Kosmogonia/Enthrone The Gods/Cronus Productions/2020 CD Review

  Kosmogonia  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk,  pagan  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2020  album  "Enthrone  the  Gods"  which  was  released  by  Cronus  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  epic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with    brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Elements  of  folk  music  and  flutes  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  some  clean  pagan  vocals  also  being  utilized  at  times.  Operatic  female  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  blast  beats  also  being  mixed  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  music.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  the  more  melodic  side  of  black  metal  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  decent  of  keyboards,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  on  some  songs  spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  return  and  at  times  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Greek  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kosmogonia  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  folk,  pagan  and  melodic  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Elysian  Fields" "Dionysian  Song"  "Legacy  Of  Myrmidons"  and  "Pandora's  Fall".  8  out  of  10.

 https://www.facebook.com/Kosmogoniafolk
https://www.instagram.com/kosmogonia_official
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpULz0evz6Ve2QLI0QJy6Vw     

Black Crown Initiate/Violent Portraits Of Doomed Escape/Century Media Records/2020 Full Length Review

  Black  Crown  Initiate  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  progressive  and  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Violent  Portraits  Of  Doomed  Escape"  which  will  be  released in  August  by  Century  Media  Records.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  along  with  some  clean  vocals  start  off  the  album  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  Aggressive  vocals  are  in  between  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  prog  metal  elements  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also add  in  some  melodies  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Acoustic  guitars  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  along  with  some  chants  and  throat  singing  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  symphonic  sounds,  some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  also  show  an  influence  of  djent  and  some  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy  and  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Crown  Initiate  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Invitation"  "Years  In  Frigid  Light"  and  "Holy  Silence".  8 out  of  10.

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Trident/North/Non Serviam Records/2020 CD Review

  Trident  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "North"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Non  Serviam  Records.

  Gregorian  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  classical  music  sounds  and    ritualistic  percussion.  Classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  most  of  the tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can b e  heard.

  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements  death  metal  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  classical  guitars  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks,  a  couple  of  songs  also  introduces  ritualistic spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  story  about  an  Internal  journey,  of  ominous  visions  through  dreams,  touching  the  subjects  of  ancient  wisdom's  long  forgotten,  cursed  bloodlines.

  In  my  opinion  Trident  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  "Enter"  "Summoning"  "Possession"  and  "Schaman".  8 out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Trident666official/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrG4qEybGmeLhK9QIkKc4w  

Magni Interview

https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Magnifolk
https://deadgamesrecords.com/




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

Clint - It comes from The Neofolk and Pagan Black metal I have loved over the years I founding member of  As All Die ( Martial Neofolk/Noise) I wanted to bring some of those elements back with my love of bands like  Tenhi, Of the Wand and the Moon, Antimatter, Falkenbach and Blood Axis. Ryan brought in the Goth elements for sure esp on track 3 " The Watcher" which he does the vocals on.  Goto - https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/  to hear and order !!!

 Ryan-The music of project is a folk Gothic metal Doom dark insane project that has melodies harshness and everything else in between

2.You have an ep coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Clint-  I would  Say  Folk, Black metal,  Northern European Pagan music and some Gothic Doom elements
Ryan-  Well at RPM Studios we went with a nice acoustic folk undertones and we just let the project grow as it was I wanted the Neil Young darker side of the folk doom style of music


3.A lot of your lyrics and the band name come from Asataru and Norse Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this path?

Clint- I'm a worshiper of Asatru and have had a love of bands that follow that path so many to mention but many in Viking, Black, Death Metal and Neo classical and folks sides. I never take my hammer off even while sleeping. The lyrics are around how Raganok is the End and Rebirth of mankind all at once and how there is never really an ending, it's just the next cycle to something new. The name is just one of Thors son's and the only one to ever be able to use Mjölnir. The Germanic Gods are more like us then you think and we need to go back to the old ways or this world is doomed to suffer.

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

Clint- The cover is German Wheel of the year that shows the eight Sabbats for Festivals.

