Mister Folk/Compilation 4/2016 Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  compilation  released  by  Mister  Folk  and  the  fourth  in  the  series  and  consists  us  mostly  pagan  and  folk  metal  bands  and  we  will  review  the  tracks  one  by  one.

  Skyforger  brings  us  "Ramava"  which  starts  out  with  a  mixture  of  both  clean  and  heavy  playing  as  well  as  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  solos  and   leads  are  done  in  a  melodic  fashion  and  when  vocals  are  used  they  are  clear  pagan  vocals  which  also  add  in  more  aggression  after  awhile  and  the  acoustic  guitars  in  the  background  give  the  track  touches  of  folk and  Slavic  folk  instruments  are  also  used  briefly  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  the  track  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  SIGARTYR  brings  us  "Northern"  which  starts  out  with  heavy  riffs  and  melodic  guitar  leads  and  the  riffing  also  uses  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  and  acoustic  guitars  can  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times  and  the  track  is  long  and  epic  in  length.

  ODR  brings  us  "Fuochi  Nelle  Valli"  which  starts  out  with  acoustic  guitars  and  spoken  word parts  as well  as  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  a  great  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  they  also  add  in  pagan  male  and  female  vocals  as  well  as  mixing  the  folk  and  metal  parts  together  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful.

  Gromtotem  brings  us  "Kutral"  which  starts  out with  symphonic  synths  and  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  riffs  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads  up  to  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  melodic  guitar  leads  making  their  presence  known  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  both  European  and  South  American  folk  instruments  can  be  heard  briefly.

  An  Theos  brings  us  "Chemarea  Strabunilor"  which  starts  out  with  symphonic  synths  and  folk  instruments  and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before the  folk  and  heavy  parts  together  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  and  after  awhile  spoken  word  parts  and  melodic  riffing  are  added  onto  the  track.

  Scuom  brings  us "Fra  Ciel'  E  Terr'  "which  starts  out  with  a  very  fast  sound  along  with  blast  beats  and  symphonic  synths  before  adding  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  death  metal  growls  and  folk   influences  into  the  track  and  the  song  brings  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts and  the  song  also  mixes  in  folk  instruments  and  tribal  elements.  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  song  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Song  Of  Chu  brings  us  "Yu  Ren"  which  starts  out  with  nature  sounds  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  riffing  is  also  influenced  by  groove  metal  and  they  also  give  in  growling  vocals  and  clean  singing  at  times  while  folk  instruments  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  and  melodic  sections  of  the  song  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Storm  Seeker  brings  us  "Jack"  which  starts out  with  folk  instruments  and  tribal  style  drumming  an d also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sound  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  vocals  are  rough  yet  melodic vocals  as  well  as  some  semi  black  metal  screams  and  back  up  chants  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  song  also  mixes  in  prog  style  synths  and  there  is  alos  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.

  AExylium  brings  us  "The  Blind  Crow" which  starts  out  with  classic style  pianos  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  symphonic  direction  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  folk  instruments  and  after  awhile  clean  singing  vocals  make  their  presence  known  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion.

  Heather  Wasteland  brings  us  "Tre  Sverd"  which starts out  with  atmospheric  synths,  folk instruments  and  lead  bass  guitars  and  the  song  is  also  all  instrumental.

  Gotland  brings  us  "Traitor  Or  Savior"  which  starts out  with  nature sounds  and  a  few  seconds  later  symphonic  sounds  and  choirs  are  added  into  the  music  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sound  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  melodic  guitar  leads  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  used  briefly.

  Goblin  Hovel  brings  us  "The  Menace"  which  starts  out  with  folk  instruments  and  grim  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  are  added  into  the  song  a  few seconds  later  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  the  song  is  mostly  acoustic.

  Hellroth  brings  us  "To  Forgotten  Gods"  which  starts  out  with  heavy  guitar riffs  and  folk  instruments  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  side  of  the song  and  after  awhile  clean  singing  pagan  vocals  make  their  presence  known  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  when  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Illdad  brings  us  "Moder  Natur"  which  starts  out  with  acoustic guitars  and  a  few  seconds  later  female  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  getting  more  heavy  and  melodic and  there is  also  a  brief use  of  male  vocals.

  Ulfsark  brings  us  "Flames Of  War"  which  starts  out  with  tribal  style  drumming  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads  up  to  the  music  getting  heavier  and  adding  in  folk  instruments  as  well  as  some  grim  screaming  vocals  that h ave  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  them  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  there is  also  a  brief  bass  lead

  Harmasor  brings  us  "Porcu"  which  starts  out  with  heavy  and  melodic  guitar  riffing  and  folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard  and  after  awhile  clean  singing  pagan  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  and  they  also  get  aggressive  at  times  with  a  few  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Tears  Of  Styrbjorn  brings us  "Years Of  Victory"  which  starts out  with  melodic  guitar  leads  and  heavy  riffs  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  after  awhile  pagan  chants  and  vocals  make  their  presence  known  along  with  a  few black  metal  screams and  death  metal  growls  and  there  is  also  a  small  amount  of  keyboards  and  the  song  is  long  and  epic  in  length  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats.

