Birth Of The Monolith Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
1. We're - Birth Of The Monolith. We play post-metal / post-back / sludge music in the cold heart of Siberia, Russia. Gathered together in 2016, released 2 EPs since.

2.So far you have released 2 ep's, musically how do they differ from each other?
2. The first EP "S/T" has more sludge/doom sound, while second one, "Cult", is more inclined towards post-black. Lyrics on both releases are immersed in atmosphere of gloom and despair, and there're references to works of H.P.Lovecraft also.

3.Your lyrics cover Occultism and Rituals and the logo also has a Thelema symbol, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the esoteric arts?
3. We always liked occult literature, its thoughts and ideas. For example, the works of A. Crowley, "Kibalion", etc. As for the hexagram (the Thelema symbol) in our logo, it was an excellent replacement for the pentagram, which is a sort of stereotypical symbol for metal music.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Birth Of The Monolith'?
4. The name of band was born under the influence of Robert Howard's Black Stone, which included The People of The Monolith.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
5. The cover of the first EP was inspired by the work of artist Valnoir Mortasonge. The second is Jeff Grimal.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
6. As you know, Russia and Siberia in particular are very large, so all our shows are still held in Siberian cities. It is difficult to single out any show, but it is worth noting that recently we have changed the visual appearance - the members of the group perform in the clothes of cult followers, which further immerses the audience in an atmosphere of darkness. Such a change in appearance definitely pleased the audience, we received a many positive feedbacks.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
7. So far, plans for shows in Siberia and in the Russia in a whole. Huge distances limit us, but nothing is impossible)

8.Recently you covered a 'Downfall Of Gaia' song, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

8.'Downfall Of Gaia' really influenced our music, and their footprints are also in our other tracks :) We were torn between two of their songs - In The Rivers Bleak and Ephemerol. The choice was not easy but, in the end, In The Rivers Bleak seemed more suitable to us :)

9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
9. Actually there were some offers, but none are really interested us. So, at the moment we're in search of proposal we couldn't refuse.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, sludge and post metal?
10. We haven't faced negative or devastating reviews yet. And, honestly, we were really pleasantly surprised by many good, positive foreign reviews, despite that our songs are in Russian. Although our lyrics are also available in English. We try to add local flavor to songs through the language. Hope we succeeded well, and our music will stay in listeners hearts for a long.

11.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
11. We are currently working on the next release. Part of the material is ready, another part is at the writing stage, the concept and topics have been already worked out. The songs are writing long enough (the latter one took more than half of a year), and we hope that it is worth it. The release is scheduled for 2020, but we would not like to rush things. After the release, we want to arrange a short tour in Siberia. The release will be available at https://botm.bandcamp.com and probably published as a limited edition on physical media.

12.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?
12. As we said earlier, our music is heavily influenced by Downfall of Gaia. Also Cult of Luna, Amenra, Black Table, it's not the complete list, just major ones. Currently in playlist are: latest releases from Cult of Luna and Mgla, The Ever Living, The Ocean.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

13. Actually we're all different. Each has own hobbies besides music. For instance, our guitarist is fond of electronics and making guitar effects pedals, drummer - owns craft-beer pub

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

14. First of all, thanks for the questions:) Listen to Russian music, there're alot of interesting black-, post-, post-black metal and dark-hardcore bands. Hope you'll like our music :)

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Barad Guldur/Frammenti di oscurita/2019 CD Review

  Barad  Guldur  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Frammenti  di  oscurita".

  Fire  burning  and  spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  adding  some  acoustic  guitars  on  the  recording.  Bag  pipes,  flutes,  fiddle's  and  hardy  gurdy's  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  tracks  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  clean  pagan  singing.

  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  speed,  heavy  and  power  metal  influences  at  times  and  when  growls  and  screams  are  utilized  they  bring  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  onto  the  recording.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  music  also  having  its  shamanistic  and  ritualistic  moments  and  at  times  the  music  captures  the  atmosphere  of  a  fantasy  film  or show,  female  vocals  are  also  added  onto  some  of  the  tracks and  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  also  added  onto  the  albums.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  tales,  legends,  mountains,  horror  and  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Narad  Guldur  are  a  very  great  sounding  folk  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Canso  de  Bouye"  "Nella  notte  piu  nerra"  "Per  chi  ela  la  nocc"  and  "Frammento  di  oscurita".  8  out  of  10.

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Tragedy In Hope/Smile At Death/2019 EP Review

  Tragedy  In  Hope are  a  musical  project  from  Russia  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  ep  "Smile  At  Death"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  Tragic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  ep  while  also  introducing  symphonic  elements  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Cries  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.

  A  decent  amount  of  mid  90's  and  early  2000's  era  symphonic  black  metal  influences  can  be  heard  in  the  musical  style.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  beats  are  also  utilized  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  shouting  vocals  are  also  added  in  some  parts  of  the  music  and  clean  singing  is  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Tragedy  Of  Hope  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  goes  back  to  the  mid  90's  to  early  2000's  era  of t he  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a s elf  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tragedy  In  Hope  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  musical  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Grim  Love  Story".  8  out  of 10.

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Northwind Wolves/Mountains And Darkness/Black Lion Records/2019 CD Review

  Northwind  Wolves  are  a  band  from  Los  Angeles,  California  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  2019  album  "Mountains  And  Darkness"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Black  Lion  Records.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences. When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  some  growls  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  can  also  be  heard.

