of months, and—as Cavan mentioned earlier—will be entering the studio to work on the follow up to Winterwheel.  Find us on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MossofMoonlight), where we'll be sharing all the necessary details.

Also, I suppose a thank you is in order—so thank you!  Truly, thanks for taking the time to ask us these questions.

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Moss Of Moonlight/Winterwheel/Cascadian Alliance/2013 CD Review

  Moss  Of  Moonlight  are  a b and  from  Washington  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Winterwheel"  which  was  released  by  Cascadian  Alliance.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  some  percussion  work  being  used  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs   that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars,  as  for  the  synths  and  flutes  when  they  are  utilized  bring  a  very  dark, atmospheric  and  medieval  sound  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal  with  folk  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  pagan/folk  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  enhance  the  folk  elements  of  the  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  blackened  metal  growls  and  screams  along  with  a  good  amount  of  clean  singing  and  some  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anglo  Saxon  Paganism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it  with  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Moss  Of  Moonlight  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gaet"  and  "Catte".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

www.mossofmoonlight.com

Toad/Endless Night/Comfort Pain Records/2012 EP Review

  Toad  are  a  band  from  Arizona  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  sludge  and  death  'n'  roll  and this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Endless  Night"  which  was  released  by  Comfort  Pain  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  synths  which  are  only  used  briefly  are  very  dark,  psychedelic  and  atmospheric  sounding,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal,  sludge  and  death  'n'  roll  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  old  school  black/death  metal  screams  and  growls  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover darkness  and  horror  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of t he  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Toad  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  melodic  black  metal,  sludge  and  death  'n'  roll  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Taste  Of  The  Grave"  and  "Boundaries  Of  Flesh".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Amon Amarth/Deceiver Of The Gods/Metal Blade Records/2013 CD Review

  Amon  Amarth  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  the  new  recording  staying  in  the  direction  of  melodic  viking/black/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Deceiver  Of  The  Gods"  which  was  released  by  Metal  Blade  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  death  and  black  metal  together  along  with  some  thrash,  doom  and  traditional  metal  influences  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly deep  death  metal  growls  with  some  high  pitched  screams  being  used  at  times  as  well  as  a  brief  spoken  word  part  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Asataru  and  Northern  Paganism  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it  with  the  last  song  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Amon  Amarth  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "As  Loke  Falls"  "Under  Siege"  "We  Shall  Destroy"  and  "Warriors  Of  The  North".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.amonamarth.com
http://www.facebook.com/OfficialAmonAmarth
http://twitter.com/amonamarthband

Chthonic/Bu - Tik/Spinefarm US/2013 CD Review

  Chthonic  are  a  band  from  Taiwan  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  I  would  describe  as  being  symphonic  oriental  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Bu  -  Tik"  which  was  released  by  Spinefarm  US.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to fast  drumming  with  some  blast b eats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  keyboards  bring  an  atmospheric,  dark,  symphonic  and  oriental  sound  to  the  recording  with  some  ethnic  sounding  folk  instruments  being  utilized  at  times,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  melodic  black  metal  guitar  riffs  that  are  more  on  the  mainstream  side  of  the  genre  while  also  mixing  in  more  modern  elements,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  extreme  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  a brief  use  of  clean  singing  and  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Taiwanese  Myths  and  the  tragic  events  in  their  country  history,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  to  it.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Chthonic  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Supreme  Pain  For  The  Tyrant"  "Rage  Of  My  Sword"  "Resurrection  Pyre"  and  "Defenders  Of  Butik  Place".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.chthonic.org
http://www.facebook.com/chthonic  

Eshtadur interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
ok, Eshtadur is band that performs kind of a death melodic and black metal, with progressive and experimental mixtures, we have played in all cities in Colombia, last was in Medellin next to Cradle Of Filth, and we have played in Peru with Vader. Eshtadur had 3 releases, 1 demo, 1 album 2011, and new album upcoming for june 2013.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
Death melodic and black metal, with progressive and experimental mixtures, metal core passages but with a classic voice, that remember the black pure.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
anti religion, and all kind of dictation that private the human being. mystery, dark stories.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Eshtadur, is a literature word, a writer use it in a greece book, talking about rebellion of angels.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your
stage performance?
in Peru, with Vader, i guess because of knowing the guys from vader were there, we really enjoy that concert, next to Cradle of filth in Colombia too, because, people support a lot eshtadur that day.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
we are planning somenthing for south america, and we have some local festivals for this end of the season

