The Promise Of Plague Interview

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

I was previously in an industrial metal band called Empyrean Asunder. I wrote a few songs for a new release that contained a lot more black metal influence than previous material and everyone hated it. So I disbanded Empyrean Asunder and recruited new members for the more black metal inspired industrial metal style. Like Empyrean Asunder, The Promise of Plague is basically a conglomeration of every musical style that I enjoy listening to. It contains elements of black metal, industrial, goth, synth and punk.


2. You have a new album coming out in March,musically how does it differ from the recording you had released in 2016?

It sounds like a completely different band. I wasn’t fully aware of exactly how different it was until I listened to both albums side by side. There really is little comparison between the two, there’s something more emotive for sure, it’s a bit darker, maybe a little more rock added here and there. I’m not sure why it sounds so different really but from beginning to end you can only hear trace elements of the previous recording.


3.The band members have been a part of a good number of bands, what is it that you bring into the music of the band that you are not able to do with your other bands or projects?

Jim was in Abominant, Astrum, Gaebalein, Assisting Sorrow, Cataclysm and Coronach to name a few. Chris was previously with Empyrean Asunder and Psychopathy, I was with Empyrean Asunder, Fatal Step, Assisting Sorrow, Coronach, Absence of Faith, Märcoda, and Alice In The Aftermath to name a few. This is Ashley’s first recorded band.

There are no formulas to The Promise of Plague. Anything goes. With other bands there is a sound that defines the band, a tone, a way of playing, we don’t have that. Any riff that you feel, any sound that you hear, it belongs in our music.


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

I guess on the surface they cover the very typical topics you’d expect. Loss, Regret, Emptiness, Despair but on a deeper level it’s a personal reflection of how I deal with those feelings. The self hatred, confusion and doubt that you experience in life and love. Many topics deal with my attempt at understanding how you can become a stranger to yourself, or how in the blink of an eye your loved ones can so quickly become that stranger. The lyrics are a delphic mass of confusion and anger and at times I’m not so sure if I’m pointing the finger at others, or at myself.


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Promise Of Plague'?

We sail on the breeze of disease

if you had eyes even the dead could see

our hearts beat so swiftly

but we are not forever


It is derived from a section of lyrics that I wrote as the first The Promise Of Plague song. The following line was to be “This is my promise, a promise of plague” but it was cut from the final lyrics because it didn't really fit musically.


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

The album is titled “The Tomb Of Lost Lovers” essentially the death and remembrance of love. Not necessarily romantic love as the lyrics deal not only with romantic love, but also with the love of self, the love of ideas and the love of life, and the destruction and the loss of that love. The imagery is basically a representation of that idea. Plus I really loved the Pungent Stench “Been Caught Buttering” album cover and wanted to rip that off.


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

We’re a studio band but we did play a show last year as novelty. It was a local festival. We didn’t fit the bill at all but I think it went over well enough. Probably won’t play any other shows. Our other bands have played some pretty interesting shows, but this band will stay a studio project for the foreseeable future.


8. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released ?

Not at all. I believe Jim and Ashley have a new band and they are gearing up for the studio with some possible live shows, I have 2 other projects in the works, Märcoda (electro industrial) and I may revive Empyrean Asunder (industrial metal). I might do a few shows here and there with those projects.


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

I’m not so interested. If a label wanted to sign us and had zero expectation of me doing anything other than just writing an album here and there I’d consider it but I’m not going to dedicate myself to it, I won’t tour or play shows often.


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

I didn’t think it would go over well at all, the first release was raw black metal mixed with a good amount of punk, industrial and electro but the metal crowd seemed to enjoy it enough. Hopefully we get the same reception with this new material.


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

Jim is working on a power metal band and has another project that is a good mix of prog rock, metal, and post-black metal called A Locust Tide. Both bands are currently in the writing / recording stage.

Ashley is a member of a variety burlesque dance and entertainment troupe Va Va Vixens, and performs with them. I’m working on the aforementioned Märcoda (electro industrial) and Empyrean Asunder (industrial metal).  Märcoda was just included in an Alfa Matrix compilation and I have 4 songs that are nearly finished for a new release and I’m kinda getting ideas together for a new Empyrean Asunder release.


