VVVLV/100 Years Of Defeat/Kontingent Records/2021 Full Length Review

 

  VVVLV  are  a  band  from  Romania  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge  metal  and  crust  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "!00  Years  of  Defeat"  which  was  released  by  Kontingent  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  of  the  album  while  the  slower  riffs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  crust  punk  elements  can  also  be  heard  while  melodies  are  also added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  guitar  leads  also being  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  shouting  and  spoken  style  vocals  as  well  as one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  spoken  word  samples  are  also  added  briefly  towards  the  end.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  VVVLV  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  metal,  d  beat  and  crust  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Crisis"  and  "Magnolia".  8  out  of  10.

https://vvvlv.bandcamp.com/album/100-years-of-defeat

Crowen Interview

 

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

Crowen is metal band from Finland and the music is kind of folk/black/death metal. I'm still fine tuning the style because I like different styles of music.

2.Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

I didn’t really have a plan when I was making the songs, I just created whatever came out. I was actually surprised about the folk style myself, but I think it sounds good. The process felt natural, and I enjoyed it and just kept on going.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

I spoke with Nina Kärki who wrote all the lyrics, expect for one song (Black), and said to her that I wanted the songs to have a Viking theme, so Nina focused on that. I wanted the songs to capture the feeling of Vikings in a battle. For example, the song Exosus is about a person who is hated by others. 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Crowen'?

It comes from the words “Crow” and “Raven”. For me it's somehow mythical. 

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

I talked with my old neighbor Minna Heikkilä @minzkiva who is a professional photographer and asked her if she could take some promo pictures of me for the EP cover. We were hanging out in a forest in Tampere, Finland and listened to some terrible Viking music. Then we realized how bad it really was and just had a lot of fun doing the shoot. That way she took a lot of good pictures and a few of them ended up on the cover. 

6.Orignally the band started out as a solo project but now has a full line up, what was the decision behind bringing in new members?

Actually nothing has changed. Crowen is still my solo project, but for live shows there is a line up. 

For future live shows I need good and talented people to play with me, and a new guy Mikko Merilinna was perfect for Crowen. He plays the other guitar and all the lead parts as well. 

The song making process is still the same. I still work in my studio where I make new songs and record everything by myself. That’s my thing, and that’s what I love to do. Sometimes it's hard to hear if all the parts like guitars, bass, vocals etc. sound right. So, Samuli Peltola from the band Medeia is the other producer who always listens to my songs and tells me if something should be changed. Usually he tells me to move the guitars about 5mm back or something like that. He also checks some mixing stuff as well. He’s a very talented musician. 

7.has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

We haven't done any live shows yet, but we will in 2022.

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

I have no idea! 

9.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?

Mikko Merilinna plays in the band Khroma, and Teemu Hauta (drummer) plays in the band Nummirock. 

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

This is hard. Maybe next year or later. I was thinking about a few singles and another EP for next year. I already have two songs ready, which are coming out next year. I have a song with the working title "Nameless" which is very dark but slowly transforms into a beautiful song. I’m planning to make a very deep, beautiful and dark music video of the song with the model Kirsi Muukkonen @kkinsi. There will be a lot of blood, of course, and we will die in a beautiful way, haha. The other song has a folk, death, black style, and I'm focusing on that direction with future songs as well. 

11.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?

Well, it’s hard to speak for others, but I like Behemoth, Septicflesh and Finntroll. 

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

People, go to FB and Instagram and follow Crowen, thank you! You can find more news about Crowen online and listen to the Prophecy EP from Spotify. See ya! 

- Esa Uusimaa, Crowen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrowenOfficial 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowenofficial 

Bandcamp: https://crowen.bandcamp.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Crowen86924114

Xhamain/Na Alma/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Xhamain  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  folk  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Na  Alma".

  Celtic  folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  briefly  they  also  give  the  recording   more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  clear  vocals  are  brought  into  the  music  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  power  metal  while  symphonic  sounds  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clean  plating  onto  the  album,  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  style.

  Xhamain  plays  a  musical  style  that takes  the  melodic and  symphonic  sides  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  it  with  folk  and  power  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics cover  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Xhamain  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  folk  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eterna  Soedade"  "Xunto  A  Ti"  and  "Plenilunio,  Pt.  3  (Amencer)".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.instagram.com/xhamain/

https://www.facebook.com/Xhamain

https://xhamain.com/

https://youtu.be/h8_n0Q0d1TE

https://open.spotify.com/album/6ZtXsqNnI529Vw67JgsAd9

  

Hellfrost 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 have been working hard on our online presence as well as getting show ready. We have a lot of big plans for the near future.

