Mena Brinno/Princess Of The Night/2013 CD Review

  Mena  Brinno  are  a  band  from  Tampa,  Florida  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  album  "Princess  Of  The  Night".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  atmospheric,  symphonic,  progressive  and  gothic  sound  to  the  recording  with  some  folk  music  elements  being  used  at  times,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  gothic  metal  riffs  that  utilize  alot  of  dark  sounding  melodies  in t he  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  gothic  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  operatic  gothic  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  depressing  and  poetic  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album.

  In  my  opinion  Mena  Brinno  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  gothic  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Princess  Of  The  Night"  "Serpentine  Lullaby"  and  "Sacrifice".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

The Gates Of Slumber Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Currently we are working on songs and arrangements for our next record. Other than that watching 
the world go by, not much.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and it how it differs from previous 
releases?
I don't know man. It's really just kind of what we've always done. I guess people should pick up a copy 
then go buy all our other releases (a few shirts and what not as well) and make up their own minds 
(ahem www.slumberingsouls.com)

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
Alienation and disillusion. Ambivalence. Addiction. Fear and loathing.

4. I know that the band has written some songs on Swords And Sorcery, can you tell us more about 
your interest in this topic?
Jason and I both grew up with comics and fantasy/horror movies and novels.  And for a long time we 
did songs based on that stuff.  The early days of the band had lyrics that were full of allegorical 
passages. Songs like The Judge and Jury were basically about the judicial system. How fucked it is 
that one person sits in judgement over another. Or the concept of a jury of your "peers". We went full 
on into the Conan stuff on Suffer no Guilt. Which, lyrically is the best of out fantasy stuff. And we kind 
of just kept it rolling for a few records. But it wore thin really quick, and we were starting to get 
labeled as a band that just did that kind of stuff. And we didn't want that. Plus style wise we were 
becoming more a straight metal band. And personally I didn't want that. I started doing this band 
because I wanted to play doom metal. So after the Hymns record was gone and the band had gone 
through some changes it was the chance to get back to center.

5. According to the Metal Archives page, the band was named after a sound from Cianide, what was it 
that interested you about this song in order to name the band after that?
Well, what it was is I had written about 5 or 6 songs. And one stoney night I was thinking that I 
needed to name this band, of which I was the solitary member. So after going through all the 
possibilities. And doodling a ton of logos. I decided on The Gates of Slumber. Really, I wish it was a 
deeper story.

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your 
stage performance?
Highlights were both of our Doom Shall Rise appearances and Roadburn fest. I don't know how to 
describe our stage show. I mean it's three guys and we are all kind of big. Not a lot of running around. 
I guess not unlike Motörhead. Loud and we don't move a lot.

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
You'll have to wait and see.

8. Recently The Abyss Records, re-issued your 2004 album, what are you thoughts on the final 
product?
I'm really glad it's back in print. It was one of the best moments of my life having that come out. 

9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of doom metal?
People seem to like it a lot. The return to form was very well received. 

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Polka maybe, I don't know. Maybe Outlaw Country.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are 
you listening to nowadays?
Black Sabbath.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Macramé. Tuvan throat singing. Animal Husbandry. Calling off work because of phony illnesses.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Go to www.slumberingsouls.com and buy a bunch of shit.

Fatality/Beers From The Grave/2009 CD Review

  Fatality  are  a  band  from  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2009  album  "Beers  From  The  Grave".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  thrash  metal  riffs  that  are  very  old  school  sounding  in  the  mid  80's  tradition  as  well  as  some  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  pure  thrash  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals a re  mostly  thrash  style  singing  that  utilizes  a  melodic  edge  to  them  at  times  as  well  as  some  deep  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  violence,  gore  and  thrash  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  old  school  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album.

  In  my  opinion  Fatality  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Victims  Of  The  Dead"  "Meet  Me  At  The  Graveyard"  and  "Fatality".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Loading Data Interview

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

Well, we just got back yesterday from the Stoner Rise Tour with Seven Weeks & Mudweiser. 2 great bands from France and great friends as well. An amazing tour. And we just released our new album Double Disco Animal Style produced by Alain Johannes from Eleven, Queens of the stone age, them crooked vultures etc etc....  So alot is going on.

