Sunday, October 7, 2018

Necroart/Caino/The Goatmancer Records/2018 Full Length Review


  Necroart  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays a   very  progressive  and  avant  garde  mixture  of  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Caino"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  The  Goatmancer  Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  while  also  introducing  avant  garde  elements  onto  the  recording  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  add  goth  elements  onto  the  recording  will  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  getting  very  progressive  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  they  also  start  mixing  the  avant  garde  side  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.

  On  this  recording  Necroart  remains  true  to  their  progressive  and  avant  garde  mixture  of  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Necroart  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  garde,  progressive,  goth,  black  and  melodic  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "An  Invocation  For  The  Horned"  "Caino"  and  "one  Is  All.  All  In  One".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.thegoatmancer.com/
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From Ashes Reborn Interview

FROM ASHES REBORN / Answered by: Thomas / Date Sep 19th 2018

From Ashes Reborn – Interview A Different Shade of Black

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are still in the promotion phase of our latest release “Existence Exiled” and received overall great feedback so far. We are close to launching the first merchandise pieces and are also evaluating options to play out material live.

2.In April you had released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical styles you went for on this recording?

The album is a mixture of melodic black & death tunes. We are always striving to create music that people will remember, hum along after they listened to the record. The things that we liked so much when we got into metal – catchy riffs, great melodies, grooving drums with accentuated blastbeats – is what characterizes the songwriting the most.

3.Most of the band members where in 'Badoc', what was the decision behind splitting up the band and forming a new one?

Mainly because the BADOC singer quit and we had kind of a hiatus for a while. In that time, our musical favors and songwriting have developed. Finally, we got exposed to our new singer Ronny, who brings a massive voice on top of our instrumental arrangements, which was another driver that changed our musical direction. So, after all, it was our desire to create a new band from scratch, with a new concept and without references to any history. And it turned out as a good decision, as it gives us full creative freedom to do what we want to do.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
There is no general lyrical concept. Generally, the lyrics are treating individual experiences, reflections on life and humanity and other thoughts, that are moving within in our minds. It´s a mix of melancholia but also a positive outlook on our ability to turn things into good. Like a “Black Clouds and Silver linings” theme so to speak.  We are avoiding topics that are very stereotype or cliché, as this would not fit to our individual personalities.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
FROM ASHES REBORN just focused on the release of the debut Existence Exiled, so there were no shows so far. But we are thrilled to bring Existence Exiled on stage and are definitely evaluating options to do so.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the remainder of 2018 and early 2019?
No, there is nothing confirmed yet. It will most likely not be able for us before early 2019. But we are definitely open for any booking offers.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We have made no efforts to get label signed so far. It was our plan to self-release “Existence Exiled” to bring the product very soon to life and to avoid any compromises. We wanted to fully control the music, the production, the design and the promotion. Generally, we are interested to work with partners who help us to grow FROM ASHES REBORN in a sustainable manner. It´s a matter of the exact conditions when we would consider to be signed, but we are open to that option in the future. With “Existence Exiled”, it was important to find our style and musical direction, also production wise.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic and extreme metal?
Very Good. Existence Exiled achieved very positive feedback not only in Germany, but also from US, Canada, Australia & Scandinavia, even Japan, both by press and fans. Also, our followers on social media channels and bandcamp are widely spread across the globe. It´s a great thing to see, that FROM ASHES REBORN is able to satisfy listeners to that style of metal globally.

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

Our style is best describes as Melodic Black / Death Metal with a strong Scandinavian influence. This is not exactly intended, but more an output of our musical preferences and the result of working together in the songwriting process. There is a tendency in our songwriting to work a bit more with acoustic elements, we are experimenting with orchestral arrangements as well. In general, I do not foresee a dramatic change in the musical direction. We are five guys in a classic metal line up and want to make the best out of this and our instruments. This is the way we got tied to this music genre and that’s our ambition.

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?
We have a very diversified mix of influences, ranging from old Dissection, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Kataklysm to more new bands like Fleshgod Apocalypse or Der Weg einer Freiheit. But there also bands like Cannibal Corpse, Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Trivium, Kreator or Dark Funeral that are influential for us in a way. We still have an ear on the underground and are permanently listening and digging for new stuff.


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Music is primarily the main hobby of the band members, as much as family and main jobs allow. Two of us are also playing in other bands such as HIATUS, DER ROTE MILAN, ICHOR. We have one active motor cycle rider in our band, fitness is another hobby of some. But Metal & Music is still the main thing for us.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the interview and for featuring FROM ASHES REBORN! We are looking forward to stay in touch and hope that there are some maniacs who enjoy Existence Exiled!

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Saturday, October 6, 2018

Stormcast/The Ghost Eater/2018 Full Length Review


  Stormcast  are  a  band  originally from  Cyprus  but  now  resides  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  plays  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "The  Ghost  Eater"  which  will  be  released  in  November.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  clean  playing  is  also  utilized  at times  along  with  melodic  vocals  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts,  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  added  onto  the  recording.

  Stormcast  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  and  atmospheric  sides  of  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  feelings,  corruption,  nature  and  anger  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Stormcast  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  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  "Resonance"  and  "Lushai  Hills".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/stormcastband/

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Norilsk/Weepers Of The Land/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2018 CD Review


  Norilsk  are  a  band  from  Quebec,  Canada  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Weepers  Of  The  Land"  which  will  be  released  on  October  12  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  Clean  yet  distorted  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  slower  riffs  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals a re  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks are  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  used  at  times  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples,  elements  of  post  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction,  clean  vocals  and  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Norilsk  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  English  and  French  and  cover  History  and  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Norilsk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  sludge,  doom,  death  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "No  Sacred  Ground"  and  "Weepers  Of  The  Land".  8  out  of  10. 

