Carnage Of Children/Darkness Within/Music-Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Carnage  Of  Children  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Darkness  Within"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Music  Records.

  A  very  ritualistic  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  also  introducing  symphonic  elements  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  operatic  female  vocals  can  be  heard  on  a  few  tracks

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  technical  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  and  classical  guitars  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Darkness  themes.    

  In  my  opinion  Carnage  Of  Children  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  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  "The  Divine  Right  Hand"  "Requiem  For  A  Witch"  and  "Burn".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Carnage.Of. Children.Official

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

  

Caedeous Interview

 

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

 

Well currently project Caedeous is focusing on the release of Obscurus Perpetua, which will see the release of several official videos from most of the songs of the albums. But I am also currently composing and recording the successor album of Obscurus Perpetua which will be released somewhere during the first or second trimester of 2023, some several songs already finished in terms of instruments and orchestra. Maybe we might see or not some specific live events of Caedeous on stream events with the live performance of the songs which is currently under planning.

 

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

 

Well Obscurus Perpetua is much darker and also has a complete approach to its artistic direction in terms of composition, song structure, speed (BPM) and even on instrumental level. I would say the album is more black metal than the previous album was. The production is also very different from the first album Domini Tenebrarum which was made to resemble a garage sound, Obscurus Perpetua production was made to on modern industry standard levels.

 

3.This is also your first release since 2018, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

 

Well in 2018 an era of project Caedeous came to an end. Back then I wanted to follow a typical live format with session musicians and session vocalists for the project which did not work out at all for me so I ended that phase. However, since i was already composing Obscurus Perpetua on Studio 7 and wanted to take a different management and artistic direction to the project, i knew that i needed extra time to be able to fulfill my vision for this album and since my Elementia Saga project (I,II,III and Grimoire of the Darklord) had a major success on streaming platforms and youtube with several nominations and awards, i stopped for a while to let Caedeous project mature like a good wine on a cellar until i had the time to finally pick it up again on my agenda and take it to another level in terms of production, vocalists and also instruments. At 2021 the official recordings took place and Tomas Blanc (DM) was hired for vocals and also Josephine WH to take the soprano role. The result of that work is now visible on Obscurus Perpetua. Currently Caedeous has become my main project and i have no intentions to make a stop to it never again, and it's on full steam ahead with another 2 studio albums already planned and probably much more with a cycle of release of 1.5 years apart, the follow up of Obscurus Perpetua is already underway.

 

4.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?

 

All lyrics of the album speak about the corruption of mankind and its society by crimes unpunished, corruption in an eternal struggle between goodness and evil in a cycle of eternal torment as the souls of humans are corrupted by all 7 sins and go to hell to the nine circles to be judged upon. Every song is a chapter and I even go to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah where the city was so sinful and corrupted that God himself destroyed it. The album itself starts with a narration of what the story tells on all songs.

 

In terms of songwriting as a composer I have grown a lot, since the age of 13 that i have been playing instruments and composing stuff and even experimenting on new types of sounds. But it was when i first professionally started working for the musical industry on Hollywood and Atlanta movies soundtracks and trailers that i started to grown into a full fledged composer, that experience in management, musical composition, industry knowledge on how things work, brought me this point in time, Caedeous - Obscurus Perpetua much like Elementia II and In Noir are marks for me as evolution to me as a composer which has grown from a kid to adolescent and into a mature adult in what i do musically with no fears in experimenting new sounds and take it to a whole new level in avantgarde feelings. It's been a long road, and for sure it will be a long road as well ahead since like I usually say, I am always learning and mastering new stuff and getting new insights, knowledge takes no place and I am hungry to know more and be better in what I do.

 

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

 

Caedeous name idea came in 2013 on one of those crazy nights of myself in the studio for the project which is a nice conjugation of some Portuguese words turned into a latin like name. In English it would be Fall of God, in Portuguese is Cai (Fall) + Deus (God) which in turn becomes together in a original sounding name alike as Caedeous.

 

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

 

The artwork represents the entrance of nine layers of hell to an eternal obscurity to the souls where they will be judged upon, with "EVE" with the crown of the apples that corrupted the original sin to mankind. Most of the album speaks about this kind of obscurity and stories.

 

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

 

Not yet. The project itself is fully open to that idea, however since the current lineup is internationally of me (Paulo J. Mendes), Tomas Blanc (DM) and Josephine WH and some other session musicians for live format already contracted which live on different countries such as Portugal, France, Italy, Canada and USA the live format needs to be carefully planned and only done to specific venues such as festivals or other events due to the expenses of logistical etc... it needs to be economically viable that is. Since this project is fully financed and owned by myself with no label attached with an enormous money investment poured into it on paid studio, vocalists, video producers, PR, artwork, marketing campaigns, merchandising etc.. This really needs to be taken into consideration, but yes if the opportunity arises for Caedeous to go to live venues, i am most definitely open to that idea.