5.The ep is coming out on 'Dead Games Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Clint-  DGR is a label Ryan started years ago and then seemed to go into slumber He and I decided to give it a rebirth and release some of our material to start so 1st 4 releases are  Idiot Robot ( DeathPop/Indie Rock)  Magni ( Blackened Prog Folk)  Until the Sky Dies ( Death/Doom meets Odd Electro Post Metal) and The Slumbering ( Doom Noise). At this time it's a label just for our projects but who knows as we are fully focused on the label doing Limited CD or Cassette Runs for releases and well as full PR push through Against PR and have Digital Distro through all the major channels. goto http://deadgamesrecords.com its all there.

Ryan-For the record label we just don't do one style music it's whatever we like

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

Clint-As the album is not even out yet only time will tell. Those who have heard or pre-ordered the feedback have been very positive. Many say it the favorite thing I've done in years.

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

Clint- Until the sky dies, Kadaver/Listing, The Slumbering, Idiot Robot

Ryan- Ryan michalski AKA Spaceking, DeadDarkSlide, Idiot Robot


8.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the project heading into musically during the future?

Clint- I'm working on new material already and it's going to be in the same common themes . Magni is a Pagan Folk Project with Blackened Metal and Gothic overtone. I hope to have a full length out by end of 2021

9.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?

Clint- Thergothon , Dolorian, Bethlehem, Fleurety, Manes, Queen, Monster Magnet, Neurosis, Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Tenhi, Shudder to think, Nirvana, Blood Axis, Bathory, Marduk, Emperor, Devin Townsend, Dan Swano and Bolt thrower and the list goes on

Ryan- Neil Young , Pornos for pyros , Culture Club, The Cars ,  Ramones , G&R ,S.O.D, Metallica, M.O.D , Slayer
Listening to nowadays- Ed Sheeran, Lisa Loeb, That Dog & Green Day


10.What are some of your non musical interests? 

Clint- Working on Linux Computer, DC/Marvel Comics, Sci Fi, History ( Esp War themes and Religions), Cooking Shows, Some Horror and Thrillers.

Ryan- Housewives of Beverly Hills & Orange County . Watching horror movie & Sci-Fi movies watching NHL . Playing Dungeons & Dragons & Star Wars Legions and watching Christy knows best. And hanging out with my wife Milissa

Journey Into Darkness/Multitudes Of Emptiness/2020 Full Length Review

  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  solo  project  from  Florida  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self released  2020 album  "Mulitudes  Of  Emptiness".

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  programmed  beats  while  the  synths  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  style  instrumentals  also  being  added  onto  the  recording  as  the  album  progresses.

  Journey  Into  Darkness  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  some  doom  and  death  metal  elements  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  interludes  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  be  Human  is  To  Be  Inhuman"  and  "Sending  Death".  8  out  of  10.

https://jidarkness.com/

https://journeyintodarkness.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Journey-Into-Darkness-133854346636888

https://youtu.be/qoAINEwHfdo  

Irhagar Interview

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


A little about the project. We are from the city of Ulan-Ude, located in South-Eastern Siberia, near Lake Baikal. It is important to note the territorial location, because our music and sound absorbed the local motives of nature and the phenomena of the cultures of the peoples living here since ancient times.

2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
Since our music is closely related to local folklore, we are intermediaries in it. It passes through us and gradually manifests through tools, gaining face. Thus, you can hear the awakening of different forms of energies that are inherent in each of us. All this, in the end, pours out, as if from an overflowing bowl, into music that does not limit itself.

3.What are some of the themes and images you have brought out with your music so far?
Our goal is not to create and impose certain images. We just want to nudge the listener to build their own. For example, the cryptographic definitions of our tracks speak about this - that is, the listener himself gives the names.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Irhagar'?
Let's just say that there is no inspiration behind this and not even a name, let alone a hidden meaning, etc. Irhagar is an ancient name deeply rooted in the rituals of the Baikal peoples. This is the name of the spiteful,”grinning” Spirit.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
The cover is a visualization of the music, forming a complex with the definition of tracks of a whole picture. Simultaneously bringing the listener into the trip, immersing him. Better look closely to the cover and it’ll say more than we can.

6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
Our live performances are an important factor in shaping the overall picture. In the period prior to release, we had already performed several live performances on the local stage of our city. The rest, of course, is in the future.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
It is difficult to say yet whether we are looking for a label. But if we receive proposals, we will certainly consider them.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of underground music?
We received messages from different parts of the world. And these were mostly positive reactions and bewilderment, of course in a good sense of the word. To be honest, it is difficult to judge feedback now, because this is our debut release

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

We do not think it is worth setting any definite goal in the future, concerning the direction of music. But we try not to limit ourselves to various frames and labels. Use all opportunities and skills to the maximum.