  On  this  recording  Northwind  Wolves  remains  true  to  the  melodic  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  that  was  established  and  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Winter,  Death  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Northwind  Wolves  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lord  Of  Winter  And  Death"  "Pale-Winter  Storm  Lightning"  "Ludmilla  The  Witch"  and  "Curse  Of  Ages".  8  out  of  10.

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Nachtterror 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?

The members of Nachtterror for the most part have all moved on to other projects or real life stuff as of its completion, so unfortunately not very much.

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

Much more Majestic,  less about getting the moshpits going and more about thought provoking music. We've grown up from back then. And our story reflects that

3.This is also your first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Members have moved onto different projects, but I (Maelkleth) still remain as the "lorekeeper"/ main songwriter for anything new.


4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Lyrically we strive to be storytellers who delve into the deeper emotions of man. Vengeful rage, bitter sorrow, hateful revenge, and fearfull understanding. As we have grown as people, so too has our understanding of our lives and the trials we've faced and for some, still struggle with every day. These reflect in our songs so others may see themselves in our position and judge themselves accordingly.

5.Some of your earlier lyrics dealt with occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Occultism?

We have always been interested in lovecraftian horror, video games and their soundtracks, and Id have to say our interest in Japanese Psychological Horror games was more of an influence than just the occult. Most of us are familiar with Anton LaVey, Crowley, and the Necronomicon. But our biggest influence lyrically has always been Silent Hill.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nachtterror'?
The meaning of Nachtterror would to me be, the "Fear of what comes in the Night". At the time it was an attempt to find a foreign language word for Night terror. But over time all things have come full circle and its meaning has evolved to reflect what we aimed to do with our music in the first place.

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

The cover is representative of the start of a journey through the dark. The three Vatiel figures on the outside are meant to represent Courage, Wisdom and Power, which are virtues to be gained along the path of Judgement.  A figure is seen holding a dying woman, reflective of the story of Walter and his bride. The barren landscape represents the nightmare world which he seemingly resides. A cold forest. The doorway is the path in which he must walk to find enlightenment. The tall mountain in the distance borrowed from tarot cards using the same imagery. Looking at the Tarot for judgement one can usually see archangels blowing trumpets to resurrect the dead. In this way the three Vatiel figures are calling to Walter to become more than the guilt ridden man he has become.

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

Nachtterror has had the opportunity to play alongside some of the great Canadian Metal acts, as well as festivals throughout our history. From opening for Wolven Ancestry in 2009, to being featured at Black Mourning Light Festival,  not to mention our kinship with bands like Psychotic Gardening and Altars of Grief, among others. The Canadian metal scene and its promoters have always had a passion to support incredible bands, and we have been very fortunate to experience so many.
Our stage performance has always been centered around taking our audience to another place. We have always pushed for immersion and intensity. Whether it be in attire, ligting, or theatrical acting moments built into our live performance, we have always intended to have our live show act as an extension of our lore.

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

 Unfortunately at this time there are no plans to promote the album, but thats not dismissing any possibilities in the future.

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

From the little feedback we recieve Id have to say fairly good. Its hard to say when we havent been super active socially as of late.

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

Depending on interest, another concept album continuing the idea of the souls journey to be reborn anew. Possibly a collection of eps rather than a full length.

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?

Video game music has always been a huge influence, but bands like Cradle of Filth, My Dying Bride, Wolves in the Throne Room and Nile have always had a big part in it. Akira Yamaoka and his Silent Hill music, and the old SNES games like Zelda and Metroid are major influences for me. Also a surprising amount of older Trance music gives me the ideas to write blackened riffs. There was also local band called The Orchard,  keyboards and really badass musicianship with an often terrifying atmosphere to their live show. I really wanted to play after seeing them.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?
Most of us like Video Games to some degree, but thats fairly common. Movies and Wrestling is prevalent in the band as well. Model making, Art, Photography, are some of the hobbies members share.

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

Nachtterror is a band of brothers who grew up facing each others darkness, and understanding a bit more of themselves for it. We have all fallen, and in that darkness we have all risen up with our own "dark god" of conciousness to guide us toward a new flame of hope. With this album, I hope the listener can reflect in their own Dark Mirror of Judgement and maybe face the things they do not wish to see. So they can rise up out of the sea of dread, and become the Ruler of their own Kingdom.

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Messora/The Door/2019 CD Review

  Messora  are  a band  from  Montreal,  Quebec,  Canada  that  plays  a  progressive  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019 album  "The  Door".

  A  very  dark  and  demonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  clean  playing  which  is  also  added  into  a  lot  of  parts  of  the  music.  Elements  of  prog  emtal  can  be  heard  in  some  of  the  heavier  riffing  while  the  vocals  also  add  in a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  being    an  acoustic  instrumental.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  vocals  onto  the  recording  and  throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  some  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  thrash  metal  and  one  track  also  introduces  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Messora  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  doom  and death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Door"  and  "The  Tide".  8  out  of  10.

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King Satan/I Want You To Worship Satan/Inverse Records/2019 CD Review

  King  Satan  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  has  had  an  album  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  industrial  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  album  "I  Want  You  To  Worship  Satan"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  inverse  Records.

  Heavy  riffing  and  industrial  elements  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  distorted  vocals  and  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  alter.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed  while  synths  are  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  aggrotech  elements.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.  Female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  bringing  in  more  of  a  melodic  hard  rock  style  when  they  are  utilized.

  Growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  samples  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  elements  of  death  punk,  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  Chaos  Magick  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  King  Satan  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  industrial  and  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Killing  Of  God"  "All  Magick  Is  Chaos  Magick"  "The  Antichristification"  and  "The  Portrait  of  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

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