Bakken Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We are a 4 piece classic metal band from Northern Ireland and have been playing originals since summer 2011.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

People often compare us to Helloween/Gamma Ray or Metallica/Megadeth, which isn't too far from the mark; its fair to say that its mostly a fusion of thrash with NWOBHM/power metal influences. Its always melodic, but very lively too:- lots of double kicks, twin guitar harmonies, time changes and key changes, just like all my favourite bands! :-)

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

The lyrics are important to me and usually are quite political. Darkest Day is about the acceptance that humans are destroying our habitat and perhaps a worldwide catastrophe might be a good thing from the planet's point of view; Mystic Mogul is about a doctor I encountered working for the NHS and despite the fact we live in a democratic society, there are lots of “little Hitlers” in all walks of life; The Cursed is about the finality of death and about those worst off in society; Sasquatch is a cynical take on the journey involved when you follow your dreams; Back To The Future is a nostalgia tribute to 80s rock and a statement of intent for the musical direction of our band; Get Back To Your Feet is inspired by the Rocky films and is about the strength of human spirit when the chips are down; Fortress Of Evil is about organised religion; Voyage Of Aodh is a story about the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side”. Its about a guy who spends most of his days dreaming of leaving home then has a nightmare adventure trying to get back home when things go horribly wrong.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The band name has no meaning to be honest! We wanted something that just sounded right so we just made it up. I think someone wanted “Kracken” and someone else wanted “Bakkus” so we joined the two and ended up with Bakken :-)

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

We played the Siege Of Limerick (a metal festival) recently and we all decided it was our best gig. There was crowd surfing, a wall of death and some people were singing along, great experience. I'd describe our live show as frantic mayhem!!

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

We certainly hope to do one European tour this summer and at least one UK tour. Our new bassist Adrian has to undergo an operation, but after that is done we will finalise the dates

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?

The one that pays us the most money!! [laughs] Most of my favourite bands are signed to the likes of Nuclear Blast, Metal Blade etc. but its very hard for a band to get signed these days,I guess because of the illegal downloading thing and the fact that record companies struggle to make money off bands at the moment. We'd obviously love to get signed to a label and help us increase our exposure and help us get touring etc., but I like to think we've done well so far on our own.

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

Absolutely unbelievable. We never ever thought in a million years that people from all over the world would be buying our record and sending us messages of support, its really humbling. We get a lot of comments from fans saying how they are really pleased to see “proper” metal bands like us making a come back, there are obviously a lot of guys (and ladies) like myself who are not fans of the kind of heavy music being pedalled in the mainstream media these days and are crying out for some good old fashioned metal with decent songs and melodies.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Well, thats a good question! I think the last album was very diverse with influences coming from all over the place. I think the next record will probably be more technical, faster and more thrashy and with a more cohesive overall sound. But the main elements will still be there, fast drums, twin guitars and long complex songs.

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

I grew up listening to rock and metal through my teens. I used to love bands like Therapy? And The Smashing Pumpkins, but my life definitely changed after hearing Maiden for the first time! I also remember being absolutely blown away the first time I heard the Keeper albums by Helloween, their first 3 albums are still untouchable IMHO. Queen have always been a great favourite of mine, I think they are probably the greatest talent in rock. Nowadays I still listen to a lot of the stuff I did when I was younger, the likes of Metallica, Megadeth, Judas Priest etc, but my favourite bands at the minute would probably be Gamma Ray, Children Of Bodom and In Flames. I think all those bands Ive mentioned probably influence our music, but I like trying to incorporate aspects of as many diverse styles as possible. I've kind of been studying classical music a lot recently (like Mozart and Bach) from a song writing approach and I love the way the instruments all play different things but intertwine to create chords. That's something Ive been experimenting a lot with recently.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I know its not very metal, but I'm a scientist and a birdwatcher! :-) I also really like sports like surfing and running...

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Just to say a big word of thanks to anyone who has supported our band so far, we really appreciate it and hope to meet you all in person soon!

In The Silence Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're just practicing, writing new material, and looking forward to the re-relase of A Fair Dream Gone Mad on Sensory Records, and trying to enjoy the moment as much as possible. We've been looking at a few tour opportunities, and of course there's ProgPower USA in September, where we're performing at the Thursday Night kickoff. And, we've added a full time keyboard player, Brandon Gunadangolo, formerly of With Passion (earache records).

