Anialator/Mission Of Death/Xtreem Music/2017 Compilation Album Review

  Anialator  where  a  band  from  Texas  that  played  a  very  aggressive  form  of  thrash  metal  with  some  early  death  metal  touches  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  compilation  "mission  Of  Death" which  was  released  by  Xtreem  Music  and  consists  of  demos  and  live  tracks  from  the  mid  80's  to  early  90's.

  A  very  heavy  guitar  sound  starts  off  the  compilation  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  on  the  more  aggressive  side  of  thrash  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  raw  and  aggressive  style  and some early  80's  black  and  death  metal  influences  can  be  heard.

  Throughout  the  compilation  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  one  track  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  and  on  some  of  the  demo's  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  recorded  live  and  some  tracks  also  add  in  a  touch  of  crossover  while  always  remaining  very  heavy  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount of  melody.

  Anialator  played  a  very  aggressive  style  of  thrash  that  was  almost  close  to  the  heaviness  of  death  metal  back  in  the  mid  80's  to  early  90's,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school while  the  lyrics  cover  death and  annihilation  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Anialator  where  a  very  great  sounding  aggressive  and  brutal thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nuclear  Destruction'  "Mission  Of  Death"  "Feel  The  Pain"  and  "The  Suffering".  8  out  of  10.

      

Kroh 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?

we have been busy, booking gigs, writing new material. we always keep busy



2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

its massively different, a new line up, a whole new idea. New singer. its a lot more focused. the older stuff wasn't recorded very well and was rushed. We had a lot more time to focus on what we wanted to make this time. It’s a lot more creatively written and has a lot of layers going on. Lots of things going on in the background while not taking away from the song as a whole


3.The band split up for a couple of years, what was the decision to reform the band?

it felt right, i met the right people at the right time and felt like a couple of the old songs could work with this new line up and then it led to quickly writing a lot of new stuff that got better and better. I wanted a band that I could play live with as the previous idea was studio only.

The line up we have now works really well, I’m really pleased with it.


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

Depression, personal struggles, a lot of what we create is to mask insecurities and to fend of depression.


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

truthfully, i saw it written on a wall on the way to band practice. i needed a name and thought that fitted the theme and direction i was going in.



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

We have loved every gig we have played so far, would love to get out more to Europe and maybe further in the future. Our performance always changes depending on what’s going on around us.



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

yeah we are playing Bloodstock in Britain in August and are currently looking to book European shows for next year. we want to play a lot, always interested in new shows. Get in touch is you want us to play.


8.Can you tell us a little bit more about 'Devizes Records'?


Devizes records is a small independent label that i run myself as an outlet for music i make and other bands i really love.

its all self financed and I personally pack each and every item and post them myself.

I love being able to create and deliver items direct to fans. I always try to add stickers or free stuff as I appreciate every sale.


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

Its been great so far. We have had some excellent reviews all over the world. Its great that people are interested and are getting what we are trying to do.



10.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?

Daz and Rych play in burden of the noose, a sludge band, they are always looking for shows. I have just come back from filling in on bass with Anaal Nathrakh. I play with Fukpig, new stuff is recorded for that. As I said, always busy.


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

We are influenced by a lot of different musical styles, each member likes a lot of different genres. I don’t feel like we have to stick to any genre. We will just create what we like, if that’s a folk song on acoustic or a detuned doom drone, if its Kroh it will sound like Kroh.

We draw influences from all kind of music from the 60s to today, so we could be doing a psychedelic piece, but then want a black metal bit. Its all open to us.



12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on yuor music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Darkher, are one of the best bands around at the moment. We managed to play with them twice so far, also Monolord, we managed to get on a slot with them recently as well.

But as for influences, we love stuff like Portishead, My dying bride, a lot of 90s stuff. A bit of prog and acid folk.. theres so much good music out there. I have been searching record shops for the past 20 years for undiscovered gems and then that has influenced my music outlook and lead me down many a long avenue of digging out unheard 60s bands, long lost horror folk albums from the early 70s.. but also a lot of the feel of growing up in Britain in the 80s has influenced us. Old public information films that scared us as children, hammer horror films.. we are open to everything



13.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law



14.What are some of your non musical interests?

Me personally, my interests are in folklore, history and ancient ruins. I spend the time I have free discovering lost ancient burial mounds and stone circles in the outskirts of the British Isles. I plan to get to Europe to find more at some point, this being one of the reasons I want to get out and play more over there. This also influences the music I create. I also like to capture the feel of these places with photography and use Instagram a lot to document these long lost places.

I also collect records, I have a large collection, mainly of albums from 1966 – 1974, that’s the era I love. A lot of genres and the experimental side going on then is amazing



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


Yeah, look out for something coming very soon. And go follow us on facebook.

Funeral Fvkk Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
FVNERAL FVKK is just a simple ensemble of some sick little christian priests who follow the ancient christian tradition of abusing their little sheep in the name of God. You know, stuff that happens every day in catholic schools, churches and temples every day. It is also about the sometimes very, uhm, interesting sexual preferences of some christian believers... a crucifixion fetish for example, isn't that cute.


2.Recently you have released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
It is epic traditional Doom Metal, just without the operatic silliness that sometimes is immanent in this sacred genre. The lyrical content may be foul and twisted, the music however is mournful and heavy, as Doom Metal should be!
The lyrical side may have some very dark side of irony to it. But the music is straight forward pure Doom Metal, with no irony whatsoever.

3.Most of the band members have a background playing black metal and doom/death but with this band you go for more of a traditional epic style of doom metal, what was the decision behind going into this direction?
We do not know. We just wanted to do that. After more than 15 years of Black Metal and Death Doom, it was just time to do something else musically as well.


4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The christian church has a very restricted view upon sexuality, which results in sometimes very bizarre sexual abductions and activities, which in turn is pretty ironic, as the most sexually restricted institution spawns the most twisted perverts in society. This is what we explore. On the EP, all the lyrics are fictional, even though they are based on actual real phenomenons. On our next full length album, we even do not have to be fictional again. There is so much perversion to be found in the history of the church, that there is no need for fiction.


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Fvneral Fvkk'?
Well, it describes the attitude of this band quite well, don't you think? That's all it means.


6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I am not going to smack you for not doing your homework and say straight away that Fvneral Fvkk did not perform live yet. We have shows booked for 2018, though.


7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
As this band is merely a project, a full tour is not that likely, although not completely out of the possible. We will play a German festival in February next year, and probably stick to selected one-off shows here and there, whenever our schedules allow.