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

Don’t know really. I love Disembowelment (Australia) and I’ve always wanted to incorporate more of that style of doom into my music but it’s never really materialized while writing. I’d imagine the next release will be completely different than the previous two.


13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I was inspired by 00’s electro/synthpop, 90’s black metal, 80’s industrial and 70’s punk. Lately I’ve been listening to Anathema, Royksopp, Peter Heppner, Cocksparrer, and Scandroid.

Jim was inspired by 80’s metal, early 90’s death metal and 90’s black metal and prog metal.

Chris is inspired by 80’s-90’s metal, Megadeth, Misfits and anything Glenn Danzig.

Ashley listens to a lot of Black Sabbath, Moody Blues, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos, Clannad, Coven, Venom, and Satyricon to name a few.


14.What are some of your non musical interests?

I’m a microbiologist and a dad so if I’m not looking at diseases I’m watching cartoons. I hike and kayak a lot as well. Jim is an amateur archeologist, an outdoorsman and a bodybuilder. Chris makes bourbon and knives (Not Nice Knives) and spends his free time with his family. Ashley researches unusual/esoteric subjects, experiments with art and makeup, and goes rock hunting for minerals, crystals and fossils.


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

 All of my music is available online for free. So go to bandcamp, youtube or google the titles and download some free music.

https://www.facebook.com/thepromiseofplague/

Tides Of Sulfur/Paralysis Of Reason/Sludelord Records/APF Records/2019 EP Review

  Tides  Of  Sulfur  are  a  band  from  South  Wales  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  ep  "Paralysis  Of  Reason"  which  will  be  released  in  March  as  a  joint  effort  between  Sludgelord  and APF  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  aggressive  grindcore  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  blast  beats.  The  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  d  beat  and  crust  punk  as  well  as  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also  adds  in a  brief  use  of  movie  samples.  At  times  the  screams  also  add  in  some  black  metal  elements  as  well  as  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  used  at  times.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  All  of  the  tracks  sound  very  different  from  each  other  but  also  keeping  everything  in  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tides  Of  Sulfur  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  metal  and  grindcore,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Humorless  Cunt"  and  "Paralysis  Of  Reason".  8  out  of  10. 

https://thesludgelord.bandcamp.com/album/paralysis-of-reason.   

Secretpath 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 ep?
We recorded these tracks during summer 2018, to release this EP in 2019, since then everyone of us has been busy with other music projects and bands. We like to explore many different aspects of music and just one band is not enough!

2.Recently you have released a new ep, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
This one is more straight-forward than the other works we released before, the idea was to keep a "less thinking and more doing" approach! The previous composition process was too slow and didn't leave us time to follow the other projects.

3.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you had covered on the new release?
Our concepts are never too strict: there isn't a precise story that goes from the first song to the last. Even this time we're talking about a journey, there's an intro and then "Crystal Ice" that talks about the voyage of a crew that fights against the weather; when the ship finally reaches the destination, there's only the shipmaster, and a crewman, left. This is about everything and everyone you lose while in your journey, it's a song about loss; the marvelous view of the aurora borealis and the polar lands was the destination, can it compensate the loss? Was it worth it? Then there's "Dominatio Tempestatis", talking about a tiny cloud that grows becoming a dreadful storm. "Raptus" is a song talking about being driven by insanity: in the other songs it's nature that carries the man, while in this one the mind has the same role; this gives another key to decipher the concept. "Storm of Revenge" takes us again inside a ship, where the crew is facing a storm: the ship's being torn to pieces by the elements and a crewman who's about to fall pledges not to challenge the sea again. The entire concept is about how's difficult to oppose to the nature (the elements), to our nature (our mind); are we choosing our path or are we driven by a current?

4.So far most of the releases have been ep's or demo's with the only full length being released in 2013, can you tell us a little bit more about going this route?
So many things to do, so little time!

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Secretpath'?
This last concept I've described before is a perfect example: when you think about the story and feelings we present in the songs, you can make your own idea about the secret path that stands before us. Everyone is following, or is driven by, his own path; sometimes it is a road we can easily see, other times it is a hidden path, more often it is a secret path and we can't know where it will take us.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
This artwork was made by Lisa Bilotti, former (and first) bassist of the band; it depicts our Wanderer that faces the ocean waves, following his (or her) path towards... the unknown!

