Synkvervet Interview

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

Synkvervet started out as a one-man studio project by Ingemar in the fall of 2011.  Originally Synkvervet was supposed to be a pure instrumental project, but it didn’t take long before he realized that the project needed vocals. Not being much of a vocalist, he called in his friend and band colleague Truls. Together they created the mysterious, trollish and aggressive folk sound that is SYNKVERVET. Synkvervet's debut album (Vår Avmakt) was released in the winter of 2013. A few months later Truls and Ingemar started working on a new album. They decided to bring in a drummer and a guitar player. The decision fell on Rino and Espen. With the new sound that Ingemar created, it opened new doors to inspiration for Synkvervet. During the
recording of the new album, Christina and Niclas was invited as guest vocalists on a few tracks. Later they became permanent members of Synkvervet. The band now consists of six permanent members. And the new Synkvervet album "Trollspeil" was released in December 2014.

2.So far you have released 2 albums, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

The first album was much more black metal inspired, while the second album is more melodic and atmospheric. Also adding two new vocalists on the second album contributed to changing the sound a bit.

3.Originally the band started out as an instrumental solo project, what was the decision behind adding in vocals and bringing in a full time line up?

Ingemar felt that the music needed another element, and the choice fell naturally on vocals. On the second album Ingemar and Truls decided to take the studio project to a possible live performance act. Therefor
they decided to bring in some new musicians.

4.The bands name and some of the lyric come from Old Norse Sagas, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Nordic Paganism?

The name "Synkvervet" means illusion, and this describes both the music and the band. Hearing stories about folklore, norse mythology and fairytales is a normal part of growing up in Norway. And when we started
to make music, this was the natural path to take.

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

We started out as a studio project therefor we have not been able to play live. And since we just recently became a full band we only had a couple of months to rehearse.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We hope to do our first gig in the autumn 2015.

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

We`we had some offers, but for now we are happy to be independent. But if the right deal comes along you never know.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of both black and folk metal?

The feedback has been amazing from both black and folk metal fans.

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

Greyzone and Blindfolded are currently playing gigs, PelleK are rehearsing, and Twisted Autumn Darkness are in studio making a new album.

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

After working on Trollspeil, we think we found our sound. And that's is the sound we are going for in the future.

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?

A mix of all kinds of genres. But we are striving to create our own sound.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

History, reading, gaming, cats and of course beer.

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

Thank you so much for reviewing our new album and taking interest in Synkvervet.

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Ovid's Withering/Scryers Of Ibis/Unique Leader Records/2015 CD Re-Issue Review

  Ovid's  Withering  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal,  brutal  death  metal  and  metalcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Scryers  Of  Ibis"  which  will  be  re-issued  in  March  by  Unique  Leader  Records.

  A  very  fast,  brutal  and  technical  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  mixture  of  black  metal screams  and  deep  death  metal  growls  before  adding  in  metalcore  breakdowns  and  symphonic  elements  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  During  the  faster  sections  you  can  hear  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  being  utilized  and  the  solos  and  leads  the  band  uses  are  very  melodic  and  technical  sounding  and  some  of  the  tracks  also  bring  in  elements  of  djent  and  modern  prog  metal  and  some  of  the  songs  also  add  spoken  word  parts  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  symphonic  elements  getting  more  epic  at  times and  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  some  of  the  tracks  add  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing.

  Ovid's  Withering  takes  a  brutal  style  of  death  metal  and  mixes  it  with  symphonic  black  metal  and  metalcore  to  create  something  original  and  while  the  metalcore  elements  are  not  my  thing,  I  can  respect  the  band  for  doing  something  very  original  and  I  feel  they  are  very  good  at  what  they  do,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Greek  Mythology.

  In  my  opinion  Ovid's  Withering  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal,  technical  death  metal  and  metalcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Oedipus  Complex"  "Acheron"  "The  God  Of  Shepherds  And  Flocks"  and  "Panikon  Diema".  7  out  of  10.

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Synkvervet/Trollspeil/2014 Full Length Review

  Synkvervet  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  pagan/folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Trollspeil".