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i Helvete/Pimeyden ytimessa/Umpikuja/2018 EP Review



  i  Helvete  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  ep  "Pimeyden  ytimessa/Umpikuja".

  Melodic  yet  heavy  riffing  starts  of  the  ep  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  using  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams.

  Death  metal  growls  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  one  of  the  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  elements  of  doom  metal  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music  as  well  as  both  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  at  times  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  spoken  word  parts.

  i  Helvete  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  melodic  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  i  Helvete  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres, you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Pimeyden  ytimessa".  8  out  of  10. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01G7984-H1w

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Cor Serpenti Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
1)   Sure ! first let me thank you for the opportunity to describe the band and this first album which, we hope, will appreciated by metalheads of all kinds.
Cor Serpentii is a black/death project that is just about to release its first album, 10 tracks of rather agressive and dark sound altogether. The project got created upon the ashes of Insain, together with the great contribution of Frederic Gervais, the founder, bassist and singer of the French avantgarde band Orakle. I think this mix of different profiles and styles was exactly what Cor Serpentii needed : to intend taking the best from each extreme style and propose our own blend, materialized in this fully blown album as a starter.

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

2)   As you can surely guess, the album has a tendency to step onto Black metal and Death metal paths. It is quite interesting to hear about the feedbacks from listeners as most of them describe the album as rather original, with even some Heavy Metal sounds and atmospheres sometimes. I think this comes from the creation process in which i create the guitar tracks, which are then enriched by Bono and Sangli, and finally magnified by Fred. We all have different influences and all ideas are welcome, the only sacred way being turbulent, dark sound.

3.The band formed out of the ashes of 'Insain', what was the decision behind the split and forming a new band?
3)   Insain members decided to part ways due to internal issues that i will not develop here. 3 former members decided to work together on a brand new project that is Cor Serpentii. What came as a proposal from me as an experience trial soon became a solid project. This is how it started, with a strong willingness to create and explore new sounds and atmospheres, taking advantage of the fact that each members have great ideas to tackle. The project took a whole new level after we got in touch with Frederic and Studio Henosis.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the album?
4) A good part of the lyrics were inspired by Bergen Grey’s first book, « Frénésie picturale » with a painter slowing declining and getting invaded by loops of « tentacular » insanity. « Ubik » was obviously inspired by the Book from K Dick. Overall, i would say that science-fiction, human decadence and twisted atmospheres form a good basis for our lyrics. We will most probably continue getting inspiration from literature moving forward.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Cor Serpentii'?
5) Cor Serpentii is the name of a star. The idea of an entity yet to be explored attracted us. The image of the serpent often viewed as sitting at the origins of mankind resonated pretty well with the title of the first album as well.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
6) This artwork was created by 3mmi Design (Pierre-Alain Durand). We got amazed by the first draft, that we slowly helped to shape up until the final result was here. The contrast between a static body and the stellar immensity was an interesting outcome for us. This turns out to be a great support for our music.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
7) Cor Serpentii will release its first album at the end of october 2018. It will remain a studio project with other albums to come as we for sure enjoyed the experience of Phenomankind, but there are no plans for gigs at the moment.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
8) Cor Serpentii has no plans for gigs at the moment.

9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
9) Phenomankind has been released as a self production. I am very happy with the process and the amazing work that Studio Henosis was able to do on this album. We have been looking for a label, but it seems that a 10 tracks album as a first release is not a risk that everybody wants to take. All we want now is focusing on launching this album properly. The rest does not really matter.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
10) We will be able to tell when the album will have been released officially but i can tell you that the journalists feedbacks are all very positive !

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
11) Cor Serpentii will most probably remain a dark and agressive metal project. We will include other influences in upcoming tracks, always trying to put atmospheres and harmonies forward. This recipe we have achieved with Phenomankind is a good call for further exploration in the future.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on the music of 'Cor Serpentii'?
12) There are so many bands that have fostered our sound. Talking about the guitar creation, i can say Emperor, Zyklon, Morbid Angel, Arkaik, Unholy Matrimony, Blut Aus Nord, Deathspell Omega and more. But i also like to cultivate atmospheres the way totally different bands do, with the likes of Skinny Puppy, Dead Can Dance, Ulver and so on. I think all members of the band have different influences. What really counts is a catchy and original outcome.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
13) Thanks for reading this interview. Go and listen to « Phenomankind », our first album, and give us feedbacks !

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Skalmold/Sorgir/Napalm Records/2018 CD Review


  Skalmold  are  a  band  from  Iceland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk  and  viking  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Sorgir"  which  will  be  released  on  October  13th  by  Napalm  Records.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  a  vocal  style  that  is  done  in  a  semi  growl  style  and  clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  used  at  times.

  Black  metal  screams  are  also  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  fast  riffs  also  showing  an  influence  of  thrash  metal  as  well  as  a  few  blast  beats  and you  can  also  hear  elements  of  folk  metal  but  done  in  a  heavier  style,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  operatic  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  and  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Skalmold  plays  a  musical  style  that  mixes  folk  and  viking  metal  together  while  focusing  more  on  a  heavier  and  guitar  driven  approach  to  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Icelandic  and  cover  Battles,  Norse  Mythology  and  Icelandic  Poetry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Skalmold  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  folk  and  viking  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ljosid"  "Barnid"  and  "Mara".  8  out  of  10.

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