 

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

 

Yes. In order to Caedeous go further, i am looking for a label that can be my business partner and help me further from what i already can do. Like i said above currently all of Caedeous budget and investment is made solely by me, and if a label wants to pick it up and continue to develop and help project Caedeous with me with a good business offer, yes. Some labels have been in contact in the past, let's see what the future holds. But nevertheless I am determined to continue the investment on my own if needed if no good opportunity appears. The next two albums are already planned and being turned into a reality in the studio.

 

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

 

So far the feedback that i am getting from metalheads has been great, I started promoting it with Symphonic Black Metal Promotion YTD channel and the feedback was very good, in terms of Caedeous YTD channel it has been growing and gaining momentum as well with now being promoted by The Metallist PR Agency. Also the review that you did was amazing, I loved it, thanks for the feedback since it was the first official review from a Webzine or Magazine. You rock \m/

 

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

 

Musically I can already give a clear future path, due to the next album already being composed. The next album will be darker and crazier than this one in terms of sound, heavier as well in tone due to the use of 9 string guitars and probably the vocals will be even more potent with Tomas Blanc (DM) again on the helm of work along with Josephine WH. In terms of orchestra it will be more visible, and in speed I am exploring which BPM much in the veins of Fleshgod Apocalypse.

 

11.What are you currently listening to nowadays?

 

Listen to a lot of Fleshgod Apocalypse, their sound and production is amazing. I also literally listen all day into Dimmu Borgir, Helioss, Sumo Cyco, Septic Flesh, Cradle of Filth, Emperor, Dark Funeral, Summoning, Therion and Burzum.

 

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

 

Yes, I would love to thank you A Different Shade of Black Metal Zine for having me here and project Caedeous, also for the excellent review. To all the readers of A Different Share of Black Metal Zine, also a big thank you if you are reading this interview and hoping to find you all one day in a live show near you and meet you all. \m/ a big thank you for all the support in my name and Caedoeus to you all \m/

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Aktarum/Trollvengers/Art Gates Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Aktarum  are  a  band  from  Belgium  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  folk  metal  with  a  musical  style  they  describe  as  being  'troll  metal'  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Trollvengers"  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Art  Gates  Records.

  Symphonic  and  epic  sounding  synths  and  orchestration  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal screams  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  female  vocals  and  folk  instruments  onto  the  album.

  Spoken  word   parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts,  one  track  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Troll  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Aktarum  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Blood  Of  Trolls"  "Of  Trolls  And  Men"  "To  Valha  Troll"  and  "A  Troll  Farewell".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/aktarum

https://www.instagram.com/aktarum/  

    

Fyrgast Interview

 

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

Well, it’s something that I always wanted to do and something I began with probably in 2006 when I was recording vocals in a friend’s studio. I had some ideas I wanted to record and he helped me with that. The sound of the guitar I owned at the time really made those recordings forever unreleasable though (haha) but I liked parts of the ideas and it sounded pretty much like the Fyrgast you hear today when it comes to the writing process or the riffs anyways. The aim was to get kind of a 90’s black/death sound flirting with Iron Maiden.. Sort of.. Of course with room for improvements. 

 

2.So far you have released a full length and an ep, musically how do they both differ from each other?

Since the songs for the album has been written on since 2016 somewhere and with many things added in 2021 to complete them, they sound a certain way. The EP is kind of the same but there’s a big difference. With the EP it’s based on two demo songs from 2016. They were already exported from my daw (music making program) and I couldn’t find the “work files”, so every sound was set. Guitars, drums etc. I never really liked the sound. Recently I found these songs again and made a choice to give them some life and release them in the best way I could, despite my own initial thoughts. Just for them to not vanish in a mailbox or on the hard drive. Musically I had more chances to really adjust things the way I wanted with the album. But songwise, it’s from the same era of Fyrgast so it sounds just about the same.

 

3.The musical project has been around since 2016 but you waited until 2022 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

I know that sounds strange, but I’ll explain.

So the idea of this kind of music and some riffs date back to 2006. Back then I didn’t own any studio equipment and didn’t know how to use such equipment. The years went by and I played in different bands as a singer. In 2009 something like that I kind of quit music and went to school. Then in maybe 2011/13 something I started to wanting to learn how to record and I spent years trying to learn all the different aspects of that. I never thought it sounded good enough though so time just went by and ideas were recorded. In 2016 I was kind of happy with the songs I had then and I came up with the name Fyrgast. Around this time I made some of the “bones” for most of the songs on the album, but it was also time to study again and so I went back to school to continue towards a master’s degree and here we are now in present time. I had some time to finish the album and the EP, now I’m writing on my thesis and new songs (whenever there’s time).

 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with your music?

