Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Windfaerer/Solar/2012 EP Review


  Windfaerer  are  a  band  from  New  Jersey  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  mixes  melodic  black  metal  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  ep  "Solar".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffs  that  dominate  throughout  the  recording, as  for  the   violins  when  they  are  utilized  they  bring  the  folk  music  elements  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  black  metal  with  death  and  folk  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  black  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  classical  guitars  when t hey  are  utilize  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  a  medieval  sound  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  death  metal g rowls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Nature  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.  

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  recording  from  Windfaerer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  metal  mixed  with  death  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Glimpse  Of  Light"  "Blackened  Voids"  and  "The  Morning  Star".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.


Monday, July 2, 2012

Wulfshon/Prinnit Mittilagart/Art Gates Records/2012 CD Review


   Wulfshon  are  a  band  from  Argentina  that  plays  pagan  black  metal  with  a  melodic  death  metal  edge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Prinnit  Mittilagart"  which  was  released  by  Art  gates  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  melodic  pagan/black  metal  with  death  metal  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  black/death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads, a s  for  the  classical  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  give  the  music  a  medieval  feeling.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  to  deep  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  and  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  Norse  Paganism  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Wulfshon  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  melodic  pagan/black  metal  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style  of  music,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  In  The  Light"  "Sons  Of  Wolves"  and  "Pride  Of  Death".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Monday, May 28, 2012

Osman Arabi/Beast Mutation Rituals/Kalpamantra/2011 Album Review


   Osman  Arabi  are  a  band  from  Libya  that  plays  dark  ambient/drone  with  a  black  metal  influence  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Beast  Mutation  Rituals"  which  was  released  by  Kalpamantra.

  Synths  bring  a  very  dark  ambient  and  atmospheric  drone  sound  to  the  music,  while  the  sound  effects  bring  in  harsh  noise  and  psychedelic  sounds  to  this  long  and  epic  25  minute  song  which  uses  a  variety  of  many  different  sounds,  as  well  as  some  samples  from  black  metal  songs.

  Vocals  when  they  are  utilized  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  with  some  spoken  word  samples  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  song  theme  revolves  around  dark  occult  rituals,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Osman  Arabi  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  ambient/ritual/drone/Black Metal  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED.

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Dreaming Dead Interview


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

Things are a bit on the mellow side right now. Gearing up to play a few shows in So. Cal, while working on putting new material together. Aside from that I’ve been swamped with all the 
‘business’ aspect of being in a band. Manufacturing cds & vinyl, filling order, overseeing PR, etc.
Keeps me outta trouble.

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

It’s hard to describe the sound of this album in general terms. There are so many different
passages throughout the album that emanate feelings of sorrow, anger, doubt, resolution. 
If anything this album, from beginning to end, takes you on an full circle experience.
And unlike previous releases it’s easy to say we wrote this album together, from the heart 
and during what might be the most challenging times of our lives.

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

My initial thought was to engulf and conceptualize the idea of nightmares 
throughout the entire album. The end result is the personification and atmosphere 
of that idea itself throughout each song. 


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

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. It’s somewhat of a play of words that portrays a sense 
of imbalance, challenging the idea of our inner reality or dreams vs. our surroundings. 
We dream when we sleep and when we’re awake. We die when our dreams are shattered.

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

Our best shows were definitely on the Nile tour we did a few years back. Best crowds, bands, etc.
Our set usually runs between 30 to 40min. We mix things up a lot between our 2 album. We play very closely to the songs. Once someone told me we sound just like the album, but I feel we play better live than in the studio. Our performances are always high energy and high quality.

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

We’re currently piecing together a  small West Coast tour for July 2012. Other
than that, for the time being, we’re keeping it fairly local.



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

At this point I have completely abandoned the idea of searching for a label. It’s a huge
waste of time for me to force that idea after all my efforts in finding one and for absolutely 
nothing to come of it. 
The perfect fit for our music is a label that believes and ready to make shit happen.

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

After releasing the album we have received tons of amazing reviews from all over the world,
orders from Germany, Finland, France, Spain, etc. The response has been fantastic!

9. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

This is for the most part a full time line up, although Mike plays drums in a local
rock band called Feast of Fetus and with his very long time black/death metal band 
Exhausted Prayer.
I also play piano in my spare time. This is something I’m looking to pursue on a more
serious level in the future.

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

That’s always hard to tell. You can only sketch the parts out, move them around here and there, and leave the rest to chance. I never approach songwriting with a preconceived notion of what I’m about to compose. I feel that takes the magic away, it takes away the fun of adventure and discovery. I purely guide my songwriting by my current state of mind and let the music come to me.

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

Opeth, Emperor, Akercocke, Bloodbath, Slayer, Megadeth, Stone Temple Pilots, 
Faith No More, My Dying Bride, Yann Tiersen, Pantera, Dead to this World, Old Skool hip hop.

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

I like to play piano in my spare time, read, play with my cats, go to the gym, clean my house, 
observe and analyze life. Be nostalgic.

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

Thank you very much for the chance to speak out my thoughts and experiences 
in the metal world, and thank you for your support. Cheers!

~Liz


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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Valfreya Interview


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Valfreya is a viking metal band with folk/black metal influences that was created in 2009. The music is inspired from Nordic mythology and it brings the listeners into a fantastic tale.  

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
Valfreya plays aggressive music with glorious riffs that is completed into a symphonic ensemble with the use of keyboards.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics tell the story from beginning to end on  the album path to eternity.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Nordic mythology is the number one inspiration for the band. We have created a story inspired of their multiple worlds, creatures and gods.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The album launch of Path to Eternity was the best show we played. We had transformed the entire venue to create the ambiance of a medieval tavern. A lot of costumed people were at the event, including the staff.
Here you can see some pictures:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150585402274487&set=a.10150486065444487.384794.143393999486&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150606598679487&set=a.10150486065444487.384794.143393999486&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150585400964487&set=a.10150486065444487.384794.143393999486&type=3
Main album page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150486065444487.384794.143393999486&type=3

As for our stage performance, we like to bring a lot of energy as well as a theatrical act into our show. We're always costumed and we wish to bring the public into the ambiance of the tale that is presented throughout our music.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We have quite a few shows all over the province of Québec and we are planning a tour in the western provinces of Canada. We also wish to travel Europe but there are no dates confirmed for this possible project.
7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of pagan and folk metal?
Very positive! The fans of Pagan - Folk - Viking metal seem to find our sound refreshing. We have successfully created a musical sound that is new within a genre that is already very exploited. We also bring out a special touch with our theatrical act throughout shows.
8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
We already started the work on our next album. We are keeping the same Viking Metal inspiration but we will also bring out a new feel. I won't say more!
9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
All of the members of the band have their own influences, but when it comes to me I would say:
Wintersun: For the vocals and intensity of the songs.
Equilibrium: For the festive side.
Arkona: When it comes to the folk feel.
Dimmu Borgir: For the darker and more black metal influenced parts of the album.
Rhapsody: With Keyboards and symphonies.

10. How would you describe your views on Norse Paganism?
We're not really implicated with Norse paganism.
Our music is simply inspired by Nordic mythology.
11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
It's hard to mention our interests outside of music.
We like to see shows when we're not playing them. I'd say it is most likely going around anything involving arts and creativity.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I would suggest everyone to keep themselves updated through our facebook / reverbnation or even twitter.
All of our shows are announced and we have some upcoming surprises!!

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Sunday, May 20, 2012

Cauldron Black Ram Interview


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

We play a patient waiting game for the vinyl release of the Poisoner Maxi EP through Parasitic Records! It's defining, as we mixed it down on a vintage 2-track machine, for the vinyl release! It sounds nuns-cunt sweet! CBR is finishing preparations to record the next album. An inhospitable location must be found yet to do this.
This next waxen abomination will be released by the unmerciful 20 Buck Spin Records. Perfect.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the newer music and how it differs from previous recordings?

Rawer, driving, reverb and delay saturated, and I reckon my drumming is a little crazier. The whole production for the next album will sound unsound.

