Heidevolk/Wederkeer/Napalm Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Heidevolk  are  a  band  from t he  Netherlands  that h as  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  folk  and  pagan  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of   their  2023  album  "Wederkeer"  which  will  be  released  on  February  24th  by  Napalm  Records.

  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  viking  chants  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast beats  can be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  clear  pagan  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  more  aggressive  vocals  also  add  in  a  touches  of  black  and  death  metal.  Acoustic  guitars  and  folk  instruments  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  symphonic  and  epic  sounding  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  some  medieval  touches,  choirs  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Dutch  and  cover  thre  myths,  legends  and  folklore  of  the  Netherlands.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Heidevolk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  folk  and  pagan  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hagalaz"  "Oeros"  "Raidho"  and  "Holda".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/heidevolkofficial  

  

  

  

Gates of Mourning Interview

 

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

Two songs, Hosts of Heaven and Bloodied Cries - Echoes From the Keep and A Shadow Cast Upon the Frozen Plain- The Unholy Angel of the Forsaken have been released so far with the final drop of all songs set for 2/6/2023.

This latest release has occupied so many hours,days and months that I am now taking the opportunity away from music for some time to focus on other goals/projects.

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

Ruination is the most technical and complex release I have completed to date. Each track has a minimum of four to six, often individual guitar sections and multiple harmonies.

The song structures, though more cohesive and including more repetitious phrases, are orchestrated in a more thoughtful way than ever before.

The entire album is a journey and I feel the structure of each song in sequence reflects that.

With Ruination I have explored more death metal elements and built upon an influence from Swedish gothenburg styles of the 90's.

This new release also includes multiple songs with mid tempo pacing and different fills/beats than my typical approach to drumming of the past.

3.From 2014 to 2021 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was  going on during that time frame?

I was without focus and equipment. With nearly every release I was limited by my dependence on others to track, mix and master. In 2021 I purchased all the basic equipment I would need to produce decent sounding recordings which inspired me to write once again.

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 a songwriter over the years?

The lyrics for most of my releases are deeply personal and heavily metaphorical. Ruination tells of medieval warfare, betrayal, lust, death and destruction. 

The first record I completed demonstrates what I consider to be very basic songwriting (though I still hold that release in high regard). Over the years I have become more efficient with my process. Ruination was written,  recorded, mixed and mastered- start to finish in about 3 months.

I feel this latest full length is really some of my best song writing and I am immensely happy with the outcome.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Gates Of Mourning'?

Many of my themes and the musical elements reflect loss and despair. A huge influence for me in starting this project is Mourning Beloveth and the name came together from there.

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

The artwork description, theme, colors and concept were relayed in great detail to the artist. Pictured within the art one can find pieces of each song and the result is exactly what I wanted for this release.

7.With this project you record everything by yourself but also have experience playing in bands and working with other musicians, how would you compare the two?

I have - Maruta , Nailshitter, Legions, another solo project - Impious Throne and others over the years.

There is no comparison to the freedom and efficiency of working solo. There are of course greater challenges concerning competency with the recording, mixing and mastering side of things as those come strictly from necessity for me - but overall the song writing process and putting the pieces together on my own is enthralling and I am quite addicted to it.

I am fortunate I can consult with others such as Mauro Cordoba (Maruta, Gridlink etc) who is well versed in recording and provides some insight as I learn.

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

Yes but I really am terrible at promoting myself or making outreach. 

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

Full release is set for tomorrow 2/6/2023 but initial reactions to those who have heard the album are favorable.

This musical outlet of expression and creation is first and foremost for me and ultimately I expect my music to not be as well received by black metal fans.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?

Currently I only work on my other solo project Impious Throne.

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

I plan to complete a death metal release and further develop my recording skills.

12.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?

Dissection, Ulver, Lord Belial, Mourning Beloveth, Suhnopfer, Undying, Unanimated, The Moaning. Belphegor, Gates of Ishtar, Sacramentum.

Lately I have been listening to Dissection, Thulcandra, Carach Angren, Stormruler, Worm and Funeral Mass --and too many others to name.

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

I appreciate you taking the time to not only listen to the album but follow up with these questions - so thank you to you!

Thank you to everyone who comes across the album and listens with intention, digests the effort and depth of emotion put into every facet of this recording.

