Greenleaf/Trails And Passes/Small Stone Recordings/2014 CD Review

  Greenleaf  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  stoner  and  alternative  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Trails  And  Passes"  which  will  be  released  by  Small  Stone  Recordings.

  A  very  melodic  and  retro  style  hard  rock  style  sound  starts off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  singing  stoner  rock  vocals  as  well  as  some  70's  style  guitar  leads  and  they  also  bring  in  elements  of  90's alternative  rock  on  the  other  tracks  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  you  can  also  hear  some  traces  of  metal  in  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music

  As  the  album  progresses  the  music  gets  more  psychedelic  sounding  in  certain  parts  of  the  recording  as  well a s  bringing  in  the  slowness  and  heaviness  of  doom  metal at  times  and  the  guitar  leads  also  start  using  more  distorted  effects  to  enhance  the  70's  rock  sounds  of  the  recording  and one  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  The  band  sticks  to  a  retro  70's  sound  from  beginning  to  end  of  the  recording  while  the  alternative,  metal  and  stoner  rock  elements  update  the  music  for  the  modern  day  as  well  as  giving  the  music  a  more  heavier  edge  than  classic  rock.

  Greenleaf   show  their  love  for  70's  music  with  this  album  bringing  back  the  trippy  elements  in  the  guitar  leads  and  also  adding  in  a  dose  of  90's  alternative  and  modern  stone r rock  to  give  the  recording  a   more  updated  sound,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  and  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  metaphysical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Greenleaf  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  stoner  and  alternative  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Our  Mother"  "Depth  Of  The  Sun"  "The  Drum"  and  "Trails  &  passes".  7/8  out  of  10.  

Withem/The Point Of You/Sensory/2013 CD Review

  Withem  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  progressive  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "The  Point  Of  You"  which  was  released  by  Sensory.

  A  very  heavy  and  symphonic  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  more  progressive  metal  direction  along  with  melodic  vocals  and  riffing  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them and  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  have  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  80's  metal  feeling  to  them

  The  music  on  this  album  is  mostly  in  an  80's  direction  while  also  having  the  heaviness  of  modern  day  progressive  metal  and  they  also  have  a  more  catchy  and  basic  sound  than  most  bands of  this  musical  genre,  the  vocals  bring  a  power  metal  feeling  to  the  recording  and  the  music  mostly  sticks  to  a  slow  or  mid  paced  direction.

  On  the  later  tracks  the  70's  progressive  rock  sound  becomes  a  huge  part  of  the  recording  and  mixes  in  with  both  the  modern  and  old  school  metal  sounds  of  the  recording  as  well  as  bringing  in  elements  of  commercial  classic  hard  rock  in  certain  parts  of  the  album  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  few  tracks  that  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  classical  music  elements  in  the  synths  and  they  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  classical  guitars  on  the  last  song.

  Withem  brings  out  the  best  parts  of  both  old  school  and  modern  progressive  metal  and  combines  them  to  create  an  album  that  is  very  melodic  and  demonstrates  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  skill,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  and  the  lyrics  cover  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Withem  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Point  Of  View"  "Burned  By  Senses"  "The  Paramount  of  Lies"  and  "Why  Me!".  8  out  of  10.  

Zone Zero/The Lost Legacy/Shadow Kingdom Records/2014 CD Compilation Review

  Zone  Zero  where  a  band  from  Sweden  that  played  a  very  traditional  form  of  metal  that  was  heavily  influenced  by  the  NWOBHM  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  compilation  album  "The  Lost  Legacy"  which  will  be  released  by  Shadow  Kingdom  Records  and  contains  all  of  their  music  from  the  80's  along  with  some  of  their  reunion  stuff  in  the  2000's.

  The  live  tracks  from  the  80's  start  off  the  album  and  they  have  the  mid  70's  to  early  80's  metal  sound  along  with  some  melodic  vocals  and  hard  rock  elements and  after  awhile  the  music  speeds  up  a  bit  and  adds  in  guitar  leads  and  solos  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  The  band  has  a  good  reception  and  communication  with  the  crowd  and  the  only  thing  that  keeps  their  music  from  being  part  of  the  NWOBHM  of  the  time  is  the  fact  they  where  from  Sweden  and  they  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  into  their  music  and  when t hey  bring  in  clean  playing  they  have  the  70's  classic  rock/metal  power  ballad  sound  down  perfectly  and  when  they  return  to  a  heavier  direction  you  can  start  hearing  the  roots  of  power  and  speed  metal.

