Monday, November 22, 2021

Paradise In Flames 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?

1- (A.Damien)- We were living through a pandemic, so we chose to focus our efforts on producing and recording a new album.It was very different from anything we've done because the face-to-face meetings were just me and the respective instrumentalist.  All production lasted approximately 8 months.


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


 2-(G.Alvarenga)- It has more clean vocals,especially the soprano-like ones. Also it has more keyboards, kind of symphonic metal feeling. Also,the fact that we worked with 3 different vocalists made this album sound different from the previous one.


3.From 2003 to 2018 you only released a small amount of material but have released a good amount of recordings since then, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

3- (A.Damien)- Previously, our focus was more to tour the country and few releases.  And we took a seven year break to take care of our personal lives. But after that we changed the members and the new musicians are more interested in making a band work.



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



4- (A.Damien)- All inspiration comes from everyday facts. Today I realize that I'm more mature because I can vary the lyrical themes.  I can write about everyday life as political facts or facts that bother us.


5.Some of your lyrics also cover occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

5-(G.Alvarenga)- We like to watch movies and read stuff related to that topic, this gives us lots of inspiration.  Opus Mortis practices some rituals, was initiated and is an active member of some occult groups. So most of the occult themes are a direct contribution from her.



6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Paradise In Flames'?

6-(A.Damien)- When we were looking for a band name we listened to a song by Disincarnate and in this lyric there was a passage talking about paradise in flames. We looked at each other and we said :-that's it.


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

7-(A.Damien)- We imagine the fact that we have three vocalists the opportunity to write a black opera.  soon I imagined a great classical theater.  So  I invited Alcides Burn, a renowned artist from Brazil, to draw my vision.  I believe the result was very beautiful.


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

8-(A.Damien)- I'm suspicious to speak but each show has its peculiar energy.  What we can promise and always deliver the best possible performance in every presentation.


9.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2022?


9-(G.Alvarenga)- Some concerts are already booked in Brazil, including a festival with Belphegor, Krisiun, Crypta and Nervochaos. Our first European tour is going to happen in abril 2022 also, if pandemic conditions are under control.


10.Currently the band is unsigned but have worked with a label in the past, are you open to working with another label again in the future?


10-(G.Alvarenga)- Sure, we are working really hard with our recordings, music videos and with tours to show that we are really serious about that and we would like to work in a partnership with a label that is serious as well.



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

11-(A.Damien)- The feedback is positive and everyone is noticing the growth in our compositions. This is rewarding as it is the result of hard work.  I believe it's our best album.



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

12-(G.Alvarenga)- Aender plays in an iconic Death Metal band from Brazil called Mortifer Rage, and has some other personal recordings going on. Bernardo has another band called Grinmessor, recently I went to one of their concerts  and my Neck is still hurting due to the insane death metal they played. Damien works constantly in his studio "maçonaria do áudio", recording and producing bands. I can't recall Opus Mortis other music projects and I have a melodic death metal one called Diabolus Alma Mater(D.A.M) and I work as a music teacher also.



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

13-(G.Alvarenga)- I see touring becoming more and more a part of our daily routines, and perhaps, due to that, musically we will try to offer a theatrical experience for those in our concerts.


14.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?

14-(A.Damien)- Nowadays I am listening  to a lot of horror and suspense movie soundtracks.  I don't have a favorite band, I always choose to look for new underground bands.  So I keep looking for black metal news on Spotify.


 (G.Alvarenga)- For me: Nightwish, Children of Bodom and Ensiferum were the 3 most important. I am listening to Classical Music(Joseph Haydn and Domenico Scarlatti Keyboard Sonatas specially), Judas Priest, Theatre of Tragedy and Gothic Metal in general. Recently I Discovered a Nice Black metal one : The Kovenant.  Also my friends always send me new bands to listen to and I like to do it in the morning while I take a walk.


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

15- 


(G.Alvarenga)-Thanks a lot for the opportunity to talk about our work, it will be a pleasure to meet you on our tour, so join us in a concert 😁. Final thoughts? Don't drink one liter of beer in a half hour interval, haha. Keep metal \m/

-- 

(A.Damien)- Thanks for your support. 

