Black Crown Initiate/Violent Portraits Of Doomed Escape/Century Media Records/2020 Full Length Review

  Black  Crown  Initiate  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  progressive  and  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Violent  Portraits  Of  Doomed  Escape"  which  will  be  released in  August  by  Century  Media  Records.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  along  with  some  clean  vocals  start  off  the  album  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  Aggressive  vocals  are  in  between  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  prog  metal  elements  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also add  in  some  melodies  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Acoustic  guitars  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  along  with  some  chants  and  throat  singing  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  symphonic  sounds,  some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  also  show  an  influence  of  djent  and  some  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy  and  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Crown  Initiate  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Invitation"  "Years  In  Frigid  Light"  and  "Holy  Silence".  8 out  of  10.

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Trident/North/Non Serviam Records/2020 CD Review

  Trident  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "North"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Non  Serviam  Records.

  Gregorian  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  classical  music  sounds  and    ritualistic  percussion.  Classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  most  of  the tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can b e  heard.

  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements  death  metal  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  classical  guitars  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks,  a  couple  of  songs  also  introduces  ritualistic spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  story  about  an  Internal  journey,  of  ominous  visions  through  dreams,  touching  the  subjects  of  ancient  wisdom's  long  forgotten,  cursed  bloodlines.

  In  my  opinion  Trident  are  a  very  great  sounding  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  "Enter"  "Summoning"  "Possession"  and  "Schaman".  8 out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Trident666official/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrG4qEybGmeLhK9QIkKc4w  

Magni Interview

https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Magnifolk
https://deadgamesrecords.com/




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

Clint - It comes from The Neofolk and Pagan Black metal I have loved over the years I founding member of  As All Die ( Martial Neofolk/Noise) I wanted to bring some of those elements back with my love of bands like  Tenhi, Of the Wand and the Moon, Antimatter, Falkenbach and Blood Axis. Ryan brought in the Goth elements for sure esp on track 3 " The Watcher" which he does the vocals on.  Goto - https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/  to hear and order !!!

 Ryan-The music of project is a folk Gothic metal Doom dark insane project that has melodies harshness and everything else in between

2.You have an ep coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Clint-  I would  Say  Folk, Black metal,  Northern European Pagan music and some Gothic Doom elements
Ryan-  Well at RPM Studios we went with a nice acoustic folk undertones and we just let the project grow as it was I wanted the Neil Young darker side of the folk doom style of music


3.A lot of your lyrics and the band name come from Asataru and Norse Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this path?

Clint- I'm a worshiper of Asatru and have had a love of bands that follow that path so many to mention but many in Viking, Black, Death Metal and Neo classical and folks sides. I never take my hammer off even while sleeping. The lyrics are around how Raganok is the End and Rebirth of mankind all at once and how there is never really an ending, it's just the next cycle to something new. The name is just one of Thors son's and the only one to ever be able to use Mjölnir. The Germanic Gods are more like us then you think and we need to go back to the old ways or this world is doomed to suffer.

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

Clint- The cover is German Wheel of the year that shows the eight Sabbats for Festivals.

5.The ep is coming out on 'Dead Games Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Clint-  DGR is a label Ryan started years ago and then seemed to go into slumber He and I decided to give it a rebirth and release some of our material to start so 1st 4 releases are  Idiot Robot ( DeathPop/Indie Rock)  Magni ( Blackened Prog Folk)  Until the Sky Dies ( Death/Doom meets Odd Electro Post Metal) and The Slumbering ( Doom Noise). At this time it's a label just for our projects but who knows as we are fully focused on the label doing Limited CD or Cassette Runs for releases and well as full PR push through Against PR and have Digital Distro through all the major channels. goto http://deadgamesrecords.com its all there.

Ryan-For the record label we just don't do one style music it's whatever we like

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

Clint-As the album is not even out yet only time will tell. Those who have heard or pre-ordered the feedback have been very positive. Many say it the favorite thing I've done in years.

7.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Clint- Until the sky dies, Kadaver/Listing, The Slumbering, Idiot Robot

Ryan- Ryan michalski AKA Spaceking, DeadDarkSlide, Idiot Robot


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

Clint- I'm working on new material already and it's going to be in the same common themes . Magni is a Pagan Folk Project with Blackened Metal and Gothic overtone. I hope to have a full length out by end of 2021

9.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?

Clint- Thergothon , Dolorian, Bethlehem, Fleurety, Manes, Queen, Monster Magnet, Neurosis, Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Tenhi, Shudder to think, Nirvana, Blood Axis, Bathory, Marduk, Emperor, Devin Townsend, Dan Swano and Bolt thrower and the list goes on

Ryan- Neil Young , Pornos for pyros , Culture Club, The Cars ,  Ramones , G&R ,S.O.D, Metallica, M.O.D , Slayer
Listening to nowadays- Ed Sheeran, Lisa Loeb, That Dog & Green Day


10.What are some of your non musical interests? 

