Ypres/Genus Vitiosum/Slow Burn Records/2019 EP Re-Issue Review

  Ypres  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  ep  "Genus  Vitiosum"  which  was  re-issued  in  2019  by  Slow Burn Records.

  A  very  slow  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  and  also  introduces  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  done  in  a  screaming  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal  style.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording.  At  times  the  music  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  a  decent  amount  of  black  metal  influences  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  some  growls  and  hardcore  elements  at  times  and  all  of  the  music  also sticks  to  either  a  slow  or mid  tempo  style.

  Ypres  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  atmospheric  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ypres  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ad  Gloriam  Ignorantial"  and  "Umwelt".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Facebook

VKontakte

Violence Mortuaire/Ab Intestat/2019 Full Length Review

Violence  Mortuaire  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  hardcore,  progressive  and  experimental  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  album  "Ab  Intestat".



  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  done  in  a  screaming  style  along  with  some  elements  of  hardcore  being  added  in  the  mid  tempo  sections.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  softer  sections  of  the  music  also  adding  in  some  saxophones  and  jazz  influences,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  When  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  avant  garde  style  as  well  as  the  riffing  also  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  thrash  metal.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  progressive  rock  style  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Growls  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  based  upon  poems  written  by  Paul  Verlaine,  Arthur  Rimbaud,  Victor  Hugo,  Charles  Peguy  and  Jean  de  la  Fontaine.

  In  my  opinion  Violence  Mortuaire  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  hardcore,  progressive  and  experimental  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Post  Chaos"  "Post  Hell"  "Post  Religious"  and  "Post  hate".  8  out  of  10.

https://violencemortuaire.bandcamp.com/releases
https://violencemortuaire.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2-oe6E_hvQ&feature=youtu.be      

Revogar/Conqueror Of The Unholy Light/20120 EP Review

  Revogar  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  ep  "Conqueror  Of  the  Unholy  Light"  which  will  be  released  in  2020.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  of  the  ep  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.Vocals  also  bring  in a   mixture  of  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  along  with  the  melodic  sections  of  the  music  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  Swedish  influences,  one  track  also  introduces  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  this  ep  Revogar  remains  remains  true  to  the  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  from t heir  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Anti  Christianity  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great sounding  recording  from  Revogar  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ritualistic  Brutalization"  and  "War  Of  Insanitification".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-0B0vt6EBY 

Meth Assassin/Reptilian Side of God/Terratur Possessions/2019 CD Review

 Meth  Assassin  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial,  witchhouse  and  horrorcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "Reptillian  Side  Of  God"  which  was  released  by  Terratur  Possessions.



  Electro-industrial  sound,  programmed  beats  and  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  tortured  voices  also  being  utilized  briefly  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  horror  movie  atmosphere. High  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  and  the  songs  also  add  in  elements  of  house  music.

  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  pulsating  basses  while the  music  captures  the  atmosphere  and  darkness  of  an  occult  black  metal  album  without  adding  in  heavy  guitar  riffs.  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  and  as  the  album  progresses  elements  of  witchhouse    are  also  added  onto  the  recording,  one  of  the  later  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental.

  Meth  Assassin  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  industrial,  horrorcore  and  witchhouse  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Left  Hand  Path,  Occultism  and  Astral  Projection  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Meth  Assassin  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  industrial,  witchhouse  and  horrorcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Luciferian  Abyss"  "Reptillian  Side  Of  God"  and  "Invoking  The  Adversary".  8  out  of  10.

"Satanic Infiltrator" - https://soundcloud.com/terratvr-possessions/m3th-assassin-satanic-infiltrator
"Torrents of Ungodliness" - https://soundcloud.com/terratvr-possessions/m3th-assassin-torrents-of-ungodliness
      

Kvaen/The Funeral Pyre/Black Lion Records/2020 Full Length Review

  Kvaen  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  along  with  some  session  musicians  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  black  metal  with  some  elements  of  viking  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  album  "The  Funeral  Pyre"  which  will  be  released  in  2020  by  Black  Lion  Records.

  A  very  heavy  and  melodic  Swedish  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats. Vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  speed  and  thrash  metal  elements.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  having their  old  school  moments  while  clean  playing  and  viking  metal  influences  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  as  well  as  the  songs  also adding  in  a  good  balance  between  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Keyboards  can  also  be heard  at  times,  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  also  gets  more  atmospheric  sounding  and  the  recording  closes  with  an  instrumental  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Vikings,  Ragnarok,  Cold  Steel  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kvaen  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  melodic  black,  viking  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Revenge  By  Fire"  "The  Wolves  Throne"  and  "Bestial  Winter".  8  out  of  10.

