Friday, July 31, 2020

Abyss Interview

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



A: I started Abyss in 2009 together with another former member. The line-up soon was completed by aspiring musicians from a rural part in Bavaria, where we are located. Our music is a mixture of Melodic Black and Death Metal. If you like classic bands like Dissection, Sacramentum and if you appreciate modern successors that draw at least a little from their heritage, you might enjoy giving us a spin.



2.So far you have released a demo, ep and a split, musically how do they both differ from each other?



A: Our early work resulted in a number of songs that had a bigger Death Metal influence. This influence is still noticeable on our last EP from 2018. Throughout the years the Death Metal ration diminished. And together with some other new elements, we solidified a specific trademark sound we were aiming for. This is what you will hear on our part of the coming split with Besna.



3.The band has been around since 2009 but waited until 2018, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?



A: That´s a common question. Mainly for two reasons that deserve a little elaboration:

First one would be because of line-up changes. The number of people that had an instrument in their hands in order to play for or with Abyss comes to more than a dozen already. The changes had nothing to do with personal differences, but more with people going abroad, moving away, getting a job, etc. Those things caused a lot of delay and pauses in the past and for those very reasons you will hear two session musicians on the coming release. There is a permanent line-up though, that works on the songs and concepts and you will most likely see on stage.

Second: It took a while to build the musical skill and capacity to transfer our ideas to reality in a proper way. I can only speak for myself, but I basically learned to play the guitar with the Band.



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



A: We dedicated our themes to chaos. In short: Our songs should reflect mankinds unrest
about being at the mercy of this power and its search for sense, order and the higher, when there is
none of that. A rather nihilistic view on the world and humanity.




5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Abyss'?



A: As the literal meaning depicts a bottomless pit, it reflects the symbolism and themes of our songs. No clear line, no end, no order. The name is used quite often by bands. And during the 10 years of minor public activity, it would have been easy to simply choose something more distinct. However, the name Abyss resembles a special meaning for the members. The missing puzzle piece, so to say, that binds all the other aspects of the band and brings it back to conclusion. Contrary to its meaning.



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



A: The artwork awas made by Théo Braisaz, a french artist working under the name „Mr Kiwi“. I work closely together with him for another project. He´s an excelent graphical designer. Our cooperation reached a level where I can lay down my visual ideas and from then on almost blindly trust him with the realization. For the split, the artwork gives several hints on its main themes, which revolve around unfulfilled religious -or even ideological- salvation, absence of the higher and natures indifference towards these themes.



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



A: We had many great shows. One that really stood out was our first live performance. We played in front of 100-200 people in a Band Contest of which probably only 5 % were into Metal. The feedback was overwhelming though. Everyone freaked out when the last note subsides. It was the beginning of many things and the moment when Abyss truly came to life.

As a matter of fact we often hear that our live performances are far more convincing than our releases. Our music profits from the chaotic frenzy both Band and audience find themselves in during live situations. In the past recent years we worked hard to make our show aesthetically fitting to the concept. So it´s all about increasing the intensity to make the music, the dread almost physical.



8.You have a split coming out with Besna in September, what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?



A: Already during the planning of the „Further Into Perdition tour“ working together went off smoothly. When we played together in Bratislava, they convinced us musically and therefore were our prime candidate for our intended split project. While our music has a certain drive and a pounding blast every now and then, theirs is equally wild, but more on the melancholic side and adds important aspects. Quite naturally and despite the very slight differences in the styles we play, the split reached a coherent whole.



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



A: That will mostly turn out with the responses towards the coming release with Besna. Besides playing a east-euro-tour together with Groza, Abyss stayed hidden a long time. In my eyes, the project still has to get „out there“.



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



A: One upside of the current crisis is, that naturally artists are most likely sitting at home and have time to live out their creativity. I look forward to all the „quarantine creations“ released in the future. And perhaps we will be among them. Soundwise, sometimes I wish to make our music a little harsher and messier. It is leaning towards that already and I still want to keep our melodic trademark. After all, who needs another Deathspell Omega clone.



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: One main part of my songwriting work is indeed listening to new stuff. I am one of the persons that really listens to everything. I know people say this quite often and to me personally that´s actually often negatively connotated. Black Metal wise, I´m more and more intrigued by french, canadian and icelandic Black Metal. To name a few general bands I listen to quite often: Svartidauði, The Great Old Ones, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Sombres Forêts, Gris, Selbst, Be'Lakor. Sure from our style, I guess one can draw conclusions on what we mainly listen to.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?



A: As I have hinted already, Abyss is a busy band. Some members will experience some career developments in the future. The plan is to lay down enough ground work for Abyss now to still be operational when that time comes.



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



A: Thanks for the interview, check out our split. One song has been published so far (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_jkcV8_IDI&fbclid). Look out for the next one that will drop soon!