 2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?
Well, it's our first album, but we've all been playing in bands for a long time, and some of these songs have developed over quite a few years, so the sound kind of reflects that musical journey and an accumulation of influences, everything from Opeth to Fear Factory, to Dead Can Dance and the Cure. Musically it's got a lot of atmosphere and melody, and yet it's still heavy and dark, and everything we all like in music. We've been called progressive metal, though we really just set out to write good music, and if that's what we end up with, we're happy.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release? A lot of it is a result of my own personal spiritual path and observations of life and the world we live in. Seventeen Shades for example is almost a song about realizing that the world that was built up in your mind from childhood is an illusion, and that much of what we're fed through schools, mainstream media, government, and religion is really not the truth.  In the song I'm talking about letting go, and searching within for the truth and the ability to perceive the world without the filter that's been placed over it by these institutions, who all seem to have a vested interest in what you're thinking. In Beneath these Falling Leaves, and asking, are we going to wake up and take responsibility in time to not destroy ourselves? All the Pieces is kind of my anti-war, fuck the New World Order kind of song.  I wrote during the Bush administration at the peak of the Iraq war...go figure. Most people however assume it's about a relationship that ended, which I guess it could be.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
 Great question. Basically,  I was sitting in my room trying to think of band names and reading about how meditating in total silence was the best way to completely clear the mind and perceive spirit.  So I thought In the Silence would be a cool band name.  And I guess it worked!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance? Our CD release show last year was awesome. It was a small venue, but we packed the place. A couple years ago we played this festival out in Northern California called PlumStock that was a lot of fun. As for our performance, we're not big enough to where we have any kind of major stage production yet, but we certainly try to bring some energy to the stage. Mainly our stage show right now is Dennis. That guy moves around like a wild boar on crack on stage. I'm kind of glued to a pedal-board and microphone, so it's harder for me to do anything but sing and play, but I rock out when I can. In the future we'd like to have some video going on in the background, maybe some other fancy rock-star shit as finances allow.

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

Yes, but nothing I can officially announce right now. 

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

It's been great. I'm amazed really, considering we put this album out ourselves with no promotion and no one had ever heard of us outside our area. I don't really think we're that progressive myself, or that metal, but the community has certainly taken a liking to our music. Metalstorm.net gave us some great feedback and put us on some of their top lists for 2012. That's flattering to say the least. So, they've been very kind to us. I am still waiting for that one really shitty review, but so far it hasn't happened. 

8. How would you describe the metal scene in Sacramento, California?

I guess it's pretty diverse. There are a lot of bands, everything from Death Metal to Sludgy Doom Stoner Metal. But Sacramento is more of an indie-rock hipster type scene. Metal bands don't get much love...except from hardcore metal fans. And of course the Deftones come from Sacramento. R.I.P Chi. 

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases? Well, time will tell. Right now the stuff we're writing is in some cases heavier, some cases more melodic, but always with that same kind of atmosphere and emotion to it. I do plan on bringing in some different instruments in the future, but I won't reveal my secrets just yet! Mwahaha.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? I learned guitar by reading Metallica tab books and playing by ear. From there I got into Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and then more diverse metal stuff, My Dying Bride, Samael, Cradle of Filth, Opeth, Katatonia, non metal stuff like Depeche Mode, the Cure, Dead Can Dance. I listen to a lot of non-metal actually. I'm really into White Lies, and a band called The Chameleons from the 80's. But of course I love my metal. I listen to Katatonia a lot these days. I just got into Alcest, and Sky Harbor.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests? Being outdoors. I'm a big river guy. My girlfriend ad I spend every free day we have in the summer at one of the rivers around here. I like to travel, read, paint. I have a couple of cats that I adore. I'm addicted to Game of Thrones, and I think I've seen every Ancient Aliens episode, and have read a lot of the books it's based on,  but other than that, i don't watch TV because it's just a fucking mind control device. I don't even have cable at my house now.  Bringing down the man is something of a hobby. I'm always posting shit about Monsanto and GMO crops and other exposing the New World Order type stuff.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Ya. Thanks for the interview, and to anyone reading this, you are an invaluable human being, endowed with the power to created your own reality. Don't let anyone take that from you, and don't believe the mainstream media when it comes to anything. See ya!

__________

Earthen Grave Interview

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

Ron: We are writing songs with our new drummer Chris Wozniak ( Lair of the Minotaur) and getting ready to record and mix some bonus tracks for a Spring re-release of our debut record with a new label. We are booking shows and getting ready for a big year.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Ron: The new New album will pretty much sound like the Old new album, but with bonus tracks. A mix of Doom, Thrash, Prog, with a touch of classic 80's Metal with a feeling of Sabbath meets Priest meets Metallica with Trouble overtones!

