Hellfrost/Dark Ages/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Hellfrost  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  very  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Dark  Ages".

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  old  school  metal  style.  Some  of  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  thrash  metal  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  some  80's  and  90's  influences  in  with  a  more  modern  style  as  well  as  some  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Hellfrost  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  melodic  black  and  mixes  it  with  old  school  death  metal  as  well  as  some  touches  of  thrash  and  traditional  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover conflicts,  nature  and  fiction  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellfrost  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Ages"  "Behind  The  Wall"  "The  Descent"  and  "Final  Kill".  8  out  of  10.

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Hellfrostband

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCfm5Oal1W0ljZkMLNoNoKEA

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ album/2MJtuo29zwPc2RjoiMyuba? si=l29DmIN9Sle16-UaQK5QQg& fbclid=IwAR390NL9-ou5Ho_ aA8fz4pZcxjnd3gtJUHo7HrAd25qBH EU-sLE0FfsPYT0&nd=1

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

Tik tok: Hellfrostband

VK: https://vk.com/artist/ hellfrost    

Tenebral Rift/Umbra/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Tenebral  Rift  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Umbra".

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Water  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  tortured  sounding  whispers  being  added  on  one  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  all  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a decent  amount  of  spoken  word  parts

  Elements  of  doom  and  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  mixture  of  growls  and  black  metal  screams.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  post  metal  style  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  long  and  epic  in  length.

  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  clean  playing.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clear  vocals,  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  also be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  dark  and  uncharted  territories  of  the  mind.

  In  my  opinion  Tenebral  Rift  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  mixture  of  black,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vale  Of  Shadows"  and  "Lingering  Wound".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/8sRLjr7mnE8

https://open.spotify.com/album/741NSedHGoImGKlwETBFvU

https://tenebralrift.bandcamp.com/

Shadu-Nar-Mattaru Interview

 

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

CLAY - It's a continuation of what we've been doing over the last 32 years - extreme metal.

CHRIS - There were some periods of inactivity with us during that time with a few efforts to get back at it and in 2019 all the planets aligned.

2.Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?

CLAY - I put my heart and soul into this album and a little bit of my life, too.  This album is a natural progression from the eps.

CHRIS - As Clay put it, the album is a natural progression.  The main difference is some of the song writing elements i.e. structure, energy and whatnot.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover the writings of H.P Lovecraft and Weird Fiction, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these writings?

CLAY - All my life I've had an interest in weird fiction and Lovecraft, etc.  I have always loved the dark side so it is natural that I write about it.

CHRIS - Lovecraft and many other writers in that vein all deal with the unknown, metaphysics, occultism, which is interesting to write about and think about.  The unknown is very thought provoking in general.

4.You also have some satanic and occult themes in some of your lyrics, do you have an interest in Occultism?

CLAY - I write the so-called 'satanic' lyrics.  I am not a devil worshipper.  I am anti-establishment.  I hate organized religion.  Religion and satanism is fantasy to Shadu-Nar-Mattaru.  The occult is fictional as well.  My interests come from my inner self but are fictional as well.

CHRIS - I touched on that in the previous question.  Satanic lyrics are kind of an old metal thing.  It's nothing serious.  I'd say we touched on those themes more as a nod to the old days on this album.  I don't really see us elaborating further on it for future efforts, though.

5.Both of the band members where previously a part of 'Morbid Darkness', what was the decision behind splitting up your previous band and forming this newer project?

CHRIS - Back in 1996 when Morbid Darkness originally dissolved, we were both young and in the midst of our own separate problems.  Unfortunately, those problems affected the band and we had to call it quits.  Like I said earlier, our hiatus was a lengthy one, but because we each felt we were destined to make music together we eventually decided to make it happen again, back in early 2019.  It's been a constantly blazing fire ever since.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Shadu-Nar-Mattaru'?

CLAY - In English it means 'mountains of the abyss'.  That's the meaning.