8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom metal?
It was mainly very good. For a band coming out of the blue with no live-shows to date, the EP is selling pretty well. Not as much as our main bands of course, but under the given circumstances, the sales are pretty good.
The feedback was mainly great. But of course there are some self-proclaimed Doom Metal elitists who pissed all over us because of our antics and lyrical contents. They are miffed because they like the music, but are not allowed to admit that because our image is not true doom. Or they feel so above such contents that they consider this band as an infantile fun-band. Some of them even refused to listen to the EP, just because of the band name. Being active in the Doom scene for over a decade, we expected that as soon as we formed the band. So it is not a problem for us at all.


9.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?
Fäulnis have released their 3rd full-length early this year and played a tour. They are still doing promotional shows for the record, which was perceived quite well, I think. Ophis are going release their 4th full-length in October.


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

You can expect a full-length album. Yes. But when – I do not know. The other bands come first. I can tell you that we are working on the material for the album, and some songs are half-finished. But we will take the time we need. So it could be next year, it could be in five years. We do not know.
Musically, it will not change that much I guess, though it will be a little broader in spectrum as the EP. Naturally, as there will be more songs.

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?

Influences for Fvneral Fvkk are different for each band, though I can tell you that Solitude Aeternus, Funeral, Candlemass and the very underrated Tristitia were influential for all of us.
We listen to very different kind of stuff, at this moment I listen to a lot of Thrash, like Nuclear Assault, old Megadeth and Anacrusis. Not very Doom at all, but there will be Doom times again for sure.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Well, just the usual stuff every good catholic is interested in: ethics, purity, Jesus, porn, money, underage teens, sheep, butter, hard work, bad poetry and selfmade clothes that do not show any legs, tits or asses. And masturbation.


13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
The preacher Victor Manuel Rivera once said: „Freedom is not doing what we want, but doing what we should“. Now, if this is not hitlerian logic, then what is?
Yes, thus they are, these holy fuckheads preaching God's name! By the way, the same man also said: „the dirtier your bible, the cleaner your heart“. Oo-ee-oo!

Cardinals Folly/Deranged Pagan Sons/Nine Records/2017 CD Review

  Cardinals  Folly  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  occult  form  of  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Deranged  Pagan  Sons"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Nine  Records.

  Drum  beats  along  with  a  heavy  guitar  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  going  into  more  of  a  doom  metal  direction  a  few  seconds  later  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful  and  after  awhile  clean  vocals  start  to  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording.

  At  times  the  vocals  get  very  aggressive  while  the  solos  and  leads  stick  to  a  very  old  school style  of  metal  that  is  more  rooted  in  the  80's   but  also  still  sounding  modern  at  the  same  time  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  a  couple of  tracks  also adds  in  a  brief use  of  spoken  word  samples  while  a  later  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  slow  and  mid  paced  parts.  

  Cardinals  Folly  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  traditional  style  of  occult  doom  metal  from  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Paganism,  Mythology,  Horror  Movie  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Cardinals  Folly  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  either  traditional  or  occult  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dionysian"  "Suicide  Commando"  and  "Secrets  Of  The  Runes".  8  out  of  10.

Olde Interview

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

Truthfully, it has been a little slow. We have only played a handful of shows, in the last year or so. Maybe 10. Just enough to stay sharp. We have progressively, been playing more shows, leading up to the new release….We did put out a cd/digital ep last Fall. That was called “Shallow Graves”. That was meant to tide us over until the release of our newest full-length “Temple”…. Basically, we bullshitted our way thru the last year or so, waiting, writing more, and getting ready for this record to finally drop. When it does (Aug 11/17), we will react accordingly…

2. You have a new album coming out in August, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Dense. This batch of songs is very dense. Not super-busy, but busier. Just more of each of us in every part. I think we established our signature “thud” on the first record, now with this one, we have started to add our individual voices to it.

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

Without getting in too deep into the lyric meanings I will just give a general run thru of topics on the new record. I wrote about the masks we wear…I wrote about lose. Lose of purpose, lose of faith, lose of reasons to bother…I wrote about the crushing wheel of time…I wrote about willful ignorance, and it’s just rewards…I wrote about memories, and lessons, and truth………….and ghosts, and the conversations we sometimes have with them.

4. Originally the band was known as 'Corvuss', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Olde'?

There was at least one other band we found were using the name. It wasn’t a big deal for us, to ditch it. As for how we chose ‘Olde’, I’m not exactly sure. It was suggested, and we didn’t ditch it. No meaning, just a name…I think. Considering the general median age in this band, it is kinda funny.

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

We did one hometown (Toronto) show, with Windhand, that was a stand out. Just one of those shows…perfect-sized, low-ceiling, sweaty full club. It was hot and nasty. A review showed up online for that gig, referencing our band’s heavy sweat-angle. Ha!….Our stage performance? I dunno. I would like to think we are an intense live band. When we play, it is an exercise in almost manic restraint. Oh yeah, and sweaty. Some of us more than others. Way more.

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

Actual plans, as of right now? No, no plans. Like I said earlier, when the record comes out, and gets around, we will react to whatever presents itself. We will do what we can, when we can. We are not overly ambitious, but we are open to everything…Regionally, we will be ticking off places as we go, tho.

7. Currently, the band is signed to 'STB Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Yup. STB is a small boutique label, run outta NJ, by a driven-dude named Steve. It specializes in stoner/doom/heavy psych. Small, limited runs are his thing. All the releases come in multiple variants , with lots of cool stuff you don’t usual get when you buy a record. For example, the last Wounded Giant came with a cast, pewter ring. Always top of the heap for cool releases. We were super-stoked when he wanted to release the newest, which ended up being “Temple”. STB has worked with lots of other cool bands, too. Geezer, Year of the Cobra, Goya….

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

Not really the one to ask about that, as I do next-to-nothing  on the internet end of things. That is all Cory (bass). From what I can pickup, we seem to be getting a decent response. We haven’t been offered any large sums of loot, so obviously the world has not yet fallen at our feet, in reverence. Our expectations were pretty low before. I think we expect more of a response this time around. Poke at a few more eyes/ears.

9. 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?