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?
You know we can endlessly list everything and everyone and it doesn't make sense. Undoubtedly, we have been influenced by a wide variety of musical genres of the electronic and heavy underground scene, as well as other art forms.

11.How would you describe your views on metaphysics?
This can be felt on an ephemeral plane. That which arises before all the concepts and concepts in which the human mind can endlessly wander. Do not forget this and do not remember.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
“Questions are always baffling”

1. SoundCloud
2. vk.com

Yevabog/King Of The Worms/2020 EP Review

  Yevabog  are  a  solo  project  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  demo  "King  Of  The  Worms".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  clean  vocals  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  Blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts, one  track  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording   and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Yevabog  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  an  atmospheric  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  metal to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Yevabog  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Creatordestroy"  and  "Crumbling  Ossuary".  8  out  of  10.

https://yevabogmerch.bigcartel.com

https://instagram.com/yevabog

https://facebook.com/yevabog

https://Yevabog.bandcamp.com

open.spotify.com/album/6CDvhC536HXPdGsJmJQft5?si=kRIHBZfVRzG4sAJ_GiuIHA

yevabogmusic@gmail.com 

Nemesium/Continua/Black Lion Records/2020 CD Review

  Nemesium  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Continua"  which  was  released  by  Black  Lion  Records.

  Sci-fi  sound  effects  and  spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  black  emtal  screams  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  decent  amount  of  progressive  and  technical  elements  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Tribal  drumming  can  also  be  heard  briefly  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  shamanistic  atmosphere  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  along  with  the  songs  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  influences  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  instrumental  can  also  be  heard  which  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  science  fiction  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nemesium  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Archetype"  "The  Fire  And  The  Flesh"  "The  Dawn  Of  Retribution"  and  "Relive  this  Nightmare".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/NemesiumOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/nemesiumofficial_/ 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IUsvIFmFQ45sSuRwSbMRK 

https://youtu.be/fSt-TLiwqLY   

Degollado Interview

 NOTE: THIS INTERVIEW WAS ANSWERED BY THE BASS PLAYER
                                   AND FOUNDER OF OUR BAND: ANJAEL.
1.-Can you give us an update on what's going on with the band these days?
Well, right now we are working, from home, due to he global pandemic you know, but we still keep sounding around the World, but yeah, we keep working even if we’re tired,  and  we’re keeping our fans and followers updated about everything that’s coming, of course we have achieved all of this thanks to the valuable and dedicated work of our manager, Erik Norambuena.

2.-So far you have released a demo, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording
Yes, we have released an unofficial promotional demo, but as everyone knows, things are difficult here in Venezuela, so, for that reason we wanted to release a demo so everyone can hear us even if we do not have the media to record  an LP…yet.
Everything we do we make it with love and dedication for all of  your fans.
Also, we chose the BLACK and DEATH genres because we wanted something powerful  and aggressive, and these genres gave us that perfect mixture of feelings.

3.-What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
The lyrics of the band DEGOLLADO are mostly protest,  we feel it as our way of protesting against the negative vision that some religions have in modern times. We do not criticize religion as such, but the negative aspect that they entail.

 4.-What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Degollado'?
Technically, the word “Degollado” means “Beheaded”…
Well, the name of DEGOLLADO is a node to a little aneadote of us, our guitarist, Rolo, unfortunately witnessed a person while someone else brutally cut their  throat, that obviously remained in his brain.
Later, while he was composing, he saved every recording data in a folder on his computer that he named “DEGOLLADO”, after that memory.

5.-Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the demo cover?
As I mentioned before, both the name and the art were the product of that bloody memory of that episode that the Guitarist of the band witnessed, I took him to look for ideas to reflect that memory both in image, music and name of the band ...  and with this the idea for the art of the cover of this demo was born, which was edited by Victor Norambuena, son of our manager Erik Norambuena

6.-What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? 
Every time we’re on the stage, it feels incredible for us, we all have had incredible moments,  unique moments, but especially the debut of the band in Valencia in May 2019, the receptivity of the public was impressive, which made us see what we started  On the right foot, especially knowing that what we were looking for when merging these two genres such as BLACK and DEATH was better than we expected, we achieved what we wanted to achieve.

