Apoplexy Interview

 

1. Can you give us an update on what's been going on with the band since then? recording and releasing a new album?

 The recording of the album started before the pandemic, but due to the change of the rehearsal room and actually the studio, we had a one-year forced break. In the end, we managed to get new members from the old group into the recording, leaving only two members, Mário and Palo. Two other members, Brado and Kubo, helped us with the recording of the album and became full members of the group. We also had a friend invited to record the harpsichord, who helped us a lotand with whom I also worked on the arrangement.

2. In November, you released a new album, in which it differs musically from stuff you've released in the past?

Compared to the past, we went stylishly into black/death metal with a symphonic subtext and added clean vocals.

3. The band broke up more than 20 years ago, which was the cause breakup and also the decision to reform the band? 

The breakup for the band was due to the family matters of all the members, and the impetus for the return of the group was the initiative of the main founder Mario Duga, who came up with a couple of musical ideas and in the end 10 songs came out of it :)

4. What are some of the lyrical themes and topics the band deals with? new edition and also how would you describe your progress as composers over the years?

 The themes revolve around an existential approach to life, religious influences, biblical scenes or mystical themes.

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

The group's name was invented by the late bassist Andrej Kohout, to whom this album was also dedicated as a memory. It expresses the medical concept of brain stroke, which for some pop-minded people this style of extremely tuned metal also expresses :)

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

On the cover, the dark Lachesis is one of the three ancient antic judges who spun the thread of life and determined its length. The name of the album, destiny, is also connected with this

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

we haven't performed concerts in this line-up yet, but some concerts will be offered in the future.

8. Do you have any tour or concert plans for the new album?

Yes, we are working on a couple of concerts, we will see in the future, we would also like to play a couple of concerts with current Slovak groups that are on the scene.

9. The new album was released on HladoHlase, can you tell us something? more about this brand?

 it is a book publishing house that also publishes music production. The main figure of this label is Pavol Baričak, who also has his own band and is also involved in Slovak death metal.

10. On a global level, how have fans reacted to your music? black, doom and death metal?

 I think that the reactions are mostly positive, the group's name is well known in Slovakia, so we just followed up on our beginnings, even if we changed the style a little.

11. Are any of the band members currently involved in other groups or? music projects? 

Yes, Brado and Kubo are members of the death metal band Mysterious Eclipse, which has also been on the music scene for a long time.

12. Where do you see the band going musically in the future?

 everything is a question of the future, I certainly have new ideas that could lead to another new album :) which will again be in a slightly different spirit...let yourself be surprised

13. What are some bands or musical styles that have been influential? on your music and also what are you listening to at the moment?

 nowadays I listen more to rock and heavy metal from black death, I like our friends bands Depresy, Dehydrated, Hypnos, Ramchat ...

14. Before we end this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I'm glad that after years we managed to enter the metal scene again in today's connected music world of the Internet, we also posted the album on Spotify and Deezer and other servers... We are pleased with your response and support. Stay happy, healthy and satisfied...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Apoplexy.sk
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ apoplexy-band

Swansong 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?

Yes, thank you! We released our debut album “Awakening” 1st of December 2023 and the welcoming support this album has received has amazed us all. We have been enjoying the ride, training, playing music and planning next year, also doing some interviews. Topi already started to compose the second album. We also just made a deal with a new awesome booking agent Kallo Agency, many awesome death metal bands in his roster. 

2.Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep? Well our EP was like our first demo as a band and we were trying things. On the album we evolved and added for example some thrash elements into some songs and also grew more versatile. The album is heavier than our EP, still retaining the beautiful melodies and guitar harmonies. On this album, the vocals are also more extreme, more versatile and there is no clean singing.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music? Lyrical themes are wide: mythologies, creatures, tales from the dark forests and from the sea. Witches, guardians of the realm of the dead, femme fatales, death, love, anger, sorrow, adventure, battle, nature, winter and everything in between. It is a Swansong world and there are no limits.