  Yomi  brings  us  "Fires  Of  War"  which  starts  out  with  Japanese  folk  instruments  and  drums  and  a few  seconds  later  starts  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  style  which  also  introduces  death  metal  growls  onto  the  track  and  there  is  also  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  during  the  faster  sections  of  the  song.

  M.A.I.M  brings  us  "Freedom  Tank"  which  starts  out  with  folk  instruments  and  melodic yet  heavy  riffing  while  all  of  the  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  the  vocals  use  clean  singing  and  grim  black  metal  screams  along  with  a  touch  of  death  metal  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  back  up  shouts  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats can  be  heard.

  Boisson  Divine  brings  us  "Sent  Pecard"  which  starts  out  with  tribal  style  drumming  and  folk  instruments  and  all  of  the  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  getting  heavier  as  well  as  adding  in  melodic  guitar  leads  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount   of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  pagan  vocals.

  Closing  the  compilation  is  Bloodshed  Walhalla  with  their  cover  of  Bathory's  "Dragon's  Breath"  which  starts  out  with  nature  sounds  before  adding  in  a  more  epic,  atmospheric  and  heavy  sound  and  the  guitar  leads  sound  very  melodic  and  after  awhile  clean  singing  vocals  also  make  their  presence  known  and  the  track  is  long  and  epic  in  length.  

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a very  great sounding  compilation  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  pagan  and  folk  metal.  8  out  of  10.

https://misterfolk.com/

A.C.o.D/Inner Light/2016 EP Review

  A.C.o.D  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  melodic  death  and  thrash  metal  on  this  recording  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  ep  "Inner  Light".

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  thrash  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  soem  blast  beats  and  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  music  also incorporates  a  great  amount  of  melodic  death  metal  elements  along  with  a  few  growls  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  guitar  leads  and  solos  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  when  synths  are  utilized  they  give  the  music  a  symphonic  edge  and  back  up  gang  shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  songs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  influences.

  On  this  recording  A.C.o.D  expands  on  their  blackened  thrash  metal  style  by  adding  in  elments  of  melodic  death  metal  this  time  around,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  A.C.o.D  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  melodic  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "And  Darkness  Around".  8 out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/acodband/?fref=ts

Misanthropia Interview

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

We did several shows, a lot of promotion, Signed by ‘Via Nocturna’, we designed new merchandise like t-shirts, posters, buttons etc.

2.In April you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

It difficult to give an exact description but it it’s probably best described as progressive symphonic black metal with our own twist. The sound is really transparent so every single instrument has its own place into the mix. The keys give it an epic and bombastic sound but not to dominated.
Because of a big line-up change the overall sound is also complete different as our former albums.

3.This is your first album to be released in 6 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Those years where not really lost years. We developed our own sound even more, did have a big line-up change and put ourselves to the limit to create a masterpiece product. All of this has taken its time.

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

Our album Omertà has become a concept album. As the name already describes it has all to do with the most evil part of our society. The Mafia. Specially between 1920-1950 in America. Big names will pass the revue like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Vincent Mangano, Richard Kuklinski and others.
In our opinion the higher meaning of the black metal division is to overrule everything and create your own freedom.
The Mafia Families overrules everything. What is more evil than this?

5.Originally the band was known as 'Throned By Tyranny', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Misanthropia'?

At that time we were a complete different band, our interest and line-up changed, we buried TBT and Misanthropia was born.
We were inspired by the band ‘Ancient Rites’ and their song ‘Total Misanthropia’.
Misanthropia describes our worldview. We have a very pessimistic view of society. Sometimes it seems there is only hate, war, distrust of each other and so on. It is a morbid world we’re living in.

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

For example we’ve played with Mayhem, played on festivals like Hellfest, Occultfest, Krachtstroom Festival alongside Rotting Christ, Sodom, Shining, Enthroned, Equilibrium, The Hellbound Cremation Tour with Nattas-SE (feats Mike Wead ‘King Diamond’), Veghel DeathFest and DocFest. Those were great shows. We have a little aggressive and tight-playing stage performance.

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

Right now we are in contact with some agencies to arrange shows and maybe tours for in the coming year.

8.The new album was released by 'Snakebite Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

It’s a Dutch label, in the beginning we had a good feeling with this organization but at the end we discovered this label didn’t fit our needs as much as we expected they would do.

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

Since we signed the label ‘Via Nocturna’, our music is gone worldwide. The reactions we get from our worldwide fans are really positive. They like the Mafia concept because it’s out of the box. And they are blown away because of the brutal production, done by Mike Wead.

10.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Pepijn Heilbron (bass guitar) plays also trash-metal (Dead Man’s Walk), Dennis Schoenmaker (guitar) and Bram Koller (guitar&vocals) have also an old-school black metal side project (Winterkrieg).

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

Our goal is to enter all big stages and spread our word all over the world. Also creating many more new albums will be a part of our future.

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?

Many different music styles have given us inspiration. Classical music, rock music, doom/ trash/ black-metal. Maybe to much to mention.
But some of the bands we prefer to listen to are for example Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, Kampfar, Cradle of Filth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Carach Angren (our Dutch colleagues), Dark Funeral, Emperor, and so on…

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Music is our world but next to that for example American Classic Cars and Motorcycles.

