Vinterdracul/The Lee Variations/Canticle Throe/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Vinterdracul  are  a  duo  from  Baltimore,  Maryland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  black  metal  influenced  form  of  gothic  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "The  lee  Variations"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Canticle  Throe.

  A  very  powerful  and  melodic  gothic  rock  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Synths  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  some  of  the  riffing  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  post  punk.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  guitar  leads  and  solos  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  this  recording  Vinterdracul  remain  true  to  the  black  metal  influenced  style  of  gothic  rock  that  they  had  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  a  vampire  and  his  journeys  through  life.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vinterdracul  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  metal  influenced  gothic  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "End  Scene"  "Ten  Years"  "Phantom  Of  The  Future"  and  "Undead".  8  out  of  10.

  https://vinterdracul.bandcamp.com/album/the-lee-variations           

Obscurcis Romancia/The Bringer Of Light/2022 EP Review

 

  Obscuris  Romancia  are  a  band  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  ep  "The  Bringer  Of  Light".

  The  sounds  of  chaos  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  keyboards  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  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  lot  of  melody  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Obscuris  Romancia  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  90's  era  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  relation  of  creation  between  darkness  and  light.

  In  my  opinion  Obscuris  Romancia  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  "Here  Comes  The  Storm"  and  "Horror  In  the  garden  of  Den".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp: https://obscurcisromancia.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/obscurcis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/obscurcisromancia
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VJ42M7AMhxOlBWEn69GKg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obscurcisromanciaofficial/

    

  

Where's My Bible/Circle/Inverse Records/2022 EP Review

 

  Where's  My  Bible  are  a  band  from  Finland  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  with  some  elements  of  rock  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  ep  "Circle"  which  will  be  released  on  May  15th  by  Inverse  Records.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  angry  shouts,  growls  and  screams  which  also  brings  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  onto  the recording.  Clear  singing  is  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  keyboards  also being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  also  adds  in  touches  of  punk  and  mainstream  rock,  whispers  and  throat  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly    

  On  this  recording  Where's  My  Bible  go  into  more  of  a  melodic  blackened  death  metal  direction  which  is  also  a  lot  different  than  the  deathcore  style  of  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  struggles,  inner  thoughts  and  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Where's  My  Bible  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Void"  and  "Origin".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/wheresmybible
https://twitter.com/BibleWhere
https://www.instagram.com/wheresmybible666 
https://wheresmybible.bandcamp.com/releases
https://spoti.fi/2uMMO7U

https://youtu.be/cahs8c5TbUQ

https://youtu.be/jkL18FCJIkw

https://youtu.be/fBACJCeHcLg

Bog Body Interview

 

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

Since finishing recording we have been writing and rehearsing new material with crosshairs on 2023 for a release. We’re also rehearsing our live set for a return to the stage late this year/early next year. 

2.In May you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous demo and split?

The guts of the demo and split are still present in CRYONIC CREVASSE CULT, but we expanded the scope tremendously. Writing wise, we approached this differently with the core of each song created in isolation. From there we expanded songs in rehearsal and added final details in a live setting. Sonically speaking this album is more cold, cavernous and dense with many layers where bass and drums are only the beginning. 

3.On your albums you also use the bass guitar as a lead instrument, do you feel that you can capture the same heaviness from extreme metal with bass, drums and vocals only that you can from the use of a traditional 6 or 7 string guitar?

“Capturing heaviness” has never been a goal - our objective is to tap into the most primitive nature of life and to do so with the resonance and power of a bass. Like a cudgel rather than a razor, we approach music without subtly and without romance. With the bass leading the way, we can channel a primeval spirit that matches the strikes of wooden sticks on skin. 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Our songwriting process has developed from an organic on the spot type of event to a more planned out and siloed approach. No doubt writing during periods of isolation and quarantine played into that, but it’s been fruitful thus far.

Lyrically speaking, the duality of death and life encapsulated in man made myths and the history of sacrifice is always central. We have thousands of years of material to work with so we can pick a thread that is suitable to the release we’re approaching. 

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

A preserved corpse outlasts those people that slit their throat. In this way the bog bodies are a contradiction; immortal reminders of death. Whether killed as a ritual for harvest or in a petty fight, it matters not as they are known better today in their death than any person who held power above them in life. 