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

Jemiina lives in the countryside in a lake house. Every year the same swans return to Jemiinas beach cottage, so she loves swans. That image is inspiring. Also death is a natural and interesting theme in songwriting and swansong stands for that in a beautiful way. And ofcourse Carcass has a killer album called “Swansong” so many things led us to this name.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover? Finnish artist Timo Kokko designed the cover, like our other covers also. He designed it based on our song “Awakening” that is also the album title. Under the full moon, in the forest, in the darkness of the night, you can hear the ancient trees whispering. In the old days, people believed in the power of the forest spirits and went to the forest to ask the spirits for many things. It is a tribute to the beautiful forest, which has aroused many feelings and hopes, as well as fear, over the years. He painted beautiful moon mist around the moon.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? All audiences have been so awesome and we are very happy with every place we have been to! It's so awesome that people want to hear our music live. If we have to pick one, it must have been the “Bloodred Hourglass” gig since those guys are so talented and super nice, they play hard and make awesome music. Also the crowd was amazing and there was a moshpit! Guys play emotionally and they are also very technical experienced players. Jemiina sounds brutal and we just want to enjoy the music and have fun, also we talk to the audience like we talk to friends, because that is what every listener truly is to us. We love gigs and can’t wait to do more next year! Feels very special to perform the album songs!

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

We have gigs coming up next year but we can’t announce them yet.

8.The new album was released on 'Noble Demon', can you tell us a little bit more about this label? Noble Demon is a newer hungry label with an awesome lead man Patrick Laureano Walch. He is very passionate about music and he is very experienced and wise, but also like good friend you can message anytime. Amazing people at the label, we are very happy with them. Also amazing bands and releases! For example our label mates Night Crowned and their just released new album! Wow what an honor to be in the same label with them and so many more.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic and extreme metal? It has been amazing and we are so grateful and happy! The album has had awesome reviews around the world and new awesome people have discovered us.  We could have not even imagined this. Extreme people have found something for them in our music according to the feedback and also melodic music fans have welcomed us.

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

Active projects: Lauri plays bass and takes care of vocals in Bad Baron. Plus he has a solo project, dark symphonic rock thing called Late_Lokakuun.  Tuomas also plays the guitar in Bad Baron. Jimi plays drums in Sadistik Forest, Kaera, Se Josta Ei Puhuta. 

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future? We want to create music emotionally. So nothing calculated or too planned. Evolving is the biggest goal: more melodies, more stories, more brutal vocals, lower and higher. 

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Jemiina: I listen to many metal genres, old and newer bands. But my latest big crush is Shadow Of Intent and their “Elegy” album. That is the direction I am drawn into: awesome guitar melodies and variable super cool brutal vocals.

Topi: I listen mostly 80’s and 90’s heavy metal!

Lauri: Almost all music is good, but metal in its various forms is currently going thru my ears. This year I found out about Lorna Shore. Fell in love with their latest album immediately.

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

Jemiina: Thank you for this interview and for the review also! Great thoughts and bands in your blog. Big thank you for everyone listening to our music, hope to see you soon! Have a great next year everyone, pedal to the metal!

Lauri: Thanks for all support. Keep on supporting metal.

https://www.facebook.com/officialswansong

Hudič Interview

 

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

 

We played some shows to save up some money again after the recording and we created new merch for the album.... While doing that we also played in Germany which was very cool. We have met some nice people in the process of it all.

 

2.In 2024 you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?

 

We stepped it up a level, I think. The songs are harder and faster and with David on vocals it all sounds different, but he was the missing link that we were looking for.

 

3.This is also going to be your first release in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

 

We had some problems with the lineup and then covid had hit us... After that we started to get back on track slowly. When the lineup was stable again after Covid, we played quite some shows, mostly in Belgium and the Netherlands.

 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release?

 

Some of the lyrics are about ideas David had in his head for some time already and was now able to bring them to paper when joining Hudič. Topics range from losing the will to live, to some H.P. Lovecraft inspired mystical settings to desperate situations we or people around us are faced with. Some ideas also revolve around theological topics.

 

5.I know the band’s name means 'devil' in Slovenian, how does this name for in with the musical style that you play?

 

The name wasn’t chosen to go along with a lyrical concept, in the first place. The story behind it is, that the founding members attended a festival in Slovenia and because they came up with the idea to form the band there, they wanted a Slovenian name.

However, you can find similarities in the band’s name, the music, the live show, and the lyrics, which are all kept dark and somewhat nebulous.