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Stellar Void/Chrysalis/Inverse Records/2021 EP Review

 


  Stellar  Void  are  a  duo from  Russia  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  ep  "Chrysalis"  which  will  be  released  on  November  26th  by  inverse  Records.


  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  ep  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  riffs  also  add  in a  lot  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.


  Operatic  male  and  female  vocals  can  also be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  A  lot  of  the  music  is  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  90's  era  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 t hem.


  Stellar  Void  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  symphonic  and  aggressive  sounding in  the  classic  mid  90's  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.      


  In  my  opinion  Stellar  Void  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shifting  Sands"  and  "The  Seer".  8  out  of  10.



 

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/The Sorrowful Frost/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  duo  from  Armstrong,  British  Columbia,  Canada  that  plays  a  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "The  Sorrowful  Frost".


  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into a   faster  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast beats.  Death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording    while  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  a  lot  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  to early  90's  era.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a good  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  tracks  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements.


 All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Slaughter's  Shadow  Of  Death".  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Lovecraft,  Weird  Fiction,  Nightmares,  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Shadu-Nar-Mattaru  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  and  old  school  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "House  Of  Hell"  "Demons  In  The  Mirror"  "The  Tomb  Of  Eryx"  and  "Sunrise  Over  Arrokoth".  8  out  of  10.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaduNarMattaru      


    

Friday, November 19, 2021

i Helvete/Sinisten Puiden Niity/2021 Full Length Review

 


  i  Helvete  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Sinisten  Puiden  Niity"  which  will  be  released  on  November  26th.


  Rain  and  thunder  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.


  Elements  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  keyboards.


  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Back  up  shouts,  whispers  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  a  couple  of  later  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  female  vocals  and  stringed  instruments  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  is  a  concept  album  based  upon  an  individual  whose  future  does  not  look  promising. 


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  i  Helvete  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  black  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  " Kunnes  Kuolema  Meidät  Erottaa"  and  "Hirsipuu'.  8  out  of  10.


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_helvete/  


  


    

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Civerous/Decrepit Flesh Relic/Transylvanian Tapes/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Civerous  are  a  band  from  Los  Angles,  California  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death,  drone,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Decrepit  Flesh  Relic"  which  will  be  released  on  November  19th  by  Transylvanian  Tapes.


  Dark  yet  ritualistic  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls.  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  evil  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.


  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  lot  of  blast b eats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.


  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  along  with  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clean  playing  and  stringed  instruments  on  the  album,  drones  can  also b e  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  disease,  death  and  decay  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Civerous  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death,  drone,  doom  and  sludge  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  The  Crypt  To  The  Cavern"  and  "Spiral  of  Eyes".  8  out  of  10.


  http://www.instagram.com/civerous_disease


        

Paradise in Flames/Act One/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Paradise  In  Flames  are  a  band  from  Brazil  that  plays  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Act  One".


  Symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  During  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls.


  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  operatic  male  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also h ear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's.


  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  some  songs  adding  in  whispered  vocals,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals  and  clean  playing  are  also  utilized.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Evilness,  Darkness,  Anti  Christianity  and  Misanthropy  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Paradise  In  Flames  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  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  "Old  Ritual  To  An  Ancient  Curse"  "Dancer  Of  The  Mist"  "Unseen  God"  and  "The  Way  To  The  Pentagram".  8  out  of  10. 


  https://www.facebook.com/paradiseinflamesband

https://linktr.ee/paradiseinflames%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%8B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD8wjdtUb20 


    

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

3xperimental/Dimorphis/2021 Single Review

 


  3xperimental  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  single  "Dimorphis"  which  will  be  released  on  November  24th.


  Sci-fi  orientated  keyboards  start  off  the  single  along  with  some  programmed  drum  beats  later  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great amount  of  atmospheric  and  symphonic  elements  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  second  track  is  also  an  instrumental  version  of t he  first  song.


  On  this  recording  3xperimental  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while t he  lyrics  cover  space  exploration  themes.


  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  3xperimental  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.