  A  very  epic  and  neo-folk  synth  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  after  a  minute  the  music  starts  going  into  more  of  a  melodic  black  metal  direction  that  also  introduces  blast  beats  and  grim  yet  high  pitched  screams  to t he  recording  which  they  also  mix  in  with  symphonic  elements  along  with  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  On  some  of  the  tracks  operatic  female  vocals  can  be  heard  while  some  of  the  sections  bring  in  a  few  seconds  of  death  metal  growls  at  times  and  you  can  also  hear  a  touch  of  modern  prog  metal  in  the  bands  musical  style  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  synths  start  bringing  in  more  of  a  haunting  atmosphere  and  also  start  adding  in  more  elements  of  folk  music  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  singing  male  vocals  can  be  heard  on  some  of  the  songs  while  a  couple  of  later  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Synkvervet  plays  a  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that  brings  in  a  touch  of  pagan  and  folk  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sound s very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  both  Norwegian  and  English  and  cover  Nordic  Paganism,  Mythology,  Folklore,  Nature  and  Mysticism.

  In  my  opinion  Synkvervet  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  pagan/folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Horns  of  Vengeance"  "Inner  Sanctum"  "Clearwater  Diamonds"  and  "Angelfall".  8  out  of  10.

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

  

Cruenta Lacrymis Interview

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

1-The band was founded in September 2012 by the guitarist Daniele, drummer Teo and bassist Erika. The initial idea was to create a similar product of Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, very important bands for Cruenta LaCrymis' influences.
Daniele and Teo produce the material in a short time - in the studio of the guitarist were mixed aggressive riffs and melodic idea, together with concept of symphonic and horror.
In this moment the band must take a voice that would give meaning for the project.
After a various selection finally Elena joined the band. Elena offers a more personal style for Cruenta LaCrymis, also writing stronger lyrics.

2.So far you have released a full length and a demo, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

2-The sound wants to be dark,melodic, powerful and aggressive.

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

3-text feed on violent and painful sensations, mental states of complex magma indefinite

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

4-Cruenta LaCrymis is undefined words,inspired a work of Dario Argento, cult Italian horror director.Is a Latin language modified,it means “Tears of blood”.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band ha splayed so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

5-Best live at Padova Metal Fest (August 2014), support to Nightrage (July 2014), support Frantic Amber (September 2014), support Necrodeath (January 2015), support to Dark Lunacy (February 2015).
The show wants to be visual and musical power, trying to involve the public!

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

6-We're planning a promo tour in Italy for "Sweetness and blasphemy", with the intention to perform in other countries!


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

7-7-The album has just been released, but it seems to have a good response!

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

8-Erika plays bass with Cellulite Star, punk rock female Italian band.

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

9-We will try even more dark and violent sonority,trying to maintain modernity in the sound and composition

10.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?

10-Cradle of filth,Dimmu Borgir,Arch Enemy,Moonspel,Dark Lunacy,Slayer .

11. Does Occultism play any role in your music?

11-Only a small part.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

12-12-Drink ,sex and rock’n roll !!!!!!

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

13-We thank those who are working for us with passion and all the fans who support us in Live and the We

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Yonder Realm Interview

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

Absolutely.  Yonder Realm is a five piece folk metal band from Long Island, NY that has been active since 2009. We have had the privilege to share the stage with some of the biggest names in folk metal during New York and New Jersey tour dates including Korpiklaani, Turisas, Tyr, Alestorm, Arkona, Blackguard, and many more. We also appeared as the first international act to ever perform on the Semana del Rock festival in Quito, Ecuador 2013. We have just recently signed to Maple Metal Records.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I would describe the sound of The Old Ways as having a majestic blend of some of the oldest and newest styles of music. It is a very heavy album that is in spirit, defined by the extreme melodic death, thrash, and even black metal punch to it all. It has a fluent Celtic folk tone, with a mix of classical and cinematic elements. On top of all that, an unmistakable influence of many different forms of world music including even Asian and African styles can be heard at parts throughout the album. The bottom layer of the music is seasoned with electronic spacey sounds throughout the albums entirety, which really sets this music apart from our previous work.

3.According to the bands fb page, the band refers to itself as 'cosmic folk metal;, can you tell us a little bit more about this tag?