Lots! We got lots of other things going on. Ryan still pounds the shit out of everything with his main squeeze, Sons of Otis. They are actually playing Psycho Las Vegas in August….Cory (bass) has just reformed his old punk band from 20 years ago, Five Knuckle Chuckle. They are circling a few shows this Summer/Fall… Hippy (gtr) is still doing his other band, Seas. They play out some. I’m not sure if Moneen are still in the picture, or not… Captain Greg Dawson (gtr) keeps plenty busy writing songs for us, recording us in his studio (BWC Studio), and generally being a fine father-figure for us all. Haha! He records tons of shit, he doesn’t need two bands…I’m in another band called The Volume Knobs. We are hardcore-punk as fuck. We have recorded, and should have it on Bandcamp, soon. Like a Poison Idea/GBH-cross with me yelling.

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

This ties in with an earlier question, where I kinda mentioned how we are all having our individual stamps put on the new stuff. I just see that continuing with the new stuff.  At first, it was almost a single vision, Greg’s. It is much more of a collaborative-thing now. Being just the throat of the band, I really don’t know, but I do know Greg and Cory are already deep into the demoing stages of new stuff. Plenty of new stuff.

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

I dig my old bike. I have a Norton, and I love it. We have covered a lot of miles together. Even went to the East Coast and back, which isn’t bad for a 40+ year bike. The first song, from our first record was ‘Roads That Lead Nowhere’. I wrote those lyrics, for that bike. Ha!….I also really digs some pro sports. I like baseball (RedSox), hockey (Habs), and football (Pats)… in that order.

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

Actually….nope. I don’t anything to add, other than to say “Thanks” for letting me shoot my mouth off. Always appreciated. Cheers!

Maharaja Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
We're a three-piece sludge metal band. We play loud low frequency metal out of a bunch of amps.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?
A mix of stoner, doom, sludge, hardcore punk, and beer.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Almost all of the songs on Kali Yuga are metaphors. The songs discuss a variety of topics like drug addiction, social justice, war, politics, etc.

4.Both the band name and album title come from Hindu or Eastern Mysticism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Maharaja translates to "Great King". A lot of what I write has some sort of political agenda. Its a parody. The album name is Kali Yuga. Kali being a goddess of death, time, and transformation/the apocalypse. Yuga meaning age. The Kali Yuga is the last of the four stages the world goes through in the cycle of the yugas. It is considered the "dark ages" common with wrath, moral depravity, murder, distrust, addiction, lust, and ruled by unfair and unreasonable people that have no regard for others.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? We're fortunately from an awesome music town called Dayton, Ohio that is home to some really awesome music fans. Burlington, VT has been awesome with great metal heads that will drive hours for a metal show. We met some cool folks from Ontario that drove to a show there once. Louisville, KY parties. Wilmington, NC is awesome. Ashville, NC has a really cool metal community. Philly and Allentown PA are sick. Buffalo and Rockester NY are sick.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We're doing a tour starting 8/2 through the midwest and east coast. A tour flyer will be on our media with dates. We'll also be playing locally between Dayotn and Columbus. Notable bands we'll be playing with are The Midnight Ghost Train, Bridesmaid, Livid, Bardus, and Grizzlor.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Right now we're doing things ourselves. We've talked with some smaller labels but we have not signed anything.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge metal?
We're hoping to break into international markets with this album.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Refining what we're doing now and growing something ourselves.

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?
We draw inspiration from a vast variety of genres. We take inspiration from many places, not all of them metal. Modern bands we've listened to a lot lately are Lord Mantis, Mutoid Man, and Conan.

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

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Come catch us at a show in your town and lets kick it.

Blut 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?
A: Of course, we played in live shows, than we had some contact to allows us will play in the future outside Italy, than we try to compose some new stuff.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
A: Formally form the first album to this one I can grown as musician and as composer so I organized better the songs and lyrics.
M: I think we can’t label our style and sound, there are many influences in this new album, but I agree with Mr. Blut, we are mature in organization, in quality of sound and production but we have more and more to do!

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
A: By now mental illness, but not the “famous ones”, just something strange and unusual. I know it’s strange to say “something unusual” in mental illness but it’s what we’re doing now.
M: mental illness, in particular, but don’t forget about personal experiences, nightmare and fears.

4.The new album was name 'Inside My Head Part II", is there a concept going on with both of the albums?
A: As I said here up the concept around inside my mind party I and part II it’s a trip around some weird mental illness; and some “Actors” around psychology and psychiatry as Sigmund Freud, Cesare Lombroso and CG Jung.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Blut'?
A: Blut is the german word for Blood. I’m half Italian and half German Swiss, so I want to use part of my blood. In the same time I want to describe who we are with an old anthems “blood doesn’t lie” in german “ Blut lügt nicht” so this is the meaning of Blut.

6.Originally the band started out as a solo project, what was the decision behind forming a full line up?
A: Formally because I think if you can find someone mad like you, you can enjoy and build something great. In the second thought because a solo project have less chances to perform own music on stage.
M: All started, for me, as a game, a sort of challenge with myself, or many years I sang only symphonic metal, so when Alessandro asked to me to be a guest in the first album I decided to do something different; subsequently he asked to me to become a member of Blut and here I am!

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
A: The best Blut’s show?! For me the next one. Every show is part of a “growing monster” so the new one will be the best of the last. Our show is a mixture of Gran Guignol flavor with a bit of steampunk attitude and a lot of lights and gothic sound.
M: I think that “Madness” is the right word to explain or stage performance, we are actors of a madness theater.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
A: The next gig will be at Drakkar rock festival 26/08/2017 and for the Fall we still organizing now.


9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of experimental, industrial and metal?
A: We have a great feedback from the streaming and digital way, a little less for the physical version. But it’s summer and I know too many metalheads and dark have in mind festivals like “Wacken”, “Summer breeze”, “M’era luna” and so on; the band and me will wait in Fall for more feedback. In any case we have some good feedback from some zine.


10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
A: I think, we will play our music in great festivals, and bring our space in the music history and biz. Yes It’s a log hard road, but I’m not scare of it.
M: We believe that dreams will came true, so we’ll be wherever we want to be!


11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
A: I have too many influences, for example: Type O Negative, TiamaT, Samael, Moonspell, Oomph!, Suicide commando, Lucyfire, Blutengel, The cog is dead, Abney Park and Pain.
More or less a lot of dark wave, elettrodark, country, industrial, some old glam metal and sometimes binaural sounds.
M: As I said before, I come from a different kind of music, but Alessandro is showing me “new bands” and remembering me old love like theatres des vampires

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
A: Until last June I made reviews and interviews for some zine, but now I have no much time, because following Blut it’s an hard work. Otherwise I’m one of the founder of “Steampunk Italia” so I’m little bit addicted about Steampunk and I made my own Steampunk stuff for my personal outfit and sometimes for others. I play some skirmish table game like Malifaux (a western steampunk skirmish game) and I read too many books form several topics: from magic to serial killers and from fantasy to sci fi.
M: I’m an historical re-enactor, I’m a partner of an association “Associazione Culturale Commenda San Giorgio” and I collaborate also with “La Masnada Della Campagna Soprana”.
I like to do DIY, stay with animals and in nature, trekking and what else… do everything makes me feel alive!

