Cetacean/Breach/Submerge/Apes Who Looked Up Records/2016 EP Review

 Cetecean  are  a  band  from  California  that  plays  a  very  blackened,  atmospheric  and  progressive  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  ep  "Breach/Sumberge"  which  will  be  released  in  may  by  Apes  Who Looked  Up  Records.

  Dark  yet  clean  playing  starts  off  the  ep  giving  the  music more  of  a  progressive  feeling  along  with  some  drum  beats a  few  seconds  later  and  saxophones  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  after  a  couple  of  minutes  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavy  sludge  metal  direction  that  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  aggressive  almost  hardcore  style  vocals.

  All  of  the  tracks a re  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  slower  riffs  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  while  the  melodies  bring  in  a  touch  of  post  metal  and  when  the  guitars  bring  in  tremolo  style  riffing  it  adds  in  black  metal  elements  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  high  pitched  screams  and  the  songs  also  bring in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

   When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  fashion  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  ep  progresses  psychedelic  elements  are  added  into  the  music  a  little  bit  more.

  Cetacean  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  sludge  metal  and  mixes  it  with  post  and  progressive  metal  to  create  a  musical  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Cryovolcanism,  melancholy  and  resonance  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cetacean  are  a  very  great  sounding   blackened,  atmospheric  and  progressive  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Earth  Is  A  Whisper".  8  out  of  10.

http://thecetacean.bandcamp.com/

Demonstealer/This Burden Is Mine/2016 Full Length Review

  Demonstealer  are  a  band  from  India  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  album  "This  Burden  Is  Mine".

  A  very  fast  and  brutal  death  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  growling  vocals  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Clean  singing  and  black  metal  screams  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  song  and  the  music  also  brings  in  atmospheric  and  progressive  elements  along  with  a  decent  amount  of  keyboards  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that are  present  on  the  recording  and  some  of  the  riffs  are  heavily  influenced  by  thrash.

  Most  of   the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  very  melodic  and  some  of  vocals  bring  in  angry  shouts  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  gets  more  technical  and  they  also   bring  in a  great  amount  of  modern  metal  elements  and  one  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  touch  of  Indian  ethnic  music  and  the  melodic  vocals start  having  more  of  a  dominant  presence  on  the  later  tracks.

 Demonstealer  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  modern  melodic  metal  but  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  black, death  and  thrash  metal  along  with  some  technical  and  progressive  elements  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

 In  my  opinion  Demonstealer  are a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "How  the  Mighty  Have  Fallen"  "This  Burden  Is  Mine"  "Where  Worlds  End"  and  "From  Rubble  to  Ruin". 8  out  of  10   

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ DemonstealerOfficial

Official Bandcamp - https://demonstealer. bandcamp.com/album/this- burden-is-mine

Totem Skin/Weltschmerz/Halo Of Flies/2016 CD Review

  Totem  Skin  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom,  crust,  hardcore  and  screamo  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Weltschmerz"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Halo  Of  Flies.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  and  after  a  few  minutes  the  music  speeds  up  and  gets  heavy  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  screaming  and  the  music  also  mixes  crust  and  post  hardcore  elements  to  them  while  the  influence  of  black  metal  is  also a  very  huge  part  of  the  bands  musical  style  and  some  of  the  riffs  bring  in  melodies.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  solos  are added  into the  music  they  are  in  a  melodic  post  metal  direction  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  touch  of  emo  and  as  the  album  progresses  growls  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  clean  playing  also  makes a  return  at  times  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Totem  Skin  plays  a  musical style  that  takes  post  black  metal  and  crust  and  mixes  them  together  with  doom,  screamo  and  melodic  hardcore  to  create  a  style  of  their own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  angry  and  depressing  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Totem  Skin  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  doom,  crust,  hardcore  and  screamo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Longing  leans  And  Beckons"  "The  Mouth  Of  Man"  and  "Distant  Visitant".  8  out  of  10. 

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Primitive Man/Northless/Halo Of Flies/2016 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Colorado's  Primitive  Man  and Wisconsin's  Northless  which will  be released  in  March  by  Halo  Of  Flies  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Primitive  Man  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  form  of  sludge/doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  distorted  reverb  before  going  into  a  very  heavy  sludge  metal  direction  and  their  only  song  is  15  minutes  and  after  a  few  seconds  death  metal  growls  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  a  few  screams  that  add  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  the  recording  and  after  awhile  the  music  speeds  up  and  brings  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover angry  themes.