Cosmic folk metal is basically an attempt to convey all that I would describe the band’s new sound as, in a simplistic term. We are a folk metal band, and what I think differentiates us from others is the spacey/ cosmic overlay of synthesizers, pads, and strings. On top of that, our music is filled with flute and violin melodies, with guitars often complimenting each other in harmonies. These factors are vital to the term “cosmic” put at the beginning of the tag, for they provide the spacey tone added to the folk metal mix.

4.With the new album and single that where released recently there was no new material for 3 years before that, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap between releases?

Yes, the gap was largely in part to a lot of focus going into playing many shows and getting our name out there before we released new music. We also had a line-up change with acquiring a new bass player, Eddie Carrella, as well as adding keyboardist/ violinist Dana Lengel to the band making us a five piece for the first time ever. This change also altered the music for the new album, with the new members making significant contributions to our sound.

5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Lyrical topics include astronomical phenomenon, nature, anti-theism, mythology, Druidism, animals, spirituality, and anything else that happens to come to mind by any means of inspiration.

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

I wouldn’t necessarily say there is meaning behind the name as much as I would say it has a nice ring to it. Inspiration for the name comes from an interest in discovery and exploration of the mind, and the boundaries of fantasy and reality.

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?

I think most of us would have to say the best show we ever played was the Semana del Rock festival in Quito, Ecuador during the summer of 2013. It was totally unlike any show we had ever played, with the reaction from the crowd being absolutely amazing. We have been dying to return to South America ever since. We’ve also played a lot of great gigs at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City (they have been known to refer to us as the “house Pagan band” there) which includes our performance at Paganfest 2012 as well as many other folk metal shows. Our stage performance is one that has a lot of elements and happenings such as full intros and outros, fierce energy from the band shown through headbanging and dancing, and even the switching of instruments during songs.

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

Oh yes! Everything is currently in the works, but were working on a US/ Canada tour with our new label Maple Metal Records. On top of that we’ve been confirmed for some summer festivals that will be announced quite soon!

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

Better then we could have ever hoped for. Our musical style definitely appeals to more of a European and South American audience so far, but we are warmly welcomed by the US folk metal scenes that do exist in the nooks of the states. The album has gotten really great reviews from webzines worldwide.

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

 Yes our bass player Eddie currently plays for a Long Island, melodic metal band called To the Depths. Other then that though, none at the moment.

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

Yonder Realm will always be musically the folk metal band we set out to be from the very beginning, only through experience and adaption will our music change and take new form with future releases. We are all very happy with the musical direction we’ve taken thus far and are extremely eager to release more of our music.

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?

Speaking for most of us to some degree, a lot of where we gain our metal influence comes from Swedish death metal, and other European melodic metal bands like In Flames (old), Children of Bodom, At the Gates, Soilwork, Wintersun, Dimmu Borgir, etc. On top of that, the band is heavily influenced by movie and video game soundtracks, as well as folk music of all types though mostly Celtic. As of late, my music choices have been artists such as Shpongle, Finntroll, Alice in Chains, the Pogues, Lunasa, Equilibrium, the Doors, Eluveitie, Down, Blood Ceremony, Eyehategod, and the Faceless to name a few.

13.Does Paganism play any role in your music?

It definitely does somewhat lyrically with certain themes bearing influence from Pagan mythology and Druidism.

14.What are some of your non musical interests?

Reading fiction by writers such as Michael Moorcock, J.R.R Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Terry Goodkind, George R.R. Martin, Hunter S. Thompson, as well as nonfiction by writers such as Sam Harris, Carl Sagan, Terence McKenna, Richard Dawkins, and Christopher Hitchens to name a few. Other interests of mine include hiking, RPGs such as The Elder Scrolls series, psychedelic research, cats, meditation, and science.

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Many thanks for the interview! And to all those reading check out our new album The Old Ways and pick yourself up a copy if you like what you hear! Cheers, and support underground folk metal!

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Aethyr Interview

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

D - We've got the master of the album in our hands by the end of the summer 2014. Since then we've been doing some gigs & making new tracks, thinking about making a record for the future split or EP. New tracks are very different from the CORPUS! Also we were making video for CVLT single.

W - Also we were drawing a new artwork for the release.


2.You have a new album coming out this year, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

D - Aethyr has started as a duo, but now we are four-piece band. It was a long way from blackened-industrial-drone with only Aleister Crowley on the vocals, to the thing we've recorded for CORPUS.

