Hellripper/Batsheva/Label 2318/2015 Split Cassette Review

  This  is a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Scotland's  Hellripper  and  U.S.A's  Batsheva  which  was  released  by  Label  2318  and  we  will  start off  the  review  with Hellripper  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  speed  metal  with  a  touch  of  crust  punk.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  old  school  metal/punk  sound  starts  off  his  side  of  the  split  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  and  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  speed  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  elements  of  retro  thrash  in  both  of the  tracks,  the  production  sounds  very  raw,  heavy  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  rock'n'roll  and  real  life  themes.

  In  my opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hellripper  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  speed  metal  and  punk,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Hells  Rock'n'roll".

  Next  up  is  Batsheva  a  solo  project  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal.

  Spoken  word  ritualistic  parts  start  of  his  side  of  the  split  before  going  into  more  of  a  drone/doom  metal  direction  and  after  awhile  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  added  into  the  music along  with  some  elements  of  harsh  noise  and  on  a  later track  the  music  speeds  up  and  also  adds  in  deep  growls  as  well  as mixing  in  keyboards  and  the  symphonic  side  really  shows  on  the  last track, the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Batsheva  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Inverted  Gravity".

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

https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Batsheva_-_Hellripper/Hellripper_-_Batsheva/534034

      

 

The Hudson Horror/Nemesis/2015 Full Length Review

  The  Hudson  Horror  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  plays  a  very  melodic,  blackened  and  brutal  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "Nemesis".

  Melodic guitar  leads   off  the  recording and  are  also  a  huge  part  of  the  recording  and  a  few  seconds  later  heavy  riffs  and  death  metal  growls  make  their  presence  known  and they  also mix  in  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  at  times  and  you  can  also  hear  elements  of  modern  thrash  in  the  bands  musical  style  at  times.

  When  the  music  speeds  up a  great amount  of  blast  beats  are  utilized  giving  the  songs  more  of  a  brutal  feeling  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses  some  of the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  clear  vocals  are  used  briefly  on  the  last  track.

  The  Hudson  Horror  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  blackened,  melodic  and  brutal  death  metal  genres  and  mixes  it  in  with  more  of  a  modern  style  of  thrash  to  create  a  sound  of t heir  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Hudson  Horror  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  blackened,  brutal,  melodic  death  metal  and  thrash and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Visions  Of  Disgust"  "Anathema" and  "Nemesis".  8  out  of  10.

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Windfaerer/Tenebrosum/2015 Full length Review

  Windfaerer  are  a  band  from  New  Jersey  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  melodic death  metal  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "Tenebrosum'.

  Folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  giving  the  music  an  atmospheric  feeling  before  getting  more  heavy  and  adding  in  more  of  an  epic  black  metal  sound  along  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  are  brought  into  the  music.

  When  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  they  use  both  grim  growls  and  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  very  melodic  and  the  songs  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  you  can  also  hear  a  lot of  modern  melodic death  metal  elements  in  the  bands  musical styles.

  When  acoustic  guitars  are  utilized  they  bring  in  more  elements  of  folk  music  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  parts of  the  songs  bring  in  a  ritualistic,  tribal  and  shamanistic  feeling  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  both  acoustic and  heavy  parts.

  Windfaerer  continues  their  style  of  melodic  black  metal  of  previous  recordings  and  also  keeping  the  death  and  folk  metal  elements  while  also  making  the  songs  more  epic  and  atmospheric,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  myths  of  the  Iberian  Peninsula.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Windfaerer  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Celestial  Supremacy"  "Santeria"  and  "The  Outer  Darkness".  8  out  of  10. 

http://www.nocleansinging.com/2015/06/30/an-ncs-premiere-windfaerer-celestial-supremacy/

Formicarius Interview

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

We recorded the single back in March this year. There's been a lot going on behind the scenes to prepare for the band's launch, which happened on 1st July. Right now we're in the middle of booking a mini-tour during September and rehearsing for that.


2.Recently you have released a single, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
Evil. It's a fucking gargantuan sound, especially with the keyboards, and between a straight minute of blastbeats and one of the best guitar solos you'll hear this year I don't really know what else to say - it's just very, very heavy.


