Nazgul Rising 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?

The album was released in late March on digital platforms, collecting a good number of listening's and interest, despite being promoted only on social media. With the help of promotion agencies between reviews and interviews interest has increased, hoping to have contacts with some label interested. 

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

Surely songwriting and production that has improved.

From the 2005 Ep "Let Evil Arise" it was a home recording. After years of silence I wanted to take back some old tracks that had never been completed, but still had a good potential. In 2014, "Orietur in Tenebris Lux tua" was released. In recent years I dedicated myself to writing the new album, I felt that the path with the previous album had not yet ended. So I found the collaboration of Lord Trevius for the orchestral arrangements, but I didn’t have the participation of Borius on vocals, so the songs were all sung by me.

3.This is also your first album in 8 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

I played for other projects and other bands, so I had left out writing for new songs, which at the beginning were in an embryonic state and I was not satisfied. I was just waiting for the right moment to write something new and it finally came. For realization it took another 2 years.

4.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?

“Orietur in Tenebris Lux Tua” and “Cycles of Primal Chaos” are concept albums about life, death and

rebirth. A journey rites and cults; a journey between darkness and light. The inspiration came from

ancestral chronicles: the legendary founders of the first human civilizations, who were called “the

Serpent of Wisdom”, are represented in many ancient myths. The priestly lineages that presided and

guided the birth and development of civilizations, a head of mysteries and initiatic traditions, recalling the etymology of the serpent.

5.In one interview you also mentioned an interest in history, what are some of the historical events that you take interest in?

There are several, but more than anything what struck me reading the “Laments of Ur“, a text written more than 5000 years ago, attributed calamities to an evil wind blowing from the west, a deadly cloud that caused an atrocious death to all living beings, people and animals alike, that shriveled plants and poisoned the waters, unleashed by the use of “Weapons of Terror” in a conflict between opposing clans of the Anunnaki. So I took inspiration to write "Evilwind".

6.I know that the bands name comes from the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his writings and also do you have any interest in other fantast authors?

The name "Nazgul Rising" is a metaphor for the evil that comes within us, the dark alter ego wants to get out and take over. Corruption, lust for power and submission in exchange for

something, has always reflected the vulnerability of man.

In addition to Tolkien, which is my favorite, I am also passionate about fantasy, sci-fi and horror literature. I can also mention H.P. Lovecraft, Clark A. Smith, E.A.Poe, Barker, G.R.R.Martin, A. Machen, Philip Dick, Asimov, Ballard, Matheson, Robert E. Howard. Did I forget any?

7.On the album cover you show the battle between Marduk and Tiamat, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Sumerian Mythology and what are also some of the other mythologies that you have studied?

We wanted this cover, made by Nestor Avalos, because it contains the whole concept of the album. I wanted two primordial entities representing the clash of light and darkness. 

I have always found Sumerian mythology interesting, the legends are somehow connected with other civilizations including Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Norse. I am not a scholar but just passionate about history, and I am lucky to live in Rome that has a lot to offer.

8.So far the band has not done any live shows but you have mentioned you would be interested in doing a live show if you had an orchestra, what kind of orchestra do you feel would be suitable for the musical style that you play?

In that interview I said that it would be a dream to be able to play live with a real orchestra. I don’t know in reality how much you can make it happen. Already some great bands have played with orchestras, Septic Flesh, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, but these are bands with great productions and big budgets. We still have to keep on grounded.

9.In August 'Old Metal Rites' is going to release the physical version of the new album, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Despite the different offers of some labels, we were looking for those that were interested in releasing our album. Besides Old Metal Rites, Misantropia Records has also offered to print CDs. We chose them because they are labels without exclusive products, and above all to expand the distribution both in America and in Europe being the Brazilian Old Metal Rites and the Finnish Misanthropy. Anyway I found a lot of willingness on both sides.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal>

The reactions are good, not only from symphonic black metal listeners but also from those who listen to different sub-genres of black or extreme metal. In particular, orchestral arrangement was appreciated, different from the usual baroque and gothic tracks. We focused more on recreating dark atmospheres of mythology and fantasy,  at the same time giving power and impact.