Cheers,

Kosmogonia/Enthrone The Gods/Cronus Productions/2020 CD Review


  Kosmogonia  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  a  mixture  of  folk,  pagan  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2020  album  "Enthrone  the  Gods"  which  was  released  by  Cronus  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  epic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with    brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Elements  of  folk  music  and  flutes  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  some  clean  pagan  vocals  also  being  utilized  at  times.  Operatic  female  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  blast  beats  also  being  mixed  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  music.

  Throughout  the  album  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  songs  also  show  an  influence  of  the  more  melodic  side  of  black  metal  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  decent  of  keyboards,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  on  some  songs  spoken  word  parts  also  make  a  return  and  at  times  the  music  also  has  its  symphonic  moments.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Greek  Mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kosmogonia  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  folk,  pagan  and  melodic  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Elysian  Fields" "Dionysian  Song"  "Legacy  Of  Myrmidons"  and  "Pandora's  Fall".  8  out  of  10.

 https://www.facebook.com/Kosmogoniafolk
https://www.instagram.com/kosmogonia_official
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpULz0evz6Ve2QLI0QJy6Vw     

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Black Crown Initiate/Violent Portraits Of Doomed Escape/Century Media Records/2020 Full Length Review


  Black  Crown  Initiate  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  progressive  and  melodic  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Violent  Portraits  Of  Doomed  Escape"  which  will  be  released in  August  by  Century  Media  Records.

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  along  with  some  clean  vocals  start  off  the  album  before  going  into a   heavier  musical  direction.  Aggressive  vocals  are  in  between  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  adds  in  a  decent  amount  of  prog  metal  elements  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  also very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also add  in  some  melodies  at  times.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Acoustic  guitars  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  along  with  some  chants  and  throat  singing  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  symphonic  sounds,  some  of  the  mid  tempo  sections  also  show  an  influence  of  djent  and  some  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophy  and  nihilism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Black  Crown  Initiate  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive  and  melodic  blackened  death  metal, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Invitation"  "Years  In  Frigid  Light"  and  "Holy  Silence".  8 out  of  10.

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Trident/North/Non Serviam Records/2020 CD Review


  Trident  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "North"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Non  Serviam  Records.

  Gregorian  chants  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  classical  music  sounds  and    ritualistic  percussion.  Classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  most  of  the tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can b e  heard.

  Vocals  are  mostly  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  lot  of  death  metal  elements  death  metal  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  Swedish  style.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  classical  guitars  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks,  a  couple  of  songs  also  introduces  ritualistic spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  a  story  about  an  Internal  journey,  of  ominous  visions  through  dreams,  touching  the  subjects  of  ancient  wisdom's  long  forgotten,  cursed  bloodlines.

  In  my  opinion  Trident  are  a  very  great  sounding  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  "Enter"  "Summoning"  "Possession"  and  "Schaman".  8 out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Trident666official/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrG4qEybGmeLhK9QIkKc4w  

Monday, July 27, 2020

Magni Interview


https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Magnifolk
https://deadgamesrecords.com/




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

Clint - It comes from The Neofolk and Pagan Black metal I have loved over the years I founding member of  As All Die ( Martial Neofolk/Noise) I wanted to bring some of those elements back with my love of bands like  Tenhi, Of the Wand and the Moon, Antimatter, Falkenbach and Blood Axis. Ryan brought in the Goth elements for sure esp on track 3 " The Watcher" which he does the vocals on.  Goto - https://magnifolk.bandcamp.com/  to hear and order !!!

 Ryan-The music of project is a folk Gothic metal Doom dark insane project that has melodies harshness and everything else in between

2.You have an ep coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?

Clint-  I would  Say  Folk, Black metal,  Northern European Pagan music and some Gothic Doom elements
Ryan-  Well at RPM Studios we went with a nice acoustic folk undertones and we just let the project grow as it was I wanted the Neil Young darker side of the folk doom style of music


3.A lot of your lyrics and the band name come from Asataru and Norse Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this path?

Clint- I'm a worshiper of Asatru and have had a love of bands that follow that path so many to mention but many in Viking, Black, Death Metal and Neo classical and folks sides. I never take my hammer off even while sleeping. The lyrics are around how Raganok is the End and Rebirth of mankind all at once and how there is never really an ending, it's just the next cycle to something new. The name is just one of Thors son's and the only one to ever be able to use Mjölnir. The Germanic Gods are more like us then you think and we need to go back to the old ways or this world is doomed to suffer.

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

Clint- The cover is German Wheel of the year that shows the eight Sabbats for Festivals.

5.The ep is coming out on 'Dead Games Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Clint-  DGR is a label Ryan started years ago and then seemed to go into slumber He and I decided to give it a rebirth and release some of our material to start so 1st 4 releases are  Idiot Robot ( DeathPop/Indie Rock)  Magni ( Blackened Prog Folk)  Until the Sky Dies ( Death/Doom meets Odd Electro Post Metal) and The Slumbering ( Doom Noise). At this time it's a label just for our projects but who knows as we are fully focused on the label doing Limited CD or Cassette Runs for releases and well as full PR push through Against PR and have Digital Distro through all the major channels. goto http://deadgamesrecords.com its all there.

