Lathebra Interview

 

1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band members since the break up of the band?

After the first demo "Angels' Twilight Odes" released in 1997 and a second promo titled "Etra" and destined to label only released in 2000, all the members of the band went their separate ways for work or study and this obviously led us to distance ourselves considerably and in the end almost naturally the band ceased to exist. Some of us continued to play music in other projects and I started My Kingdom Music that now after more than 20 years is still active.

2. In the mid 90's and early 2000's you had released both a demo and an ep, musically how do they both differ from each other?

"Angels' Twilight Odes" released in 1997 is more direct, more influenced by the music of that period with its mixture of Black Metal, Doom and Dark. While "Etra" is probably more mature, with a more evident originality of the musical structures, and above all of the arrangements. Some acoustic elements started to appear and above all the use of the voice was more various giving to the songs more personality. The same element that is always present in both releases is that sense of magic and ethereal darkness that pervades the whole aspects of LATHEBRA as band and as music.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored on both of the releases?

The lyrics deal a lot with intimate aspects of life taken from the poetical side and with a Romantic vision of the same, in the literary sense of the word.

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

Latebra is an ancient latin word it literally represents a dark and hidden place. We have interpreted it as an intimate place of the human soul.

5. The band has been broken up for a couple of decades, what was the cause of the split?

Essentially, as I told you before, the distance between us. We all lived in different and distant cities and it was practically impossible to find a point of union and the possibility of being able to play together.

6. Did the band have any opportunities to live shows in the past, if so what where some of the best shows that the band played and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Oh yes, we played a lot during the early years of our existence. I remember with great pride a show in our city, Salerno, and another one in Naples together with the mighty UNDETAKERS and it was a blast!!!

7. What are some of the other bands or musical projects the band members joined after the split?

Francesco Galano created his own project call When The Clouds more into the Electronic and Ambient Music, Rosario Memoli, the drummer, played in Circle Of Witches and gave life to The Provincials more into Indie Rock. Bruno Villani plays now in a couple of projects (SEID, EFFESS).

8. One of the band members also done 'Vampiria Zine', is that zine still going on nowadays?

Vampiria Magazine was my own creature. It was active from 1996 till 2002 when I created My Kingdom Music, my own label.

9. Recently 'My Kingdom Music' re-issued your 1997 demo, can you tell us a little bit more about the newer version?

We received an offer to release a CD version of our demo by Sylphorium Records from Colombia.

We immediately accepted Nelson's offer but we wanted to release something different from the original version. So first of all I decided to release it with my own label too, so via My Kingdom Music, but above all we decided to give to the sound a new mastering and so we sent it to Davide Barbarulo at the 20Hz20kHz Mastering Lab. The result was great indeed, giving to the work a new life.

10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, dark and doom metal ?

When the demo was released in 1997 we sold all the 1000 copies in less that 6 months, the result was great and the reaction of the media and the fans were fantastic. The demo had an incredible reception resulting in demo of the month in many magazines and fanzines of the time.

11. Would the band members ever be open to getting back together and finally releasing a full length?

During the years in some moments probably yes, but the conditions of life and our works have always prevented that from happening. I don't think it will happen in the future but I confess that it would be really great to be able to share again those moments with the rest of the band.

12. What were some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I do not know but of course we were in those years that Black Metal was having its maximum explosion with bands like Emperor, Arcturus, Cradle Of Filth, so I think those bands had in us a particular influences but also Doom Metal with early Anathema and My Dying Brid, some classical Heavy Metal above all in the guitar working and something from Dark Wave above all for what concerns the atmospheres.

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

Thanks a lot   to you and your readers. It would be great if you could listen to our music and share with us your opinion . Here is a link where you can do it: https://lathebra.bandcamp.com

Ardent Nova Interview

 

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

Mike: Absolutely - Ardent Nova formed from the ashes of Draconis and Pagan Thunder. I formed Draconis in 1995 and by 1999 I wanted to also work on a less extreme project, one that revolved around clean vocals and "bigger" choruses. Which was supposed to be Pagan Thunder.  Obviously Ardent Nova has the aggressive vocals, but that's another story

2.You have a new album coming o9ut in the middle of March, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Mike: My original thought was basically Power Metal but with some Pagan/Viking metal elements

3.Some of your lyrics cover Paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Mike: my interest in this goes back to elementary school. I've always been fascinated by ancient cultures, everything from Greece/Rome/Egypt and even Japan and  Mayan civilizations to a degree. However the Scandinavian/Viking culture of the middle ages is really at the forefront of all of them. Between the lore, myths, customs and respect for nature I think modern society has a lot to learn simply by looking back

4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explred so far with the music?

Mike: ups and downs of life, dealing with people, being a leader, being a lone wolf, letting go of stupid sh*t and not dwelling on the past. If I can ever tie any of that in with the "pagan" themes I will, so the songs can have a double meaning 

5.Originally the band was called 'Pagan Thunder', what was the cause of the name change and also the menaing and inspiration behind the name 'Ardent Nova'?