 

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

 

We got kind of lucky with the artwork. We found an artist who designed it and since everyone liked it so much, we just decided to choose it for the album cover. There is really no big story behind it.

 

7.Out of all the shows the band has played so far, which one stands out the most?

 

Last December we had the huge honor to open for Mayhem at a sold out Muziekgieterij in Maastricht in the Netherlands, which is on top the list I would say.

 

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

 

We want to play as much as we can to promote the new album and there will be some weekend tours that we are working on. And of course, we plan on making a release show for the album.

 

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

 

We have received interest of a label named “cult of chaos” after our show with mayhem but until now we are still working hard on our own and we keep doing that until something comes along.

 

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of extreme metal?

 

Overall, we get good reactions, I like to think that is because we don’t hold on to one genre. There is something in there for everyone to enjoy, may it be death/doom/black/thrash/hardcore/melodic/....

 

11.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?

 

Everyone is doing their best to play some gigs and have a good time.

For me and my other band we have been on tour this summer with thrash legends EvilDead which was really cool to be on the bus with those guys touring through Europe for 2 weeks.

 

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

 

Just growing overall, wish we could see where things are heading to... Now where would be the fun in that right?

 

13.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

 

We all listen to most of the subgenres, bands like Exodus, Kalmah, Cannibal corpse, Lamb of god, Cradle of filth, Mayhem.... The list is just way to long…

Some of us also listen to other genres, like Rock, Pop or Classic. We try not to be limited by any genre borders.

 

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

 

We have been working hard on improving our live show with new light, smoke and lasers and fire to come out with a bang in 2024.

So don’t miss the opportunity to attend a Hudič show. Thanks to everyone out there supporting us and thank you for your interest in Hudič.

 

https://www.facebook.com/HudicBE/

Raven Wundis Interview

 

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

The solo project was conceived to pave the way for a more diverse and personal musical exploration, having the freedom to create art without the boundaries of anything or anyone. Somehow, it liberates myself from the limitation of a band setup and gives me a fresh perspective.

2.So far you have released 2 full lengths, musically how do they both differ from each other?

In actuality, I have released just one concept album comprised of 7 previously released singles, chapters if I may say. The third chapter “A Glimpse of Being” is a 35-minute epic track, which some streaming platforms see as a full length or an EP. So it may seem that I have released to separate full lengths  but it’s actually just one. The 7 seven chapters have their own story to tell and has their own identity but all are connected.

3.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you have covered with this release?

“In Shadows Summons Divinity” is a 1 hour and 27 minutes long concept album which took 3 years to complete. The story is about an ancient god named Orhyd, his creations, his doubts, his failures and triumphs. It began in darkness and his journey towards the formation of the celestial sphere, eventually leading to the evolution of existence, its struggles, its expansive resilience, the vicious cycle of death and rebirth, creation and destruction. In its conclusion, existence is fully developed yet Orhyd seem to doubt his creation if it is truly a gift or a curse. The lyrical content between chapters presents a chain in which the last word of a preceding chapter is also the beginning word of the next chapter, adding to the connection and binding of the concept tale. The whole album is a single track with the same title as the album title, comprised of 7 chapters.  I am extremely confident that I have done justice to the voices in my head with this release, they are actually not pissed

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Raven Wundis'/

Raven Wundis is an anagram of my real name and I am a confessed sucker for such. It somehow depicts the meaning of shadows shrouded in mystery, and it has the nice ring to it, don’t you think?

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

The artwork is a collage of concept and mysticism as well. It has the divine hands that represent Orhyd, his creation, the firmament and the abyss, the progessing time representing the evolution, existence and darkness

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

I am open to working with other musicians. In fact, I am currently involved with 2 bands, Corporate Fiction and The Muted Squalls. Both are also from the Philippines but it is in the opposite side of the musical spectrum

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

Yes  I am curranty unsigned and am looking for a label that could help me put out a physical distribution. 3 record labels have shown interest but somehow financial terms seem to be a little confusing so I am still on the lookout for a label, perhaps you can point me to the right direction with this

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of extreme and progressive metal?

So far so good, and they seem to appreciate the works that I have put out with this release. Pretty much a positive reception and I really appreciate it. It has been fun and humbling at the same time.

9.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?