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
A: Thank you so much for your time, Thanks to your readers and remember: Follow us, Stay Insane, Blut lügt nicht (Blut doesen't lie).
M: Don’t be afraid in madness, it could be fantastic!
Follow us in the net:
on Facebook: https://www.faccbook.com/Blutband
on our website: http://blutband.com
on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuOtWI69K-ixCW4RdgC__w
on our bandcamp: https://blutmusic.bandcamp.com/
on our reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/blut7
And don't forget to buy our cd

Hands Or Orlac/The Wandering Midget/Cruz Del Sur Music/2017 Split CD Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Sweden/Italy's  Hands  of  Orlac  and  FInland's  The  Wandering  Midget  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Cruz  Del  Sur  Music  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Hands  Or  Orlac  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  occult  form  of  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  a  very  ritualistic  sound  along  with  some  drum  beats  and  folk  instruments  as  well  as  adding  in  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads up  to  a  heavier doom  metal  direction  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  70's  influences  can  also  be  heard  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  after  awhile  female  vocals  are  added  onto  the  recording  while  psychedelic  elements  are  also  used  at  times  along  with  clean  playing  also being utilized  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  horror  movie  style  keyboards  being added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  and  there  is  also  a  couple of  brief  instrumentals  and  most  of  the  their  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Hands  Of  Orlac  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  occult  doom  metal  style  of  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  horror,  magick,  and  evil  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Hands  Of  Orlac  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  occult  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  their side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "From  Beyond  The  Stars".

  Next  up is  The  Wandering  Midget  a  band  that  plays  a  traditional  form  of  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  atmospheric  soundscapes  along  with  some  demonic  spoken  word samples  and  horror  movie  soundtrack  style  elements  and  their  song  is  over  18  minutes  in  length  and  after  awhile  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  their  side  of  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  fashion  and  when  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  traditional  doom  metal  style and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  while  still  maintaining  a  modern  atmosphere.

  The  Wandering  Midget  plays  a  style  of  doom  metal  that  is  very  epic  and  traditional  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  fantasy,  horror,  and  mythology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Wandering  Midget  are  a  very  great sounding  traditional  doom  metal  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  doom  metal.  8  out  of  10.

    

Disharmony 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?

Well, we had to clear out some “unmusic” things, such as emails to labels, contracts, finalize the layout of the physical copy and unpleasant stuff like that. On the other hand, we had some nice things to do, such as, get on with some new songs, record some voices and song arrangements.

We have already started the procedure of creation, and we are planning to give out a full-length album soon.  The songs are nearly ready, we just need to record, fix some details and then, mix it.

2. Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I think that the audience should give a description of our music. We, the band, have a difficulty to define our music, as it combines many genres, but the one thing I can say is that Disharmony plays metal. Dynamic, open minded, traditional and modern in the same time. With a progressive and doom approach maybe? I can’t tell... Well, guys, listen to our music and send us what you think of it!

If I must compare our 2 albums, I think that “The Abyss Noir” is a more “in-your-face” album. It still has some introverted parts, but not as many as the “Shades of Insanity” has.

3. Between 1999 and 2009 there was no new material being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

Oh, there was a time when “adult obligations” came up. Some had to start working, some to travel abroad for studies, we all had to serve the army (about 2 years, it’s obligatory in Greece), and two of our members had to leave the band. So, the three of us who remained, just recorded demos of new ideas and piled them up in our hard disks.

The recordings of “Shades Of Insanity” were something that took us really long, but we did not have a time deadline, so we were not in a hurry. Afterwards, we had a real mess –messy deals- with some labels that wanted to release the album, so the whole thing took us back for about, mmmm…5 years? It’s been a long time for sure, so we must make it up to you with many new songs!

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

I think we need to see this piece by piece.
The first song “The Abyss Noir” is about obviously about Justice.
Second track “Vain Messiah” is a scenario about the second coming of Messiah on Earth -if he's ever been here- and how modern people would react on his presence.
The third song “Delirium” is about some people that are just hard so hard to bear.
Tthe fourth track “This Caravan” is an introvert song and has to do with some things you have hidden deep  in you - like a treasure.
 I cannot tell you things about the Disposable Heroes, its lyrics are something awesome at least. You must ask James Hetfield about his lyrics!
But, the 6th track “A song for Friend” is obviously about a friend of mine who died long ago and never had the chance to meet my newborn son…

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

Back in the beginning of this band, we needed a name someone should not forget. Its meaning is also something controversial. Disharmony is a Greek word and means “lack of harmony”  and it's the opposite of what we are. Our music is full of melodies and harmonies but in a dark way.

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?

I obviously don't want to describe our stage performance by myself, we’ll  leave the audience to do this… We've done many shows… I cannot ever forget our first gig out of Athens, a great show in Agrinio city,  there was something electric in the atmosphere. And surely I cannot forget our supporting performance in the Sanctuary show in Athens back in 2011, as well as our participation in The Metalmorphosis festival in Cyprus supporting Angela's Arch Enemy.
Sanctuary has given a great inspirational boost  to our music, it was something unique to play with your idols.

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

Oh yes! The next planned show is in December in a great festival in Athens but I cannot tell you more, it needs to be officially announced first. We want to perform in nice and adequate stages and play as many good shows as possible in order to promote our music. So if you need Disharmony in your city, we are ready to discuss about it!

8.You have done 'Dead Can Dance' and 'Metallica' covers, can you tell us a little bit more about your own versions of their songs?

To begin with the Metallica cover, I think it's not “our” version It's the original Metallica version played by Disharmony, in our own sound and changing just some small details. We had to do it this way because it was going to be included in the Metal Hammer magazine’s collection for 30 years anniversary of Master of puppets album. So, we afterwards added this as a bonus track. Now about the Dead can dance cover, I can say “Yes it is OUR version!”… John (gtr) had done a great experimental demo of the original song, added some distorted guitars and metal drumming.  We loved it instantly, so we began working on it in order to convert it to a great Metal song that expressed our music standards. And I think that something really good came out of this cover. Check it out guys at https://disharmony.bandcamp.com/track/oman-dead-can-dance-cover

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of heavy, progressive, and doom metal?