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I remember a nice show in Foggia in 2014, it was something I could never forget. We were cool about it and everything went smoothly, by the time we finished we suddenly realized the show was over! We were dressed poorly: I were weirdly formal (necktie included), the other ones on gym clothes or flannel shirts, and I can still remember the laughs and the looks of the crowd. When the music started we delivered our mix of brutality and melody while smiling and joking.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2019?
Not that I know! We even miss a bassist, in fact the bass was recorded by Pierluigi Ammirata, our guitarist.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of melodic black and death metal?
We know we're an unusual band: our music doesn't fit exactly a genre, we like to keep ourselves open minded and this makes our music difficult to be labeled as one genre or another. The result is that we can have fans from every genre, but we can also disappoint fans from every genre of music! If there's something that often raises some interest is my way of singing, using many different vocal techniques; some love it, some hate it.

10.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
That is another secret path I'm afraid!

11.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?
Well I try to listen to everything I can get my ears on! Seriously: radio music, folk music (from every corner of the world), classical music, rock and metal, musicals too... everything (even the things I don't like!), just to keep myself open-minded and to find inspiration everywhere. My choices are almost always random and I try to keep them weird if possible, better if mixed with extreme Metal: Laurent Lunoir and Laure Le Prunenec (from Igorrr and many other bands) are among my favorites!

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Well I'm a bit of a nerd: so videogames and Dungeons & Dragons, reading fantasy and historical novels... these kind of interests along with beer drinking and eating/farming hot peppers!

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I wish to thank you and the poor souls who read this all, I assure you: the music won't be so boring!

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Ahl Sina Interview

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

Sure, We are AHL SINA Band from Egypt, Germany and USA, the band was originally  formed in Egypt in 2009 founded by our Singer “Moustafa Troll” We want to sound completely different! Making music that doesn’t sound like other bands! Our lyrical message is about human conflicts and peace!


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

AHL SINA is an Oriental Extreme Metal inspired mainly by the old legacy of the Egyptian folklore music mixed with old school Metal. In this record We went through many different styles, you will find the music flow change from one riff to another, from classic rock to the extreme melodic Death & Black metal.


3. The band has been around since 2009 but you waited until 2019 to release the first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

Actually, the beginning was earlier than 2009, it was Me, Shung & Ronnie alone in a band called (BEYOND EAST). In 2005 we recorded our first EP then I left the band for some health issues! In 2009 I returned to Cairo from Sinai and met with Shung, I told him about the idea of AHL SINA & the debut album concept of 'Troops of Pain', we wrote together “as usual” few new songs then we formed a complete line up of 9 members, performed in some festival in Cairo for three times till 2014, the lineup changed a lot during that time, and I felt it wouldn’t be the right step to record the album back then. In 2015 I moved to Germany and it took around two years to find the right members. I found our drummer Shaadie from USA, Stefanie (Violin) & Marcel (Bass guitar) from Germany and of course we all consider them a great gift to AHL SINA, then our professional & talented Producer ‘Joey Jones’ so it was just the right time to record this album.

4. The lyrics on the recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you cover with your songwriting?

The album has a flow of events in the sequence of the songs. From the track 1 to track 8, the story unfolds of creation, humanity and what we have become. The main focus is on racism and bigotry, which we criticize in our album, and the story of false preachers in various religious institutions.

Track 1, "The Gift", is about the creation of the Earth, how untouched & virgin it was and how harmonious everything was.

Track 2, "Vowed", describes how evil swept through the Earth & how it poisoned generation after generation.

Tracks 3, 4 & 5: As you can see on the album cover artwork, three false preachers are represented watching the Earth burning because of their corrupt preaching, who abused peaceful messages and turned them into hate, separation, war, racism and bigotry.

Track 6, "Beyond the East", describes how the Eastern civilization was thriving and offered humanity enlightenment, science and justice.

Track 7, "No Boundaries - The Fall of Utopia": AHL SINA is destroying racism and bigotry.