Ryan-For the record label we just don't do one style music it's whatever we like

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

Clint-As the album is not even out yet only time will tell. Those who have heard or pre-ordered the feedback have been very positive. Many say it the favorite thing I've done in years.

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

Clint- Until the sky dies, Kadaver/Listing, The Slumbering, Idiot Robot

Ryan- Ryan michalski AKA Spaceking, DeadDarkSlide, Idiot Robot


8.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the project heading into musically during the future?

Clint- I'm working on new material already and it's going to be in the same common themes . Magni is a Pagan Folk Project with Blackened Metal and Gothic overtone. I hope to have a full length out by end of 2021

9.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?

Clint- Thergothon , Dolorian, Bethlehem, Fleurety, Manes, Queen, Monster Magnet, Neurosis, Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Tenhi, Shudder to think, Nirvana, Blood Axis, Bathory, Marduk, Emperor, Devin Townsend, Dan Swano and Bolt thrower and the list goes on

Ryan- Neil Young , Pornos for pyros , Culture Club, The Cars ,  Ramones , G&R ,S.O.D, Metallica, M.O.D , Slayer
Listening to nowadays- Ed Sheeran, Lisa Loeb, That Dog & Green Day


10.What are some of your non musical interests? 

Clint- Working on Linux Computer, DC/Marvel Comics, Sci Fi, History ( Esp War themes and Religions), Cooking Shows, Some Horror and Thrillers.

Ryan- Housewives of Beverly Hills & Orange County . Watching horror movie & Sci-Fi movies watching NHL . Playing Dungeons & Dragons & Star Wars Legions and watching Christy knows best. And hanging out with my wife Milissa



Sunday, July 26, 2020

Journey Into Darkness/Multitudes Of Emptiness/2020 Full Length Review


  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  solo  project  from  Florida  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self released  2020 album  "Mulitudes  Of  Emptiness".

  A  very  dark  and  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  programmed  beats  while  the  synths  also  give  the  songs  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  while  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be heard  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  style  instrumentals  also  being  added  onto  the  recording  as  the  album  progresses.

  Journey  Into  Darkness  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  some  doom  and  death  metal  elements  as  well  as  a  few  ambient  interludes  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Journey  Into  Darkness  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  be  Human  is  To  Be  Inhuman"  and  "Sending  Death".  8  out  of  10.

https://jidarkness.com/

https://journeyintodarkness.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Journey-Into-Darkness-133854346636888

https://youtu.be/qoAINEwHfdo  

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Irhagar Interview


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


A little about the project. We are from the city of Ulan-Ude, located in South-Eastern Siberia, near Lake Baikal. It is important to note the territorial location, because our music and sound absorbed the local motives of nature and the phenomena of the cultures of the peoples living here since ancient times.

2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on the recording?
Since our music is closely related to local folklore, we are intermediaries in it. It passes through us and gradually manifests through tools, gaining face. Thus, you can hear the awakening of different forms of energies that are inherent in each of us. All this, in the end, pours out, as if from an overflowing bowl, into music that does not limit itself.

3.What are some of the themes and images you have brought out with your music so far?
Our goal is not to create and impose certain images. We just want to nudge the listener to build their own. For example, the cryptographic definitions of our tracks speak about this - that is, the listener himself gives the names.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Irhagar'?
Let's just say that there is no inspiration behind this and not even a name, let alone a hidden meaning, etc. Irhagar is an ancient name deeply rooted in the rituals of the Baikal peoples. This is the name of the spiteful,”grinning” Spirit.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
The cover is a visualization of the music, forming a complex with the definition of tracks of a whole picture. Simultaneously bringing the listener into the trip, immersing him. Better look closely to the cover and it’ll say more than we can.

6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
Our live performances are an important factor in shaping the overall picture. In the period prior to release, we had already performed several live performances on the local stage of our city. The rest, of course, is in the future.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
It is difficult to say yet whether we are looking for a label. But if we receive proposals, we will certainly consider them.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of underground music?
We received messages from different parts of the world. And these were mostly positive reactions and bewilderment, of course in a good sense of the word. To be honest, it is difficult to judge feedback now, because this is our debut release

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

We do not think it is worth setting any definite goal in the future, concerning the direction of music. But we try not to limit ourselves to various frames and labels. Use all opportunities and skills to the maximum.

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?
You know we can endlessly list everything and everyone and it doesn't make sense. Undoubtedly, we have been influenced by a wide variety of musical genres of the electronic and heavy underground scene, as well as other art forms.

11.How would you describe your views on metaphysics?
This can be felt on an ephemeral plane. That which arises before all the concepts and concepts in which the human mind can endlessly wander. Do not forget this and do not remember.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
“Questions are always baffling”