Let's see… our debut album “Shades of Insanity” gained fine to excellent reviews .This one has got also fine to excellent again and that's something that pleases us. It's good to know that you make music of high standards, so our next goal is to make an album that will exceed the quality of our first two!

10.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?

Well, I sing for Art of Simplicity too and we have released our album this year as well! So I'm in the pleasant position of having two CDs released with my voice in 2017! Panagiotis and Thanos, our rhythm section is also playing for Scar of the Sun, and they released their latest album one year ago, they are in the recording sessions right now. Stefanos is playing in a few bands as well (check out Mute Tale), but he’s not playing only metal…
I should not forget to mention that Panagiotis, Thanos and me are performing in a regular basis for a metal/rock cover band called Bigus Dickus (https://www.facebook.com/bigus.dickus.the.band/) and we love it!

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

I think that the band will continue to compose new music. I think that we will not change something in a dramatic way, but some small changes due to what we love to listen from time to time. We’ll give you new songs that you have not already listened to, as we desire to make different kinds of songs, songs that the band will love to listen to. We try not to repeat same ideas again and again, it’s boring!

12.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?

All the great bands of metal music have been our inspiration: Metallica, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Dream Theater, Opeth, Death, My Dying Bride, Candlemass, Sanctuary and Nevermore and many many more.
Personally right now I am listening to Orphaned Land, some old Judas Priest stuff, Opeth, Sanctuary – they gave a show in Athens two days ago and theycame back into my mind!

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Personally I like play football and exercising, Panagiotis likes archery, Thanos is a Yoga teacher and likes climbing over mountains.

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

Thank you very much for this interview and support! We need you to listen to our music and give us some feedback. You can subscribe in our YouTube channel, and/or become member of our Facebook page too, so as to keep in touch of what’s about to come. And have a nice summer too!



- DISHARMONY contact -
email: disharmony.gr@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ chris.disharmony

- DISHARMONY online -
Official site: http://www.disharmony.gr
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ disharmony.gr
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/ DISHARMONYOFFICIAL
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/ disharmonymetal
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ disharmonyofficial
Blogger: http://disharmony-band. blogspot.com/
Jumping Fish: http://www.jumpingfish.gr/ disharmony

Warbeast/Enter The Arena/Housecore Records/2017 CD Review

  Warbeast  are  a  band  from  Texas  that  plays  a  very  aggressive  form  of  thrash  metal  with  a  touch  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Enter  The  Arena"  which  will  be  released  in August  by  Housecore  Records.

  Sci  fi  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  thrash  metal  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  after  awhile  aggressive  shouting  and  screaming  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful.

  While  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  mid  80's  it  still  maintains  a  very  modern  atmosphere  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  remain  very  true  to  an  old  school  style  of  extreme  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  amount  of  melody  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  war  and  movie  samples  are  used  briefly  as  the  album  progresses  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  at  times  the  music  adds  in  a touch of  80's  era  death  metal.

  Warbeast  plays  a  style  of  thrash  that  has  its  roots  in  the  80's  while  still  being  heavy  enough  for  the  modern  era,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  violence,  hatred,  war  and  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Warbeast  are  a  very  great  sounding  brutal  thrash  metal  band  and if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Centuries  Of  Poisoned  Soil"  "Maze Of  The  Monotaur"  "The  Scalping"  and  "Ancient  Hate".  8  out  of  10.    

The Necromancers/Servants Of The Salem Girl/Ripple Music/2017 CD Review

  The  Necromancers  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  very  psychedelic  and  progressive  mixture  of  doom  metal  and  occult  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Servants  Of  The  Salem  Girl"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Ripple  Music.

  Heavy  yet  melodic  doom  metal  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  clean  playing  is  also  used  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  mix  in  elements  of  hard  rock  and  after  awhile  70's  proto  metal  style  vocals  are  added  onto  the  recording  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  utilize  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  Elements  of  NWOBHM  can  be  heard  in  the  bands  musical  style  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  incorporating  more  psychedelic  and  progressive  influences  and  while  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  70's  it  still  retains  a  very  modern  atmosphere.

  The  Necromancers  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  doom  metal  and  70's  era  occult  rock  and  mixes  them  with  progressive  and  psychedelic  rock  while  also  making  the  music  sound  more  modern,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Luciferian,  Paganism,  Mythology  and  Horror  Movie  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Necromancers  are  a  very  great  sounding psychedelic  and  progressive  mixture  of  doom  metal  and  occult  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lucifer's  Kin"  and  "Necromancers".  8  out  of  10.

Demon Eye/Prophecies And Lies/Soulseller Records/2017 CD Review

  Demon  Eye  are  a  band  from  North  Carolina  that  plays  a  mixture  of doom,  heavy  metal,  occult  and  hard  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Prophecies  And  Lies"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Soulseller  Records.

  Heavy  doom  metal  riffs  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  decent  amount  of  melody and  after  awhile  clean  proto  metal  style  vocals  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  a  great  amount  of  70's  classic  rock influences  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  melodic  and  remain  true  to  a  retro  style.

  While  the  music  is  rooted  in  the  past  the  production  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  modern  feeling and  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  as  the  album  progresses  elements  of  traditional  metal  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  a  small  amount  of  mid  paced  sections  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  onto  a  later  track  and  the  closing  song  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Demon  Eye  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  doom  and  traditional  metal  and  mixes  it  with  70's  era  occult  and  hard  rock  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  occult  and  political  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Demon  Eye  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  doom,  heavy  metal,  occult  and  hard  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Waters  And  The  Wild"  "Kismet"  "Power  Of  One"  and  "Morning's  Sun".  8  out  of  10.

  

Gateway To Hell/Clovers/Unholy Anarchy Records/2017 EP Review

  Gateway  To  Hell  are  a  band  from  Baltimore,  Maryland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  heavy  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  ep  "Clovers"  which  was  released  by  Unholy  Anarchy  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the ep  along  with  some  melodic  guitar leads  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads  up  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  vocals  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  70's  proto  metal  while  also  having  a  slight  Glen  Danzig  influence  to  them  along  with  the  riffs  mixing  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal.

  A  great  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  70's  influences  while  also  being  very  modern  at  times  and  also  adding  in  the  energy  of  punk  rock  and  there  is  a  brief  acoustic  instrumental  along  with  most  of  the  music  sticking  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction.