  The  studio  and  demo  tracks  have  a  more  raw  sound  to  them  while  you  can  get  a  better  view  of  their  heavy  metal  sound  which  was  very  underrated  for  their  time  and  at  time s they  also  had  a  very  evil  atmosphere  to  their  music  considering  the  era  it  was  recorded  and  the  band  also  sticks  to  a  true  heavy  metal  style  on  the  second  disc  as  well  while  alos  bringing  in  a  more  powerful  sounding  production.

  When  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  tracks  briefly  they  enhance  the  melodic  and  clean  aspects  off  the  music  as  well  as  giving  the  music  a  more  epic  power  ballad  feeling  and  they  also  bring  in  rehearsal  tracks  from  the  early  80's  that  show  the  band  at  its  most  powerful  sounding  peak  and  the  songs  that  where  recorded  in  the  past  10  years  keep  their  old  school  metal  sound  while  also  utilizing  a  more  modern  day  feeling  to  them.

  Zone  Zero  show  they  where  a  very  underrated  band  for  their  time  and  if  they  where  picked  up  by  a  label  in  the  80's  Sweden  would  of  been  an  even  bigger  country  for  80  in  the  early 80's,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  on  both  the  80's  and  current  tracks  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  mythology,  heavy  metal,  and  everyday  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Zone  Zero  where  a  very  great  sounding  heavy  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.   RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Demon  From  Kingdom  Of  Death"  "Magic  Woman"  "Evil  Dream"  and  "Twilight  Of  the  Gods".  8/5  out  of  10.
  

Alexanred/Rest After Results/Inverse Records/2014 Single Review

  Alexanred  are  a  1  man  band  from  Finland  that  plays an  industrial  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2014  single  "Rest  After  Results"  which  was  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  A  heavy  industrial  metal/rock  sound  starts  off  the  single  along  with  some  dark  sounding  vocals  and  heavy  bass  lines  before  adding  in  more  catchy  structures  and  melodic  clean  singing  which  leads  up  to  a  very  mainstream  sounding  direction  and  both  of  the  songs  have  a  great  amount  of  80's  industrial  elements  with  the  heaviness  of  metal  and  hard  rock.

  Alexenred  have  a  very  old  school  industrial  metal  sound  that  is  more  closer  to  the  80's  and  90's  while  also  being  catchy  enough  for  modern  mainstream  rock  stations,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  and  the  lyrics  cover  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Alexanred  are  a  very  great  sounding  industrial  rock/metal  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Rest  After  Results".  8  out  of  10.           

Dwellers/Pagan Fruit/Small Stone/2014 CD Review

  Dwellers  are  a  band  from  Salt  lake  City,  Utah  that  plays  a  psychedelic  form  of  metal/rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Pagan  Fruit"  which  will  be  released  by  Small  Stone.

  Psychedelic  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  blues  rock  elements  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  melodic  vocals  start  to  kick  in a s  well as  bringing  in  guitar  slides,  once  the  guitar  leads  start  to  kick  in  the  classic  rock  influences  really  start  dominating  the  album.

  As  the  album  progresses  more  grunge  and  proto  metal  elements  found  their  way  into  the  music  along  with  some  60's  acid  rock  being  updated  for  the  modern  day  and  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  you  can  hear  some  ethnic  music  sounds  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the   recording  along  with  some  songs  that  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  the  later  tracks  the  band  starts  adding  in  harmonicas,  organs,  pianos,  synths,  tambourines,  and  cellos  with  their  heavy  and  hard  rock  sound  which  also  starts  having  a  more  modern  day  feeling  as  time  goes  on  by  along  with  a  small  dose  of  punk  rock  influences  and  the  last  track  evokes  a  very  heavy  doom  metal  like  feeling.