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

Hellfrost is an ever evolving band. I go to a lot of concerts and I audience watch. I like to feel the energy from an excited crowd. I always look at our new songs from the audience perspective. What will get the best reaction at the show? I want every album to have its own vibe. I've met fans who haven't seen us live in a long time and they always tell me that the band sounds totally different from the last time they saw us. 

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

When it comes to lyrics we usually write about what's going on in the world around us. Music is a reflection of the times. We try to avoid your typical metal themes. We don't write about Satanism or even curse in our music.

4.On one of your older albums you also covered some paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

With my lyric writing I'm always looking for new and interesting topics. I listen to other people for ideas and inspiration all the time. Our former guitarist we were working with during Pagan Son suggested the idea and we just went with it. Every album we release has its own theme. Extinction is about man destroying nature and Dark Ages is about all the craziness in the last two years. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hellfrost'?

The name comes from the idea that the universe is made up of opposites. Night and day, the sun and moon, heaven and hell etc. 

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

The album cover is artwork from Psalter of Bonne de Luxembourg which is an illustrated manuscript from the year 1349. This was during the black plague era. There's a story that goes with the art called The Three Living and the Three Dead which we drew some inspiration from in the lyrics.

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?

The best show we played recently was Tampa Death Fest 2021 at The Brass Mug in Tampa FL. We brought a lively, high energy performance that the fans truly appreciated. The true spirit of Hellfrost can only be experienced in the live setting. 

8. .Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Right now our objective is to build our fan base. To me that's more important than trying to get signed. Fans first.

9. What are you listening to nowadays?

Nita Strauss

Children of Bodom

Gojira

Terror

Dave Brubeck

The Damned

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Hellfrostband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCfm5Oal1W0ljZkMLNoNoKEA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ album/2MJtuo29zwPc2RjoiMyuba? si=l29DmIN9Sle16-UaQK5QQg& fbclid=IwAR390NL9-ou5Ho_ aA8fz4pZcxjnd3gtJUHo7HrAd25qBH EU-sLE0FfsPYT0&nd=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ hellfrost_naplesfl/

Tik tok: Hellfrostband

VK: https://vk.com/artist/ hellfrost

Primalfrost/Lost Elegies/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Primalfrost  are  a  solo  project  from  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2021  album  "Lost  Elegies"  which  will  be  released  on  December  28th.

  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  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  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  orchestrations.

  Some  of  the  melodies  also  show  an  influence  of  power  and  traditional  metal  along  with  some  elements  of  folk  metal  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  classical  guitars  one  of  which  is  also  a  brief  instrumental,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  battles,  quests  and  rebellion  against  tyrannical  rule  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Primalfrost  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black,  death  and  folk  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Maelstrom"  "Voyage  into  Ruin"  and  "T4enebrous  Skies".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook.com/Primalfrost
Instagram.com/Primalfrostofficial

  

Evangelion/Revelations Or The Spawn Of Greed And War/Auric Records/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Evangelion  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Revelations  Or  The  Spawn  Of  Greed  And  War"  which  will  be  released  on  December  24th  by  Auric  Records.

  Bells  and  epic  sounding  drum  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  powerful  sounding b ass  guitar  a  few  seconds  later.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.

  Keyboards  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while clear  vocals  can  also be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  ad d in a   good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Some  of  the  riffs  and  leads  also  show  an  influence  of  mid  90's  era  Swedish  melodic  death  metal  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts.  The  album  also  adds  in  a  few  instrumentals  which  also  introduce  acoustic  guitars  and  folk  instruments  onto  the  recording  and  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  War,  Medieval  and  Apocalyptic  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Evangelion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Reign  Of  The  Prophets"  "A  King's  Dream  II"  and  "As  The  Soldiers  leave  the  Battleground".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/Z1AQB1a2yfI 

https://youtu.be/jN73mi3oGxI 

https://youtu.be/7tsSlabA4ec    

  

Cadaveria/The Shadows Madame/Time To Kill Records/2022 Album Re-Issue Review

 

  Cadaveria  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  horror  themed  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2002  album  "The  Shadows  Madame"  which  will b e  re-issued  in  2022  by  Time  To  Kill  Records.

  Opera  music  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  some  clean  singing  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  keyboards  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  gothic  horror  atmosphere.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  tracks  also  having  their  symphonic  moments  as  well  as  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  80's  and  90's  influences,  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Cadeveria  took  the  black  and  gothic  metal  styles  of  the  mid  90's  and  mixed  them  together  with  some  horror  elements  to  create  a  very  dark  yet  heavy  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyric's  cover  Occultism,  Witchcraft  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cadaveria  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spell"  "Circle  Of  Eternal  Becoming"  and  "The  Magic  Rebirth".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/cadaveria

https://www.instagram.com/cadaveriaofficial/

https://twitter.com/_Cadaveria

https://www.cadaveria.com/