  Gateway  To  Hell  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  70's  heavy  metal  and  doom  and  mixes  them  with  a  touch  of  punk  rock to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gateway  To  Hell  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  heavy  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tin  Roof"  and  "Scorched  Earth".  8  out  of  10.

Karamazov/Self-Control : 23:28/2017 EP Review

  Karamazov  are  a  solo  project from  Minnesota  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post  metal,  hardcore,  rock,  noise  and  ambient  and  this  is  a  review of  his  self  released  2017  ep  "Self-Control:  23:28"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Electronic  music  sounds  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  drum  beats  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  music  also  incorporates  a  decent  amount  of  industrial  elements  and  after  awhile  post  rock  style  guitars  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Some of  the  tracks  are  instrumental  while  the  synths  mix  in  elements  of  ambient  and  on  the  second  track  elements  of  metal  and  post  hardcore  style  vocals  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  and  clean  singing  is  also  used  briefly  while  another  track  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  saxophones  and  elements  of  noise  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Karamazov  plays  a  musical  styles  that  takes  post  metal,  hardcore,  rock,  noise  and  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Karamazov  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of   post  metal,  hardcore,  rock,  noise  and  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rich  Red  Light"  and  "Sleepwreck".  8  out  of  10.      

Howling Giant/Black Hole Space Wizard Part 2/2017 EP Review

  Howling  Giant  are  a  band  from  Nashville,  Tennessee  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  psychedelic  rock,  stoner  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their self  released  2017 ep "Black  Hole  Space  Wizard  Part  2"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Distorted  amp  sounds  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  and  after  awhile  psychedelic  style  keyboards  and  heavy  riffs are  added  onto  the  recording  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  give  the  songs  more  of  a  stoner  rock  touch  and  the  vocals  are  done  in  a  70's  proto  metal  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  there  is  also  a  brief  instrumental  that  introduces  acoustic  guitars  and  saxophones  onto  the  recording  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Howling  Giant  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  progressive  and  psychedelic  mixture  of  stoner  and  doom  metal  form  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Space  Travel,  Magick  and  Druidism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Howling  Giant  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  progressive,  psychedelic  rock,  stoner  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Visions"  and  "Earth  Wizard".  8  out  of  10.  

Devil Electric/Self Titled/Kozmik Artifactz/207 Full Length Review

  Devil  Electric  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  stoner,  doom  metal  and  occult  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2017  album  which  was  released  by  Kozmik  Artifactz.

  Heavy  yet  melodic  doom  metal  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  after  awhile  female  vocals  are  added  onto  the  recording  while  the  music  also  has  a  lot  of  roots  in  the  70's  but  with  a  more  modern  atmosphere.

  A  great  amount  of  stoner  and  70's  occult  rock  elements  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout the  recording  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  remain  very  true  to  a  melodic  and  retro  style  and  they  also  bring  in  a couple  of  brief  instrumentals  while  a  couple  of  later  songs  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  along  with  all  of  the  tracks  sticking  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction.

  Devil  Electric  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  stoner,  doom  metal  and  occult  rock  to  create  something very  dark,  heavy  and  retro  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Devil  Electric  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  stoner,  doom  metal  and  occult  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Shadowman" "The  Dove  And  The  Serpent"  and  "Hypnotica".  8/5  out  of  10.

  

Maharaja/Kali Yuga/2017 Full Length Review

  Maharaja  are  a  band  from  Dayton,  Ohio  that  plays  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2017  album  "Kali  Yuga"  which  will  be  released  in  September.

  Powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  drum  beats  and  melodic  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  some  aggressive  vocals  while  elements  of  hardcore  can  also  be  heard  on  the  recording  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  more  influenced  by  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  while  also  adding  in  a  touch  of  stoner  metal  and  after  awhile  high  pitched  sludge  style  screams  start to  make  their  presence  known  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  a  couple  of  the  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  clean  singing  is  also  used  briefly.

  Maharaja  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  sludge  metal  while  also  mixing  in  the  energy  of  hardcore  punk,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  occultism  and  apocalyptic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Maharaja  are  a  very  great  sounding  sludge  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blood  Moon"  "Ouroboros"  and  "I,  Undyimg".  8  out  of  10.

Highrider/Roll For Initiative/The Sign Records/2017 CD Review

  Highrider  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  heavy,  thrash,  doom  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Roll  For  The  Initiative"  which will  be  released  in  September  by  The  Sign  Records.

  Thrash  metal  style  riffing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  angry  shouting  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  while  atmospheric  keyboards  can  be  heard  in  the  background  at  times  while  the  mid  tempo  sections  are  very  heavily  influenced  by  hardcore and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  some  of  the  guitar leads  also  add  in  a  touch  of  traditional  metal  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  adding  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  some  psychedelic  touches  in  the  keyboards  at  times  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  70's  feeling  and  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  also  bring  in  the  energy  of  punk  rock  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful.

  Highrider  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  heavy,  thrash,  doom  metal,  psychedelic,  punk  and  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original.  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  negative  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Highrider  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  heavy,  thrash,  doom  metal,  psychedelic,  punk  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nihilist  Lament"  "The  Greater  Monkey"  and  "The  Rope  And  The  Blade".  8  out  of  10.   

False Gods/Reports From Oblivion/2017 EP Review

  False  Gods  are  a  band  from  New  York  that h as  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and   plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  with  some  elements  of  southern  metal, thrash  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2017  ep  "Reports  From  Oblivion"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  Distorted  amp  sounds  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  drum  beats  which  also  leads  to  a  heavier  direction  along  with  some  angry  hardcore  vocals  being  added  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  riffs  also  use  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  being  influenced  by  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  fashion  and  the  music  also  incorporates  elements  of  southern  and  thrash  metal  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  sloe  and  mid  paced  parts  along  with  the  vocals  also  using  a  semi  melodic  tone  briefly  along  with  a  brief  use  of  sludge  style  screams  and  the  music  always  remains  heavy.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  False  Gods  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  hardcore,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spirit  World".  8  out  of  10.

  

Neurosis/The World As Law/Neurot Recordings/2017 CD Re-Issue Review

  Neurosis  are  a  band  from  Oakland,  California  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  played  more  of  a mixture  of  crust,  d  beat,  hardcore  punk  and  extreme  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1990  album  "The  World  As  Law"  which  will  be  re-issued  in August  by  Neurot  Recordings.