How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

For starters I'd say that the songs sound very different from the former 2 albums. Either much darker or much lighter depending on the tunes. I took the option of singing with my deeper voice which is my natural voice instead of pushing it to the limit all the time. It's a more intimate album, maybe more mature as well even if that sounds very cliché. But 6 years went by since Rodeo Ghettoblaster and I surely didn't get any younger and a lot of things happened in my life and in the band since then. Working with Alain Johannes was a delight. Something I'd never eperienced before in a studio. As if he was in my head and completely understood what I was aiming for. As if I'd lent him my brain and my ears. He's a pure genius and I love the way he works. It's all based on instinct, nothing academic in his way of producing. He likes to take risks and try new techniques and the result is there to prove he was right.  

What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Love, sex, deceit, drugs, depression, resurrection, and everyday life basically. No politics!!!!

There was a 6 year gap between the last 2 albums, what was going on during those years?

Well time to tour with Rodeo Ghattoblaster, then time to write a new album and then many changes in the band. I moved to L.A for a year to write the new album and that's where we ended up recording Double Disco Animal Style. Alain became a friend and we decided to do this together. I then asked my former bandmates if they wanted to come record with me. A year had gone. Some came others didn't. Then it took a few months to get the new band together. I tried out several drummers but it didn't work out and finally Robin Vieville, our fomer sound enginner became our drummer. Then Louise became our sexy groovy bass player and Julien “Casanova” Ribeill started mastering the lead guitar. It's a great new lineup.

The new album has some well known quests on it, how did you get in contact with these musicians?

Well Nick (Oliveri) is an old friend. I've know him for 10 years now. Met him in 2002 thanks to my buddy Adam Keller who plays on the album as well. Adam was our drummer when I moved to Florida in 2002. Loading Data opened for Mondo Generator several times as well as for Nick's solo tour. So being in L.A it seemed obvious Nick had to be on the album. He even wrote a song for the band, Loading Generator. Unfortunately we didn't have time to finish it. It's a shame though because Mondo's drummer, Hoss  “Angeles” Wright,  played drums on there. We'll release it as a bonus track someday.  

What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
At first the band was called four-track junction. But it was bitch to pronounce mostly for foreigners. So I thought of something everyone would know and that would be easy to pronounce. It goes back to when internet was still really slow and you'd have Loading Data written on every website you'd try to open. It could take up to half an hour to open a flash website. And there it was...  loading data...

What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We've done some amazing shows with awesome crowds. Some of my best memories are in the USA, in Argentina, and this last tour was grand as well. It's hard to chose one show in particular. It's always so good to be up there on stage.

8, Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
Well as I said we just got back from a tour with Seven Weeks and Mudweiser. We're planning a big tour for September throughout Europe and we hope to hit the USA soon. .

The new album came out on Deadlight Entertainment, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

Deadlight had already taken care of the French release of Rodeo Ghettoblaster. They asked us if we were interested in them releasing the new one. We said go for it. Then A Quick One Records offered to release the LP. of  Double Disco and we went for it. All good.

On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the new album by fans of stoner rock?
For the moment the feedback is extremely positive. It's always a bit scary when you release a new album and mostly when it doesn't really sound exactly like the previous one. You hope people aren't going to let you down because your sound has changed a bit, your songwriting as well. But it turns out it's been very positive for the moment.

Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

I'm working on a solo project. But I've been working on it for years now. Maybe one day it'll see the light of day. For the moment I'm concentrated on this new album. It's our priority.


What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
West!

What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I listen to all sorts of music. From jazz to rockabilly. From stoner to soul. I think everything I listen to has an influence on what I write and how I write it. At the moment I'm really into rap for example. Not that I'm going to start rapping, don't worry but just to say I'm not hermetic to any style. There are too many bands and artists that inspire me. Not only music, but also books, paintings, photography.


Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Everything. Starting by the news and what happens all around the world. I hate feeling isolated. I can listen to the news all day long. I never get sick of it. My father was a journalist maybe that has something to do with it. Apart from that, I love art in general.

Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for taking the time to read this interview. Hope you enjoy the new album. See you somewhere on the road.

Stone Magnum/Self Titled/R.I.P Records/2012 CD Review

  Stone  Magnum  are  a  band  from  Indiana  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  old  school  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2012  album  which  was  released  by  R.I.P  Records.

  Drums  are  all  slow  with  some  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  along  with  some  mid  paced  traditional  sounding  old  school  doom  metal  riffs  with  some  dark  sounding  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark,  melodic  and  old  school  sounding  doom  metal/hard  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  which  are  only  used  briefly  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  add  some  more  epic  qualities  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  traditional  doom  metal  vocals  with  some  rougher  elements  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  evil  and  personal struggle  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  dark,  heavy,  powerful,  professional  and old  school  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  a  couple  of  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Stone  Magnum  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fallen  Priest"  "Pictures  Of  Your  Life"  and  "Am  I  Really  Insane".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

The Gates Of Slumber/The Awakening/Abyss Records/2012 CD Re-Issue Review

  The  Gates  Of  Slumber  are  a  band  from Indiana  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  doom   metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2004  album  "The  Awakening"  which  was  re-issued  by  The  Abyss  Records  during  the  year  of  2012.

  Drums  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very   strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced  traditional  doom  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  in  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  old  school  sounding  doom  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  doom  metal  vocals  with  some  more  aggressive  elements  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Sword  And  Sorcery,  Hate  and  War,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark,  professional  and  old  school  sound  to  it  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording with  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  The Gates  Of  Slumber  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Judge"  "Broken  On  The  Wheel"  and  "Blessed  Pathway  To  The  Celestial  Kingdom".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.        

No Sun In San Francisco Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Raul. We are No Sun In San Francisco, a metal-something band quintet from Lausanne, Switzerland. We just released our first full-length album intitled Principles And Particles.

2.how would you describe your musical sound?
R. Well, it’s definitely metal, as far as distorted guitars, growled vocals and fast drums are very much present throughout our songs but we try to not put any limits in wether we should sound like some kind of precise metal sub-genre. It's definately heavy !

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
R. For Principles And Particles the lyrics have been written by every member of the band. Each song is a short story including some fictional characters. These stories, characters or places are metaphorical texts about larger topics or just general thoughts about life, nature, science... There is a project about releasing the lyrics with some drawings illustrating the stories of Principles And Particles but we don't know yet when it is going to be out and how. (like our facebook page to have all the updates :)

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
R. The band name is really just a random combination of words we ended up putting together after endless discussions about what it should be.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
R. If we can’t stand up after we played it’s a sign that we did a good show. The best shows we had were on really small stages (or no stage at all) with a full house and sweat dripping down the walls.

6.Do you have any touring plans for the future?
R. We plan on touring Switzerland, France and wherever people want us to play. We are currently working on it and we hope it will be possible this Fall.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your album by music fans?
R. The album has just been released so we have very little feedback yet. But what we heard until now was really positive and we are looking forward receiving some reviews from all around the world. Actually our singer comes from Chile, so we have a nice crowd in south america supporting us too.

8.Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
R. I also play in Kruger (www.kruger.ch) and in The View Electrical (www.facebook.com/theviewelectrical).

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
R. It will be more straight forward, less riffing and more violent. It’s a secret but I’ll tell you anyways : we are already working on it and you should be able to hear some news stuff before you’d except it.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
R. We’ve always been very open minded about music and genres. I think the most prominent influences that we have go from Neurosis to Converge including Breach and Isis. But really, we listen to A LOT of different music and they all influence us in some kind of way at the end I think. We are also influenced by some « big brothers » here in Switzerland. Bands like Abraham or Coilguns, who are really putting out great records, touring outside Switzerland and having awesome feedback from all around the world make you really want to work harder and somehow follow their tracks. Because we know that at some point they were as young and stupid as we are now.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
R. I’m a graphic designer and I like to build all kinds of stuff. I don't know what the other dudes do though, I try to avoid them outside rehearsals or shows, in fact I hate them.

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
R. Stop complaining and make it better.

Cheers!