3.Some of the lyrical topics covered Egyptian Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topics?
There isn't much more to it than a passing interest – it's fascinating but we're no experts on the subject in the way Nile are. Egyptian Mythology just provides an appealing backdrop to extreme metal for us; it's fantastical with powerful and extreme ideas and characters, and it can be revoltingly dark. It also provides a vivid setting which can easily be brought out in music, so it's a good basis for telling a story.


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

The Formicarius is one of the first books to discuss Witchcraft, written in the early 15th Century. This bleak time period of violent superstition and paranoia concerning the occult is something underlying all of our music, far removed from the industrial and modern themes. We explore the historic accounts in the Formicarius on the forthcoming album, and the mysterious and dangerous overtones of the occult are something which we will continue to explore. Therefore, Formicarius is an appropriate title to unite us by.

5.Has the band done any live shows yet or is it still in the works?

We have yet to make our live debut, which is being planned for September. We are all veterans of this industry and are taking our time to prepare carefully – the world shan't forget us once we begin our conquest.

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

Indeed, having announced the band only 3 weeks ago we are still unsigned. There has been interest surrounding us and the album, and we are open to the idea of a label provided we can come to a compromise which benefits both parties. That said, we have slaved over our already complete album and shan't relinquish our lifeblood without reason to.

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

Most people seem to 'get' it and are generally impressed with the quality of a record coming literally out of nowhere. There's basically no competition in regards to quality control as many unsigned bands do themselves a disservice by not investing properly in their music, so it isn't surprising that the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

8.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?

De Profundis signed to Wickerman recently, and they're releasing their new album this September. I believe Premature Birth are writing an album, and Maxdmyz are training up their new guitarist.

9.You have a full length album coming out during the end of the year, what should we expect musically?

The single 'Lake of the Dead' was released to serve as a teaser for the album. The same overall production and sound spread across 8 tracks totalling at 45 minutes exactly. In my opinion we haven't revealed our best tracks yet – the wait will be worth it.

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?

We recorded an Emperor cover for the b-side of the single in order to pay homage to what is probably our biggest collective musical influence. Mid 90s era Satyricon comes to mind, along with Sigh, Bathory, Immortal and of course our English brethren Hecate Enthroned, Eastern Front, Old Corpse Road and so on. We are constantly influenced by our contemporaries.

11.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

I speak only for myself when I say I don't really have any views on the subject. It's fascinating from a historical and sociological perspective, and I'm interested by ideas and stories which are fantastic in nature, but I'm not a believer in things which aren't backed by sound logic. It's something which real people have died for, which is fucking crazy... and crazy is exciting. It's not different from how I view religion, so I guess that makes me impartial.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Outside of music I just try to experience people, places and life and take inspiration from that. It's not an uncommon way to balance a working life alongside a music career in order to stop yourself from going insane.

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

Our aforementioned single 'Lake of the Dead' is available for free download and streaming from http://formicariusband.bandcamp.com – there's absolutely no reason for you to not make your own unbiased mind up. If you like it I would highly recommend that you watch this space and keep an eye out for our live exhibitions and the full length album later this year.

- Lord Saunders

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Formicarius/3540406692

Diabolus Arcanium/Path Of Ascension/Transcending Obscurity Distribution/2015 CD Review

  Diabolus  Arcanium  are  a  and  from  India  that  plays  a  very symphonic  and  epic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Path  Of  Ascension"  which  will  be  rleeased  in  August  by  transcending  Obscurity  Distribution.

  A  very  dark sounding  keyboard  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  symphonic  elements  and  after  the  intro  melodic choirs  are  added  into  the  music  which  also  leads  up to  a  heavier  sound  that  also  retains  the  symphonic  elements  and  also  adds  in  grim  black  metal  screams and  the  music  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Most  of  the  music  goes  for  a  90['s  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of  melody  in  the  guitar  riffing and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  are  utilized  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  classical  music  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  epic  atmosphere  and  they close  the  album  with  an orchestra  track.

  Diabolus  Arcanium  plays  a  style of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  very  epic,  with  some  classical elements  as  well  as  being  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  style,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Christianity,  Satanism,  Death,  Destruction  and  Supernatural  Phenomena  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Diabolus  Arcanium  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  and  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kingdom  Of   Sin"  "Of  Fire  And  Ashes"  and  "Herald  Of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

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Tengger Cavalry Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Sure. After the new release of 2015, I am preparing to re-build the band in United States and tour. So far we still couldn't perform yet, but I believe we will be ready to charge very soon!