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

CHRIS - The image is a photo originally created by Elti Meshau and was reworked to add even darker elements.  Basically, it represents the journey of one in the throes of sorrow.

8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

CLAY - We have always been a duo and always will be a duo.  We will not corrupt ourselves with other members.  It has always been just the two of us.

CHRIS - Yeah, we've established a dynamic as a duo since the beginning.  We've no plans to expand the line-up in order to play shows or anything...we are a studio band, simple as that.

9.Since 2019 you also have released a great amount of ep's, do the band members spend a great amount of time, writing and creating music?

CLAY - Yes.  We are like a treadmill.  With Shadu the creativity is ever flowing.

CHRIS - We've got a really great system for creative process which allows for very prolific output.

10.On the album you've also done a Slaughter cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

CLAY - I first heard Slaughter in 1986.  They are a favourite.  I always wanted to be in a band like Slaughter so it is only natural that we cover Slaughter now.  In fact, this is the second time we have covered a Slaughter song in Shadu.

CHRIS - When we first heard the song on the 'Surrender or Die' demo, back in 1992, we both agreed that someday we would cover it.

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

CLAY - It has been okay, but it could be better.  The main thing is what it means to us.

CHRIS - There has been limited interaction with fans aside from locals who dig our stuff, but this is really a problem of limited exposure.  The small feedback we have received has been quite positive.

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

CHRIS - I've always got some other musical projects cooking in the background.  Shadu is the main focus, obviously, but I can say there may be a new Vhod album in the near future and few other smaller things.

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

CLAY - We are presently working on our epic 'Nocturnal Winter III' saga, then comes the new year and we're headed into the unknown.  All I can say is that it will be heavy as hell and it will be Shadu.

CHRIS - Yeah.  Basically, as it sits, we plan to do more eps and perhaps a second full length next fall.

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?

CLAY - With me, it's mainly still what I've been listening to for the last 35-40 years.  I haven't changed much since the 80s.  Those days influence me and that's what I'm still listening to nowadays.

CHRIS - Obviously I'm not going to list them all, but back in the day, all the good metal of the 80s and early 90s was key - a few musicians that really got me going were Mike Scaccia of Rigor Mortis and Mantas of Venom...Quorthon, too.  These days hold just as many influences for me personally.  Bands such as Revocation, Watain, Humanity's Last Breath, Bulletbelt, Rosy Finch...these are heavy influences for me.

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

CLAY - I really appreciate the interview and the support and I thank anyone out there who has checked out Shadu.  Thanks a million and stay heavy.

CHRIS - Yeah, we appreciate it and look out for new Shadu stuff real fucking soon.  Cheers!

Bandcamp:https://shadu-nar-mattaru. bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ people/Shadu-Nar-Mattaru/ 100073984778040/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/ UCmrzOavOhlit38QiGpsPk9A

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/4pcZC55m6rKuZO5buGCtuk

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaduNarMattaru

Hellgarden Interview

 

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

- We have kept rehearsing, preparing to go on stage again, fine-tuning details for our next show in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

2.You have a new album coming out in December, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

- The current album is a more mature, evolved, powerful and dark work. Also with a new concept which will be renewed in all our following musical works.

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

- Like our previous musical work, Rise of the Beast is a concept album, which highlights an anti-Christian, occult and pagan theme.

Regarding our evolution as composers, it is worth highlighting our taste for occult and Satanist reading, which has been a reference for inspiration when writing and composing our music.

4.A lot of your lyrics also cover satanic and occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

- Our interest in the dark arts stems from our fascination for mythology, music and forbidden reading, in addition to our rejection of all religion in general and everything it represents.

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

- At the beginning of our history the band was made up of male musicians and female voices, which for us meant a similar contrast to heaven and hell in our performances, and that was what they wanted to manifest when naming our band.