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

First of all we are really happy we’ve found our partner in crime in ‘Via Nocturna’. They give us the boost we need to go worldwide and they spread our word perfectly. We are also astonished by all the great reactions the fans are giving us. Our third album Omertà is just the beginning. From here we’ll blast into the future. Let’s meet at our upcoming shows and join our Membership of Violence and Bloodlust!

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1914/Eschatology Of War/Fur Kaiser,Volk And Vaterland//Mazzar Records/2016 Double Review

  1914  are  a  band  from  Ukraine  that  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Eschatology  Of  War"  and  their  2015  ep  "Fur Kaiser,Volk And Vaterland  which  where  released  by  Mazzar Records  as  a  double  album compilation.

  World  War  I  era  music  samples  start  off  the  album  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  sludge  metal  direction while  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  have  a  very  melodic  direction  to  them.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  songs  are  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  doom  metal  and  blast  beats  along  with  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  briefly  when  the  music  speeds  up  and  war  music  samples  also  make  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  guitars.

  Some  of  the  songs  along  with  a few  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  a  couple  of  song  also  brings  in  a small  amount  of  melodic  singing  and  female  vocals while  spoken  word  parts  are also  utilized  at  times  on  the  ep  tracks  which  also  consists  of  2014  demo  and  remix  tracks  which  also  bring  in  industrial and  video  game  music  elements  and  there  is  also  a  cover  of  Nirvana's  "Something  In  the  Way"  which  also sounds  nothing  like  the  original  version.

  1914 plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  death,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  mixes them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  while  the  lyrics  cover  World  War I,  trench  warfare,  gas  attacks  and  despair  of  battlefields  themes.

  In  my  opinion  1914  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Gasmask"  "Caught  in  the  Crossfie"  and  "Battlefield".  8  out  of  10. 

https://x1914x.bandcamp.com/

Mordant/Demonic Satanic/To The Death Records/2016 CD Review

  Mordant  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Demonic Satanic"  which  was  released by  To the  Death  Records.

  A  very  heavy  thrash  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  first  wave  black  metal  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim s creams  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in a  very  dark  and  melodic  fashion  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the music  is  mostly  influenced  by  the  80's  and  90's  without  sounding  out  of  date  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  Swedish  style  melodic  black/death  metal  and  the  album  also  remains  heavy  from  beginning  to  ending  of  the  recording.

  Mordant  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  side  of  Swedish  black/death  metal  and  mixes  it  with  first  wave  black  metal  and  thrash  to  create  a  sound  of t heir  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occult  and  Black  Metal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mordant  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black, death,  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vengeance  From  The  Dark"  "Evil  Impalers"  "Infernal  Curse  Of  Evil"  and  "Count  Lucifer".  8  out  of 10. 

MORDANT Bandcamp

MORDANT Facebook

Pimea Metsa/No Blood, No Glory/WormHoleDeath Records/2016 CD Review

  Pimea  Metsa  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  viking  form  of  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "No  Blood,  No  Glory"  which  will  be released  on  December  23rd  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

   Symphonic  and  epic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  after  awhile  folk  instruments  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  they  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  side  of  the  music  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  more  of  a  melodic  fashion  and  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal screams  and  aggressive  pagan  singing.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  back  up  shouts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  some  songs  also  bring  in   a  small  amount of  acoustic  guitars.

  Pimea  Metsa  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  viking  and  folk  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Northern  Mythology,  Epic  Battles  and  Nature.

  In  my opinion  Pimea Metsa  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  viking  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Viking's  Creed"  "Einherjer"  "Call  To  Arms"  and  "Cry  For  Freedom".  8  out  of  10.   

www.pimeametsa.com
www.facebook.com/pimeametsaofficial
twitter.com/pimeametsa
www.youtube.com/user/PimeaMetsaOfficial
pimeametsa.bandcamp.com

 

Ithilien/Shaping The Soul/WormHoleDeath Records/2017 CD Review

  Ithilien  are  a  band  from  Belgium  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  folk  metal and  this  is  a  review  of their  album  "Shaping  The  Soul"  which  will  be  released  in 2017  by  WormHoleDeath  Records.

  Thunder  and  rain  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  folk  instruments  as  well  as  some  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  music  also  incorporates  a  lot  of melodic  death  metal  elements.

  A  lot  of  the  folk  instruments  give  the  songs  a  feeling  of  a  classic  fantasy  or  pagan  based  film  and  the  songs  also  bring  in a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts and  some  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  there is  also  a  brief  use  of   bouzouki  and  there  is  also  a  short  folk  instrumental  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  following  tracks  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  whispers  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Ithilien  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  folk  metal  but  also  mixes  the  more  melodic  sides  of  black  and  death  metal  to  take  their  music  into  a  heavier  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  have  a  concept  to  them  and  cover  the  grief  process.

  In  my  opinion  Ithilien  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a fan  of  this  musical  genre,you should  check out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lies After  Lies"  "If  Only" "Hopeless" and  "The  Bear  Dance".  8  out  of 10.