  Dwellers  have  an  original  sound  on  this  album  which  they  label  as  gut  rock,  and  they  take  60's  and  70's  rock  and  proto  metal  and  mix  them  in  with  some  grunge  and  stoner  rock  to  give  the  music  a  very  retro  yet  modern  feeling,  the  production  sound s very  professional  and  the  lyrics  cover  paganism,  occultism  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Dwellers  are  a  very  great  sounding  psychedelic  rock/metal band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Totem  Crawler"  "Son  Of  Raven"  "Spirit  Of  the  Staircase"  and  "Call  Of  The  Hallowed  Horn".  8  out  of  10.    

Gloryful/Ocean Blade/Massacre Records/2013 CD Review

  Gloryful  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  heavy  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Ocean  Blade"  which  was  released  by  Massacre  Records.

  Ocean  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  true  metal  direction  along  with  powerful  bass  lines  and  melodic  guitar  leads  which  leads  up  to  some  aggressive  clean  singing  which  has  a  rough  sound  to  it  as  well  as  adding  in  back  up  shouts  and  they  also  add  in  spoken  word  parts  at  times.

  On  some  of  the  later  tracks  the  band  starts  speeding  up  a  bit  and  adds  in  more  speed  and  power  metal  elements  and  the  band  sticks  to  an  early  80's  metal  direction  from  beginning  to  end  of  the  album  while  having  a  more  updated  and  modern  day  production  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  band  starts  adding  in  a  few  long  and  epic  in  length  tracks.

  Halfway  through  the  album  acoustic  guitars  are  added onto  one  of  the  tracks  and  brings  in  elements  of  classical  and  folk  music  while  also  having  some  of  the  heaviness  of  a  power  ballad  and  they  return  back  to  a  more  heavy  and  hard  direction  on  the  following  tracks  as  well  as  adding  in  some  aggressive  parts  that  have  almost  a  thrash  metal  feeling  to  them  at  times  and  the  last  song  has  a  more  classical  and  folk  approach  and  serves  as  an  outro.

  Gloryful  remains true  to  their heavy/power  metal  sound  continuing  in  the  same  direction  of  the  previous  albums  as  well  as  adding  a  modern  day  and  professional  sounding  production  to  their  early  80's  sound  and  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Gloryful  and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hiring  the  Dead"  "The  Masters  Hand"  "Black  Legacy"  and  "Siren  Song".  8  out  of  10.

Edgedown/Statues/Massacre Records/2014 CD Review

  Edgedown  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  power  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Statues"  which  was  released  by  Massacre  Records.

  Epic  synths  and  spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  going  for  a  more  melodic  power  metal  direction  along  with  some  clean  singing  vocals  which  bring  in  an  80's  German  sound  and  after  a  couple  of  minutes  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  becoming  a  huge  part  of  the  music  as  well  as  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  hard  rock  elements.

  As  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  getting  more  aggressive  at  times  along  with  some  blast  beats  while  also  remaining  true  to  heavy  and  power  metal  while  also  having  a  more  updated  take  on  the  genre  and  at  time s back  up  gang  shouts  are  added  into  the  music  and  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  synths  make  a  return  to  the  music  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Halfway  through  the  album  the  music  changes  its  pace  around  a  bit  adding  in  acoustic  guitars  on  one  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  making  it  a  power  ballad  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  following  tracks  and  adding  in  faster  parts  that  bring  an  almost  early  speed  metal  sound  to  the  recording  while  also  having  a  bit  of  the  more  hard  rock  orientated  metal  sound  and  on  the  last  track  the  band  return  back  to  a  power  ballad  sound.

  Edgedown  bring  the  old  school  sounds  of  power  and  heavy  metal  into  their  music  and  give  them  a  more  heavier  and  modern  sound  as  well  as  having  a  great  amount  of  melody,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  along  with  a  few  long  and  epic  in  length  songs  and  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  everyday  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Edgedown  are  a  very  great  sounding  modern  heavy/power  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Statues  Fall"  "Shot  In  the  Dark"  "Live  Together  Or  Die  Alone"  and  "Flames".  8  out  of  10.

Giza/I Am the Ocean, I Am the Sea/2014 EP Review

  Giza  are  a  band  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  instrumental  form  of  sludge/doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "I  Am  The  Ocean,  I  Am  The  Sea"  which  was  released  in  2014.