W - I think that we are still trying to find out our own musical sound. We continue to try new things and mix styles in different proportions.


3.This is to be the first full length since 2010 and the first release since the split since 2012, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

D - After the split came out in 2012 we became full four-piece band and started making all the music together, also making live shows. Music became more and more difficult and when we had enough material we went to the studio, but wasn't really ready. So we've re-recorded the album in 3 different studios during 2013 & 2014. During that time Aethyr came stronger as a band & have made some new tracks that we've decided also to record for the album and leave some old (more drone sounded) tracks behind.


4.Your lyrics cover Occultism and Esoteric Disciplines, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?

W – As for me, it all has as metaphysical and as poetic sense. In order to understand the world we think of metaphors and signs. It's a way and attempt to look beyond reality. Staying alone with Abyss and comprehend himself and alone with the absolute.


5.I know that the bands name means the fifth element or spirit in occultism, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

D – Our music – is the Aethyr for this world.

W - All our efforts in band it is a way to understand what is it Aethyr.


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?

W - We have not a many gigs during this time. We play usually where coincides with the spirit and atmosphere of the place and other musicians in small clubs. There was also a memorable experience - a concert in the woods, it was the video material for the video of the single "CVLT" (www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnhaDGprw_I ).


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

D – Supporting Primordial (IRL) is the nearest one. Tour – maybe.

W - We don’t thinking about that, but we open for any offers.


8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal, doom and drone?

W - We are just beginning to assert itself, but nevertheless, thanks for the efforts of our label Cimmerian Shade Recordings - more people know about our music. And there are a few positive reviews already. This is very encouraging.


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

D - Our new tracks sounds more in melodic-black-death style. We speed up more and more)) Though we have one new classic doom-black track. But anyway - we don't want/don't like to make borders. If someone got a great drone/sludge riff - we'll make it, followed by great death riff, etc.


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

D – Oh, there are so many of them…Nihilist, Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares, Ceremonial Oath, Behemoth, Slayer, Amenra, Celeste, Clint Mansell, Gunter Kallmann Chorus, The Ocean, SepticFlesh, Under Byen – to name a few.

W - There are too many. From bands playing dark ambient and drone to True Norwegian Black Metal. Old and relative new. And it's impossible to select one or two. I suppose it is a mixture of all of them )


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

D – Graphic design & photo, but music is the main interest all the time (with other projects & music styles).

W - We involved in art project http://rottenfantom.com/ together with my beautiful wife Elena. We making a dark and mysterious black and white illustrations. It is a second part of my life on a par with Aethyr.


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

W - Thanks a lot for the interesting questions. Music is an important part of human culture. It is a mixture that unites people across the globe. Listen to the good music and try not to do anything stupid! )

D – Ave A!

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Cruenta Lacrymis/Sweetness And Blasphemy/Metal Scrap Records/2015 CD Review

  Cruenta  Lacrymis  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Sweetness  And  Blasphemy"  which  was  released  by  Metal  Scrap  Records.

  A  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  a  few  seconds  later  that  have  a  grim  feeling  to  them  heavy  guitar  riffing  and  grim  screams  that  also  mix  in  with  the  symphonic  elements along  with  all  of  the  tracks  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

   A  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  hear  mixed  in  with  the  fast  parts  on  a  regular   basis  and  you  can  also  hear  a  lot  of  melody  throughout  the  recording  and  death  metal  growls  mix  in  quite  a  bit  with  black  metal  screams  throughout  the recording  and  the  solos  and  leads  the  band  uses  also  bring  in  a  good  mixture  of  melody,  talent  and  skill.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  some  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  thrash  and  modern  prog  metal  elements  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  along  with  a  little  bit  of  violins  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  the  main  focus  remains  on  a  heavy  and  symphonic  style  of  black/death  metal.

  Cruenta  Lacrymis  plays  a  very  old  school  style  of  symphonic  black  metal  that mixes  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  influences  to  update  their  musical  style  for  the  modern  day,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  poetic  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cruenta  Lacrymis  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Steersman's  Course"  "The  Ghost  Of  The  Jew"  "Luxury"  and  "Sound Of  Soul".  8  out  of  10.  

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