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

 

Spectral/Artic Sunrise/Boersma Records/2017 Full Length Review

  Spectral  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black, viking, thrash  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Artic  Sunrise"  which  will  be  released  in  2017  by  Boersma  Records.

  Atmospheric synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  a few  seconds  later  and  after  the intro  the  music  goes  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  melodic  guitar  leads  also  being  added  onto  the  recording  while  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  also  make  their  presence  known  along  with  a  few  death  metal  growls.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  they  also  mix  the  keyboards  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  album  more  of  an  epic  feeling  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Clean  guitars  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  riffs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  metal  elements  along  with  some  of  the  solos and  leads  mixing  in  an  old  school  style  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  great  amount  of  viking  metal  elements  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  one  track  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  air  raid  sirens  and  war  samples  and  the  melodies  are  also  very  heavily  influenced  by  power  metal and  a  later  track  also  adds  in  a  few  seconds  of  acoustic  guitars.

  Spectral  plays  a   musical  style  that  takes  melodic  black,  viking,  thrash  and  power  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create a sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics cover  Norse  Mythology,  Vikings  and  Epic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Spectral  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  melodic  black,  viking,  thrash  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Evil  Takes  Control"  "In  Battle  With  Fire  &  Steel"  and  "Fuck  Off  And  Die  (Metal  Is  Forever)".  8 out  of  10.

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Solomonic Demons/Malevolent Destiny/Merdumgiriz/2016 Cassette Review

  Solomonic  Demons  are  a  solo  project  from  New  Jersey  that  has  been featured  before  in  this  zine  an  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Malevolent  Destiny"  which  was  released  by  Merdumgiriz.

  A  very  hard,  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem  and  after  awhile  death  metal  growls  are  added  onto  the  album  and  when  the  music  speeds  up a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  some  elements  of  thrash.

  When  solos  and  leads   are  utilized  they  bring  in  a  more  old  school  extreme  metal  style  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and fast  parts and  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  music  is  mostly  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  and  early  days but  with  more  up  to  date  technology and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  be  heard  while  the  main  focus  remains  more  on  a  heavier  style  and  classical  guitars  along  with  spoken  word  parts  are  introduced  on  the  last  track.

  Solomonic  Demons  creates  another  recording  that  takes  the  melodic  and  old  school  style  of  black, death  and  thrash  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  heavy recording,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while the  lyrics cover  dark, violent, war  and  occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Solomonic  Demons  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dawn  Of  Souls"  "Rotten  World"  and  "War  Never  Changes". 8  out  of  10.  

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Misanthropia/Omerta/Via Nocturna/2017 CD Review

  Misanthropia  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  symphonic  and   melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review of their  album  "Omerta"  which  will  be  released  in 2017  by  Via  Nocturna.

 Keyboards  and  saxophones  start  off  the  album  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into a   fast  direction  that  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  are  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  they  also  mix  the  symphonic  and  heavy  parts  together.

  All  of  the musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound to  them  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  one  track also  uses  clean  guitars  and  there is  also  a  decent  amount of  death  metal  influences present  throughout  the  recording  and  on  one  of  the  tracks  the  keyboards  add  in  a  touch  of  prog  rock.

  Misanthropia   plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  melodic,  epic  and  symphonic  with  some  death  metal  touches,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Misanthropia  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  "Omerta"  "Torture"  "The  Infinite  Water" and  "A  Membership  Of  Violence  And  Bloodlust".  8 out  of  10.    

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Temple Of Demigod Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
 
  So Temple Of Demigod is a symphonic black metal with a lot of influences from various genres, I wanted to separate from Ghoulchapel (which is my other project along with my friend Ando), wanted to make more of an experimental  project, mix bunch of styles with symphonic black metal, you can also catch some deathcore influences in my earlier songs. This is the project where I can make whatever I want and not put myself within boundaries. It’s fast and aggressive symphonic black metal but yet calm and melodic at times. Symphonic part is mostly inspired by old classical music, I’m using different classical instruments besides standard synths.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?

    It’s eerie, dark, it’s raw but more modern sounding, if that makes sense. Exactly what I wanted to represent Lovecraft’s Art through it. But I really want to make my sound even more raw and dark in the further recordings…
Someone told me that he was listening to one of the songs in his headphones, and the sound made him feel like he was floating within dark tunnels covered with sticky slime with an ocean smell, I think he described it better than I can do.

3.Your lyrics cover a lot of Lovecraft themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this author?

   Lovecraft is one of my favorite authors ever! I’m also a big fan of Stephen King, but there’s nobody like Lovecraft, he is the most unique. I fell in love with his Cthulhu mythos, The Great Old Ones..I’m so obsessed with everything he created, that I start to believe in it. I love to think that Cthulhu is real, the Great Old Ones are real and actually are waiting for their time to come back. When I think of it this way and start actually believing, it scares me and inspires me to write about it.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Temple Of Demigod'?

   When I first decided to start this project, I picked the “anti-christian” lyrical theme for the first EP album, and the name was inspired by the lyrical theme, Temple Of Demigod represents a Satan as a Demigod, and the world is his Temple.
But now since I’ve decided to change lyrical themes totally, the name Temple Of Demigod is still suits. I thought about changing it to something different, but ended up keeping it as it is.