Yup, with Corporate Fiction and The Muted Squals

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

The musical direction of the upcoming releases that I cannot divulge as of yet since I write as the creative machine begins spinning, when the savage itch needed to be taken cared of. Hopefully, by that time, I am able to find the appropriate label

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?

Opeth has been a huge influence. Also Bjork, Ne Obliviscaris, Death Spell Omega, The Ocean Colective, Pain of Salvation, The Church, The Cure, Depeche Mode. I practically listen to any music that tingles my ears, regardless of genre

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

A massive thanks to ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine for this opportunity. Continue showing support to original music and keep the fire burning by raising the horns!

Official Site: https://ravenwundis.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/raven.wundis.music

IG: https://www.instagram.com/ravenwundis/?hl=en

X formerly Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWundis

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4M8inNwbtLAvU5sIWvnhqR

BANDCAMP: https://ravenwundis.bandcamp.com/album/in-shadows-summons-divinity

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/raven-wundis/1511447052

Tele.S.Therion/Black Paintings VIII-XI/Radical Matters/2020 Full Length Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  an  earlier  recording  from  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  which  shows  their  early  style  of  acoustomatic  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Black  Painting  VIII-XI"  which  was  originally  produced  in  2011  and  released  in  2020  by  Radical  Matters.

  Dark  soundscapes  and  noises  start  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  At  times  the  music  captures  a  very  lo-fi  atmosphere  along  with  some  drones  also  being  utilized  in  certain  sections  of t he  recording  and  the  bass  guitars  add  in  the  heaviness  of  black  and  doom  metal.

  All  of  the  music  is  also  instrumental  while  all  of  the  songs  also  sound  improvised  while  the  percussions  also  add  in  some  ritualistic  touches.  All  of t he  tracks  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  the  album  also  adding  in  harsh  noises  that  are  done  by  amplifiers   mixed  in  with  some  power  electronics.

  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  took  black,  doom  metal,  noise,  experimental  and  drone  and  mixed  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  recording  that  was  heavier  than  current  releases  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  metal,  drone,  noise  and  experimental,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Paining  VIII"  and  "Black  Painting  XI".  8  out  of  10.

  https://telestherion.bandcamp.com/album/black-paintings-viii-xi

Apoplexy/Destiny/HladoHlas/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Apoplexy  are  a  band  from  Slovakia  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Destiny"  which  was  released  by  HladoHlas.

  Atmospheric  and  symphonic  sounding  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Acoustic  guitars  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  melody.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  tracks.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the music  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  90's  influences.  Clear  vocals  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  album  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  album  closes  with  an  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  mythological  and  esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Apoplexy  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric,  melodic  and  symphonic  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  The  Carpathian's  Woods"  "Morpheus"  and  "Mephistofeles".  8 out  of  10.  

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Apoplexy.sk

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ apoplexy-band

Tele.S.Therion/Pho Ba Grong 'Jug - Acta incognitorum, r. g. i. v. VIII TA - Contemplatio Musicae In Musicae Absentia [For solo performer]/Radical Matters/2023 FUll Length Review

 

  Italy's  Tele.S.Therion  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  them  expanding  on  their  acoustomatic  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Pho  Ba  Grong  'Jug - Acta  incognitorum,  r. g. i. v.  VIII  TA  -  Contemplatio  Musicae  In  Musicae  Absentia  [For  solo performer]"  which  was  released  by  Radical  Matters.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  an  experimental  and  avant  garde  musical  direction.  All  of  the  music  is  also  improvised  while  viola  bow's  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  the  electric  bass  also  being  utilized  more  as  a  lead  instrument  and  the  album  also h as  its  ritualistic  moments.

  Elements  of  black  and  doom  metal a re  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  noises  are  also  added  into  some  part  of  the  album.  When  percussion  is  utilized  it  is  also  done  in  a  very  aggressive  style  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  some  home  made  instruments,  evil  voices  are  also  utilized  at  times.

  On  this  recording  Tele.S.Therion  takes  black,  doom  metal,  experimental,  avant  garde  and  noise  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  diverse  album  as  well  as  keeping  everything  improvised  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark,

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Tele.S.Therion  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  doom  meta,  noise,  avant  garde  and  experimental  music,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  8  out  of  10.

  : https://telestherion.bandcamp.com

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