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Ron: Life, death, pain, love, misery...all that life throws at you whether you like it or not.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Ron: Earthen Grave. The World is going to Hell in a hand basket. Its a dying World by our very own hand! The air we breath and need to live is being poisoned, our food and water is being poisoned, we are being slowly killed by greed. We Are Doomed!

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

Jason: Millennium Park in 2010. It's a massive Frank Gehry-designed outdoor stage on the lake in Chicago. A classical festival closed their weekend with a whole day of Rachel's projects. She played sets with her trio, an orchestra and Earthen Grave closed the festival playing to a couple thousand people. A full-on thunderstorm hit about 2/3s through our set...about as metal as it gets.

Ron: Mill Park was amazing. Playing with Mayhem at the House of Blues was wild. When Rachel gets to play with us it is a bit more polished. We Rock, but more controlled. When we play w/o Rachel (which is often) We are more loose and wild. We are a true rock/Metal band having fun..... Days of the Doomed fest in Milwaukee is Always a great time!!!

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

Ron: We plan on playing all over the States and eventually end up playing Europe and Beyond.

7. Currently you are signed to Claude & Elmo Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

Ron : I made the owner wine and dine me, take me to strip joints, buy me new socks and stuff... No actually, I own C & E Music and Publishing. We decided to put the record out ourselves. Its a lot of work, but we wanted to try it. Now we are about to hand over the reigns on a new release....

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

Jason: Well. America's doom scene embraced us due to Ron's involvement. Rachel's worldwide fan base wants to see her with us and we're more than ready to comply.

Ron: We are getting well known and well liked playing and hanging with all the doom bands playing the Doom Fests and touring.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Jason: Rachel's constantly on the road with her touring schedule. Ron's busy playing all over the world with The Skull. Our new drummer has stuff going on with I, Klautus, Lair of the Minotaur and a couple other projects. Our guitarist Tony Spillman is prepping a release for his band Spillage. My other band, The Living Fields (www.thelivingfields.com) released our 2nd album, "Running Out of Daylight" on Candlelight Records in 2011 and are beginning to pull the next album together. My death metal project Wintering (www.winteringdeath.com) released its first demo "End of All Tides" in 2012 and is releasing our second "Carrion Call" tomorrow (Jan 22).

Ron: I got the Skull https://www.facebook.com/troubletheskull Which is Eric Wagner and Myself from Trouble playing the old Trouble songs .We are playing shows and writing new songs

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Jason: The song "Earthen Grave" was - in my opinion - the first truly Earthen Grave tune. It was a collaborative writing effort and perfectly bridges the gaps between my taste for more European doom, Ron and Tony's more American, blues-based styles and Rachel's classical background. I suspect that's our stepping off point for future material.

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

Jason: I won't speak for the other guys, but for me, for this band, when it's time to write, Sabbath is my first stop for inspiration. Past that, Judas Priest, Rainbow, Pentagram, Iron Man, Earthride, Candlemass,Solitude Aeturnus...

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Jason: For better or worse, music is probably my only interest worth writing about. It's certainly my only passion.

1. x

Elvenstorm Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
So, we have released the LP version of our first album, which is available since few weeks, and we are actually in Microclimat studio in Grenoble to record the next release.
We have worked a lot on new songs after the release of “Of Rage and War” and we are now really happy with those new songs.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
I think the new songs sounds more “mature”, more elaborated, and a bit darker than the previous release.
But don’t expect a “heavy black modern neo” metal, this new record is still a fast piece of true heavy metal, we are what we are we’ll never change it for anything.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
With Elvenstorm, we explore many subjects, fantasy war, witchery, history for exemple, but we talk about values and human being, hidden behind those subject.
As you can see on songs like “Kill the Deceivers” or “Struggle Within” we talk about treason, bullshit talkers, but also about values like courage and hope which is the best way to live to be over the top.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
In fact, for the band name, we thought about our music, we played fast speed heavy metal who reminds us a Blitzkrieg storm attack. And we also add it a quite melodical part who reminds us elves songs. That’s the story behind the band name

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
I really have great memories about our gigs in Germany and Italy, where the crowd were awesome as they didn’t come for only us.
I think that my best gig memory is the Rising fest II where we opened for Wizard, it was great to see people coming for us and singing our songs !!!!
In another point, I think that technically we were really great on our last show in Le Creusot, with many energy and strength.
The band has a great potential but the crowd support is really important… but anyway the best is yet to come !


