Winter Nights 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 ep?

Since the release we are in production for the next single release which will be this winter season. Recording in the Winter makes us feel at one with nature.

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

I believe the evolution of the band can be heard on this EP. Music is what keeps us breathing and as musicians were constantly learning and showing our emotions through sound.

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

I try to keep a storyline as much as possible. I explored the notion of sky burial further. In this EP the vultures become our gods so to speak and we must look within ourselves to transfer to ultimate freedom. 

What also speaks of progress as a songwriter is the emotions I explored, the feeling of solitude within one's own mind. WInter can be a glorious festive season, but it also sees dread and overall depression as it can linger on to what seems like eternity.

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

We love vodka, vodka is best in winter to drink. The idea of the band was made in winter, under the heavy influence of vodka. It is also a song title of one of our most favorite bands, Iced Earth.

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

FendiRofi was amazing to work with as a hand drawn artist. We received many recommendations to go with Ai, but there's nothing like lines on a paper and true artwork.

The idea of the bleak, black and white cover and overall art is what we wanted to portray. A time of the year where things stall frozen and life thrives in unexpected ways.

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

Opening for many touring bands such as Morbid Angel in 2013, Omnium Gatherum in 2014, Dark Tranquility in 2015, Belphegor in 2016, Deicide in 2021 to name a few.

We try to give our viewers at our shows something to look at visually as well as musically. We run our own fog machines, stage lighting hardware and synchronization. 

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2025?

We plan to do many out of town dates in 2025 from Canada down to Florida. And, for our hometown, so far we are set to support TYR on their NYC stop of their 2025 US tour.

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

Not actively looking. The offers we've had have not pleased us yet.

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

It's been lovely! And we thank everyone for the undying support. We’re seeing more listening from Europe and Scandinavia lately which makes us happy!

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

A full length will be another year. But in the meantime we will release numerous singles and EP’s.

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

We listen to everything from all genres of metal to reggae to salsa to country to house to 90 nostalgia. We love all music! And it helps us grow. As of late, some worthy bands to mention that have given us new vibes and good vibes are “Non Est Deus” “MGLA” & “Grima”

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

Just want to thank everyone that's ever had any interest in the band and we are all family in this world, connecting through the emotion of sounds. We hope people always feel free to chat with us. 

And as we always say, SMOKE IT UP, DRINK IT UP!

https://www.facebook.com/winternightsnyc/

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Winter_Nights/3540365924

https://www.instagram.com/winternightsmetal/

https://winternights.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.youtube.com/@WinterNightsOfficial

https://open.spotify.com/artist/09OiMXVWu7ykkRZrZGH0CT

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/winter-nights/884376517

Master Dy/FRUCTUS : The Master's Zodiac/DMG /2024 Full Length Review

 

  Master  Dy  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  very  dark,  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  gothic,  pop  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2024  album  "FRUCTUS  :  The  Master's  Zodiac"  which  was  released  by  DMG.

  A  very  heavy  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in a   very  melodic  style  and  clean  playing  is  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks.

  When  clear  vocals  are  utilized  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  power  and  gothic  metal  while  the  album  also  has  its  progressive  moments.  A  lot  of  the  music  also  captures  more  of  a  mainstream  style  along  with  the  harsh  vocals  adding  in  touches  of   black  and  death  metal  when  they  are  introduced  on  the  recording  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  male  vocals,  blast  beats  and  fast  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Master  Dy  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  more  rooted  in  the  melodic  symphonic  and  gothic/power  metal  style  as  well  as  mixing  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  resilience,  self-reliance  and  the  human  spirit's  will  to  overcome.

  In  my  opinion  Master  Dy  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  death,  gothic,  pop  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bad  Omens  Of  January"  "Ephermal  Void"  "Regel  Eclipse"  and  "Nocturnal  Veil".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/@MasterDyBand
https://sptfy.com/MasterDy
https://master-dy.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/masterdy_band/
https://www.tiktok.com/@Master.Dy
https://www.facebook.com/masterdy.band/
https://www.masterdy.com

      

Greh Interview

 

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

Gjero: Since recording "Dysphoric Devotion," we've been busy rehearsing, refining our live show, and preparing for the album release in January. We're incredibly excited to finally share this music with the world and can't wait to see the reaction.

 

2. You have your first full-length coming out in 2025. Musically, how does it differ from your previous EPs?

"Dysphoric Devotion" builds on the foundation laid down by our debut EP "Reversion of the Repressed." While the EP showcased our blend of black and death metal with doom elements, the new album delves deeper into this sonic territory. We've incorporated more atmospheric passages to create a more immersive listening experience, while still retaining the raw aggression and intensity that defines our sound.

 

3. What are some of the lyrical themes and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

The lyrics on "Dysphoric Devotion" explore themes of despair, alienation, and the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with darkness. We delve into the human condition, confronting the abysses within ourselves and the external forces that threaten to consume us. There's also an undercurrent of hope and resilience that shines through the bleakness.

 

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

The name GREH is a play on the word "greh," which carries connotations of grief, sorrow, and despair in some Slavic languages. We felt this name encapsulated the emotional weight of our music and the themes we explore.

 

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

The artwork for "Dysphoric Devotion" is a visual representation of the album's themes. It's a dark and evocative piece that reflects the emotional turmoil and existential struggle explored in the music. We don't want to reveal too much, but we hope it will resonate with listeners and draw them deeper into the world of the album.

 

6. Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind expanding into a full band?