“Yee Naaldlooshii”: YOUTUBE || SPOTIFY || DEEZER
“The Funeral Pyre”: YOUTUBE || SPOTIFY || DEEZER || NO CLEAN SINGING Premiere       

Tovarish Interview

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

We've released our very first music video for the song The Year Without Summer and we're releasing our second music video for the song Silver And Lead. We've played a few shows and are already planning to write and record new material.

2.In July you also have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Our sound is always evolving. We sound much different from our first album "Da, Tovarish" and I think that's for the best. We've been providing remixes for other artists and that has lead to us having a bit more of an industrial influence. We've also been incorporating more melody and ambient sound to compliment the harsh drones.

3.This is also your first album since 2015, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

We usually go in a bit of hibernation between albums. We still play live locally, but we let the music rest so to speak. Everyday life tends to get in the way and we also work on other musical projects, so time occasionally slips away. When we do get together to write and record, it comes in large creative bursts and then we revisit later with clear minds to see if we should continue or start anew.

4.Your lyrics deal a lot with Soviet era Communism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic and what led you to be interested in that era?

A lot of extreme bands (black metal, noise etc) either flirt with or outright embrace fascist imagery and ideology. We oppose all that and created Tovarish in direct response. Fascism is on the rise around the world and people must look for a way to combat and defeat it. There are lessons to be learned from Soviet-era Communism, both good and bad and we must look to the past in order to help save the future.

5.In modern day society a lot of people think communism is making a huge come back with all the whole war between socialism and the lat right, what are your thoughts on this?

I think it's encouraging that people are becoming more socially and politically aware and active to fight against those that destroy us simply for existing. People are not just rolling over to the tiki torch-carrying hatemongers that proclaim racial and gender superiority. There is a whole new generation of people moving further to the left because they see that we must work together to become better. A rising tide lifts all ships, many hands make light work, that sort of mentality.

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

Tovarish means "Comrade". We chose that name because it encapsulates who we are, what we stand for, and how we work together as a band. We truly do work together in all aspects of the band, whether it's writing, recording, booking shows, and even merch design.

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

The artwork was created by the amazing Stephen Wilson, who has also down artwork for Crowhurst, False, and Vile Creature.  We did not really put any restrictions or give any parameters. We sent him the album and just let him create something that is incredible to look at.

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?

We've been lucky enough to play with some amazing bands. Kayo Dot, SubRosa, Psalm Zero, Endon, Batillus, Kowloon Walled City. All of those were great experiences. Our live performance typically includes video projected behind us. Past videos  have included riot footage, Soviet propaganda cartoons, time-lapsed nature video. It gives the audience something to focus on while we play.

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

Not really. We don't tour and now only play shows if we're asked. In the beginning, we would play just about any show offered to us or would book our own. It led to many mixed bills in terms of genre and talent, which had less than desirable results.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of extreme metal and underground music?

Mixed I suppose. Your average metal fan probably wouldn't like us. No riffs, no mosh, no fun. The people that "get it" though really do understand and appreciate what we're doing. It's not easily listenable or digestible music, but there is something there and it's always encouraging when fans enjoy what we're doing.

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

Without putting us in a box, I would say more ambient and melodic sounds. We're really proud of what we have accomplished with If The War Comes Tomorrow and would probably continue on that track.

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?

It depends on the day and the mood, but recently we've been drawn to sludge, doom, drone, and soundscapes.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Politics, electronics, books.

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

Our music is available at tovarish.bandcamp.com and argonautarecords.com. Thanks so much for taking the time to ask us questions.

Ainsoph/Ω - V/Woves Of Hades/2020 Full Length Review

 Ainsoph  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  post  black  metal  with  elements  of  avant  garde,  post  punk.  progressive  music  and  jazz  and  this is  a  review  of  their  album  "Ω - V"  which  will  be  released  in  2020  by  Wolves  of  Hades.



  Heavy  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  all  done  in  a  very  clean  and  ethereal  style  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  post  metal style.Elements  of  shoegaze  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful.



  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  post  punk. When  the  music  speeds  up  on  a  couple  of  tracks  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  utilized  briefly



  At  times  the  music  also  has  its  its  progressive  moments  as  well  as  mixing  in  elements  of  jazz.  One  track  is  an  instrumental  and  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  along  with  a  couple  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  onto  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while t he  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Kaballah  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ainsoph  are  a  very  great  sounding  post  black  metal  band  with  some  elements  of avant  garde,  post  punk.  progressive  music  and  jazz  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Malkuth"  "The  Long  And  Self-Destructive  Road"  and  "Maggot  brain".  8  out  of  10.

https://wolvesofhades.bandcamp.com/album/v