7. the new album came out on Gates of Horror, how did you get in contact with this label and how would
you describe the support they have given you so far?
A close friend, drummer of Luciferian, find out this label to us, they support us well, but we are going to have great for future, now we are both, label and band, working about it.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic and experimental
black metal?
there is people who think Eshtadur as a big and famous band, cause of the music and video, i have read in my mail messages from brasil of usa, they said Eshtadur has to be out Colombia next to Krisiun, next to Sepultura. and represent south america. thats so nice to know, but we have a long road to walk very carefully.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
i have to say, we could participate as a new genre, and new tendence. we have to stay update with our music. i hope we will get fine with that.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you
listening to nowadays?
the bands from poland, vader, decapitated, behemoth.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?
Eshtadur´s music is a pretty evil creation, we are esceptics, and first to all, we defend world as human beings, we have respect to all in earth, enviroment, animals, cosmos.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
for me, Jorge, i like soccer, box, movies and video games, Sebastian likes gym too, box and video games, Wilmer likes pretty alone with just music.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
invite all people for listenning eshtadur everywhere, hope you like it.

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Anima Sementis Interview

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

1. Currently we´re rehearsing for the Interitum Tour. We have a new guitar player in the band and he needs to learn the show. Also, we´re writing for the next longplayer. The EP is the first step towards our full length album.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from previous releases?

2. In regards to our first production, Sermon Of Lies, our new production is much more professional. The first production we did everything ourselves but now we have help from a producer who has us in the right studio.
   The new songs sound much more mature and now have elements of death metal mixed in with our black metal roots.

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

3. We use a variety of themes for our songs. In the song "World Dominion Collapse" we write about the decay of mankind. In "Ruins" we sing about the fall of the Egyptian Empire and about the fact that desert ruins are all that´s left. "Masquerade Of Grace" goes into the religious wars and how people die for fanatical views. It also goes into how people manipulate each other to reach their goals. If you read between the lines in all of our songs you´ll find the underlying message that mankind doesn´t learn from it´s mistakes. Our saying is, "After the pride comes the fall.".

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

4. We like the composition of the name specifically it was written in Latin. Anima Sementis means „souls of the addled seed“.

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

5. We have a very powerful stage performance and we try to give everything for the people in the front row.
   We also like to use costumes and make-up so each of us can "play the role" while performing. Our stage show portrays a dark and apocalyptic atmoshpere. The goal of our show is to take the audience on a journey through the Apocolypse. As for our best shows, practically all of the festivals we´ve played were great and the support gigs we did for Endstille and Equilibrium were also a highlight for us.

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

6. Sure we do. We´re going to do diverse shows in Germany, including local gigs, and also some international shows as well. But two of main goals at the moment are finding an agency to help us with the bookings and to find a label that would be interested in signing us to a recording contract.

7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?

7. Currently we´re looking for an indie label. We feel that the exposure from an indie label would be better for us. Too much competition at the major label level. Labels like Nuclear Blast and Century Media are ones that we like.

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

8. The international response has surprised us. We´re getting requests from Asia and North and South America for t-shirts and CDs. Our first request for the new Interitum ep came from England. We´re gaining popularity using social media services such as Facebook and YouTube.

9. Are there any other projects going on these days besides this band?

9. Not at the moment. We´re giving everything for Anima Sementis.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

10. No idea what the future will bring in regards to the direction of our music. We don´t a have a set way of songwriting so it comes as it comes. Each song sort of writes itself. We the thing that we try to do is be ourselves and write music that is unique to us.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

11. Bands like Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, Vesania, Nile, Morbid Angel, Carcass and etc. have influenced us but interestingly enough we are also inspired by others such as Johnny Cash or Depeche Mode or even film music writers such as Hans Zimmer (specifically "Two Steps From Hell").

12. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

12. Yes and no. We´re not really a satanic band but we are fascinated by the dark side and all that goes with it.
    Every religion has it guidelines for mankind but we don´t follow any of them. We make our own as we go.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

13. Not an easy question because be don´t have much time for other interests at the moment. The Band takes up most of our time. But when we have time we like to do the normal things. Seeing other bands, socializing with our friends. spending time with family and drinking an occasional beer or two.

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

14 We´d like to say "Thanks" to our families, friends and fans for their support during the last years. And we´d
like to welcome and invite all of those who do not know us to check us out! For the devil our souls and for God our flesh.

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