GREH began as a solo project to explore my musical vision. However, after recording the "Reversion of the Repressed" EP, I felt the potential for the project could be fully realized with a full band. Bringing Maurice and Martin on board allowed us to develop a more dynamic and powerful sound in our live performances and on this new album. 

Martin, our vocalist. He has a rich musical history and has played in various bands before joining GREH. His vocal abilities are second to none and he brings a depth and complexity to our music that makes it truly unique.

Mauirice, our drummer. He is the heart of our band and keeps us all in time. His energy and commitment is infectious and he always puts 100% into every rehearsal and every gig.

And I am the lead guitarist of the band. I have a deep passion for metal and have always dreamed of playing in a band that plays this type of music.

We all came to GREH through our shared love of music and our desire to create something unique and meaningful. It was a natural progression and we are proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to what the future holds.

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

We've had some great shows so far, but a few that stand out include our performance with Hexis, and our set headlining alongside Coldspine, Dornen, Tristis, and Tourin Horse. Our stage presence is intense and energetic. We strive to create a consuming atmosphere that reflects the aggression and despair of our music.

 

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

Absolutely! We're currently booking shows for 2025 in support of "Dysphoric Devotion." We're eager to unleash the new album live and connect with fans on the road. We'll announce the tour dates as soon as they're finalized, so stay tuned!

 

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

The response to our music has been overwhelmingly positive. We've been fortunate to connect with fans of underground metal from all over the world. It's been incredibly rewarding to see our music resonate with listeners on a global scale.

 

10. Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

We're all entirely focused on GREH at the moment. This band is our primary creative outlet, and we're pouring all of our energy into making it a success.  Maurice Müller is still active as drummer in HARD STRIKE and MILAN, and Martin Kocula is active as singer and guitarist in GRAU.

 

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

We're constantly looking to evolve and push our sound forward. While "Dysphoric Devotion" represents a significant step in our musical development, we see it as just the beginning. We're excited to experiment and explore new sonic territories in future releases.

 

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

Our musical influences are wide-ranging. We draw inspiration from classic black metal bands like Bathory and Darkthrone, as well as death metal innovators. But our inspiration goes beyond the genre. We are also influenced by bands outside of metal that have shown us how to bring emotional depth and musical complexity to our songs. Ultimately, our music is the result of all these influences and our own unique vision. We are proud to follow in the footsteps of these great bands while forging our own path.

https://linktr.ee/greh

Greh/Dysphoric Devotion/Fetzner Death Records/2025 Full Length Review

 

  Greh  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Dysphoric  Devotion"  which  will  be  released  in  2025  by  Fetzner  Death  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  album  also  has  its  atmospheric  and  dissonant  moments.  Grooves  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  mid  tempo  guitar  riffing  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  synths  are  also  added  towards  the  end

  Greh  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  suffering  of  human  existence.

  In  my  opinion  Greh  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Chained  Thoughts"  "All  Flesh  Decays"  and  "Enter  my  Oblivion".  8  out  of  10.

   https://grehmetal.bandcamp.com/album/dysphoric-devotion

 https://linktr.ee/greh  

Cephyre/A Gleam Within The Gloom/2024 EP Review

 

  Cephyre  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  ep  "A  Gleam  Within  The  Gloom".

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  ep  while  also  introducing  synths  onto  the  recording  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  parts  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  a  lot  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  Sections of  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  clear  singing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  o f  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Blackened  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  metal  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length,  acoustic  guitars  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.

  Cephyre  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  forms  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  realistic  themes.  

  In  my  opinion  Cephyre  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Gleam"  and  "Distraction  From  Reality".  8  out  of  10.

  www.cephyre.band

www.cephyre.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/cephyre.band

www.instagram.com/cephyre.band  

Eternal Crypt/Stages Of Grief/2024 Full length Review

 

  Eternal  Crypt  are  a  band  from  new  York  that  plays  a  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  folk  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2024  album  "Stages  Of  Grief".

  Epic  sounding  keyboards  and  orchestration  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  and  the  harsh  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Spoken  words  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  some  of  the  melodies  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  medieval  folk  music   touches.

   Power  metal  style  singing  is  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  and  symphonic  sounding ,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing. Some  tracks  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  death  metal  growls  and  as  the  album  progresses  pianos,  clean  playing  and  acoustic  guitars  are  also  introduced  as  well  as  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  mysticism,  nature  and  isolation  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Eternal  Crypt  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  progressive  mixture  of  black,  folk  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Notice"  "Stone  In  My  Heart"  and  "Death  Bed".  8/5  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/eternalcrypt    

Summoning Saturn Voids/Self Titled/Argonauta Records/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Summoning  Saturn  Voids  are  an  international  band  with  embers  from  Norway  and  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death,  doom  and  stoner  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  album  which  was  released  by  Argonauta  Records.

  Synths  and  atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  bring  in  elements  of  doom  and  stoner  metal  and  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  more  of  a 70's  rock  style.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  psychedelic  moments  along  with  one  song  also  being  an  instrumental  and  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  and  most  of  the  album  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.

  Summoning  Saturn  Voids  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  doom  and  stoner  metal  as  well  as  mixing  in  the  aggression  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Lovecraftian,  Cosmic  Horror,  Science  Fiction  and  Space  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Summoning  Saturn  Voids  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death,  doom  and  stoner  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cosmic  Sabbath"  "Technical  Heresy"  and "Siggy  Starsmoke  And  The  Bongsters  From  Mars".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/ summoningsaturnvoids