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

We have material to write another album, but how it will sound and the direction it will take we don’t know yet, maybe we could experiment with something new.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to?

I listen to tons of music, mostly metal, but lately there are few bands that surprise me with something new, so I prefer old bands that make new records. I really enjoyed the last of Blut Aus Nord, they always manage to innovate and evolve.

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

We want to thank ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine for this interview especially to you who read it to the end.

Deos 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? 

The end of the composition, the arrangements and the recordings of Furor Belli were done during the pandemic. Then everything accelerated from October 2021. We had to prepare the new set with the songs of Furor Belli for the resumption of the concerts in November 2021. We wanted to see how our songs sounded live and especially to see how they would be received. At the same time we started to look for a label, then we signed with Worm Hole Death Records and worked with them on the promotion. Before the official release of Furor Belli, we went to present it on stage during the North Imperial Tour MMXII between France and Belgium. 

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

 This album is the most successful of the 3, it is, in some ways, a mix of the first 2, we find the death and black influences of the first and the melodic and epic side of the second. It is also more raw and more violent! Sometimes to have a more successful product it is necessary to know to purify to emphasize the essential! Our new recruit, Cedric, brings us all his knowledge and all the violence which we missed before. The sound of each of the instruments was also the object of a big work in order to make the whole heavier and more aggressive. 

3.This is also your first release in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

 Indeed 5 years is a long time, although the idea of releasing a new album has been on our mind for a while. We finished the concerts linked to In Nomine Romae in January 2019. It was supposed to end in October 2019 with a tour but it was cancelled 4 days before the departure because of the pandemic that the world knew... We also had problems with the previous line up, we had to put all that down before finding the way of the composition and especially what direction we would take musically. This led to the departure of François (guitars) and Harsh (keyboard). So we had to find a new guitarist, Cedric arrived. Then we had our 2nd lockdown. We worked each on our side to have the best songs. We spent a lot of time in videoconference to exchange ideas and make arrangements, this way of working is not ideal but it's the only way we had. Then we recorded, then there was the post production done by J-F Dagenais (Kataklysm and Ex Deos) at JDF Studio... and here you are at the end of the 5 years!

 4.A lot of your lyrics cover Ancient Roman History, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic? 

Just for your information all our lyrics cover the history of Ancient Rome! Ancient Rome spans 1229 years, from the creation of Rome in 753 BC to the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD, it is a fascinating period filled with extraordinary characters, conspiracies, battles, mythology, legends, philosophers etc... Moreover, modern history was built on the basis of the Roman Empire! It is an inexhaustible source of inspiration! The members of the group being history buffs, it is with the greatest interest that we revive this period! 

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

 We were looking for a name that would be simple to remember, referring to our music. We found a We found a name that we liked very much but it was composed of 4 words, by taking only the first letters we got D.E.O.S. We let you find these 4 words by yourselves. The one who will send us a message with the 4 right words will win our 3rd album! 

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

 It is the work of the artist Brice Cumin who is also our friend. It is him who had illustrated our 2 preceding albums. Our covers represent precise phases of a battle. The establishment of the strategy on Ghosts Of The Empire our 1st album. The assault on the battlefield for In Nomine Romae our 2nd album. For Furor Belli we wanted to show the fury of the battles because the fury is very present in the songs of this album! Brice knew perfectly how to bring out the music through his brushes! He has a lot of talent and he knew how to capture all the fury of the album. 

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? 

Each show always marks us more or less for good or bad! We meet nice people and bands, we forge friendships and even alliances with some of them. We strive, at each concert, to take our audience into another time, we see each concert as a battle, like fighters, we give everything on stage, battle that we must win as Rome knew how to conquer lands and make its empire. In March 2018 we played at the Undertown in Geneva in front of a very excited audience, the last concert of the North Imperial Tour MMXXII in Tournai in Belgium was extra. For us, the best concert is very recent, we had the honor to open for the Swedish band Zornheym in May 2022. The public was present in number, we took our foot on stage, then off stage when Zornheym performed. 