  In  my opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Primitive  Man,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Northless  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  sound  that  mixes  sludge  and  post  metal  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  angry  screams  are  added  into  the  music  and  you  can also  hear  a  touch  of  hardcore  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them and  the  last  track  brings  in  a  few  seconds  of  clean  playing,  the production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Northless  are  a  very  great sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Wated  Breath".

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  album  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  sludge  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  split.  8  out  of  10. 

WEBSITE / BANDCAMP

Tagarot/Veleda's Prophecy/2016 EP Review

  Tagarot  are  a  band  from  Austria  that  plays folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  ep  "Veleda's  Prophecy".

  Spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  that  also  gives  the  recording  a  medieval  feeling  and  aftr  the  intro  heavy  and  melodic  riffs  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  some  female  vocals  while  they  still  mic  the  metal  and  folk  parts together  throughout  the  recording.

  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  as  the  ep  progresses  death  metal growls  and  black  metal  screams  start  to  make  their  presence  known  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  stick  to  mostly  a  mid  paced  musical  direction.


  Tagarot  plays  a  style  of  folk  metal  that  is  very  epic  and  melodic  while  also  bringing  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  death  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  involve  a  concept  with  a  Germanic  priestess  and  her  fight  against  imperium  Romanum.

  In  my  opinion  Tagarot  are  a  very  great  sounding  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Callis  Sangiunis"  and  "Blood  Soaked  Earth".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp - https://tagarot.bandcamp.com/releases
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tagarotband
Soundcloud - https://soundcloud.com/tagarot-1

Midnight Rites/Tales From The North/Inferno Records/2016 EP Review

  Midnight  Rites  are  a  duo  from  Sweden  that  plays  an  old  school  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016 ep  "Tales  From  The  North"  which  was  released  by  Inferno  Records.

  A  very  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  you  can  also  hear  a  lot  of  90's  Swedish  death  metal  influences  in  the  bands  musical style  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars while  the  vocals  also  get  very  grim  at  times  and  when  keyboards  are  added  into  the  music  they  give  the  songs  more  of  an  evil  and  ritualistic  sound.

  Midnight  Rites  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  melodic  styles  of  both  the  90's  Swedish  and Finnish  styles  of  black  and  death  metal  and  updates  it  for  the  modern  days,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  powerful  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Midnight  Rites  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  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  "Lvcifer"  and  "Raven's  Cry".  8  out  of  10.

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Against The Plagues Interview

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

Shaun ~ Currently the band is preparing to hit the road and do some touring in support of our recent album "Purified Through Devastation" which was released December 18th on Non Serviam Records in the Netherlands. We are doing as much independent promotion as we can to showcase the new lineup and updated music. We are very excited to get on the road and perform live. We have been taking time to launch the album and prepare everything for a strong 2016!

2.You have a new full length coming out in December, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Shaun ~ The sound we strived for on this album was something brutal, but catchy and memorable. ATP has always embraced a darker and dramatic, melodic style, which we wanted to preserve, but with new members and new times, we ended up with something more punishing than the last. We don't really try to fit any one type of mold,. We are an Extreme Metal Band, covering many facets of the brutal, dark and melodic spectrum. Purified Through Devastation is kind of self explanatory in that we as individuals, as a band, as a race, are constantly destroying and rebuilding. A sick cathartic measure in means of survival.

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

Shaun ~ Purified Through Devastation is comprised of songs from a demo called Quaternion that ATP released before I joined the band and newer material written by the current lineup. I wrote the lyrics for TerrorForm, Enblightened, Extermination Event and All Flesh Had Corrupted. I was given the freedom to make some adjustments to Man's Modern, World, Theokratia, Enemy Herein and Praetorian Icon. I basically turned the album into a concept album that talks about the modern age and how Mankind on the brink of extinction. A failed creation (the human race), a vile species that plagues the earth with their self destructive ways. The only chance for survival is to eradicate the virus and exterminate everything. Only then can we rebuild. Man's Modern World is the thesis song of the album, setting the scene for the terror which unfolds. All Flesh Had Corrupted is a tale of the first time man was corrupted by divine knowledge, thus becoming a catalyst for lust, greed, war and self destruction. Abandoned by our creators we lash out in defiance. Praetorian Icon is a song of rebellion. Revolting against the brutal dictators who are enslaving our species. Theokratia is about corruption in religion and religious law implanted in government and state. Controlling through religion is a method of enslaving weak minds and has been responsible for countless innocent lives throughout history. TerrorForm is a hybrid word I created as a play on words inspired by terraform. TerrorForm bares multiple meanings but the idea is a planet enveloped in terror. Chaos, war and disease. Extermination Event is the brutal decision to wipe out mankind and send it into oblivion. Falling Further is a calm note after the destruction of everything. Enblightened is the dim light of darkened hope. The larva phase. Submerged in darkness and writhing in the pain of the sacrifice needed to survive. Lastly The Enemy Herein is a recap on how we have been the enemy all along. Self destructive and set out for power, driven by greed and fueled by a disgust for our creators.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Against The Plagues'?