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

We had a vision from the start that the lyrics and artwork would all tie in together. It was only a matter of finding the right artist and thankfully Chase Slaker (of Mortiferum) was available. His use of oil paints creates strong impressions and textures that depict the exact mood we had hoped for. We drew upon the frigid steppes of modern day Central Asia as well as the Antarctic and histories enshrined in blood to create our own narrative. Deep in the depths of the Crevasse, the Cult sways to the frigid pulse of the ancient blood.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the masks you wear in the promo pics?

The masks remove us as individuals from the music and the performance. In this way, Bog Body transcends normal life and channels a spirit that is arcane and extraordinary. A mask allows us to lose our sense of self and become wholly engrossed in the performance.

8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

No. Much like our approach to music, the spirit remains strongest when the proper attention can be given and needless complications are avoided. Bog Body is the even balance of ego and ideation, and only with us two, does the scale stay put.

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

Our show in Brooklyn with Antediluvian and Adversarial from 2019 stands out as a triumphant performance, following that would be our performance with Spite and Battlemaster in Richmond of the same year. I would describe our stage performance as liturgical, for us especially. There is a mania you succumb to whilst performing and at our best it’s overwhelming.

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

Currently we do not. Due to our personal lives all performances will be planned for the end of the year. 

11.In 2020 you were a part of a split with 'Primitive Warfare.' What are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

Where many are content to ape Blasphemy and like, Primitive Warfare rely on energetic song writing, visceral riffs, and absolutely punishing drumming to set themselves apart. Musically they offer the perfect foil to Bog Body’s pulsating trudge. We settled on loose perimeters regarding lyrics and imagery for the split and in that way, it was a cohesive release.

12.On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Following accolades or criticism isn’t something we have time for nor does it impact how we carry ourselves. We can only speak for the comrades we have abroad and at home who have voiced their support; and they have been overwhelming.

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

We will stay true to the hammer and nails of ritual death, to iterate on this singular vision until the veins run dry and at that point, sink the corpse into the muck and the mire.

14.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are listening to nowadays?

We are voracious listeners and are always exploring all styles. There are old favorites that we’ll always play - Profanatica, Beherit, Ildjarn, Rippikoulu, Crematory (SWE) as well as many current acts that would be too long of a list to share. Recently, I have been listening to the latest Warloghe album and the OST for Under the Skin. SVR has had Phrenelith’s “Chimaera” and Archgoat’s “Worship the Eternal Darkness” playing in our rehearsal space lately. 

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

Keep the flame of the underground burning and succumb to the Cryonic Crevasse Cult.

https://infernomerchstore.com/collections/bog-body

https://www.instagram.com/bog_body

https://www.facebook.com/bogbodyofficial

https://bog-body.bandcamp.com

Geisterfaust Interview

 

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

 

We started Geisterfaust back in 2018. Our goal was to create our very own sound inspired or influenced by two genres we all listen to: black metal and sludge/doom metal. So we wanted make some heavy sludgy drones and combine them with fast riff cascades and raw vocals.

 

2. So far you have released 2 EPs, musically how do they both differ form each other?

 

The first EP was recorded in studio in late 2019 and can be seen as some kind of preview of what was to come. We started playing our first shows and the plan was to work on a first album but then pandemic put everything on hold… you all know that story. So after a short break due to the lockdowns we went on to write new songs until we were able to enter the stage again by the end of last year.

We decided to record that first show after 20 months and that was what has become our newest release called Servile Mirrors of Animosity - not to be seen as a live album in a classic sense but due to the fact that it has been recorded live in front of a crowd it is Geisterfaust in the most direct and unpolished way.

 

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

 

Well, it's always kind of hard to put that into words, since words are just some sort of tool to transport a feeling, a thought, a situation or a perception. So let's say a word it's only a shape. It's not the feeling itself when you feel it, it's not the fear you feel and so on, you know. But at least it's an approach to describe a subject.

Using metaphors or maybe aphorisms is a good thing helping the listener to get a feeling of whats it is about. But also giving the listener enough room and leaving it to oneself to work with it.