Track 8, "Troops of Pain": This is the peaceful message that AHL SINA is aspiring to and hoping for. Troops of pain are those who suffered and died as a result of such hypocrisy, those who bared the consequence of such sinister, conniving and ongoing conspiracy. Our message is a message of peace that sheds light on this perpetual global topic that existed since the beginning of time, passing from one era to the next for centuries till the end of time. Our message is directed against those false preachers from different faiths, who stained what was supposed to be pure, that turned man against his brother till destruction prevailed!

Track 9, "Regret": An instrumental song/outro for which we used a fusion of two different instruments, one from the West and one from the East, hoping that music can unite us all and that’s why we chose this title.


5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'AHL SINA'?

AHL SINA simply means people of Sinai, but I had a specific reason for choosing this name. Sinai is a very peaceful place for all human beings, cultures and races. People can live there together in peace, no matter where they come from or what they believe.


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

The three represented false preachers from the three monotheistic religions! Those who abused any peaceful messages and turned it into hate, separation, war, racism & bigotry! Watching the earth burning is enough proof to their corrupt preaching!


7. All of the band members live in different parts of the world, can you tell us how this works out in the recording process?

The foundation of the line-up was not easy, that’s why we had several changes between 2009 back home in Egypt, when the band started, and 2014, except for the four rooted members! Me, my music mate Shung, the guitarist and the music composer of this album, and the oriental section Ahmed Eskandarny on nay flutes and Amr Zanaty on percussion. After I moved to Germany I was lucky enough to find Shaadie Khoury our drummer. Shaadie is a very well known drummer in the Egyptian scene. He moved to America back in '97
I then found Stefanie Pfaffenzeller from the Frankfurt Radio Symphony to be our violinist. I heard her in a chamber music concert as a soloist and she truly amazed me. I offered her to meet and listen to our album guide. Marcel Hauptmann on bass guitar, I play with Marcel in Thrash Metal Band called WAR AGENDA.

It was a big risk to work on an album between three different continents, ONLINE, and the members would NOT meet! I thought for many nights that it would never work, but I was wrong. It worked better than we ever imagined! I organized everything from Germany. The recording started in Cairo - Egypt, all guitars, nay flutes, percussion and keyboards. Then the studio in Cairo transferred all the recorded materials (stems) to me. Then we recorded the violin and bass guitar here in Germany. I added the violin and bass lines (stems) to the others and transferred them to the USA for the drum recording. Then everything was transferred back to me in Germany to finish the recording process with my vocals. That means: Every musician in the band added his own lines that suit the guide of our album.


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

Yes we received some deals from some labels but we are waiting for the right one!


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

It’s surprising somehow! We started having fans from the Classic scene as well since they considered the album as a Rock/Metal Opera! So far it’s really good and we are very happy about the feedback! However we still consider ourselves as an underground/new band and we need sometimes to get recognized by the metal scene worldwide.



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

Me & Marcel are working together in the new WAR AGENDA Album, Shaadie is doing some new music for  his band ULTRAMUNDANE, Stefanie is in her normal routine as a classic musician in the symphony orchestra, Ahmed is working with Egyptian well-known singers & Amr is doing many workshops and live concerts in the Latin/Jazz scene.

Most importantly, we all started writing the second AHL SINA Album.


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

You never know what the future brings but we are very motivated and hopefully we will some good chances to perform our music in some summer festivals in Europe.


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?

AHL SINA's music as I mentioned before has a lot of inspirations to the legacy of the old Egyptian folklore music, when it comes to metal inspirations, we are old school Warriors!

13. What are some of your non musical interests?

 Hiking. Reading, Meditation & walking in forests!


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

Thank you for interviewing us!

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The Promise Of Plague/The Tomb Of Lost Lovers/2019 Full Length Review

  The  Promise  Of  Plague  are  a  band  from  Louisville,  Kentucky  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self released  2019  album  "The  Tomb  of  Lost  Lovers"which  will  be  released  in  March.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  programmed  beats  while t he  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.  When  the music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  some  keyboards  also  being  used  at times.

  Clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  decent  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  industrial  elements  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  decent  amount  of  punk  elements. As  the  album  progresses  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Venom's  "Warhead"which  also  introduces  melodic  guitar  leads  onto  the  recording  and  a  later  tracks  brings  in  female  vocals and  spoken  word  samples.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Promise  Of  Plague  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial  and  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Quiet"  "Warhead"  and  "Tomb  Of  Lost  Lovers".  8  out  of  10.

thepromiseofplague.bandcamp.com 

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Secretpath/Dominatio Tempestasis/Masked Dead Records/2019 EP Review

  Secretpath  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  ep  "Dominatio  Tempestasis"  which  was  released  by  Masked  Dead  Records.

  A  very  epic  synth  orientated  into  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  symphonic  elements  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  adding  in  some  elements  of  neo-classical  and  all  of  the  instruments  sound  very  powerful.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Water  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  acoustic  guitars  and  throat  singing.  At  times  the  clean  vocals  also  get  very  operatic  sounding  and  some  of  the  sections  of  the  music  also  adds  in  death  metal  growls, progressive  and  groove  metal  influences.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  a  seaman  fighting  against  the  ocean.

  In  my  opinion  Secretpath  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Crystal  Ice"  and  "Storm  of  Revenge".  8  out  of  10.

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Kaamos Warriors/Ikuisen Talven Sarastus/Inverse Records/2019 CD Review

  Kaamos  Warriors  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  dark,  melodic,  symphonic  and  melancholic  form  of  black  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "Ikuisen  Talven Sarastus"  which  will  be  released  on  February  15th  by  Inverse  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  are  also  mostly  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  symphonic  elements  are  also added  into some  parts  of  the  recording.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  classical  guitars  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  You  can  also  hear  a  more  modern  style  of  melody  also  being  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  most  of  the  tracks  sound  very  different  from  each  other.

  When  growls  are utilized  they  bring  elements  of  death  metal  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Some  of  the  guitar  riffing  also  brings  in  elements  of  Nordic  style  black'n'roll  which  also  gives  the  music  a  lot  more  diversity.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  Finnish  and  cover  dark,  melancholic,  winter  and  coldness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kaamos  Warriors  are  a  very  great  sounding  melancholic  and  melodic  dark  metal  band  and  if  you  are  looking  for  something  that  is  very  different,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kaamos  Warriors"  "Immortals"  and  "Secrets  Of  the  Stars".  8  out  of  10.

 https://www.facebook.com/Kaamos-Warriors-224268018275265

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Kaarnekorpi/Rajankaviga/2018 CD Review

  Kaarnekorpi  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  viking  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "Rajankaviga".

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all of the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  giving  the  songs  more  of  an  old  school  metal  style  and  the  vocals  also  bring  in  black  metal  screams.

  Female  vocals can  also be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  music  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.The  guitar  riffing  also  adds in  a  good  amount  of  melody  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Keyboards  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  also  mixes  in  a  great  amount  of  folk  metal  elements.

   Some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  influences  from  the  90's  Finnish  metal  era  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  folk  instruments  can  also  be  heard,  death  metal  growls  can  also be  heard  at  times.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  war,  battles  and  glorious  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kaarnekorpi  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  "Valtakunta"  "Verkonlakija"  and  "Kaamoksen  lapsi".  8  out  of  10.       

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

Primitive Man/Hell/Translation Loss Records/2019 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Denver,  Colorado's  Primitive  Man  and  Portland,  Oregon's  Hell  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Translation  Loss  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Primitive  Man  who  return  with  their  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  with  some  distorted  amp  noises  before  adding  in  some  heavy  sludge  and  doom  metal  riffing.  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  some  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Both  of  their  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  while  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up  as  well  as  the  music  always  sticking  to  a  very  dark  and  heavy  direction,  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  hatred  and  misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Primitive  Man  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  and  sludge  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Oily  Tears".

  Next  up  is  hell  a  band  that  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  drone,  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  distorted  amp  sounds  before  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.  Their  track  is  also  9  minutes  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal a re  added  in  the  slow  and  heavy  riffing.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  a  small  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  track  always  sticking  to  a  very  dark  and  heavy  musical  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misery,  darkness,  pain  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hell  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  drone,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2019/02/20/full-split-stream-primitive-man-hell/

  

Ahl Sina/Troops Of Pain/2019 CD Review

  Ahl  Sina  are  an  international  band  with  members  from  Egypt,  Germany  and  The  united  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  Middle  Eastern  folk  music,  Progressive  and  extreme  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Troops  Of  Pain".