7.-The demo was released on 'Entocomphobic Records', how did you get in contact with this label?
The owner of the label, contacted our manager through our Facebook page after seeing all of  our work and offered us to work as a team and join his label, we are very thankful.

8.- 0n a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
The reception has been very positive, both for the Venezuelan and Worldwide fans, but especially outside our country is when we have felt more supported, I feel that they like it so much that we played on a radio in Norway thanks to a great friend, Yoleima Gascon from  the cradle of BLACK metal I feel that the receptivity has been positive.




9.-When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As we said, the situation in Venezuela is not the best, it has been difficult for us to record our first album, the one we had planned release this year, then, the pandemic slowed us down a bit, but we’re already recording our first official single which will be done and ready by the end of August, and with the help of the universe we hope next year to already have the album that will contain 9 or 10 songs. 
How do we see ourselves in future?  Ending our first album, starting a second one and taking our music to every part of the world.

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?
Some the bands that have had little influence in DEGOLLADO , are  Dark tranquility, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir and Cryptosy , which are also the bands we listen daily.

11.-What are some of your non musical interests? 
I have many personal interest and activities besides music, I have children to fight for every day, I have an incredible love for reading, learning more new things every day and being a better person  , best human being, best mother, best friend, best musician.

12.-Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all, thank you for the interest in our project, thank you also for the interview ... we thank the public that supports us and all those who in some way have helped us take our music to the places where  It has been taken, Internet pages, magazines, YouTube channels and every possible digital medium.
As a goodbye ... we send a huge metal hug and long live rock and roll !!!

                                     
            Facebook:
www.facebook.com/degolladobandvnzla/

Instagram:
www.instagram.com/degolladoblackdeatehmetal/

Youtube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UC2bPKZHbKGPaWy9mSomiDkA

Email: degolladobandavzla@gmail.com

Magni/Self Titled/Dead Game Records/2020 EP Review

  Magni  are  duo  from  Phoenix,  Arizona  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  gothic  folk,  progressive  music  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2020  ep  which  will  be  released  in  September  by Dead  Games  Records.

  Folk  instruments  and  acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  clean  goth  style  vocals  while  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  at  times.  Whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  some  drum  beats  also  being  added   into  certain  sections  of  the  tracks.

   One  track  also  introduces  keyboards  and  symphonic  elements  onto  the  recording  while  grim  black  emtal  screams  can  also be heard briefly.  All  of  the  tracks  all  sound  very  different  from  each  other  as  well  as  always  sticking  to  very  very  slow  musical  direction.

  Magni  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark  gothic  folk,  progressive  rock  and  black  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  Paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Magni  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  dark  folk  music,progressive  rock  and  pagan  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ragnarok"  and  "Golden  Fields".  8  out  of  10.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMQ112UQxwo        

Sarcoptes/Plague Hymns/Transcending Obscurity Records/2020 EP Review

  Sarcoptes  are  a  band  from  Sacramento,  California  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  ep  "Plague  Hymns"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  along  with  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  both  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Death  metal  growls  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  the  guitar  riffing  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  thrash  metal  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  elements,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  war,  history  and  inner  struggle  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "La  Moria  Grandissima". 8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/SqFGddn_9Jw    

Brotthogg/The Die Is Cast/2020 Full Length Review

  Brotthogg  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album "The  Die  Is  Cast"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Cinematic  sounds  start  off  the  album  before going  into  a  heavier  and  faster  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.   Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal screams  along  with  some  groove  metal  style  vocals   also  being  used  at  times and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  synths  can  be  heard  in certain  sections  of  the  recording.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  music  also  get  very  progressive  sounding  at  times.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  also being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  guitar  riffing  also  adding  in  elements  of  thrash  metal,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  one  track  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  misanthropy,  the  writings  of  Dante  and  philosophy  themes.

   In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Brotthogg  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  progressive  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nokturne"  "Draugen"  and  "Iacta  Alea  Est".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/iLXAA1dyamo   

    

Degollado/Self Titled/Entocomophobic Records/2020 Demo Review

  Degollado  are  a  band  from  Venezuela  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2020  demo  which  was  released  by  Entocomophobic  Records.