But yeah, let's keep it short: it's about questioning the way we are, the way we live, the way everything outside of each and everyone one of us is and why it is the way it is. It's about questioning everything you have ever been thought, everything you have ever thought you know about. It's about negating all that stuff and trying to find out what is, I mean what really "is". You know like being aware of the "inner world" and of course the "outer world“. About finding yourself… and your inner truth, the essence of your whole being. Yeah, you can say a lot of the lyrics affect spiritual topics.

 

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‚Geisterfaust‘?

 

To be honest, it's an album title of the german Doom-Jazz band called Bohren & der Club of Gore. But we felt that it has a good vibe and describes the feeling of our music very well: the feeling of knowing that something is lurking in our (sub)conscious mind, which is suppressing our true being and choking our neck with it's cold skeleton "Geisterfaust".

 

5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the current EP cover?

 

The covershot was taken during the show by A. Kiefer, a friend of the band. It was too good to just be posted on social media, so we decided to put it on the cover because it just fits the vibe of the record… and it has been recorded live on location so why not put a photo from that  on the cover of the release?

 

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

 

Guess we all can consider the show that can be heard on Servile Mirrors of Animosity as our best show. It was the first one after a 20 month long break so it was a special feeling and even more intense than the live shows before the pandemic.

We don’t care a lot about “performing“ in a sense of a rock show. We play extreme and very loud, heavy music and whatever playing this music makes us act or look like in that moment, is what you get to see. You might call that our stage performance or stage presence but it is just us letting all these extreme emotions and feelings out without thinking if it might look cool or somewhat else.

 

7. Do you have any touring or show plans for 2022?

 

There are some things in the planning, so we will see what will be possible. After

a long time without any live music we are definitely ready to play some shows.

 

8. Recently 'Morbid And Miserable Records' released your current EP on physical formant, how did you get on contact with this label?

 

Morbid and Miserable released a compilation CD of Poisoned Speed last year,

a band in which two of us are active as well. Working together with them was very easy and we like their dedication for heavy underground music, so we got in touch again and they were very interested in releasing it on CD and spreading the word of Geisterfaust all over the US.

 

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

 

The reactions have been very good since its the release. Most people seem to understand what we want to express with Geisterfaust.

Of course it’s a pretty special mix of two different subgenres that some people might don't get or don’t like. Some of the ultra conservative black metal dudes might not like the drones and slow guitars in their black metal and some sludge dudes might not like riffs that are too fast but we just don’t care about that - either you're open for that kind of stuff and you like it or you don't - for us it's that simple.

 

 

 

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

 

We are currently working on the last songs for the full-length. If everything works out the way we want it to, you can expect it to be recorded this year and hopefully to be released shortly after. We will keep walking our own path with our own sound.

 

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, there are too many to mention because all of us three listen to a shitload of bands and different styles of music. But we can pick some very few that we all can agree on and that might have had an influence on us, more or less. When it come to the drones, the heavy massive guitar worshipping that we do, one of the influences are the great and almighty Sunn O))) because they just take amplifier worshipping to a different level for years. We all like the southern sludge sound from New Orleans scene as well, but its influence on our music has become less over the time. On the black metal side there are many bands we all can agree on, like most of those coming from the Nidrosian scene under the banner of the Terratur Possessions label (like Darvaza, Mare, Whoredom Rife and so on).

Of course we also like some of the big names like Watain, Dissection or Darkthrone and a lot more of the not so big names, but they are too many to mention. Guess you can say that our sound wasn't influenced by a a few bands in particular - it was more the overall atmosphere of those bands that had an impact on what we wanted to merge into the sound of Geisterfaust.

 

 

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

 

Thank you for your interest in Geisterfaust and for helping to spread our word.

 

 

http://geisterfaust.bandcamp.com/

 

 

 

Noctiferia/Reforma - Tribute To Laibach/Blood Blast Distribution/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Noctiferia  are  a  band  from  Slovenia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  metal,  experimental  and  avant  garde  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Reforma  -  Tribute  To  Laibach"  which  was  released  by  Blood  blast  Distribution  and  consists  their  cover  versions  of  the  previous  mentioned  band.

  Tribal  style  beats  and  ethnic  instruments  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  in  between  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  session  work  from  David  Vincent,  Atilla  Csihar  and  Jorgen  Munkeby.  Melodies  are  also  add  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  also  add  in  more  of  an  aggressive  yet  semi  melodic  style  at  times.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.  Programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  at  times  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals  and  as  the  album  progresses  female  vocals,  keyboards  and  saxophones  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  political  themes.     