  Ethnic  style  chanting  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  middle  eastern  folk  instruments  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Clean  vocals  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  the  music  also  getting  very  progressive  sounding  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording.

  Spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  percussion  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  as  well  as  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  tracks.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  the  songs  also  getting  more  diverse  as  the  album  progresses  along  with  the  music  incorporating  more  stringed  instruments.  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  that  revolves  around  the  history  of  humanity's  conflicts.

  In  my  opinion  Ahl  Sina  are a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  oriental,  middle  eastern  fol  music,  progressive  and  extreme  metal  and  if  you  are  looking  for  something  very  original,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Gift"  "Miracle  To  Demise"  and  "Troops  of  Pain".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.facebook.com/Ahlsinaband/

https://www.youtube.com/c/ahlsina

https://ahlsina.bigcartel.com/



    

Damnation Army Interview

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

Everything happened rather quickly from idea to finished product. I didn’t think I would do any more Damnation Army albums, ever. However a seed was planted and then I just decided I wasn't finished with this project. I wrote, recorded and produced the album in 4 days.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I think it is a bit of a mishmash of all my previous releases without really sounding like any of them. Faster and more rough without losing the sinister melodic parts.

3.This is your first release in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

A lot of things in life got in the way and I lost interest for a while in producing music and even listening to it. Luckily that decline turned and I’m probably more eager than ever creating music. I started another project called Isgärde in 2016 and have released a couple of albums. Also a Dungeon Synth project called Vetraheimr. Both can be found on bandcamp and have Facebook pages for the ones interested in checking that out.

4.You have also covered a good amount of satanic and occult topics with your music, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

While that is only a limited version of my overall view it got my interested at a very young age. I was very much into exploring anything in a spiritual sense and still am. It is a big part of my life. Spiritual exploration.

5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

It is a bit hard to narrow down without writing a whole essay on the matter. I like to let the listener decide what they think and make up their own idea what it is about. I am not a big fan of explaining neither music or lyrics as I leave that for the pretentious musicians to do.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Damnation Army'?

Quite frankly it was a name a friend of mine blurred out just before I got started with the project. It didn't leave my mind so I decided that it was a fitting name for what I was doing and went with it.

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

Yes the artwork was made by Tim Nordstedt Design. It is a friend of mine and you can check out his work on his Facebook page. He also did the new logo for Damnation Army and is currently working on the rest of the art for a physical release. As we work closely on my other project Isgärde as well it was no question about it that he would do the artwork for this as well. He presented me with the art and I thought it was great for the album.

8.With this project your record everything by yourself but have experience playing in full line up's, is this project more personal to you?

I record all my projects myself. I have no interest in being in a band situation. For many musicians it is to be in a band that makes you want to create music, for me it is the opposite. Throughout the years I have been asked to be a part of live line ups, recording instruments for bands and joining existing bands. I have turned down every offer.

9.Currently you are unsigned but have worked with a label before in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?

Yes I am. The only reason I went independent with this release was to be able to publish it when I felt like it. If any label is interested they are welcome to contact me.

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

As it has not been out for so long I don’t really know. Reviews so far has been good and I have seen many downloads on pirate sites. That is not really a great way to show support.

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

I just keep doing what I am doing. There are no grandiose plans or silly mental projections. I will be doing lots of music though, that is for sure!

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on the music of 'Damnation Army'?

It all comes from what I grew up with. 90’s Scandinavian black metal and some other genres at the time as well. I don't keep up with what is current. Many reviews indicate that I have many Dissection vibes and they are very true in stating that.

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

Feel free to check out the new album and my other projects mentioned as well. Thanks for the interview.

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Misshapen/Transcendence/2019 EP Review

    Misshapen  are  a  band  from  Ottawa,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  melodic,  symphonic  and  technical  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  self  released  2019  ep  "Transcendence".