So far it’s been about our nature in the north, snow, frost, winds and all that usual stuff. Some mysticism, symbolism and philosophical themes. A lot of things I write these days are about mortality/immortality, light/darkness, the travels your soul takes during a lifetime. Many times it’s about opposite polars in that sense.. I just typically write what I’m interested in. Be it history, philosophy, a bunch of cool words with/without meaning. Doesn’t matter. I left all that serious stuff way back and Fyrgast is primarily about the music and the emotions the music brings. 

 

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

It has a strong personal meaning, but it's mainly inspired by the works of Tolkien and the lyrical and visual works of John Bauer. 

 

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the covers of your releases?

Yes. I’ve made that too. It’s a photograph from where I live. The EP is also a photograph from the woods where I live outside the city. I did the logo as well and I don’t have any other plans of letting go of the visual stuff with the band. I know people who are much better than me at it, but I kind of like the simple DIY for this project, at least for now. I just make something as I go, and try to put my effort into the music.

 

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I have. I have already received some proposals in that matter, if it will end up being Fyrgast or if it turns into something new, we’ll see. 

For now though, I have once again a bunch of songs and I have been working on drums for them and with improved sound so it’s not something I feel is a must, but never say never. Like I said before, even if I think I have a recipe for this project, there’s always room for improvements.

 

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

I don’t know. I like the attention from the underground scene. While I have been approached I wouldn’t say it’s something I’ve considered so far. Maybe in the future depending on the deal.

 

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

It’s been really good, or at least I think so, but I don’t have any preferences. I told my wife before I released the album that if one person likes it, that’s all I need to be motivated. But people have been mailing about a lot of different things and it’s from Brazil, Greece, Germany to name a few. All with different errands so yeah, I’m very happy that people seem to like it. 

 

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I see myself in kind of the same spot I guess, but with better production, better songs. Just better in all departments, but quite the same. I know that I want to continue to record and release records, and that’s about it. 

 

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?

For Fyrgast, A blend of Celtic frost and Iron Maiden is a crucial part with influences like 90’s Norwegian black stuff and Swedish bands like Bathory, Dissection, early Marduk.

What I listen to nowadays is hard question. Actually I don’t listen that much to music because I’m never really alone and can enjoy it fully. But when I work out I listen to metal or something with pace. I guess I listen to the same things I’ve always listened to but not as often these days. And that could be anything really as long as it’s good. Don’t care about genres like that.

 

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

Yeah. It’s been fun answering these questions and be sure to check out the music of Fyrgast! 

 

Hails! 

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Vinterdracul/The Murnau Nocturnes/Canticle Throe/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Vinterdracul  are  a  duo  from  Baltimore,  Maryland  that  plays  a  black  metal  influenced  form  of  gothic  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "The  Murnau  Nocturnes"  which  was  released  by  Canticle  Throe.

  Synths  and  orchestration  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Vocals a re  mostly  tortured  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  80's  era  gothic  rock  and  post  punk  and  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed.

 

 When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  short  in  length  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  also  being instrumentals  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  can b e  heard.

  Vinterdracul  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  gothic  rock  and  post  punk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  and  cover  a  fictional  version  of  F.W  Murnau  a  famous  silent  film  movie  director  from  the  1920's.

  In  my  opinion  Vinterdracul  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  gothic  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hollywood  Vampires"  "London  After  Midnight"  and  "Conde  Dracula".  8  out  of  10.

https://vinterdracul.bandcamp.com/album/the-murnau-nocturnes     

Kill All The Gentlemen/Black Canvas/Sliptrick Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Kill  All  The  Gentlemen  are  a  band  from  the  United  kingdom  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  groove  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Black  Canvas"  which  was  released  by  Sliptrick  Records.

  A  very  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  groove  metal.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody   and  black  metal s creams  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  Vocals  are  done  in  mostly  a  groove  metal  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow, mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  showing  some  influences  of  the  Swedish  style  as  well  as  some  songs  also  adding  in  clear  vocals.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  synths  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Pet  Shop  Boys'  "It's  A  Sin".  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  an  over-tainted  world.

  In  my  opinion  Kill  All  The  Gentlemen  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  groove  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Claw  Marks"  "The  Ground  Beneath  The  Weeds"  and  "Death  Black".  8  out  of  10.

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Walg/II/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Walg  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  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  self  released  album  "II"  which  will  be  released  sometime  in  2022. 

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  synths  onto  the  recording  which  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard  while  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  mid  90's  influences. 

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  melodic  vocals  into  the  music.  Some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  death  metal  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  folk  instruments,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard on a  couple  of  songs.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  humanity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Walg  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Misgeboorte"  "Verlossing"  and  "Terug  naar  De  Aarde".  8  out  of  10.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sSvlAu7Q8NDcNkn3C0TvZ?si=uu9FH5h8STuCO_fZkZxXgA

Website: https://walgmetal.com/

Bandcamp: https://walg.bandcamp.com/

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

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