Clint- Working on Linux Computer, DC/Marvel Comics, Sci Fi, History ( Esp War themes and Religions), Cooking Shows, Some Horror and Thrillers.

Ryan- Housewives of Beverly Hills & Orange County . Watching horror movie & Sci-Fi movies watching NHL . Playing Dungeons & Dragons & Star Wars Legions and watching Christy knows best. And hanging out with my wife Milissa

Journey Into Darkness/Multitudes Of Emptiness/2020 Full Length Review

  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  solo  project  from  Florida  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self released  2020 album  "Mulitudes  Of  Emptiness".

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  programmed  beats  while  the  synths  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  style  instrumentals  also  being  added  onto  the  recording  as  the  album  progresses.

  Journey  Into  Darkness  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  some  doom  and  death  metal  elements  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  interludes  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  be  Human  is  To  Be  Inhuman"  and  "Sending  Death".  8  out  of  10.

https://jidarkness.com/

https://journeyintodarkness.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Journey-Into-Darkness-133854346636888

https://youtu.be/qoAINEwHfdo  

Irhagar Interview

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


A little about the project. We are from the city of Ulan-Ude, located in South-Eastern Siberia, near Lake Baikal. It is important to note the territorial location, because our music and sound absorbed the local motives of nature and the phenomena of the cultures of the peoples living here since ancient times.

2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
Since our music is closely related to local folklore, we are intermediaries in it. It passes through us and gradually manifests through tools, gaining face. Thus, you can hear the awakening of different forms of energies that are inherent in each of us. All this, in the end, pours out, as if from an overflowing bowl, into music that does not limit itself.

3.What are some of the themes and images you have brought out with your music so far?
Our goal is not to create and impose certain images. We just want to nudge the listener to build their own. For example, the cryptographic definitions of our tracks speak about this - that is, the listener himself gives the names.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Irhagar'?
Let's just say that there is no inspiration behind this and not even a name, let alone a hidden meaning, etc. Irhagar is an ancient name deeply rooted in the rituals of the Baikal peoples. This is the name of the spiteful,”grinning” Spirit.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
The cover is a visualization of the music, forming a complex with the definition of tracks of a whole picture. Simultaneously bringing the listener into the trip, immersing him. Better look closely to the cover and it’ll say more than we can.

6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
Our live performances are an important factor in shaping the overall picture. In the period prior to release, we had already performed several live performances on the local stage of our city. The rest, of course, is in the future.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
It is difficult to say yet whether we are looking for a label. But if we receive proposals, we will certainly consider them.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of underground music?
We received messages from different parts of the world. And these were mostly positive reactions and bewilderment, of course in a good sense of the word. To be honest, it is difficult to judge feedback now, because this is our debut release

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

We do not think it is worth setting any definite goal in the future, concerning the direction of music. But we try not to limit ourselves to various frames and labels. Use all opportunities and skills to the maximum.

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?
You know we can endlessly list everything and everyone and it doesn't make sense. Undoubtedly, we have been influenced by a wide variety of musical genres of the electronic and heavy underground scene, as well as other art forms.

11.How would you describe your views on metaphysics?
This can be felt on an ephemeral plane. That which arises before all the concepts and concepts in which the human mind can endlessly wander. Do not forget this and do not remember.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
“Questions are always baffling”

1. SoundCloud
2. vk.com

Yevabog/King Of The Worms/2020 EP Review

  Yevabog  are  a  solo  project  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2020  demo  "King  Of  The  Worms".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  clean  vocals  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  Blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  when  the  music  speeds  up  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts, one  track  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording   and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Yevabog  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  an  atmospheric  and  melodic  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  metal to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Yevabog  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Creatordestroy"  and  "Crumbling  Ossuary".  8  out  of  10.

https://yevabogmerch.bigcartel.com

https://instagram.com/yevabog

https://facebook.com/yevabog

https://Yevabog.bandcamp.com

open.spotify.com/album/6CDvhC536HXPdGsJmJQft5?si=kRIHBZfVRzG4sAJ_GiuIHA

yevabogmusic@gmail.com 

Nemesium/Continua/Black Lion Records/2020 CD Review

  Nemesium  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Continua"  which  was  released  by  Black  Lion  Records.

  Sci-fi  sound  effects  and  spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  black  emtal  screams  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  The  songs  also  mix  in  a  decent  amount  of  progressive  and  technical  elements  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Tribal  drumming  can  also  be  heard  briefly  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  shamanistic  atmosphere  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  along  with  the  songs  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  influences  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  instrumental  can  also  be  heard  which  also  introduces  synths  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  science  fiction  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nemesium  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Archetype"  "The  Fire  And  The  Flesh"  "The  Dawn  Of  Retribution"  and  "Relive  this  Nightmare".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/NemesiumOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/nemesiumofficial_/ 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IUsvIFmFQ45sSuRwSbMRK 

https://youtu.be/fSt-TLiwqLY