5.With this project you record everything by yourself, do you fell this gives you more room to be creative?

   Yes absolutely. Working with other musicians is still fun and all, helps you to create something interesting, but in my case, I work better and more creative when I’m on my own and nobody’s around me. It definitely gives me more room to be both productive and creative. It’s tough, I have to do everything by myself, starting with writing lyrics, ending with creating artwork, but it’s worth the time and effort.

6.How would you describe the metal scene in your home country of Armenia?

     It’s  kinda weak, but slowly growing, metal is not that popular in Armenia, there’s a few bands trying to keep metal alive in here, I’ll name a few, my good friends at Nairi, they play heavy metal mixed with Armenian folk music, pretty awesome band! There’s also a couple of great bands, such as Rahvira also a good friends of mine; Avarayr – nice atmospheric black; Sworn, unfortunately no longer a band; Arbor Mortis – also friends; Blood Covenant, the band of my brother, I played with them before. There’s still other new projects and bands, hopefully they can make it!
A lot of rock or alternative bands that are more popular. So I really hope someday metal is going to be one of the most common genres in Armenia!

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

   It was and is pretty good! Most of people love it, and it gives me hope and desire to make more and better music.

8.What is going on with your other musical projects these days?

   I have a couple of other projects, recently I released a new long awaited album with Ghoulchapel, there’s also a new collab. project called Daemoon, along with my good friend Otto from Arbor Mortis. Hoping to release an album in the next year.
And last but not least, one of my older projects, originally called “Ao Eterno”, now renamed to “Beneath Her Skin”, I’m currently recording a lot of ideas for that one, it’s a atmospheric black/doom death metal, hoping to release the album next year as well. So stay tuned if that intrigues you. 

9.Where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?

    I don’t wanna say it’s official yet, but changing the genre of Temple Of Demigod’s next album is actually in my plans, I want to make more atmospheric, dark and raw stuff, less symphonies, more atmosphere, I want the listener to feel that Lovecraftian horror though my music even more.
Also, it’s not metal related, but I’d really love to make retro synthwave music in the near future! I just really love it, and always wanted to make something different from what I usually do.

10.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?

The bands that influenced and inspired me to record my own stuff are Carach Angren, Vesania, Dimmu Borgir, Crionics, Troll, The Wicked, The Vision Bleak, Emperor!
These bands helped me to learn a lot about music, also helped me to go though some shitty times! Also I get a lot of inspiration from video game soundtracks, the games like Medievil, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, they have such a dark and spooky soundtrack , I love it! Currently I’m listening to different artists , different genres, I really loved Ellede’s latest album, new albums by Annal Nathrakh, ColdWorld, Alcest, Testament, Clouds.
You need to know, that I’m open minded person , so I also love rap music, I listen to a lot of rap artists nowadays as as I listen to metal, the artists such as Logic, Twisted Insane, Hopsin, Tech N9ne, NWA, Wu Tang Clan, etc.

11.Does Occultism play any role in your music?

Yes I guess we can say that my music based on occult themes, it’s mystical, spiritualistic, paranormal. So yes, occultism does play a role in my music.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

    Besides music, I’m a graphic designer, work under the name “Gravedealer Art”, Doing artworks and logos for bands, and all the graphic design stuff, I make a living off of it and I really love my job. I love playing video games, a lot. I’m a retro games collector.
So that’s really it!

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

Stay awesome, praise Cthulhu, and everything’s gonna be good.
Thank you for this interview! It was a pleasure answering these questions.


TEMPLE OF DEMIGOD

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvX4QBoakTBpJs1vGPDuDw   

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Cadaveria Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Cadaveria: After the fifth full length album “Silence”, CADAVERIA just released the new EP “Mondoscuro”, joining forces with thrash metal legends Necrodeath. The EP contains six tracks, two brand new and co-written songs (Dominion of Pain and Ride Above), two covers (one of The Beatles and one of Type O Negative) and two unusual “exchange of roles”, that see CADAVERIA reinterpreting a classic by Necrodeath and Necrodeath performing a CADAVERIA hit. Mondoscuro was released on September the 2nd via Black Tears on CD and will be soon released in vinyl via Sleaszy Rider records.

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the newer music?
Cadaveria: While covering mater Tenebrarum from Necrodeath and Christian Woman from Type O Negative we maintained our personal style, that since the beginning mixes Black metal and Gothic metal with Horror atmospheres, and we confirmed our love for contaminations in music. Our version of Mater Tenebrarum ends with an outro taken from Dario Argento’s “Inferno” movie theme, originally composed by Keith Emerson. A cover in the cover… We had the pleasure to guest Lindsay Schoolcraft from Cradle of Filth in this piece. “Dominion of Pain” track can be considered a natural evolution of what we offered with “Silence” album: a genuine horror and black metal oriented song that welcomes Doom metal and gothic influences. The lyrics deal with spiritual growth and inner power.