  Distorted  guitar  effects  start  off  the  ep  and  after  a  few  seconds  the  music  starts  getting  heavy  and  going  for  a  slow  and  dark  doom  metal  direction  and  after  the  intro  the  music  really  starts  finding  its  sound.

  Sludge  metal  elements  are  mixed  in  with  the  slow  doom  sound  this  band  creates  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  and  there  are  no  vocals  utilized  on  any  of  the  tracks  and  the  band  also  brings  in influences  from  both  70's  and  stoner  rock  and  take  them  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  and  distorted  drones  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  as  the  ep  progresses  psychedelic  sounds  start  becoming  a  huge  part  of  the  music.

  Giza  create  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  apocalyptic  sound  with  their  music  with  all  of  the  tracks  being  true  to  the  tradition  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  containing  none  of  the post  rock  elements  some  of the newer bands  have  and  the production  also  sounds  very  powerful  and  professional  sounding.

  In  my  opinion  Giza  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  instrumental  sludge/doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Interplanetary  Cyclone"  and  "V'>  8  out  of  10.    

Borracho/Cortez/AM Records/2014 Split 7 Inch Review

  This  is  a   review  of  a  split  ep  between  Washington  D.C's  Borracho  and  France's  Cortez  which  was  released  by  AM  Records  in  the  year  of  2014  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Borracho  a  band  that  plays  stoner  rock.

  Their  side  of  the  split starts  off  with  heavy  stoner  rock  style  guitar  riffs  along  with  a  good  amount  of  70's  influence  before  adding  in  blues  rock  style  vocals  and  a  good  amount  of  doom  and  proto  metal  influences  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melody,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  and  the  lyrics  cover  real  life  themes.

  Borracho  are  a  very  decent  sounding  stoner  rock  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Cortez  another  band  that  plays  stoner  rock.

  Their  side  of  the  split starts  off  with  some  old  school  heavy  metal  riffs  along  with  some  melodic  vocals  which  bring  a  70's  proto  metal  feeling  to  the  track  along  with  a  good  amount  of  stoner  rock  elements  and  after  awhile  solos  and  leads  are  brought  into  the  track,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  and  the  lyrics  cover  dark  topics..

  In  my  opinion  Cortez  are  a  very  great  sounding  stoner  rock  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  In  conclusion  i  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  stoner  rock  and  proto  metal.  8  out  of  10.

  

Lions Of The South/Chronicles Of Aggression/2014 CD Review

  Lions  Of  the  South  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  very old  school  form   of  thrash/hardcore metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Chronicles  Of  Aggression".

  War  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads  up  to  a  heavier  direction  and  after  the  intro  the music  starts  going  for  more  of  an  old  school  heavy  metal  sound  along  with  aggressive  vocals and  the  album  starts  incorporating  more hardcore  and  thrash  elements  along  with  some  80's  style  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  On  the  other  tracks  the  band  starts  adding  more  melody  into  their  music  along  with  a  great  amount  of  aggression  and  energy  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  some  of  the  tracks  utilize  elements  of  groove  metal  along  with  a  more  old  school  east  coast  hardcore  approach  but  done  in  a  more  thrash  like  direction,  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  back  up  gang  vocals  are  added  into  the  music,  and  when  the  album  gets  closer  to  the  end  clean  guitars  are  added  onto  a  couple    of  the  tracks  along  with  a  small  amount   of  spoken  word  parts.

  Lions  Of  the  South  bring  a  very  old  school  sound  to  the  album  with  the  way  they  take  thrash  of  the  mid  80's  and  early  90's  and  mix  it  in  with  some  east  coast  hardcore  and  early  groove  metal  to  create  some  music  that  is  very  retro  yet  very  heavy  all  at  the  same  time,  the  production  sound s very  professional  and  the  lyrics  cover  violent,  dark  and  everyday  themes  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  beign  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Lions  Of  the  South  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  thrash  metal  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vicious  Cycle"  "Reflection"  "Rising  Sun"  and  "Countdown".  8  out  of  10. 

Sadhak Interview

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

My name is Andreas and I’m the sole member of Sadhak. Sadhak is a band that released a two-track demo cassette September 9th 2013. Thecassette was re-released by Shadow Kingdom Records in the spring of
2014.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is present on the ep?