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  and  symphonic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  also  having  its  technical  moments  throughout  the  recording.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  clean  vocals  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  One  of  the  tracks  also  shows  the  symphonic  elements  also  capturing  a  very  epic  and  sci  fi  orientated  atmosphere  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  and  as  the  ep  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes  along  with  one  track  also  being  inspired  by  Castlevania.

  In  my  opinion  Misshapen  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic,  technical  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Swarm"  and  "Transcendence".  8  out  of  10. 

https://youtu.be/Tavm2kWC2AE

https://youtu.be/ufg9clBOadI 

https://misshapen.bandcamp.com/

Siberian/Live At Studio Underjord/The Sign Records/2019 EP Review

  Siberian  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  and  progressive  mixture  of  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  ep  "Live  At  Studio  Underjord"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  the  Sign  Records.

  Avant  garde  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  being  added  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  sludge  style  screams.

  A  great  amount  of  post  metal  elements  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording.  At  times  the  music  gets  very  progressive  along  with  some  influences  from  the  more  atmospheric  side  of  black  metal  and  the  slow  riffs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal.

  All  of  the  songs  are  recorded  live  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  clean  guitars  onto  the  recording.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  which  also  enhances  the  more  black  metal  side  of  the  bands  musical  style.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics cover  an  Orwellian  view  on  modern  society.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Siberian  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive,  post,  black  and  sludge  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Axis  Mundi"  and  "Witness'.  8  out  of  10.

http://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2019/01/track-premiere-swedish-post-metallers.html

  

Dark Mirror Ov Tragedy 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 had some live shows in Seoul, and now we prepare for upcoming live show in 2019.




2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?



We tried to concentrate on DARK MIRROR’s essence on this album. It means we endeavored to find the originality ov DARK MIRROR. I think you can be assured our pure essence from the 1st album. Like the 1st album, we tried to reduce the unnecessary things on process ov songwriting and playing.




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



We had some tours in Asia, and started making the new album in 2016. We needed time to arrange the songs and orchestrations.




4.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit bit about the story you portray with this album?



[The Lord Ov Shadows] is the story of a person who becomes the Lord Ov Shadows. Shadows represent the dark side of the inner self. When I wrote the lyrics, I wanted to tell you that  we must face with our inner selves. I just wanted to say “Do not blame the others, Fight with the fear. Do not avoid. Everything is in your mind. Then you can be the Lord Ov Shadows.”.




5.I know that the band was named after Nostradamus's mirror, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his work?



It is said when Nostradamus saw the future through the mirror, it was kind ov dark mirror, he saw the tragedy ov human being. I think the tragedy is important part ov human being. People want to hide the tragedy and don’t want to face it. But the tragedy  makes human stronger. If you can find the peace in sustained tragedy, you can hear the voice from the deepest space ov your soul, then it makes you think about the reason why you live.




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



It is easy. It is The Lord OV Shadows him self who rules the world inside the dark mirror




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



I remember the very first time when we played the full version ov [The Lord Ov Shadows]. It was ASIAN BLACK METAL TOUR 2018 in Japan. Not a big live hall, just a small metal club. But I think the audience, they faced The Lord Ov Shadows in their mind when we played on stage. It is the one ov the most impressive shows that we played.




8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?



We really want to go to Europe, but there is no chance yet. In April we will go to China for the tour. Right now we are talking about some other tours, but not fixed yet.




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



It is greater than I thought. People say the new album is one ov the greatest albums in history ov symphonic black metal. We released the music video few weeks ago, many fans love the video.





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



In Korea, there are only few metal musicians and metalheads. So we have to do a lot ov things like playing in 2 or 3 bands. Still, that’s the reason why Korean metal scene is still alive. For example, I play in 2 bands. One is Thrash/Metalcore band cal

led “METAMORPHOSIS” with Gash, another is Depressive/Post black metal band called “Madmans Esprit” with Confyverse. In 2018, Whole members concentrated on ]The Lord Ov Shadows], maybe this year, some members who play in other bands can lead the bands.





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



Good question. I’m not gonna show you the future ov DARK MIRROR. I want the audience to imagine and expect the next album without spoiling.




12.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?



