Skalmold/10 Year Anniversary - Live In Reykjavik/Napalm Records/2020 Live Album Review

 

  Skalmold  are  a  band  from  Iceland  that h as  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  Viking  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "!0 Year  Anniversary  -  Live  In  Reykjavik"  which  will  be  released  on  October  23rd  by  Napalm  Records.

  Live  audience  reaction  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  pagan  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  At  times  the  vocals  add  in  more  of  a  semi  rough  style  while  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  in  some  parts  of  the  music.  Keyboards  and  folk  music  elements  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  songs  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic in  length,  When  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard,  some  of  the songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts. 

  On  this  recording  Skalmold  takes  their  mixture  of  folk  nd  Viking  metal  plays  a  bunch  of  songs  from  albums  they  have  released  over  the  years  to  a  live  audience.  The  production  sounds  very professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Norse  Mythology,  Icelandic  Poetry  and  Battle  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Skalmold  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  Viking  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  live  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Aras"  "Niflheimur"  "Daudi"  and  "Kvadning".  8  out  of  10.

HOMEPAGE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

https://youtu.be/hmvlj_DXuJY 

Strydegor/Isolacry/MDD Records/2020 CD Review

 

  Strydegor  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of   black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Isolacry"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  MDD  Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  synths  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  melodic  direction.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  clean singing  is  also  utilized  at  times.  

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  into  the  music.

  Some  songs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing  along  with  the  synths  also  making  a  return  on  one  of  the  later  tracks  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  instrumental  can  also  be  heard,  and  a  later  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  scientific  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Strydegor  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  "Innocence  Corroded"  "World  In  Your  Hands"  "As  April  Slowly  Fades"  and  "Still  Alive".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook  

Nachtblut Interview

 

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

Skoll: Since we recorded Vanitas we spend a lot of time to prepare the release - photo-, video shoots, planning the promotion etc. Unfortunately, due to the Corona pandemic, all festivals and shows for 2020 have been postponed. Regarding shows, we're just hoping for better times, crossing fingers for 2021 and waiting. 

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

Skoll: I believe with Vanitas we offer a lot of facets and variety, but still managed to have a homogenous sound, upholding the fundamental vibe. It’s exciting to have such a diverse album and the feedback from fans and critics approves that. Regarding the sound, I think we found what we were aiming for. 

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Skoll: As diverse as songs on the album, so are the lyrics. Of course, we are dealing with transience, mortality and death, but we didn’t stop there. Further the Vanitas art is also about deliberate, reflecting your lifestyle, your present and what choices you make. So, from the kind of moral dogmas nowadays, gathered in “lifestyles”, in which each thinks it’s superior to the others, to the question of who is in charge of your knowledge, point of view on things or your definition of happiness, dictatorship and unusual bonds between people, you will find a whole range of topics on Vanitas. 

4.I know that the bands name means 'Night blood' in German, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

Skoll: There are several rumors out there, stating why we chose the name or what it means actually. I won’t comment on this ;-). But for sure, the name itself has something dark and sinister, so is our music.

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

Skoll: As the record is called Vanitas and deals with aspects of this art, it was obvious to include the Vanitas-still-life-art at our artwork for the album. Inspired by the paintings of the 16th and 17th century you will notice certain symbols on the cover. They are not randomly chosen. Every object has a symbolic meaning. It’s like a code, which gives you a detailed picture of the thoughts of the artist, or the issues addressed. What the several objects are representing, is to figure out by everyone by himself. I won’t spoil this, it would take away all the fun. 

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

Skoll: For me personally the very first show in China was a highlight. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was touched by the energy and emotions of the people. Over the last years there are many great concerts and experiences. Of course, playing Wacken for the first time is very special, so are small club shows in which the crowd goes nuts and water/sweat is dripping down the ceiling. I would say our shows are full of energy. It’s always have been part of our shows to have a lot of movement on stage and in front of it. So for example we stage dive and having moshpits with the fans. Nothing for a quiet and comfy evening. 

7.Since 2012 all of your albums have been released on 'Napalm Records', do you feel they have been very supportive when it comes to getting your music out there heard?

Skoll: Yes! It’s great to be with Napalm Records, they are always supportive. You hear a lot of stories about other labels and bands not getting along. Even sometimes labels interfere into the music or artistic decision. I can’t say anything like that about Napalm, it’s always have been a cool with and never an against each other. Over the years, a certain bond manifests. 

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

Skoll: Very good, almost overwhelming. Fans as critics like the record. Of course, you will always find one that isn’t convinced or the old stuff in general is better. But for those people it doesn’t matter what you do, they will always find something to moan about. It also seems that the international interest grew compared to Apostasie. So all in all a very well-received album! 