It’s the projection of this feeling I have that I don’t know how to describe in words. It’s a bit of a cliché, but I’ll leave it to others to come up with technical descriptions of the music.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

The lyrics are important to me and I have a clear intention with them,especially when put together with the remaining two songs. I don’t think I can communicate it more strongly than with the combination of the music and the words, I think that’s what songs are for. My answer is the songs themselves.

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

It’s about knowing one’s goal and living purposefully to obtain that goal, to do what thou wilt. It’s about striving to be accomplished. We ultimately derive meaning from the void and it’s about coming to terms with that.

5.With this project you work all solo, how would you compare it to working with a full band?

On the practical side of things, it was easier to organize since there was no need for multiple people to find free time at the same time. The nice thing about being all alone in the rehearsal space for hours on end when you record is that you get completely absorbed in what you’re doing and you just become the process. There is no jocular banter or anything that pulls you out of that place so you stay focused. Recording alone is a bit of a hassle though. I did the drums straight on cassette so I had to remember the song structures and play” the riffs in my head while playing the drums which is what I had read Fenriz did. It’s easier if you’re recording with a full band.

6.I have noticed you can play a variety of many different musical instruments do you feel this makes your music sound a lot more powerful?

When I was younger I opted to teach myself a bit of everything instead of becoming really adept at one thing since I was more fascinated with how a composition works as a whole than the individual performances and wanted to understand it. It puts some limits on what I can do, but the strength in it lies in that I’m always looking at the bigger picture when writing, always thinking about what I want to convey rather than what I want to show.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom metal?

The feedback I have received has been great, people that contact me seem to connect with the music and that is all I want. If I can give someone a way to see the world through my eyes that’s all I care about.

8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days that you are a part off?

In High Priest of Saturn we are writing a new album that is nearing the stage where we can just rehearse and refine it. The foundations for all the songs are there and we will probably record it in August if we have enough time to rehearse before that.


In Mabuse we’re also writing for a full length and we’re both writing this time so we have a million riffs and are just trying to find out which direction to take. I’m moving to Oslo in late June, so it’ll be easier then.


Resonaut isn’t doing much these days, but we want to do a new release when the High Priest album is done. We have some plans for that band, we’ll see if they come to fruition


Also, I did drums for a new avant garde black metal project last year that I think only has some vocal parts left to be completed and I played the drums on the demo/EP (I’m not sure) of a new stoner band that should be out soon. I’m not a member or creatively involved in those two bands though, just a hired gun.

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

I want to record the album in July, so hopefully this year. I haven’t written anything for the next record, but the songs I have in my head are harder. I have more of an atmosphere I want to create than a technical description, the influences I draw from are just a means to an end.

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?

I don’t think Sadhak would have sounded the the way it does without Unbeing and Selvhat. Earth and Burzum are also major influences, and a lot of 90s doom metal like Revelation and bands of that ilk.


Playlist is ever changing, there is just too much good music. I see in my pile that the last five I played was:


Tusmørke - Underjordisk Tusmørke

Earth - Phase 3: Thrones and dominions

Obliteration - Black Death Horizon

Ranger - Knights of Darkness

Grails - The Burden of Hope

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I’m writing my master’s thesis on bio-inspired artificial intelligence, I guess that’s an interest. I watch old movies and readold books. I like to read religious texts and anything on the history of science or old civilizations, especially in relation to cosmology. I like documentaries. I did olympic weightlifting for a while, now Ijust do the compounds. I’ve recently taken up chess which is highly addictive, don’t try it, not even once.

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

The Norwegian scene is great right now watch out for the upcoming albums by Spectral Haze, Purple Hill Witch and Flight. The Black Magicalbum was fantastic and Mion’s Hill was top notch. I have also heard the upcoming Gouge album which might will rip you apart.

Thank you for interviewing me and thanks to everyone who is interested in Sadhak, I really appreciate that someone wants to listen to what I have to say. Check out the album here http://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sadhak 

Cave of Swimmers Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Arturo: We’re booking a tour for June-July. We wanna hit up some of the same places we did in March, plus some new ones. Also, we’re preparing to record some new songs we’ve been writing this past year.