3.Your lyrics deal with Occultism and Witchcraft can tell you us a little bit more of your views on these topics?
Cadaveria: My lyrics deal with my personal experiences in the material world and in my metal realm. Along the last fifteen years my approach to intangible dimensions has became more intimate and solitary. I completed a path that allowed me to better known my soul and to reach a higher level of self confidence. 

4.On the split you had also done a Type O Negative cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of the song?
Cadaveria: Type O Negative and Bloody Kisses album in particular were a constant sound track of my adolescence. They are probably the main responsible of the Gothic halo now evoked by CADAVERIA music and also my band mate are great fans of TON. Among the songs they released, Christian Woman is quite far from CADAVERIA musical approach… and probably this is the main reason why we chose it. It was a challenge to perform a song written by a man for a man, I mean it is not in my chords! But I cannot resist to the temptation to sing “Jesus Christ looks like me”. It’s so sacrilegious and erotic!

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Over the last four years we had great tour seasons: in Mexico, where we did two headline tours, or supporting Cradle of Filth last year. I also enjoyed a lot Autumn Moon festival in Germany and French Rock Metal Camp as well as Metal Female Voices Fest in Belgium. The show in Russia was very good too, we didn’t imagine to have so many fans over there! Recently we played at an important festival in Italy with Insomnium, Demolition Hammer, Dark Tranquillity and Sodom where we did a one night only special show with Necrodeath, inspired to Mondoscuro. This is probably the best show I did in my life. We finally had the opportunity to enrich our music with the proper scenic designs and the result was really great! Our live performances are built in the name of true heavy metal music and can be described as a ceremony of passion, energy and theatricality.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Cadaveria: We will start a new live season in Spring 2017. In the meanwhile we will approach to new compositions for out 6th full length album and we will re-release our second album Far Away From Conformity.

7.Recently you where a part of a split with 'Necrodeath', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?
Cadaveria: Well Necrodeath are our “cousins”, we share two band members with them: our Drummer Marçelo Santos is better known as Necrodeath singer  Flegias and recently GL, Necrodeath bassist, entered CADAVERIA band using nick name Peter Dayton. Necrodeath and CADAVERIA have always walk along parallel paths without meeting each other. Last year we finally had the opportunity to create something together, signing an artistic blood pact that gave life to a new evil creature named Mondoscuro. This EP is a birth and a death at the same time, it is a unique chapter in the bands’ careers that will never be repeated in the future. Mondoscuro is destined to become a rarity and a must have for fans of both the bands. I’m very satisfied of this release and of this cooperation.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and goth metal?
Cadaveria: Considering we are a do it yourself band, we are totally free in our choices, we never paid to play and we don’t follow any trend, I can say we reached great goals along these fifteen years. We are appreciated and respected and this is a very good thing. Above all we like the idea to continue to create the music we like without boundaries and we know our fans will support us in every step we will do.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Cadaveria: We will take our time to properly develop our ideas for the sixth album, that will probably see the light in the beginning of 2018. It will be THE album, our best release, something to be proud of for the rest of our days. This is how we see us in the future.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Cadaveria: The band members have a different musical background that goes from thresh metal to doom metal, passing through black, death and gothic. We do not have any particular reference, our music is just the product of our growth as musicians and human beings. Mercyful Fate, My Dying Bride and Norwegian black metal have been my first love. Nowadays I also listen to some stoner metal and progressive metal. My favorite band are and will always be Tool.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Cadaveria: I am a video maker and I’m interested in making videos, watching movies and in visiting contemporary art exhibitions. I also like to travel around the globe. I became vegetarian about one year ago and now I like to discover new vegetarian and vegan food.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Cadaveria: I just would like to thank you for this space dedicated to my band and to give my greetings to all the readers. You can reach us out at cadaveria.com If you like you can follow me on Instagram @cadaveriaofficial
Thanks.

Heather Wasteland Interview

Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are busy with promotion of our debut EP to be self-released as the 6-panel digipack mCD (hand-numbered and limited to 100 copies) on December 21, 2016. We’ve just got the CD’s from the factory, so our EP is already available for preordering. At the moment (November 2016), the majority of instrumental parts for our forthcoming full-length album are already recorded and we are busy with mixing process, and composing new material to be played with new band mates.

How would you describe the musical sound of your debut EP?
Well, our sound would be described as guitarless three-bass supremacy incarnated in Heretical Folk Art by Cimmerian metalheads! No guitars and keyboards. Just a drum kit, a 4-string bass, a 5-string bass, and a 6-string bass with some synth wizardry. All parts of string, wind and keyboard instruments are played using a 6-string bass with a Roland GK-3B midi pick-up via a Roland GR-55 guitar synth.
The EP was mixed by Andrey Ignatenkov, a sound engineer with high level of the concert experience owing to his concert work in the Crimea with such diverse performers as Joe Lynn Turner, Goran Bregović, or pop-stars like BACCARA or SECRET SERVICE, and many more. “Under The Red Wolfish Moon” was mastered by Iurii Kuz’kin, who is well known to the fans of Slavonic Pagan metal due to his work with CHUR, OPRICH and “Triunity” project.