  A  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  and  drums  start  off  the  demo  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  an  death  metal  growls  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  some  Swedish  influences,  synths  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  where  also  recorded  live.

  Degollado  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  90's  era  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  darkness  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Degollado  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  "El  Rito"  and  "El  Templo  de  la  Crueldad  (En  Vivo)".  8  out  of  10.

https://entocomophobicrecords.bandcamp.com/album/degollado

      

Moribund Mantras/Golden Void/Rain Without End Records/2020 CD Review

  Moribund  Mantras  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  stoner  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Golden  Void"  which  was  released  by  Rain  Without  End  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  black  metal  elements   tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  All  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  vocals  being  done  in  an  angry  screaming  and  shouting  style.

  Elements  of  stoner  doom  metal  can  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.

  Clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow  and  mid  tempo  parts as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  ritualistic  soundscapes  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Moribund  Mantras  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  stoner  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fragments"  and  "Ascension".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGF93Ga85V0 

Blood Of Angels/Failure Of Faith/Sliptrick Records/2020 CD Review

  Blood  Of  Angels  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Failure  Of  Faith"  which  will  be  released  by  Sliptrick  Records.

  Classical  guitars  and  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  will  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  A  touch  of  groove  metal  can  also  be  heard  during  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  and  some  of  the  vocals  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  elements  of  thrash  metal.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  also  introducing  clean  playing  and  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Motorhead's  "I  Don't  Need  Religion",  power  metal  style  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  religion  and  historical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Blood  Of  Angels  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death,  thrash  and  groove  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Monotheism"  "Blood  Of  The  Lamb"  "Crusader"  and  "America's  Mythologies".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Official website

YouTube

   

  

Dunwich/Tail-Tied Hearts/Caligari Records/2020 CD Review

  Dunwich  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom  metal,  prog,  darkwave  and  post  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Tail-Tied  Hearts"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Caligari  Records.

  Dark  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  returns  on  later  songs  while  the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  darkwave.  Melodic  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  slower  riffing  also  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  psychedelic  sides  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  grim  black  emtal  screams  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  Some  of  the  songs  also  show  the  music  bringing  in  more  of  a  progressive  style  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  some  of  the  mid  tempo  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  post  punk  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  horror  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Dunwich  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  doom  metal prog,  darkwave  and  post  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Through  The  Dense  Woods"  "Mouth  Of  Darkness"  and  "The  Sea".  8  out  of  10.

http://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/tail-tied-hearts 



  

Dead Bronco Interview

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


We were supposed to have a full European tour this summer and a US/Canada tour in the fall but COVID-19 destroyed all plans, so we had to postpone our Euro tour for the summer of 2021 and we are still rescheduling our North American tour since their out break occurred later than ours so we'll see when that can happen. On a positive note, I was able to take advantage of the lock down and wrote a bunch of new material for our up coming album due in 2021, which I'm very excited to get into the studio and get that going.


2.In 2020 you have released 2 albums, musically how do they differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


Dead Bronco started off as a cow punk band but since the beginning we've had numerous changes in the line up due to our tendency to tour heavily. Many people can't handle the life style of long periods of time away from home with out much of a benefit. Every time I had to bring in a new member the music would change, obviously because of the influence each one would bring to the table. I always saw DB as an aggressive dark band even if we did play country, but once we released our third album “Bedridden & Hellbound” I saw that the music we were making was very cheerful and that wasn't what I was trying to go for, so I decided to reconstruct everything and form an entirely new line up which came with “Driven By Frustration”. I was very happy with the result of the album but I was very disappointed with my band members. They were in it for the wrong reasons, thinking they would make a lot of money or get famous. They would make outrageous demands that basically bankrupted the band, that formation almost destroyed my dream and my band which I worked so hard to create. Again, I decided to throw them all to the curb and remake the band with straight up friends and create what ever came out naturally. THE ANNUNCIATION was planned as my final farewell album but I enjoyed touring and creating with these guys that I've decided to keep it going. I've upset a lot of country rockabilly people with the change, I've been threatened at shows and have had things thrown at me on stage and one dude tried to fight me calling me a “traitor”. Luckily I've lost all those closed minded finds and have made new ones in a totally different scene. I'm a lot happier now where I'm at with my music and can't wait to see where it takes me.