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

- On the cover we wanted to capture the suffering of the witch consumed by the rotten and corrupted earth, poisoned by Christianity and its plague, in a dying and gloomy place. In addition, the ruins that can be seen in the background is an ancient and mystical building in our region of the world.

It should be noted that on the back cover the burning church that appears was part of the symbol of the social revolution that occurred in our country in 2019.

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?

- In our memory we have various shows which we remember with appreciation, of which we could highlight the festival held in the Elqui Valley, whose protagonist was the total eclipse of the sun in 2019, that day we were able to tear the audience apart while everything was covered with darkness.

We could say about our show, in addition to standing out for the musical, we also enhance the theatricality and power of the rawness of our metal.

8.At the beginning of the year you where also a part of a split with 'Plan Macabro', what are your thoughts on the other band that participated on the recording?

- We had the pleasure of sharing the stage with ¨Plan Macabro¨ in 2019, in the city of Concepcion, an instance in which we got to know each other, making good ties both as music and friendship, they are tremendously talented musicians with a brutality that knows no limits.

9.The band has been around since 2002  but you waited until 2014 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

- From the beginning Hellgarden was suffering certain percanses which led to multiple changes in his training, which postponed being able to schedule a physical job and leave a record of what was interpreted at that time. In addition to 4 years of inactivity looking for new ideas which led us to return in 2011 and start fully in the new stage with more power and darkness.

10.The new album is going to be released on 'Brutal Records', how would you compare working with this label to your previous label 'Sun Empire Productions'?

- Our destiny as a band was always to be able to make our music cross borders, to be able to reach a wider audience and to spread our message across languages; With Sun Empire we were able to start this path, they opened international borders for us to show our music, it was gratifying, but it was logical to always want to climb higher and that has us where we are now.

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

- We are grateful for all the support we have received, our new album to come out has generated high expectations and we hope not to disappoint you, for example we have already released our first single ¨Blackwolf¨ which had a tremendous reception and very good reviews.

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

- We believe in maintaining a constant artistic evolution, and realizing our projects, both musical and audiovisual, in addition to being able to play live again and in a better way to be able to visit international stages.

13.What are you listening to nowadays?

- black metal in its different varieties, learned, ambient, progressive music, some heavy metal and doom metal

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

-Our eternal gratitude is to all those who have supported us and perhaps without knowing us allow us to enter their ears with our grotesque and evil music.

Do not forget, this coming December 10, the official launch of THE RISE OF THE BEAST through Brutal Records and on all online platforms.

Greetings to all from the north of Chile. HELLGARDEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjKwBab4KIc&t=4s

Empyreal Sorrow/Harm(ony) Within/2021 EP Review

 

  Empyreal  Sorrow  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  and  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  ep  "Harm(ony)  Within"  which  will  be  released  in  December.

  A  very  heavy  yet  melodic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal growls  and  black  metal  screams.  The  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  era  Swedish  influences  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  all  of t he  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  all  of the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  along  with  the  track  also  showing  no  use  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  but  still  managing  to  create  a  very  heavy  recording  and  the  closing  track  is  also  a  re-mix  song  that  also  adds  in  some  elements  of  electronic  music.

  On  this  recording  Empyreal  Sorrow  remain  true  to  the  melodic  and  blackened  death  emtal  style  that  they  established  on  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Empyreal  Sorrow  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  blackened  death  emtal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Cursed  Be  the  False  Promise"  and  "No  Absolution".  8  out  of  10.

Website: https://www.empyrealsorrow.de/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empyrealsorrowmetal 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empyrealsorrow/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotlWovcAgd-WXMn0es0J2w 

Bandcamp: https://empyrealsorrow.bandcamp.com             

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/paradiseinflamesband

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

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.

https://www.facebook.com/stellarvoidofficial  
https://stellarvoidmetal.bandcamp.com  
https://vk.com/stellarvoidofficial  
https://www.instagram.com/stellarvoid_official 

 https://youtu.be/1_gaK6-6BuU