Shaun ~ The inspiration behind the name Against The Plagues comes from the constant battle to survive, advance, evolve and thrive throughout time Against The Plagues which threaten our existence.

5.In the beginning the band had more of an international line up but on the new album all of the band members are from the U.S, is it a lot more easier to get music recorded and play live shows this way?

Shaun ~ Yes. We are all centralized in the Chicagoland/Northwest Indiana region. Our main headquarters are in Calumet City Illinois, which is convenient for all of us to get together and have regular rehearsal, in person discussions and build the much needed momentum to take our chemistry and musicianship to the next level.

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

Shaun ~ The shows that stand out for me have to be our show with Nile as direct support. We played right before Nile in Joliet IL at a venue that was known as Mojoes at the time. It was a packed house, very involved and responsive crowd full of energy! It was a great night and Nile was amazing! Very cool guys too. We also had the honor of opening for Destruction and Sepultura on Sepultura's last Anniversary tour. Our more recent show was opening for Cannibal Corpse, Cattle Decapitation and Soreption this past Halloween! It was a sold out show and one of the most memorable shows to date! Our live performance is evolving more and more as we continue to add to our arsenal. We have a full color backdrop, and two full color stage scrims. We use  the obligatory foggers and lights to set the mood. Each song is complimented by ambient interludes and segues. We try to incorporate an element of drama and suspense to our live performance. As we evolve we hope to increase the dynamics of our show.

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

Shaun ~ We have several touring options in the works and will include dates all over the US and Canada. We are booked to play several Festivals across the US for 2016 and many more in the works! All tour dates will be officially announced through Varyen Entertainment and Non Serviam Records so be sure to like us on your preferred social media network and stay updated on all developments!

8.The new album is coming out on 'Non Serviam Records' can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Shaun ~ Ricardo Gelok and the team at Non Serviam Records have been very supportive and professional in helping to push this album and promote us to the fullest. We are very grateful to have a personal relationship with Ricardo. He is always reaching out to each of us personally and working with us to achieve the best  results for all parties involved. We are very happy to be working with Non Serviam!

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

Shaun ~ Honestly so far I am very pleased and kind of shocked at the enthusiasm behind our recent album! We have been contacted by several fans from all over the globe expressing their appreciation for our art and we couldn't be happier. We literally walked through infernos to get this album released. We wanted this album to have high quality production and spent alot of time rehearsing as a band to be tight. For the most part this album is very raw in contradiction to the polished final product. Vocally, most of these tracks are live straight through one take runs. Of course I took time to layer a few things and add backgrounds but all in all, I strived to capture the aggression I put out in our live performances.

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?

Shaun ~ Currently everyone in ATP is fully focused and involved in only ATP. Although Milo our bassist does fill in for bands like Wolfpack 44 and Coven, as well as tribute bands in our local area.

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

Shaun ~ Against The Plagues will always be an Extreme Metal band. Expect heavy, epic, melodic, and versatile. Our next album will most likely have alot of different elements to it, for it will tell a new story. We don't stick to one formula. We write and play what we feel and what is true to us. Our music is driven by intense stories of real conflicts and full of pure emotion. Our passion to create music is wild and free, the way it should be.

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?

Shaun ~ I will always be inspired by Iron Maiden, GWAR and Pantera. As a kid these bands pulled me into the world of metal. Ozzy, Slayer and Cannibal Corpse came shortly after. Now I have listened and enjoyed so many bands I could write a whole article on them alone!  I love all types of music and do not limit my listening to just metal. I am inspired by music that captures an emotion familiar to my soul. We all have a story to tell.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Shaun ~ I am very interested in writing short stories and poetry. I love history and so does the rest of the band. We enjoy visiting historical places and sites. Science and the universe is of great interest to us. We also have an affinity for craft micro brewed beer, lager, ales, stouts, scotch, whiskey and many other fine spirits.

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

Shaun ~ I would like to thank you very much for taking the time to interview us! We appreciate your support! Be on the lookout for many new developments and announcements coming soon regarding tours and festival appearances! We want to see you all come out and help us Devastate your town! Thank you so much! Horns High! \m/ \m/

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