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

We are currently looking at and organizing future dates. We want to perform as often as possible where we can. If possible in Europe outside our borders (Italy, Germany, Switzerland etc ...) Don't hesitate to contact us if you want us to play: official.deos@gmail.com

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

 The feedbacks are very good! Whether it is by the press, by the webzine or by the fans! We feel a real passion of people for this album, we receive a lot of messages in this sense... With all the work it took to make this album it's a real pleasure to see that it paid off! We are very proud of Furor Belli ! 

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

 On stage then in studio then on stage then in studio... We would like to play in big festivals, something we never had the opportunity to do, and thus conquer new people! We will continue to make Roman Extreme Metal to make the band a reference! 

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? 

We are influenced by metal in general, be it black, death, thrash, heavy etc. We draw our strength from these styles, but not only. Some members like rock, some like disco, some like classical music... There are a lot of different bands because our influences are multiple and varied. If we have to name some bands, we can say: Motorhead, Queen, Metallica, Pantera, Pink Floyd, Kreator, Rammstein, Emperor, Death, Lamb Of God, Kataklysm, Iron Maiden, Ex Deo, Bolt Thrower, Slayer, Vivaldi, Paganini, Guano Apes... Currently we are enjoying the band Zornheym... 

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

Follow us, support us, listen to Furor Belli is an amazing album ! Talk about us around of you ! Alea jacta est et in fine Roma Victrix 

deos-official.bandcamp.com/releases

Meresin Interview

 

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project these days?

Perun: Currently we are working on the next album. The material is almost ready. Currently we are working on preproduction and once it will be finished, we are planning to record everything in the studio. In the meantime we are preparing for some live activities and still promoting the “Black Messiah” album. So as you can see, lots of work. Meresin is the project which has much to say to this world!

2.In 2021 you released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording? 

Perun: We decided that we want to have an absolutely uncompromising sound and style. The decision was simple: everything which is going straight from our hearts and minds must be shown on this album without any doubts and in the best way. That’s why we decided to add symphonic and industrial sounds to our music. That’s why both of us were totally involved in the creation process. We wanted to present the most powerful and pure emotions to be as honest with our thoughts as possible. I think we managed to achieve it. 

3.Both of the band members also have experience playing on other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Mersin' that you where not able to do with your other groups?

Seraphiel: Actually I play some sort of black metal in every band of mine but in Meresin I am going much further. I can make it more extreme and I can raise every topic I want. This time the clergy's mendacity. I'm sick of their lies and this band gives me an opportunity to shout it out, to make a difference.

4.A lot of your lyrics cover anti Christianity and Catholicism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your hatred for this religion? 

Seraphiel: It's fake. Whole it's foundation is based on copying from ancient religions and changing everything the way they want. But at the same time they are getting lost in their own changes. They are trying to control our whole lives and say what you can and what cannot do.

Perun: The concept of this album is to expose hypocrisy, crimes and rottenness of christianity.  Every day some priests are raping children, killing people, stealing money and telling people that this is a will of god. It is impossible to believe in such bullshit. Until this black mafia exists we must say it loud: fuck the cross! It is the only possible way to be yourself and feel freedom. You don’t need any god to feel strong and responsible for your own life. If someone is coming to my life without invitation and is telling me what to do, it is a perfect reason to tell him “Hate you!”  

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

Seraphiel: in Christian demonology Meresin is one of seven demonic princes of hell. Prince of air, thunder, plague and war. One of the opponents. And we as well are against the oppression of Christianity. Our music strukcs like thunder. We are continuing war against lies and deception of clergy.

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

Seraphiel: We wanted to show the world the face of its new Messiah. We were looking for something simple but yet clear and strong. Now you know him and you can follow him. you can help him make the difference. To change the world.