Bandcamp: 

Gates of Mourning (bandcamp.com)

Metal Archives:

Gates of Mourning - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives (metal-archives.com)

Spotify:

Spotify – Gates of Mourning

Instagram:

𝕲𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝕸𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖓𝖎𝖓𝖌 (@gatesofmourning) • Instagram photos and videos

Shit Hexis/Self Titled/Bleeding Heart Nihilist Productions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Shit  Hexis  are  a  duo  Form  Germany  that  plays  a  blackened  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  emtal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2022  album  which  was  released  by  Bleeding  Heart  Nihilist  Productions.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal  onto  the  recording.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Distorted  amp  sound  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  on e of  the  tracks  is  also  long  and  epic  in  length.  Clear  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  whole  album  also  ticking  to  a  very  slow  and  heavy  musical  direction,  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Shit  Hexis  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and   cover  class  struggle  and  alienation  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Shit  Hexis  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Schleier"  "Drel  Krueze  und  eine  Hand"  and  "Scherben".  8  out  of  10.

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5l4IpXaLZ0  

  

Bloody Falls/Dying Is Easy/Art Gates Records/2023 EP Review

 

  Bloody  Falls  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  groove  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  ep  "Dying  Is  Easy"  which  was  released  by  Art  Gates  Records.

  Spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  heavier  groove  emtal  direction  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats,

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences.  One  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  keyboards  onto  the  recording  and  most  of  the  ep  also  sticks  to  more  of  a  mid  tempo  direction,  clean  playing  can  also b e  heard  briefly.  

  On  this  recording  Bloody  Falls  remains  true  to  their  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  groove  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  and  dying  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Bloody  Falls  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  death  and  groove  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dancing  With  Flames"  and  "Reaper  Is  mt  Neighbor".  8  out  of  10.

  https://artgatesrecords.com/artists/bloody-falls

https://youtu.be/EIStPI2jKkc  

  

Exdestrier/Glorious Barbarism/2023 EP Review

 

  Exdestrier  are  a  band  from  Scotland  that  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  ep  "Glorious  Barbarism"  which  will  be  released  in  April.

  A  very  powerful  sounding  bass  guitar  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  heavy  and  melodic  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  metal.  The  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental.

  Vocals  are  mostly  done  in  a  blackened  metal  style  along  with  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times  while  the  music  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  On  some  of  the  tracks  the  riffing  goes  into  more  of  a  technical  direction  as  well  as  a  a  couple  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  clear  stoner  vocals  and  shots  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.

  Exdestrier  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge  and  progressive  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  fantasy  realms,  tales  of  medieval  landscapes, gruesome  warriors  and  a  looming  gloom.

  In  my  opinion  Exdestrier  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Glorious  Oblivion"  and  "The  Place  Of  Grim  Reckoning".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/Exdestrier  

    

        

Necropanther/Betrayal/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Denver,  Colorado's  Necropanther  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  their melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  and  thrash  metal  from  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  album  "Betrayal"  which  will  be  released  in  March.

 A  heavy  heavy  and  melodic  thrash  metal  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  remaining  very  true  to  an  old  school  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  album  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts as  well  as  the  music  also  showing  some  influences  from  the  80s  and  90s  and  mixing  them  with  the  modern  era.

  Some  of  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  traditional  metal,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  science  fiction  and  dystopian  themes  as  well  as  focusing  on  the  movie  ''Th  Warriors"  and  the  Greek  story  of  Anabasis  by  Xenophon.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Necropanther  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black,  doom,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "One  ANd  Only"  "Into  Danger"  "Furies"  and  "Betrayal".  8  out  of  10.

  http://www.necropanther.com

http://www.facebook.com/Necropanther
http://www.instagram.com/necropanther

http://necropanther.bandcamp.com  

      

Antitheus/The Faults of Our Kind/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Antitheus  are  a  duo  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2023  album  "The  Faults  Of  Our  Kind".

  Synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times  while  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Tremolo  picking  is  also  utilized  when  the  music  speeds  up  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  drum b eats  also  being  programmed,  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on a  couple  of  tracks  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly. 

  Antitheus  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  melodic  death metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  issue  of  humanity  and  the  constant  error  of  its  ways.  

  In  my  opinion  Antitheus  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Outcast"  "Baba  Yaga"  and  "The  Knot".  8  out  of  10.

  https://antitheus.bandcamp.com/album/the-faults-of-our-kind

https://www.facebook.com/AntitheusBand

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9Ine_kY_GzmvQ14uoSpog

https://www.instagram.com/antitheusband/