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

The Stock Exchange, Feminist Diatribe, Tanning Salons etc.

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

I thought a totemized animal that would best represent the sound and nature of the band was a giant, bestial, shaggy ram of the 'color' cauldron black.

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

CBR shows are a roughshod affair that might resemble old heavy metal shows and early death metal shows. Passioned, fist banging and fevered head thrashing! There is darkness, mocking mirth and sweat.

The best was a show played in Adelaide/SA a couple years back at The Squatters Arms. The crowd were ravenous and inspiring. We thrive best on crowd banter and those South Australians are vocal! A very recent show in Melbourne/Victoria with Mongrels Cross and Spire also proved an illicit affair...crazy bastards packed into a tiny room, fucking great.

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

Not as yet, just tentative plans to play a tour in the USA in 2013. That is provided the Anti-Christ or Christ does not return to end the world as we know it. Or the axis of the earth tilts, bombarded by comets, a shift in dimension or such. If none of that happens, then the tour is likely. Apocalypse pending. Obviously.

7. The new release came out on Abysmal Sounds, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Stuuuu has been a whore-friend in our whore-stables for many years. We respect him, his work, his penchant for supporting Australian bands and his tight pants that ever dwell below his waistline.
Granted Abysmal Sounds is not a large label, it has a good reputation and is direct. Abysmal Sounds is growing though and we will continue to work with them in some form in the future.

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

The best response is from the Men in the Underground Metal scene! We seem to illicit confusion and even a bit of ridicule from the modern-ites whom are grounded in metal of the past 5 years only. Calling us 'black metal', comparing us with the likes of Behemoth, Watain and such. The aged Men whom are grounded in all from hard rock, heavy metal, thrash metal, olde death metal and early black metal, they GET it! There are a school of younger folk who are schooled in such a way too, which is excellent!
You know, I have seemingly lied through my teeth regarding the 'black metal' label! We DO have black metal influences, but it is black metal like Masters Hammer, Root, Mortuary Drape and such! The overt obscurity can be heard most on our 'Slubberdegullion' album.

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

More than one could imagine and less than one would expect.

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

The next album is near ready to record! It's much the same movement you would come to expect of CBR, but I reckon the new material is a little more driving, as opposed to The Poisoner, which had an injection of dirge. We have stepped back a little to the demo days in a few songs.

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

Any music that tends towards song. Pure expression, whether simple or complex, loud or quiet, abrasive or refined.
Recently been listening to Militia, Blackkout, Blue Murder, Twisted Sister, Massacra, Dislocation (old Canadian band), Lemming Project, 80's Morbid Angel, 70's Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Diabolic and Foreigner. That's very recently anyhow.

12. How would you describe your views on Occultism?

I view it the only way it can be, with humor. Occultism is so mismatched, underscored, over-symbolised, misunderstood, overused, lost to time and the privy few that control its ancient truths. It's barely worth the bother!

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

Music is practically all encompassing! Asides that I enjoy strength and self defence training.

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

The latest Morbid Angel is not Morbid Angel. Do not be fooled, it is not the same band. Buy it to smash it against the rocks surrounding your cave entrance.

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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Valfreya/Path To Eternity/Maple Metal Records/2012 CD Review


  Valfreya  are  a  band  from  Montreal,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  form  of  folk/viking  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Path  To  Eternity"  which  was  released  by Maple  Metal  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to mid  paced  drumming  with  some  fast  playing  and  blast  beats,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  epic,  atmospheric,  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  music  while  the  folk  instruments  bring  a  very  medieval  pagan  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  the more  melodic  forms  of  black  and  death  metal  together  in  a  more  viking  direction  as  well  as  a  good  amount  of  influences  from  traditional  metal  and  folk  music,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  more  folk  elements  to  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  female  singing  to high  pitched  blackened  death  screams  and  growls,  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  some  clean  singing  male  viking  metal  chanting,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  Mythology,  as  for  the production  it has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion Valfreya  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  symphonic  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Inferno"  "Ocean's  Assault"  "Alefest"  and  "My  Everlasting  Star".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://youtu.be/Ypu2t9yDmEU