7.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?

Seraphiel: Yes, we are planning to expand our lineup. We want to bring our music on stage to share our hatred live. We need to spread the word and our energy. And for that we need some help. But fortunately we have some good musicians in mind.

8.Can you tell us a little bit more about the masks you wear in your promo pictures?

Seraphiel: we wanted to hide our identities so our music could be received purely, without any references to our previous releases. And at the same time we wanted something that would fit with our music and our message.

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

Seraphiel: Our album is being received very well. Not only industrial and BM fans are reacting positively to our music. Everyone can find something for themselves there. "Black Messiah" is the album you are looking for!

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

Perun: The new album is almost ready. It will definitely be a step forward for us. The music is more aggressive and straightforward. We based on experience from Black Messiah and added much more from us. So expect another big dose of heavy massive music. Definitely it will be Meresin with his most cruel and merciless face.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to to?

Seraphiel: I'm listening to almost everything but most of the time metal would be my first choice. Then grunge and classic rock.

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

Seraphiel: don't let them fool you! Stay strong and listen to Meresin! Ave blasphemia!

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Vidres a la Sang/Fragments de l'esdevenir/Abstract Emotions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Vidres  a  la  Sang  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Fragments  de  i'esdevenir"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Abstract  Emotions.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  heavier  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  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  a  lot  of  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Vidres  a  la  sang  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  styles  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  reflection,  introspection,  complaint  and  abhorrence  of  a  society  in  ever-flowing  decadence  and  also  pays  tribute  to  the  poet  Miquel  Marti  i  Pol.

  In  my  opinion  Vidres  a  la  Sang  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  "Mort  De  Paraula"  and  "Fins  Aqui".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/vidresalasang 

www.vidresalasang.bandcamp.com 

https://youtu.be/7cDlloKI9s0  

Sacrimonia/Anthems Of Eclipse/2022 CD Review

 

  Sacrimonia  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their self  released  2022  album  "Anthems  Of  Eclipse"  which  will  be  released  on  June  10th.

  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  growls  and  as  the  recording  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard.

  Sacrimonia  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  classic  era  of  the  genre.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Sacrimonia  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mirror  For  The  Faceless"  "Into  Darkness  My  Soul  Descends"  and  "Eclipse".  8  out  of  10.

  

• “Mirror for the Faceless” https://youtu.be/--Dy8NhFUJY
• “Eclipse” https://youtu.be/AtNm40XVkR0. 

  

    

Inexorum/Equinox Vigil/Gilead Media/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Minnesota's  Inexorum  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  melodic  style  of  blackened  death  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  "Equinox  Vigil"  which  will  be  released  on  June  17th  by  Gilead  Media.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  angry  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  influences.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Elements  of  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  touches  of  the  NWOBHM  era,  clear  vocals  and  keyboards  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks.

  On  this  recording  Inexorum  remain  true  to  the  melodic  style  of  blackened  death  metal  that  they  have  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  human  experience,  religious  hypocrisy,  self  healing,  science,  death  and  the  natural  environment.   

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Inexorum  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Creation  Myth"  "Secret  Language"  and  "Suck  Impossible  Sights".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/dUy_x4Un2QE

     

Serpent Ascending/Hyperborean Folklore/I, Voidhanger Records/2022 CD Review

 

  Serpent  Ascending  are  a  solo  project  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2022  album  "Hyperborean  Folklore"  which  will  be  released  on  June  17th  by  I,  Voidhanger  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  clear  vocals  can  also b e  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Most  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  some  hypnotic,  melancholic  and  psychedelic  touches  at  times  as  well as  some  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  also  being  utilized  briefly  when  one  of  the  songs  speeds  up.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric,  occult,  Hyperborean,  Norse  and  Finnish  folklore  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Serpent  Ascending  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hyperborean  Folklore"  and  "Skadi's  Longing  For  The  Mountains".  8  out  of  10.

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hyperborean-folklore