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Noctiferia  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  death  metal,  industrial,  avant  garde  and  experimental,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Now  You  Will  Pay"  "Eurovision"  and  "Das  Spiel  Ist  Aus".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/noctiferia

https://www.noctiferia.net

https://open.spotify.com/album/5fYKiqYc1z1HfQ8sahdoOI?si=oqKEch4zSoW2_FG82OIGRQ

 https://youtu.be/ouQrt-mH6Ic
 https://youtu.be/P9W7TrFiZxU

 https://youtu.be/OJM3hmpsp54   

Se, Josta Ei Puhuta 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?

Basically training how to play the new songs. There were also many years we didn’t have a real practice sessions at all so we are getting in live shape. So far it looks quite promising. 

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

Musically it could be a bit darker or at least it has a darker undertone. I think the sound spectrum is also a bit wider now than it used to be.  Dark parts are darker, melodic parts are more melodic and so on. I guess some natural progression from the first album, the music brought us here or something like that.

3.This is also your first album in 11 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Paying taxes, buying craft beers and doing stuff that isn’t related to our band. Joking aside…I think something was killing the motivation and we absolutely needed some time off from the band. I don’t know why the break ended up being so long though. During this period we obviously continued with musical activities on some level but not together.

4.Your earlier material had more of a melodic death/thrash metal style while the newer music shows more black metal elements, what was the decision behind going  into this musical direction?

I see what you mean. There were some glimpses of the darker leads and shit on the first album though and it was quite natural we ended up where we are right now. I compose most of the music and love black metal personally, so there’s that. I guess it’s a natural flow, maybe we end up to a grunge-territory within the next couple of albums, hah.

5.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?

Lyrical topics are maybe hard to describe, maybe they are somewhere between darkest and gloomiest September day and Four horsemen of the apocalypse with schizophrenia. But we get the ideas from real life stuff and then make them more “lyrical”. Latest lyrics are somewhat catatonic and somewhat depressive. I guess they are what you want them to be.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Se, josta ei puhuta'?

There is no real big story behind it. Just toyed with some names and it stuck. The good thing for sure is that it is not your average Joe metal name like “Doom destroyers” or “Dying foglords”. I guess you could translate it “The one thou shall not speak of” or “The one we don’t talk about” or something like that.

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

Yes indeed. We got a bit lost on the graphic side. And looking back we got quite shitty ideas. We found this Bahrull Marta guy from the depths of the internet and used his artwork and actually he did all the dirty work too. It goes hand in hand with the music I think.

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?

I think the most special shows were in the small places, I would even call some of them obscure. We will always cherish those small-town shows, something always happened. Because of the out of ordinary stuff, you can remember them so good. We used to have quite energetic shows. We’ll see what we can come up in the future.

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

We do have show plans indeed and working on our live act, turning new songs into live-versions etc. I guess full-blown touring would be a bit too much for our livers.

10.How would you compare working with 'Inverse Records', to other labels you have been a part of in the past?

It has been quite smooth with Inverse and they have been very supportive. So far so good I would say. We’ve been quite lucky in a way that, we haven’t really had trouble with the labels in the past either. That or we don’t expect much from them, ha ha haa.

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

I think we have received quite positive feedback. I’ve heard a few people mentioning about the music getting a shade darker but that’s about it. I don’t know if there are people who absolutely hate new songs and love the old ones. Maybe there are.

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

Where the music leads us. Or where the songs lead the music. I don’t think we ever draw the strict lines anywhere, but it would be safe to say it would be metal.

13.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?

I think we have quite a different taste for a music inside the band so it’s not so easy to answer this one. So I’ll give you a bunch of bands: Iron Maiden, Slayer, Bathory, Darkthrone, Dismember, Metallica, Judas Priest, Helloween, Impaled Nazarene, Dissection, Rotting Christ, etc. you know the good one’s. For the current taste I can only speak for myself: I tend to listen post-rock, black metal and Maustetytöt mostly. 

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

The end is near…buy some beer and go check our new album while you still can.

https://www.facebook.com/sejostaeipuhuta666  

https://sejostaeipuhuta.bandcamp.com 
https://www.instagram.com/sejostaeipuhutaofficial