2.So far this year you have released a full length, a single and also have been a part of a split, how would you describe the musical sound of the newer music?
The new music is more soundtrack feeling I would say. I intentionally limit the use of lyrics, giving more space for musical arrangements and instrumentation. I want to keep experimenting new stuff rather than repeating the previous work.

3.Your lyrics cover Shamanism., Tengrism and Mongolian Shamanism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
I always connect with nature and animals, and that's where i find my inner peace. Shamanism is all about worshiping nature, sky, etc. So I studied it and practice it.

4.Also the band is named after Tengger, a sky father from the Shamanism of your homeland, are you also familiar with the mythology of other cultures and also how would you compare the Eastern and Western Mythology's?
Yes I like Celtic paganism and Viking paganism. They all worship nature. But the difference between western shamanism and eastern shamanism is, I personally think, eastern is more like mono, and western is more poly. Tengger is considered the one dominant god of the nature, while in western paganism there are a bunch of gods that work separately to keep nature functioning.

5.Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind hiring a full time line up?
People keep giving me feedback that they loved the music and they REALLY want to see us on stage. So that's basically the main motive.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We played once in Strawberry Festival in China, where millions of people visited the festival per day. I remember thousands of audience head banging with our music. It is beyond awesome.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Yes, once we are ready for it, we will try to tour in US, starting with Eastern Coast.

8.You where recently part of a split that was released on Mongol Metal, can you tell us a little bit more about this label and your contributions to the split?
This label is run by me myself. I want the world to know that there is a new oriental genre rising. People keep asking why there is no Asian metal, and this is my answer to the world.

9.Your current full length was released on Metal hell Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
MHR is an independent heavy metal label in Minnesota state. We have been working with them for 4 years and it went pretty well. Looking forward to release more stuff in the future.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of folk metal?
People find our stuff very original and refreshing. They never experienced something like this before.

11.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Not really.

12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I couldn't say yet. I guess the day when we walk into the studio, our emotion and experience will decide what new sound we will have for the new release.

13.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?
Many European folk metal bands like Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Turisas, etc. Also new-folk and soundtrack music influenced me a lot.

14.What are some of your non musical interests?
I ride horse and do boxing. I like sports.

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you so much for the great opportunity to interview us. It is a pleasure to share the story of Tengger Cavalry
www.facebook.com/tengger0cavalry
http://www.mongol-metal.com/

Psychophobia Interview

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



Psychophobia is the band established at the beginning of the new century in Świdnik – typical workers city in southern Poland. Our first demo “Promo Accident”  was recorded and self released in 2006 and our first LP was self released in 2012. This year we signed contract with Metal Scrap Records and at 25th June we have released EP “The Fall” under metal Scrap Records label.



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



It’s a good piece of metal I think, with a lot of influences. In our music you can hear  elements of death, black, heavy and power metal, but we don’t want to put ourselves in any of these boxes. It isn’t very important for us. Psychophobia is just a metal band.



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



Generally, lyrics are about human condition in the world and his place in the universe. Sometimes the topic is about catastrophic visions of the future and uncertainty what tomorrow brings us in the age of dehumanization.



4.The band has been around since 2002 but so far has only released 2 demo's, a full length and the current ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap in between releases?



In those years there was a lot of squad changes. Each of us grew up and started adult life. You know: end of the school, going to college, going to work, try to start a family. The music was on the second place sometimes but we’ve had always stay together.



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



Anything special. Really.



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



We was very proud of sharing the stage with Christ Agony and Frontside – big names of polish rock/metal scene, but sometimes the best show is when you’re playing a small gig with bands you are befriended. In our case that will be R.O.D. and Shame Yourself.



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



No, not now.



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



We are already waiting for feedback.



9.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?



Most of these projects are suspended. Only Patologia is still playing. It’s a well known polish punk rock brigade.



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



We want to start recording our fresh stuff in the beginning of the next year.



11.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?



It’s really hard to say. There are many bands we’re listening in many kinds of music. Our biggest influences are Black Sabbath, In Flames, Children of Bodom.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?



Typical: football, motorcycles, girls and drugs and alcohol of course.



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



For all brothers and sisters: STAY HEAVY!

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