The music uses 3 bass players instead of any traditional guitars, can you tell us a little bit more about this concept?
We are not “guitar haters”, but, from the very beginning in 2001, HEATHER WASTELAND gave a special role to the bass guitar with an intended refuse to use guitars, because two bassists formed the band’s original line-up, and added a third bassist after the reunion in 2014. At certain stages of the musical formation, in spite of their various musical preferences, the heretics of HEATHER WASTELAND came in touch with the technical death metal classics, as well as with progressive metal and even jazz. Therefore, it found a reflection in some heretical views on the idea of experimental “Cimmerian folk metal”. Due to this precise “heretical” reason, the group describes their style as "Heretical Folk Art”.

All of the songs on the recording are instrumental, are you open to working with vocals in the future?
Yes, we’ve already started our cooperation both with some legendary and rather underground vocalists from several countries. I won’t list any names till the moment they finish their part of our joint recording process. I’d rather prefer presenting our modest results, instead of chattering about our great plans. I just can tell you that some musicians have iconic status in Pagan/folk Metal, and we highly appreciate their guest appearance! At the same time, we are going to present our vocal abilities as well as try some local vocalists.

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Heather Wasteland'?
Now, in 2016, I’m not sure, but probably in 2000 – 2001 the band’s name, in some ways, was inspired by a Galloway legend described by Robert L. Stevenson in his poem "Heather Ale". Since our childhood, all members of HEATHER WASTELAND have been remembering this poem and an old cartoon based on this poem. In 2001 we used the band’s name in Russian (pronounced as “Vereskovaya Poustosh”). It definitely comes from some associations with European folklore in general, as well as with visualization of heather wastelands – for example, desolate battlefields with ruined castles, scattered bones, rusty arms and armours, and heather growing everywhere – as a symbol of new life and resistance in a broad context. At the same time, you can find desolate places with heather growing in our mountains as well!

- What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
- When we were younger, we were more violent onstage. In 2001 our debut 12-minute performance created a furor owing to the music itself and the unrestrained energy at the stage that moved the bored crowd. The group became a discovery of the festival, and a concert photo of yours truly (raging onstage bare-chested) was published in a very conservative newspaper. So, the group remained memorable long after the show. I hope that in the nearest future, with our new band members, we’ll be able to make more theatre-like shows with onstage dress and make-up.

Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
It would be great to do. That’s why we are looking for the bass maniacs to be our new band mates with eagerness and possibility for touring abroad or at least going to play several gigs in neighboring cities.

- On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of folk metal?
No negative feedback at all, especially if we are talking about our audience among fans of gothic, neofolk, art rock, neoclassic, occult rock, experimental music and even black metal. Of course, many fans of grindcore, thrash & death metal will find our stuff too soft or boring, but some of them are our old fans since 2001. The majority of critical comments were connected with the absence of vocal parts and lack of heavy guitar sound. Many metalheads changed their opinion listening to our cover on PESTILENCE’s song “Personal Energy” featuring Andrey “Ind” Merzlyakov (GRENOUER, TARTHARIA): https://heatherwasteland.bandcamp.com/track/personal-energy-pestilence-cover

Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Even if we add some real folk instruments, in any way we are going to use the drums and three bass guitars – in order to stay the founders and adherents of three-bass supremacy incarnated in Heretical Folk Art created by Cimmerian metalheads!

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?
We had some changes in our line-up, but I find it correct to tell you about those members who took part in recording of the stuff we are promoting now. The original members are: Alexander Vetrogon (6-string bass), he is a fan of folk metal/rock, progressive metal and fusion/jazz; Anatoliy Polovnikov (drums), a fan of old school thrash metal and techno death metal; and truly yours Sergey Pavlov (4-string bass), a fan of Pagan/folk, black metal, darkwave, ritual, occult rock and techno death metal. The fourth member is Andrey Anikushin (5-string bass); he is a metalhead with really wide interests – from Arthur Brown to gore grindcore bands.
As for my personal influences which inspired me to compose the tracks of our debut EP, I must name EVOL, CRUACHAN, early IN THE WOODS, BATHORY (of Viking period), BURZUM (of ambient period), and maybe old SKYCLAD. The band concept was definitely influenced by ANCIENT RITES.
The band was broken up for a few years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
- As far as I remember, a lack of time in general and the main band of our drummer and other bassist were the main reasons for the split-up, although I was a manager of their band. Another serious reason was a kind of fear of… solfeggio (Rudiments of Music) which struck me, when my ex-wife tried to give me solfeggio lessons. Just as I attempted to realize my own music from a point of the musical theory, it resulted in a way of “the centipede effect” from a well-known anecdote. Trying to analyze my own music, I ceased the way of feeling it without analysis. I understand that this is absolute nonsense for the majority of “normal” musicians, but it became my reality to be dragged on almost for 15 years. Fortunately, in January 2014, I was involved in the organization of the Ukrainian mini-tour of Newton Schner Jr., a piano player (LEBENSESSENZ, Brazil), also known due to his participation with some black metal bands (DROWNING THE LIGHT, EVIL, KYLA etc.). Midnight conversations about the music and life convinced me that I met a spiritual brother who was able to estimate my music, and understand my problems with "solfeggio phobia" in the best way possible, and I decided to reform some of my old projects. Almost immediately after LEBENSESSENZ’s tour, I came across an old acquaintance – our original drummer of HEATHER WASTELAND, who told me about his desire to gather the original line-up of HEATHER WASTELAND, and our reunion became possible.