  Acoustic guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  and  powerful  bass  guitars  being  added  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  take s the  music  more  into  a  hardcore  punk  direction  along  with  some  shouting  style  vocals  and  the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  d  beat.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  elements  of  noise  rock  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  acoustic  guitars  also  return  briefly  as  the  album  progresses  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  a  couple  of  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  some  of  the  more  aggressive  riffing  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  thrash  and  one  of t he  songs  shows  signs  of  the  future  experimental  style.

  On  this  recording  Neurosis  played  mostly  a  d  beat  style  of  hardcore  punk  while  a  great  amount  of  metal  influences  can  be  heard  along  with  an  experimental  touch,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  devastation, evolution  through  pain  and  spirituality  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Neurosis  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Double-Edged  Sword"  "To  What  End?"  and  "Blisters".  8  out  of  10.      

Brume Interview

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



JM: Brume is a slow playing, monotonous three piece doom/metal band from San Francisco California. Think if Portishead played metal, yeh that. We got together in 2014 over a love of bands like The Melvins, Yob and High on Fire. Since then we've released two records, our most recent being our debut full length we recorded with the legendary Billy Anderson.



2.You have a new album coming out this month, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the ep you had released in 2015?



JM: Rooster is a sonically more diverse and dynamic record overall. We focused on writing an album that would balance the slow, hypnotic vibe we had captured with Donkey, and create more diversity. More focus lyrics and vocal melodies, greater contrast musically not only throughout the album but within songs themselves.



SM:  I like to think of music being a timestamp on that part of our lives.  That is who we were at that moment and it won’t be who we are tomorrow.  So 2015 sounds like us and our vibe in 2015 and 2017 is what we were vibing in 2017. Courage, freedom and darkness reflects 2017.  2015 represents stress, hope and wonderment.



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



SM: The lyrics are adapted poems from one of the thousand notepads I have laying around my home to get repetitive thoughts out of my head for good and find peace.  Foolishly, I now find myself now repeating them over and over again on a microphone.  I suppose they are about self-torment when I think about it that way.  



One song talks about that we are all contributors to fuck faces power whores, if we don’t stop depending on other humans. Another is about the fear and healing behind honesty.  Another about my soul being at war and it manifesting itself in another fucking dream about the devil.  Another about this backstabbing cunt who always plays the victim. Another is about a man I admire. It’s about real life.



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



JM: We desperately wanted to call the band Fog not only because of where the band lives (SF) but the mood fog brings. Unfortunately there are plenty of bands called Fog. So we landed on the name 'Brume' as a French word meaning fog that also had the secondary 'witchy' element to it. There is an electronic artist in France that has used this name, at the time we picked and started using it he was defunct but alas, he's back. We now both use 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?



JM: Desertfest in London was absolutely incredible. We played to a fully packed 700+ Underworld/Camden (a line around the block to get in whilst we played) We were joined by my brothers Gareth and Rich from London Sludge band Gurt for our last song of the set. Inter Arma played later on the same stage and we saw so many incredible bands over the course of the weekend. So much love, beards and drinks. Epic. I hope we get to play Desertfest again soon.



SM: I’m in love with elephant tree, inter arma, sedulus, gurt, vodun, graveline and we shared a stage with them, like Jamie said, at the Underworld.  So my stage performance reflected my gratefulness for performing for or with people I admire.  I try to feel like each show is my last show so I stay in the moment and appreciate what is going on at the time I’m playing. Sometimes I’m grooving with one person in the audience the whole show as if they are the only person there and we get each other.



JPL: I’ve been told we smile too much for a doom band. It can’t be helped. I love these two.



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



JM: We toured the UK the day we released the record. We have some shows planned around the bay area (with Inter Arma and High on Fire/Big Business/Holy Grove) and plan to get out to more of the west coast later this year.



JPL: I’m hoping we’ll do an extended tour of the US and more of Europe in 2018.



7.The new album is coming out on your own label, do you feel you have more freedom working by yourself than what you would have with a label?



SM:  We are more into timing when it comes to releasing our album rather than being a part of a label.  Not to mention, we love and support our favorite bands and the labels that support them.  Ripple and STB treat us like family and they have wicked bands on their label.  Don’t forget about vinyl! We released with DHU, they are wonderful and supportive label.  Lucky to work with someone so flexible and accommodating.



JPL: Most definitely. We’ve always clung to the DIY principle and having the label is another way of continuing that and elevating our sisters-and-brothers-in-arms who are also making incredible music that may otherwise go unnoticed.



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



JM: The feedback has been awesome. From a scene perspective the love has been pretty overwhelming. JJ at the Obelisk, Billy Goate, Zachary Painter and co at doomed and stoned plus the past three months we've been in the Doom charts top ten is just crazy. We've done a lot of interviews and had a ton of great reviews. Our Vinyl has come out on DHU Records and seeing all the photos of people lose their shit on the wax is a blast too. We are so happy with the response.



SM:  I’m still shocked.  I think it has been way more than I expected and it seems like it grows every month.  All of that support has allowed us to keep writing, travel, record, etc.



JPL: The scene is very much alive. It’s been a lot of fun so far.



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



JM: Susie is an Engineer Wizard and mom to a 3 yr old. I am a Creative Director and Jordan works in video production and runs a record label. Brume takes every ounce of our spare time away from our incredibly patient wives and husband.



SM:  Nope.  Brume, family, engineering and sleep takes the full 24 hours in a day.



JPL: I’ve always got my ear to the ground. I’m always ready to take on too much.



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



JM: I am excited to see how much more diverse and sonically boundless we can be. We have ideas already brewing on the next record that already break any mold people might think we use.



SM:  If we stay on the same trajectory, we’ll fit less and less into a specific genre and create music more and more that represents who we are at the time we make it.  That typically is not healthy for your musical career and at times can be disappointing for your old fans; but it still feels right and what we want to do, so fuck it.



JPL: I think we have a lot of surprises left in us.



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?



JM: I Love Monotonous Blues like Junior Kimborough and West African band Tinariwen. I also love sad music. Folk music is a constant source of beautiful sadness for me, i'm really digging Sean Rowe at the moment. Radiohead was a huge influence on Rooster for me. In genre, I'm a Yob obsessed boy. Can't get over it but All Them Witches are one of the best bands out there. You'll find between the three of us that influence wise we are kinda all over the map. I love it that way. It means the next record will be even weirder.