3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore wit the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?


I guess you can say my lyrics are a bit darker and more violent now but they kind of have always been that way. I come from Florida from a very religious, right winged house hold where I grew up with domestic violence and the guilt of sin bestowed on everything I thought or did. I write a lot about my past and what my stepfather used to do to us and how it still affects me. Doesn't matter if the music is happy or dark sounding, I sing about my demons. I've seen how my writing has evolved over the years and I have lyrics that are better than others but I do see that what I write now is way more coherent than what I've written in previous albums. Practice makes perfect.


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dead Bronco'?


When I first arrived to the Basque Country I saw a few guys playing Johnny Cash outside of a bar and I asked them if I could play as well. They were called “Mis Amigos Me Llaman Bronco” (my friends call me Bronco), they said yes so we started playing in front of all the bars in town for free beer. The band started to gain recognition around town and I wanted to start something more serious but the singer of the band seemed like he wanted to do his cover songs forever, so I decided to go my own way and take those who were willing to make original music. Pretty much all the good members of the band decided to join me so after that the Broncos died and that is why I named the band Dead Bronco because I killed the band.


5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the newer album covers?


We worked with the Russian artist Trofimova Alina Sergeyevna who had done the art work for “ Death Roots Syndicate” out in Texas which we were featured in a few times and they were a label that promoted dark country artists and I really liked her work. I wanted to get a rootsy feel keeping true to our folk base but leaning towards a black metal cover. I think she did a great job mixing the two textures together.


6.The band has members in both the United States and Spain, how does this work out in the recording process?


I'm actually the only one from the US. I've been based out in Spain since 2008 and have been working with Spanish musicians ever since.


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?


We've played our share of concerts over the years but I think the most memorable one was at Sziget Fest in Budapest where there were thousands of people but I think my favorite show was Tsunami Fest 2018 when we played with Bad Religion and Prodigy, the energy of the crowd was intense. I would say our stage performance is very high energy with a lot of attitude. I like to give a show that I myself would enjoy seeing and I'm very big fan of mosh pits and walls of death even though I'm trying very hard to not injure myself anymore. I've had a few accidents where I fell off the stage a few years back and broke my arm and wrist which is still giving me problems till this day.


8.The new albums where released on Sun & Moon Records, how would you compare working with this label to other labels you where a part of the past?


We've always self-released our albums except two which were released with Roots Union Records out in Nashville Tennessee but there's no comparison with Sun & Moon Records. They give complete artist freedom to create what the band wants and believes and our music is finally available world wide and reaching another type of audience which would have been more difficult to get to with out their help. I'm very happy to be part of the family.


9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your new recordings by fans of underground music?


We are receiving a very positive reaction. The change was a slow process and as I mentioned before we lost a lot of our fan base but gained a totally new one. Our shows are filling up with new faces and open minded people. We've also been receiving good reviews by music critics so I think over all its been good and I can't wait to finally get back on the road and show everyone what we do.


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

The future is so unclear but we do have a contract with Sun & Moon for two more albums and I will always make music as long as I am alive, it's my reason of being.


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?


I listen to a lot of different types of music but I guess the bands that have most influenced me in these last two albums have been “Those Poor Bastards”, “King Dude”, and “Capricorns”.

I love all types of music from classical, country, black metal, to cumbia. I often listen to Pergolesi and Vivaldi to start the day. I'm very big into Bethlahem, Scour, Silencer, and then I'll change it up and go to NoFx, Union 13. But I was just listening to Death in June as I was writing this.


12.What are some of your non musical interests?


Surfing is basically the only thing other than music that keeps me sane and makes living life a bit more easy. Being from Florida I was born and raised on or in the water, so I need to be by the ocean to feel that I'm ok. I also enjoy cutting hair very much, I've been doing it since I was 15, even though I haven't done it in a while.


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


I would like to thank all those who have supported us through all the changes and ups and downs in the band and I would also like to welcome the new listeners to the family. If it wasn't for you all we wouldn't be where we are and doing what we do. Thank you!

Website: https://www.deadbronco.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deadbronco

Bandcamp: https://deadbronco1.bandcamp.com