What are some of your non musical interests?
- Besides playing music, I would name music journalism, dream interpretation, alternative history, obscure or “forbidden” topics of Pagan and medieval periods of European history (mainly in the esoteric context), linguistics, psychology and PR-technologies.

- Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Pre-Christian European History, Philosophy, Esoterics and art?
- Without getting involved in the maze of a certain ceremonial or practical context of Paganism, I will tell you that my dreams play an important role – I mean prophetic ones, and symbolical dreams with images whose meaning becomes clear later. Taking into account the subsequent recognition of their personal meaning, it is possible to see interrelation between the World of Nav’ and the visual reality (Yav’), as well as interrelation of events which do not seem connected with each other.
I don’t treat Paganism as “an organized institution of religion”, I do not belong to any official movements or societies, except for a small group of my Pagan sworn brothers, who treat Paganism as their way of life, as a serious philosophy and knowledge. It is the Way to know, not just to believe as a blind man. As for me, Paganism is a symbol of harmony between the Man and the Nature, an equivalent of honoring the traditions of ancestors, and living under the laws of conscience. Moreover, it’s a symbol of internal freedom with the main law: do unto others as you would have them do unto you, BUT DO IT FIRST – before someone’s deeds impact you!
Talking about Occultism, I’d rather prefer using such definition as "Slavonic and Nordic Pagan Esoterics" in order to make a distinction between different "schools" and avoid unnecessary associations with those systems which are alien to me. As you understand, it’s not my “cup of tea” if we are talking about drawing some Cabbalistic signs, banging the voodoo drums, or ganja smoking to get “augmented cognition”. At the same time, Esoterics should remain something “clannish” to be clear for “the clan” only.
I’m a fond of Pre-Christian and medieval history, and if we take a look at it through the lens of the little-known historical facts concerning my native Cimmeria-Taurida, we’ll find a lot of interesting things concerning archaeological, linguistic and cultural heritage of Celts, Normans, Greeks, Slavs, Goths, Genoeses on the shores of the Black Sea. Ley lines, Opuk’s runic stone, the ruins of the Genoa fortresses, the Crimean Gothia’s Celtic place names and some little-known artifacts, which are associated with taboo subjects of history.

Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I’d like to thank Occult Black Metal Magazine for this interview, as well as your readers and our fans for their interest. We appreciate your attention and always try to reply all “mentally competent” messages of our fans and interesting persons. Follow us on:
https://heatherwasteland.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/heather.wasteland/
https://www.instagram.com/heather.wasteland/
I’d like to express HEATHER WASTELAND’s gratitude to all our heretical supporters – you know who you are!
Don’t advocate a view, but common sense: the figure of nine may look like the figure of six, especially from the opposite point of view, but zero is always zero. Look for your own Path and don’t betray the dreams of your life. Be blessed! \m/

Temple Of Demigod/The Great Old Ones/Black Lion Records/2016 CD Review

  Temple  Of  Demigod  are  a  solo  project  from  Armenia  that plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2016  album  "The  Great  Old  Ones"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Black  Lion  Records.

  Tragic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album which  also  get  very  symphonic  after  awhile  and  after  the  intro  the  music  gets  more  heavy  and  melodic  while  also  keeping  around  the  symphonic elements  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  death  metal  growls  also make their  presence  known  on  the  recording.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  stick  to  a  very  melodic  style  and  violins  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  some  of  the fast riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking.

  Temple  Of  Demigod  plays a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic  and  also  mixes  in  elements  of  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  evil,  darkness  and  Lovecraft  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Temple  Of  Demigod  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ominous  King"  "Mountains  Of  Chaos"  and  "The  Great  Old  ones".  8  out  of  10.

http://templeofdemigodus.bandcamp.com/album/the-great-old-ones

   

Heather Wasteland/Under The Red Wolfish Moon/2016 EP Review

  Heather  Wasteland  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  heretical  form  of pagan/folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  ep  "Under  The  Red  Wolfish  Moon"

  Folk  instruments  along  with  a  medieval  atmosphere  starts  off  the  ep  and  after awhile bass  guitars  make  their  presence  known  on  the  regular  and  they  replace  traditional guitars  as  a  lead  instrument  and  the  music  also  incorporates  a  lot  of  neo-folk  elements  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  modern  day  feeling.

  The  songs  incorporate  the  use  of   4  5  and  6  string  bassists  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  while  all  of  the  songs  are  instrumental  and  they  also  bring  in  the heaviness  of  extreme  metal  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the tracks.

  Heather  Wastleland  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  neo  folk  music  and  mixes  it  with  pagan  metal  while  keeping  everything  instrumental  to  create  a  musical  style  of  their  own  and  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Heather  Wasteland  are  a  very  great  sounding  heretical  folk  metal  band  and  if    you are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Under  the  Red  Wolfish  Moon"  and  "Wicker Man".  9  out  of  10.  

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