Mike: I really wish it could have worked out with the original name, I have an incredible logo drawn by the same guy who did my business logo. But life happens and there is a time limit on things and an expiration date. I had a dream that I was in a band Ardent Nova and when I woke up, I was like: "I'm SURE that name is taken" hahahaha! I guess I lucked out

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

Mike: not much to tell there as I did not draw it. Amazing artist though, I follow her artist account on IG and that particular piece caught my eye. She has lots of really cool and unique pieces on her profile

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?

Mike: I'm open to anything, as long as the new individuals will commit and not be flaky (so, things are not likely to change)

8.The new album is coming out on 'Wise Blood Records', are you happy with the support the label has given you so far?

Mike: absolutely. Sean is a pleasure to work with, both with Ardent Nova and Empty Throne

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

Mike: so far seems really good, low engagement and low numbers but I guess that is to be expected these days. It's a shame that the days of fans being psyched up for a new record are LONG gone

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

Mike: same/similar style, at least for album 2 which is basically.already finished 

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?

Mike: as far as influences: Falconer, Mithotyn, Nocturnal Rites, Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Forefather, Turisas, Finntroll, Forefather, and of course the classics Slayer, Metallica, Exodus etc. These days I listen to much of the same as I did years ago, the latest Katatonia record is exceptional, latest Revocation is incredible, Hypocrisy "worship" and Ensoferum "Thalassic" stand out to me

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

Mike: Thanks featuring Ardent Nova, hope everyone enjoys our new record and if a band you like comes to your town (or close) don't be a lazy cheap-ass, go see them live!! 🤣

https://ardentnova.bandcamp. com/album/ardent-nova

Ardent Nova on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ ardent_nova/ 

Ardent Nova on FB: https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id= 100087978697755

Weissravana/Awakening Of The Ancient Blood/Sliptrick Records/2023 EP Review

 

  Weissravana  are  a  duo  from  Japan  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  metal  and  deathcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  ep  "Awakening  Of  The  Ancient  Blood"  which  will  b e released  in  April  by  Sliptrick  Records.

  Symphonic  sounds  and  spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  ep  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Vocals  are a   mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a very  melodic  style.

  All  of t he  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  the,  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats.  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a a  lot  of  deathcore  elements  and  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  

  Weissravana  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  very  melodic  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  metal  and  deathcore  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sorrow  and  pain  themes.       

  In  my  opinion  Weissravana  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  metal  and  deathcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cliffed  By  Follis"  and  "The  Blaze  Birth  For  The  RE"Grade".  8  out  of  10.

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A.C.O.D/Cryptic Curse/Les Acteurs De L'Ombre Productions/2023 EP Review

 

  France's  A.C.O.D  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  gong  for  more  of  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  ep  "Cryptic  Curse"  which  was  released  by  les  Acteurs  De  L'Ombre  Productions.

  Synths  and  clean  playing  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to t hem.

  Elements  of  death  metal  can  also b e  hear d in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  music  also h as  its  symphonic  moments.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized,  throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  this  recording  A.C.O.D  adds  in  some  symphonic  touches  to  their  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  something  very  different  sounding  from  their  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  magick,  death  and  afterlife  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  A.C.O.D  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  symphonic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Mask  of  Fate".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook // YouTube // Web // Instagram // Bandcamp // Spotify   

  

Nattehimmel/Mourningstar/Hammerheart Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

    Nattehimmel  are  a b and  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  progressive  and  avant  garde  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Mourningstar"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Hammerheart  Records.

  A  synth  orientate d intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.    Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  heavier  riffs  also  add  in  a great  amount  of  melody along  with  the  vocals also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  black  metal  screams  and  the  slower  sections  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  music  also  has  its  progressive  and  avant  garde  moments.  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast b eats  can  be  heard  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  songs  also  take  the  90's  Norwegian  avant  garde  metal  style  and  mix  it  in with  a  more  modern  approach.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy,  astronomy  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nattehimmel  are  a  very  great  sounding  avant  garde  and  progressive  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Astrologer"  "Slay  The  Shepard"   and  "The  Immortals".  8  out  of 1 0.

  https://nattehimmel.lnk.to/mourningstar  

Ardent Nova/Self Titled/Wise Blood Records/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Ardent  Nova  are  a  duo  from  Phoenix,  Arizona  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2023  album  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Wise  Blood  Records.

  A  very  epic  sounding  keyboard orientated  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Elements  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal  can  also  be  head  in  some  of  the  guitar  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  a  few  black  metal  screams.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  songs  also  take  an  80's  style  and  mix  them  in  with  a  more  aggressive  vocals  approach  and  a  modern  day  brutality  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks,  keyboards  also  make  a  brief  return  and  one  song  is  also  an  instrumental.