Guillermo: Hello Carlos, thank you for having us. We’ve been writing new music, and arranging stuff for our new record that we will hopefully track sometime later this year. It’s all very exciting; we have a summer tour coming up, and we’ve had some amazing gigs lately. It’s all good.

2.Recently you have put out your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about your musical sound?

A: It’s heavy with a touch of Rumba Samba Mambo.

G: it’s whatever comes more naturally to us, Carlos. You see, when I started playing guitar, I was particularly fond of heavy metal, punk rock and blues music. That’s the type of music that I feel most comfortable playing. Later on, you start trying to play that stuff, and dance at the same time, you know what I mean? After that, you want to play, sing, dance, and do a conga line. The guitar cable can only go so far Carlos, don’t get too excited. Plus, Arturo has to be sitting down for the gigs. We’re thinking of purchasing a giant stroller for his drum set to push him down the conga line and solve this conundrum- get it?

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

G: I see you don’t like my jokes Carlos, but that’s ok. To answer your question: paranoia, fear of death, infatuation. Stuff that I can’t talk about with you Carlos; otherwise you’d think I’m crazy! So singing about it is the way to go.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Cave of Swimmers'?

G: Well Carlos, it’s a womb. It’s inspired by the fictional experiences of Count Almasy.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding your line up in the future, or do you chose to remain a duo? 

A: I’d be down to ask Gorbachov to be the 3^rd member but he’d have to wear a wig.

5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding your line up in the future, or do you chose to remain a duo?

G: Honestly, I don’t know, Carlos. Do you want to push Arturo’s drum stroller at the conga line?

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

A: My favorite was the one were in full drag our albino unicorn, Miguel.

G: I see you’re avoiding my questions, Carlos- sneaky sneaky! As far as good gigs, they’re all good if you feel good, unless I eat greasy food before the gig. Alka Seltzer is great for that, though. Brian Setzer is awesome too. Our male performance is none of your business Carlos, that’s very personal and I don’t know you that well, although you seem like a very likeable person.

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

A: This summer fo sho.

G: I see you’re avoiding my questions, Carlos- sneaky sneaky! As far as good gigs, they’re all good if you feel good, unless I eat greasy food before the gig. Alka Seltzer is great for that, though. Brian Setzer is awesome too. Our male performance is none of your business Carlos, that’s very personal and I don’t know you that well, although you seem like a very likeable person.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your album by fans of metal and underground music? 

A: They love it.

G: we’re very grateful and humbled by this whole experience, Carlos. It feels good to go out and be able to play for people. It makes everything worthwhile when you hear someone say: “hey, I really like your album” or “great set” or “are you an electrician? Your truck and Latino appearance certainly give that impression, mister” and you go “no ma’am, I will get off your lawn immediately, please don’t call the cops or ICE”. It’s amazing.

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

A: I see us getting real musical.

G: Well I don’t have a time machine, Carlos! But I can assure you; it will involve amazing drumbeats courtesy of the one and only R-2-raw, and some heavy riffing!

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?

A: Music from Latin America, Spain, and The Beatles.

G: goddamn Carlos, where the hell have you been in the last 10 minutes?! I told you, I listen to heavy metal, punk rock and blues!

11.What are some of your non-musical interests?

A: Cooking, languages, steam baths and arctic plunges.

G: I’m very fond of playing flamenco guitar and the piano. I guess these things won’t count as non-musical activities, but understand, I don’t know how to do anything else, Carlos. Well, I guess I like to read, too.

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

A: Thanks for having us! See ya on tour 

G: well Carlos, it’s been a real pleasure. I’d like to sincerely thank you for your interest and efforts. Don’t take yourself too seriously, don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re a very likeable person Carlos, and one day, you’ll find that special someone. Oh you already did? Well then, why do you lie to me, dammit?! Stop going around being a debbie downer, Carlos! Go tohttp://www.caveofswimmers.com  

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Oestre/Le derniere renaissance/Manitou Music/2014 CD Review

  Oestre  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post  thrash  and  industrial  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Le  derniere  renaissnace"  which  was  released  by  Manitou  Music.