About orchestrations, DIMMU BORGIR has an influence on DARK MIRROR’s sound. Not directly but CARACH ANGREN also has an influence on musical approach. Also DEVIL DOLL has a great influence.




13.What are some of your non musical interests?



I’m open-minded to other music. But I don’t listen to Korean ballad/soul-pop music.




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



It was good interview. I hope you meet The Lord Ov Shadows someday.

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Ash Of Ashes Interview

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

Skaldir: Hello! The release of our debut album was quite successful, so we're in a good mood and I have already started to write new songs for the follow-up album that hopefully will not take as much time as the debut.
We also wanna start rehearsing for live shows in 2019.

2. A few months back you had released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Skaldir: It's a rather melodic metal style, rooting in Black Metal. We call our music “Epic Skaldic Metal”. You could also call it Pagan Metal, Viking Metal or Epic Metal, but since our music has this storyteller vibe, we wanted to have the word “skald” in there, too.

3. You label your music as 'epic skaldic metal', how would you say your music differs from bands that play more of a pagan metal style?

Skaldir: We surely aren't on the “funny” side music-wise. We don't play party or drinking music. We're rather on the path old bands like BATHORY took, when the whole thing started.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

Skaldir: It's a mixture between mythological, historical as well as tales and legends. We also have four songs on the album which are based on “The Lay of Wayland” – an old Germanic legend found in Anglo-Saxon, German and Scandinavian sources.

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

Skaldir: The ship on the ocean scenery fits the title and leaves a lot open for imagination, because you don't see men on it, nor sails.

6. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

Skaldir: We'll see. Personally I like to work as a duo, and like to compose song on my own. It worked really well, so I don't think that for the albums the line-up will be expanded. But I surely want to have our drummer Dennis on the next album as well!

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

Skaldir: We’ve chosen to be without label on purpose. The music industry has changed, and I don't really know what an indie label could offer us. But it's also a lot of work to do everything on your own, so maybe in the future there will be collaborations with labels again.

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

Skaldir: For a newcomer band there is really nothing more we could ask for. The album was extremely well received. We got tons of great reviews and a lot of plays on Spotify. It was like a dream start.

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

Morten: I’ve been involved in four bands or projects for quite some time now: THULR, SKARDUS, HERNE and GRAVEHAMMER.
Skaldir: I'm in a few other bands as well. The most known might be ELANE, then I have an Irish Folk Project called OVER THE HILL and a Death Metal band ABSCESSION.

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

Skaldir: The style will more or less stay the same. The songs on the debut are maybe a bit too simple, so maybe we will have some longer and more progressive songs in the future. But I'm not sure yet.

11. How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Morten: I guess it would take too long to describe my personal views on paganism in detail here. Also, I think, that religious - or better spiritual matters – should remain something personal, something private as far as ones daily life is concerned. As it is clear from the lyrics, northern European mythology and lore are things I feel a close connection to, yet I do find similarities and very interesting aspects in other “pagan” or animistic beliefs, e.g. in the mythology of the Native Americans of present day USA and Canada. In general, I think that there is far more to explore and to discover than the usual stories of the two Eddas.

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

Skaldir: I'm a sound engineer, that's my job and also my passion besides music. In my free time I like to be outside hiking.
Morten: I like to be outside in the woods or on the beach and spend time with my friends and family. And I’m interested in history, so this offers lots of chances to visit interesting places.

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

Skaldir: As the year is ending and winter is near people naturally think about what happened in their lives this year and what might happens in the next year.
I just wanna say thanks to all the people interested in our music and hope we'll have some new tunes for them next year.

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Damnation Army/Death Macabre/2019 Full Length Review

  Damnation  Army  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic form  of  black metal  with  some  elements  of  death,  speed  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2019  album  "Death  Macabre".

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  yet  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Nature  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  influences  of  death,  thrash,  speed  and  heavy  metal.

  Most  of  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  Swedish  style  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  atmospheric  sounding  synths  onto  the  recording.  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  fast  riffing  and  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  also  added  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  album  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Damnation  Army  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  black  metal  solo  project  with  elements  of  death,  thrash,  speed  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ancient  Evil  Rituals"  "Enter  the  Blood  Massacre"  and  "Shadowed".  8  out  of  10.   

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