  

  Ardent  Nova  plays  a  musical  style  that  take s the  melodic  forms  of  black,  pagan  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  with  thrash  and  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Ardent  Nova  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  pagan  black,  death,  thrash  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rise  From  The  Ashes"  "Sound  The  Horns"  and  "Eternal  ;Liberty".  8  out  of  10.

  https://ardentnova.bandcamp.com/album/ardent-nova

Ardent Nova on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ardent_nova/ 

Ardent Nova on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087978697755

    

  

Antitheus Interview

 

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

We’ve been hard at work promoting this album in every way we can. Overall, we’ve been very pleased with the positive response we’ve received thus far. We are also working on some other special things, but it’s too early to divulge. -Erick

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

This album is a lot more refined in comparison to our previous work, both in the composition and production. We worked very hard to put together the story for the album and make it flow effortlessly and my goal from the beginning was to achieve a more polished production. -Erick

3.This is also your first release since 2016, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during this time frame?

Our last release was when we were young and had more people in the band. Since then, we’ve all gone to do our own things, but Erick and I came together a few years ago to want to work on an album. A few of the songs were much older and written around that time frame, but all of the others were written during the pandemic. We recorded and produced everything ourselves and out of our own homes. Now we’re even across the country from one another. It’s been tough but also incredibly rewarding for both of us to finally throw our hats into the ring and have something out there. -Martin

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release?

The biggest theme is that of humanity, the mistakes we make, and the consequences of our actions. It’s present in every song on this album. We cover the original sin of Adam and Eve, how we treat our planet, how we treat each other and the ways in which our actions in the world can have dire consequences. A lot of these lyrical themes stem from the landscape of that time and just watching every single day on social media or the news about how humanity was degrading and becoming more divisive. We get one shot at all of this, so it’s hard to watch the ways in which we fail. Thus, it’s truly about all of the faults of our kind. -Martin

5.You also written a song about 'Baba Yaga', do you have an interest in mythology?

Of course! Mythology is always a fun way to be able to talk about themes and stories. Baba Yaga for me was such a fun song to write. I am half Russian and being able to tell this gruesome version of the story allowed me to connect with that side of me a lot more. Also, the imagery of Baba Yaga and her home is a ton of fun and not one that many Americans are familiar with. It’s great to help bring it more to life and shine some light on the haunting bedtime story. Remember: don’t run away from your parents at night! -Martin

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Antitheus''?

In its simplest form, it means ‘devil’ in Latin. When we started the band, it was just a cool word that we found that sounded pretty metal. As I’ve gotten older, I grow more and more attached to it. For me, it’s turned into this idea of being not just anti-God, but really anti-everything. It’s helped me to think about things in a different light and just be able to write from a different perspective. -Martin

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

The artwork is so gorgeous. It was done by Luke Tucker who does these amazing oil-on-panel landscapes. We came to him with the concept of someone wandering a desolate landscape and living with the reality of the mistakes they made. We also wanted some oranges and browns in there. He took all of that direction and made an album cover like no other. The way the fiery clouds meet the blue sky is just my absolute favorite. The feeling of loneliness and isolation it evokes is exactly what I wanted. I have the actual painting hanging over me currently and I look at it every day. I’m so thankful for what he made and so proud of the look and feel of it. It’s super unique and I’m very happy with it. -Martin

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

We have been talking about wanting to expand our lineup. It has been many years since we’ve had a full lineup and I think I can speak for both of us in that we miss playing live. It just boils down to us finding people who are the right fit for this band. -Erick

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

There’s definitely interest on our part and we have received some label interest. Just like with our lineup, we want it to ensure it’s a good fit for us as a band. Ultimately, I’d love to see this band elevate to new heights and reach new audiences. -Erick

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

The response has been super positive! It’s been great hearing from fans all over the world telling us which song has been their favorite from the album. Because we draw inspiration from so many subgenres of metal, I think that there’s moments on this album that will resonate with everyone. -Erick

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

Musically, I don’t foresee there being much of a departure from our current sound. We have always derived inspiration from so many of the subgenres of metal which helps keep things fresh but also doesn’t necessarily put us into a box. Even on this album there are parts that touch across so many of the different styles of metal that it’s hard to define us as one specific style of metal. We will always have that melodic, blackened, death metal feel because that’s what we like to write and what we like to listen to. -Erick

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Currently I’ve been really into the latest Brymir album, but Children of Bodom, Gojira, Meshuggah, and Dimmu Borgir are always on heavy rotation. -Erick

Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Gojira, Sylosis, Orbit Culture, and the new In Flames album. As far as styles, all metal all the time! -Martin

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

We both just want to thank everyone who has been in support of us thus far, whether it’s listening to a song, listening to the whole album, following us on social media, buying a shirt, or however you are. We really appreciate it! If you haven’t yet, go check out The Faults of Our Kind!

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/