  Industrial  and  electronic  music  sounds  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  aggressive  screaming  vocals  and  the  band  brings  in  elements  of  thrash,  hardcore,  djent  and  groove  metal  and  mixes  them  with  electronic  sounds.

  On  the  other  tracks  the  music  starts  getting  a  little bit  more  atmospheric  and  progressive  while  also  keeping  around  a  heavier  sound  along  with  elements  of  drum  &  bass  and  they  also b ring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing  male  and  female  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  the  guitar riffing  utilizing  some  melody,  as  the  album  progresses  small  amounts  of  clean  playing  are  added  onto  the  album  while  the  main  focus  is  still  on  the  heavier  parts  and  the  vocals  also  bring  an  almost  death  metal  like  feeling  to  the  album  at  times.

  Oestre  have  an  orignal  sound  with  their  music  taking  the  modern  thrash/groove  metal  sound  and  adding  in  elements  of  djent  and  hardcore  along  with  a  good  amount  of  industrial  and  drum  &  bass  influences  to  create  their  own  sound  and  while  it  is  not  something  I  regularly  listen  to,  I  feel  the  music  is  very  well  executed,  the  production is  very  professional  sounding  and  the  lyrics  are  written  in  French  and  cover  political  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Oestre  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  post  thrash  and  industrial  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Patient  Zero"  "Momento"  and  "Fragments  Oniriques".  7/5  out  of  10.  

Albino Rhino Interview

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

1. We are a downtuned riff loving trio from Helsinki formed in 2009-10. With both bassplayer and guitarist singing lead vocals by turns.

2.So far the band has released 2 albums, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical sound you brought into these 2 recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

2. Yes, the first, "Return of The Goddess" is more like a mini album or an EP within 33 minutes/4 tracks. And the new self-titled is considered as a full length within 40 minutes/4 tracks. And yes, they do differ alot, soundwise and musicwise. We went to the studio with the first one with just the skeletons of the songs, and for example "Master Kush" -the opening track is an improvised jamming of 11 minutes. The new self-titled album we "calculated" and went to the studio with finished written songs, lyrics and everything. The new one we also wanted to make in a way that we can play it live from start to finish 95% as it is layed down on "tape". The first one even includes a quest featured "stunt guitarist", as he calls himself, Mikael Ukura doing some additional psychedelic noises/solos. Both are recorded digitally through an analog Mackie desk and additional pre-amps. We are looking for a a harsh tube sound on our records and also evolving on that subject, testing different amps and recording/mic/mixing techniques. The difference of the sound on these 2 albums is the fact that we are learning as we go on recording and mixing. Doing it in our own studio.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

3. Well both singers write their own lyrics. Ville (Bass/Vocals) writing more in a "stream of consciousness" way. Maybe could say more on the ground level, poetic stuff. But also able to generate a landscape into your mind. Kimmo (Guitar/Vocals) is writing a lot from a spiritual aspect and has introduced sort of feminism in the lyrical themes, sort of from the aspect that for example almost all Gods are considered as male for more than 3000 years, and we live in a very masculine world (in a bad way), and there will be changes in the future hopefully. Our lyrics so far are not negative.

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

4. A quote from BC Bud Depot: "Albino Rhino is a tough plant that will reward the grower with high yields of resinous, sticky buds quickly. The light green mostly indica has a cerebral / physical effect and an Aniseed taste. Also known as White Rhino, this easy to grow strain is very popular and potent."

;)

The dots over the first "o" were added later on, for we found other bands riding with the same name, but in different musical genres luckily. and we wanted to keep this one. At the time we chose it, we didn't find any others though.. So we will keep on keeping it.