SM: I’m from Louisiana, USA.  I grew up with Blues and Traditional Jazz and fell head over heals for punk rock in 7th grade.   It changes often but a few on my constant rotation this month is Wovenhand mostly and, also, King Dude, Elephant Tree, Spelljammer, Gurt, He whose ox is gored, Inter Arma, Chelsea Wolfe, Grimes, Earth, Bjork and Diamanda Galas.



JPL: I’m a sucker for a catchy melody. Right now I’m into marimba videos on YouTube. I don’t know why.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?



JM:  I'm a designer so I spend a fair bit of my time designing for brands, people and friends too. I surf. As much as I can. It's the most relaxing thing in my life.



SM:  I like chemistry, engineering, software, sewing, fixing people’s hair, making hats



JPL: Like all good Americans, I love fishing and baseball.



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



JPL: Thanks to everyone for their support from all over the world. We definitely feel it and we hope to bring you lots more music in the future.

Tommy Stewart's Dyerwulf Interview

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

Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf consists of me on bass and vocals plus my friend Eric Vogt on drums. I’m also the bassist for the classic thrash band Hallows Eve, who is inactive at this time. So I decided to get up and do some different stuff! Amonst several projects I decided it would be fun to just strip it don to me with a drum accompaniment. II have admit, I was a little apprehensive at first, but then got so much positive response I decide to keep doing it awhile.


2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

Very heavy and very raw. I did some crazy shit in the studio to record this thing. For one thing we actually did record it loud as possible. The decibel meter was hitting about 108 which is totally unnecessary, but that was half the fun of it! I wanted to get that real roar, that real live sound I can make on a bass that gets covered a lot in most recordings I’ve been on. Also we straight up recorded each song only 3 times and took the best one. So all the mistakes are there and that’s how we wanted it. Very real. Please turn it up when you’re listening to it or you’re not getting the full thing! The vocals I did sit down to do and they’re definitely produced, but I did some odd shit with them as well.


3.On the album you have the bass guitar as the lead instrument, what was the decision behind not using any regular guitars?

I just didn’t hear it as needed. These songs needed a beat, a melodic passage, and some vocals to talk about it. That’s all. Simple minimalism. Plus it’s kind of a dig to my guitar friends to say, see, guitar can be done without. I love guitar! But not always important. What really matters is the song and atmosphere. People forget about who did it one day, but a real good song is remembered.


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

Some people ask me what the hell are you talking about in your songs?!  Most of it is about something personal and real to me. I can explain each line. There is one song called Horrorshow which is my doom redo of an old Hallows Eve song I wrote from Tales of Terror. It was about my disillusionment as I grew from a boy to man. Another is With Darkened Eyes which I refer to as possibly the only doom metal love song ever written. It’s about the passing death of one lover to the awakening of a new one. And that happened to me so, again, for me it’s real.


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

Nothing cryptic. I rleeased a solo album under the name Tommy Stewart. Apparently my name is so common I needed to alter something so people could find me. I’ma  Game of Thrones fan. So there ya go! This project is my direwulf. My companion.


6.You have a musical history that goes back to the mid 70's, what is it that motivates you to keep going after 40 years?

I just have nothing better to do. Seriously. I’m sure I would be dead or in jail if I didn’t be obsessed with my music projects till the day I can’t do it anymore. I care very little for much in the world. Some small close family, art, music matters to me. That’s about it. I’m not meant to do other things. I think this is meant to be m  mission. I don’t know why, but I know to do it.


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

At this time we have only played 6 shows I think. We are quite new as a band. Of course I’ve played a lot of shows in forty years, but these few shows have had tremendous response. People have been over the top nice and encouraging to us after the shows.


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

Yes! I am booking some US dates right now, today, for some Bludy Gyres and Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf shows in the north Midwest in September. I’m going to also be working up more fall dates, mainly for the US east coast, but also applying to all the European festivals. That’s where I really want to be.


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

Who knows? I try to be open minded and color outside the lines. We did have 2 drummers at one of our shows just for fun. Right now we’re planning on a doing a second album as is, but maybe something will be different later.


10.On the album you had done a cover of The Monkees 'Porpoise Song', what was the decision behind doing your own version of this song?

Ah. This is very personal. I’ll tell it in a short way. This was a favorite song of my wife who passed away in 2010. One day I was singing it to her container of ashes and I suddenly felt I was singing it with much enough passion that perhaps I should record it. The best music, to me as an artist, is that which is truly felt as you play it.


11.The new album was released on 'Soman Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

It’s in France and run by Mister Eric Ruether! I liked the deal which seemed to be a good deal for our goals at this time. I liked his ideals about the package and passion of the music is more important than the money.


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

So far, we are hearing that fans of doom metal should hear this, we’re getting the thumbs up, good, good. I’m glad because that’s who I made it for. I don’t expect everyone to like such a specialty sound as roaring basses and tribal drums with some guy, that’s me, hollering about fools and the breast of death and so on. If your waiting for the guitar sound like a cat screaming when his tail is stepped on, it’s not there. This is all very aggressive bass and played with abandonment.


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

Ah ha! Now, on the other hand I’m also in Bludy Gyres which has a new album out called Echoes of a Distant Scream. It is also doom metal, but more in the vein of Solitude Aeturnus or Candlemas. More rich and possibly the main signature sound is the two harmony guitars at work. This band is the opposite of the other. I also produced this one, but it’s done meticulously, 164 hours of editing, nothing live about it, very studio, lush and precise. A little outside the box, unique, but well thought out.


14.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?

I don’t know! I have been doing more producing. I just produced an album for a band called Malviant. I have a studio I call Blue Ogre noise Lab. I’ve worked on six albums this year. I’m also toying with the idea of starting my own small label. I’v also thought of doing an album with guests only on it. Sort of the same idea as the old Probot, but different music. We’ll see!


15.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I really listen to a lot of of doom such as Electric Wizard. In daily listening while cleaning the studio for instance, I might have on some super old Pink Floyd or probably some friend’s album.


16.What are some of your non musical interests?

Tough. I do like to go on adventures with my close family. I just got back from staying in the French Quarter in New Orleans for a week. Our family has a condo there so we go occasionally and soak up the atmosphere. I’m fully attending 70000 Tons of Metal in 2018. So I guess you could say I like to travel. I spent about a week in Yellowstone that was awesome and involved a lot of hiking. I’m ready to go anyday, let’s go somewhere!


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

 I’d say that I really do appreciate the fans who have sent me good vibes about the dyerwulf album. And I appreciate the feedback of any kind! It really means a lot to me because this isn’t just another album for me. It’s a very personal album. So thanks to those who have been telling me they dig it.