Ahl Sina/Troops Of Pain/2019 CD Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://ahlsina.bigcartel.com/



    

Damnation Army Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Misshapen/Transcendence/2019 EP Review

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

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

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

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

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

https://youtu.be/Tavm2kWC2AE

https://youtu.be/ufg9clBOadI 

https://misshapen.bandcamp.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Dark Mirror Ov Tragedy Interview

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



We had some live shows in Seoul, and now we prepare for upcoming live show in 2019.




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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





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



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

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





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



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




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



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




13.What are some of your non musical interests?



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




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



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

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Ash Of Ashes Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. How would you describe your views on Paganism?

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

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

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

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

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

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Damnation Army/Death Macabre/2019 Full Length Review

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

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

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

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

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

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