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

5. Have to say that the gig we did just last week 17.4, opening the stage for Conan (UK) was the "best" so far. Was fun to play and the place was packed. Another one just recently, as we held an album release party for the new album with Woodrue, Tombstoned and Caskets Open in a big venue (old movie theatre turned to a club in central Helsinki). Our own gig was not that of a fun to play for technical problems but the visual aspect of the whole night was a success, and we kinda nailed it, at least regarding the feedback we got. check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iglpv_dKQqA

Our stage performance is active and does not include performance dressing and stuff like that.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

6. Few gigs planned for the summer 2014, one in an open air festival with Ozric Tentacles (UK) here in Finland. The festival is called simply ForestFestival, it takes place in nature and introduces electronic and organic psychedelic music, which we are looking forward at, hence we are building a jam set for that, playing "Uphold the Light (Part 1,2 & 3)" which makes up to almost an hour. And maybe one other of our "psychedelic" tracks. Then few dates in the fall and we are planning something for next summer also already. But more about that later on.. Dates coming along the way as we go through the year, the Finnish "scene" is quite active at the moment on the street level and we are lucky to have a promoter like Blow Up That Gramophone on our soil, who have been putting up Riff nights since 2010 with well known artists around the world and booking Finnish bands to open the stage.

7.Does Paganism or occultism play any role in the music?

7. Paganism, yes in a way, because we are from Finland, the forest plays a huge role in our lives. Even if living in the suburban areas. Visits to forests are regular. Finland used to be Animistic before the church forced itself here 800 years ago. Which is not that long ago, if think about it. Occultism not. We are not at all into devil related things. Nor negative or dark subjects. Mysticism on the other hand yes, for it can be very positive indeed and it is how the world works, in very mystical ways.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of stoner and doom metal?

8. It has been good and we are thankful. Here is one favorite comment from our bandcamp by somebody who bought the album: 

Good solid album full of epic thick syrupy riffs that will be echoing around your brain long after the music has stopped. 

Not quite doom, not quite stoner but quite brilliant!

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

9. Hoping to unite our vocal contributions for we now sing by turns, which is nice also, but we think could do something with that. Also Viljami the drummer sings well, so could unite all 3 voices and make some harmonies. We are always looking forward with guitar, bass and drum sounds for we have our own studio where we can try things out. Kim is renting a control and a recording room at Audiospot, Helsinki http://www.audiospot.fi/STUDIO with our section called Dubsync Laboratory.

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?

10. Could maybe easy say Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd. After that; Doom Metal, Death Metal, Hardcore Punk, Dub.. Listening all kinds of music but not really pop music. We all listen to Heavy-Rock and we like and listen to the bands we sort of are in the same "Genre" with. Loving Vinyl.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

11. Well Ville is a Tattoo artist, and really into that world. Viljami is also into that world, designing the tattoos mostly himself which are nailed on his skin. He is also keen on building guitars, amps or just building something with his own hands. Music has a big role in our lives and we are fully dedicated to it. Kim has interest in spiritual things in life like purifying ones own soul through disciplined spiritual practice.

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

12. Thanks for this interview and good questions, hope it opens something up to somebody who is interested in the Rhino or vice versa, and makes our project interesting to somebody. Enjoy the upcoming summer for the winter is finally passed :).

Cheers John!

http://www.facebook.com/albinorhinodoom

http://albinorhinodoom.bandcamp.com

SadDolls/Grave Party/Inverse Records/2014 CD Review

  SadDolls  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  a  mixture  of  darkwave  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Grave  party"  which  will  be  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  electronic  sound   starts  off  the  album  along  with  spoken  word  samples before  adding  in  more  industrial  elements  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  adding  in  more  metal  and  rock  influences  along  with  some  melodic  gothic  vocals  which  also  get  more  aggressive  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  On  the other  tracks  the  band  starts  bring  in  more  EBM  elements  along  with  some  80's  darkwave  and  mixing  them  in  with  a  more  heavy  metal/rock  sound  and  the  band  also b rings  in  a  mixture  of  clean,  symphonic  and  heavy  parts  and  the  bass  guitars  also  bring  a  very  powerful  sound  to  the  album  and  as  time  goes  on  by  there  is  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  the  tracks.

  SadDolls  has  a  very  diverse  sound  that  is  heavy  enough  for  the  metal  crowd,  has  all  of  the electronic  music  elements  that  would  appeal  to  fans  of  industrial,  goth  and  darkwave  and  is  perfectly  suited  fro  mainstream  rock  stations,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  and  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  metaphysical  and  depressing  themes.

  In  my  opinion  SadDolls  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  darkwave,  gothic,  ebm  and  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lady  Cry"  Suicide  Girl"  "Angles  Make  Love"  and  "On  The  Road  66".  8  out  of  10.