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

Skoll: I don’t know. Like I said, for me we found the sound we were aiming for. Regarding songwriting, we never sat down and brainstormed like “the next record needs to be like this and this, because it’s a trend”. Things are developing naturally, call it evolution. So the direction will depend on what we are into at the very moment the songs are written. But no worries we will stay true to ourselves. 

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?

Skoll: I think every one of us listened or still listen to Rammstein and Cradle Of Filth. Also, we all enjoying Black Metal. But as we are 4 individuals everyone brings in another backstory. Speaking for myself, I don’t care too much about the label put on the music. I listen to all kinds of genres, depending on the mood. Probably if I would turn on the music right now, it would be Ghost. 

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Skoll: I like to do sport, like to read, mainly scientific books, or books about a certain topic. There are just a few fictional, storytelling books I really like. But to be honest, most of the time, it's about music. Drumming, bands, touring, you name it. 

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

Skoll: Famous last word of every band in an interview - listen to our new album Vanitas, out now! Enjoy and in those times, stay safe and stay healthy. Thanks for having me, thanks for the interview!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLEKG9D0E_Q&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Presse+News+-+UK&utm_campaign=bf4d4e2dae-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_05_24_09_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9812a903a1-bf4d4e2dae-16118131

Final Dawn/Mina Olen Pimeys/2020 CD Review

 

Final  Dawn  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "Mina  Olen  Pimeys".

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up a   decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  utilized  briefly.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  clean  playing  when  it  is  utilized  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  progressive  feeling.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  death  metal  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  First  wave  black  metal  style  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  clean  singing  onto  the  album  as  well  as  most  of  the  tracks  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  traditional  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  depressive,  satanic,  chaos  and  war  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Final  Dawn  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  "Till  The  Bitter  End"  "Satan;s  Hourglass"  and  "Fire  Of  The  North".8 out  of  10.

http://fb.com/finaldawnband
https://twitter.com/FinalDawnBand

https://www.instagram.com/finaldawnband/

https://youtu.be/_tF3eogchvQ 

Shrykull/Temple Steps/Trepanation Recordings/2020 Split Album Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  United  Kingdom's  Shrykull  and  Temple  Steps  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Trepanation  Recordings  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Shrykull  a  duo  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black, sludge,  doom,  death  metal,  grind  and  hardcore.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  distorted  amp  sounds  before  going  into  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction  which  also  captures  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  all of  the  musical  instruments  on  their  side  of  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  The  mid  tempo  sections  of their  songs  also  show an  influence  of  hardcore  along  with  their  second  track  being  a  cover  of  Grief's  "I  Hate  The  Human  Race"  which  also  introduces  death  metal growls  onto  their  side  of  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dystopian  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shrykull  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of    black, sludge,  doom,  death  metal,  grind  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Misanthrope".

  Next  up  is  Temple  Steps  a  duo  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very slow, dark,  heavy  and  melodic  doom  metal  sound  while  the  bass  guitar  also  adds  in  the  heaviness  of sludge  metal.  The  vocals  are  also  done  in  a  screaming  style  along  with  all  of  the music  sticking  to  a  slower  direction  as  well  as  the  second  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  whispers.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  misanthropic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Temple  Steps  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Snapped  Crook".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal.  

Booking and info (Shrykull) – https://shrykull.bandcamp.com/

Booking and info (Temple Steps) - https://templesteps.bandcamp.com/

Facebook (Shrykull) - https://www.facebook.com/shrykull

Facebook (Temple Steps) - https://www.facebook.com/TempleSteps

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  would  recommend

 

  

Arseis/Melz Venist Li Brullin/Black Death Productions/2020 CD Review

 

  Arseis  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Melz  Venist  Li  Brullin"  which  was released  by  Black  Death  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very powerful  sound  to  them.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  some  black  metal  screams  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  folk  instruments  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  melody.

  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  as  well  as  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  leads.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  medieval  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Arseis  are  a  very  great sounding  mixture  of  black,  death  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Au  Gibet  De  Montfaucon" "Sorceresce  Haguenau"  and  "La  Recluse".  8  out  of  10.

https://blackdeathprod.bandcamp.com/album/melz-venist-li-brullin         

Ysgaroth/Storm Over A Black Sea/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Ysgaroth  are  a  band  from  Vancouver  B.C,  Canada  that  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  post,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2020  album  "A  Storm  Over  A  Black  Sea"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  Rain  sounds  and  clean  playing  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  some  of  the  faster  riffing  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking.  Vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  h8igh  pitched  black  metal  screams,  death  metal  growls  and  shouts  and  the  riffs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  metal  elements.

  Keyboards  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  slower  riffs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  post  metal  to  make  an  old  school  style  sound  more  modern,  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death  and  Satanism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Ysgaroth  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  post,  death  and  thrash  metal and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nam  Gloria  Satanas" and  "Deluge".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook.com/Ysgaroth
Twitter.com/Ysgaroth

Instagram.com/Ysgarothofficial