6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Actually we are in studio, so we focus only on this new record
We will play in Taunus Metal Festival in Germany in July, this is the only gig we have for this year, it’s still a pleasure for us to play in Germany
But I hope we’ll tour a lot for the next album, let’s wait and see

7. When can we expect another full length?
We hope to release it for the end of 2013, but we can’t promise anything about the release date and details for the moment.
So stay tuned for news !

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?
On a worldwide level, we are really happy about the feedback for “Of Rage and War”.
Specially in Brazil, Poland, Greece and Germany, Fab from Inferno Records has also accomplished a great job !
We had the chance to have some great times on stage and with fans on the road abroad.
It was really great to meet them and we made a lot of friends.
We were also surprised by some French webzines who proves us that True Heavy Metal is not dead yet in France,

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
So as I told before, the new songs sounds more darker, mature and more elaborated.
But we don’t really think about which way or another way to write new songs.
We play Metal with our hearts and souls, and we play what we love the most: HEAVY METAL

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
For Elvenstorm, the bands which influenced us are really inked in German metal history, of course I think about bands like Running Wild, Old Helloween, Paragon or Stormwitch but also US bands like Savage Grace.
For myself I actually listen to Crom, Savage Grace, Masterplan, Pretty Maids

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Outside of music, I’m interesting a lot in cinema, horror movies and before to be a singer,
I was studying literature and cinematography at school and university.


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I would like to thanks you or this interview, and your interest for Elvenstorm
And I also want to thanks all Elvenstorm fans on the world for their awesome support.
See you all on the road !!!
Metal On !!!



Answered by LAURA FERREUX on April 14th, 2013

Cardinals Folly Interview

All questions are answered by me, Mikko (Bass / Vocals).

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We´re a finnish doom metal trio. We originally got started in late 2004 as THE COVEN. Under that moniker, we made a few demo EP´s and one live recording. In 2007 we became CARDINALS FOLLY, and that´s the road we´re on. Since changing the name, we´ve made 2 EP´s, one full-length album and now we released this compilation CD, "Strange Conflicts of the Past", which features most of the material on those EP´s, along with three unreleased tracks.

>
> 2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Traditionality from the 70´s heavy metal bands combined with thrusty NWOBHM elements from the 80´s, along with some darker doom metal boost from the 90´s and finally, something new as well.

>
> 3. Your song lyrics cover alot of occult topics and classic horror writers, how would you describe your views on Occultism?

It´s difficult to explain. It´s like a life-long obsession with no ending. You know when it appeals to you, you really know it. Without my passion for classic horror movies or literature, it´s unlikely I would be doing this at all. Everything relates to everything, and to me it´s very important to knit the whole package together. Music, lyrics and cover arts must collaborate. If you look at our visual side, listen to our music and read the lyrics, you might understand what I mean? I´ve had these visions of the band since the very beginning, but developing as a band, planning visual stuff with our drummer Sebu (who paints/draws our cover arts) and combining this lyrical influence, heavy sound and those visuals... that´s when things started to happen. It´s the most inspiring stuff for me ever, to being some story like They Found Atlantis or The Spear of Destiny into heavy metal reality. But to be honest, it´s all in vain without the right guys to do it with. Right now, we have a strong line-up and everyone knows what it´s all about.

>
> 4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

There are many meanings. I originally found the name from a 1930´s black magic horror novel. I remember sending a text message to our guitarist Jyri back then: "how about Cardinals Folly?" he answered: "yeah, probably a cool pub to meet!". He actually thought I was suggesting a place to drink! As if Cardinals Folly was an irish pub. That surely settled it, hahaha! I also think you´d have to have plenty of healthy folly in you, to keep going with a stuff like this.

>
> 5. The band started out as The Coven, what was the decision behind the name change?

Well, how many The Covens are there in the world? I started the band when I was 18-19. I guess making up titles wasn´t as easy as nowadays... :-)

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

There´s been few good shows with older line-ups. But I think somehow we have grown into another stage and the ones worth mentioning specially are ahead. We recently had the first few gigs with our new line-up and they were promising. Next one is just a week from here: looking forward.

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

I think it depends on forces beyond our reach. The compilation CD is getting nice reviews and media exposure in the web at least. We´re recording our second album this month as well. All good gig/touring opportunities will be considered within our possibilities and schedule. All offers are welcome.

>
> 8. Recently Shadow Kingdom put out a compilation, what are your thoughts on the final product?

I think it´s very cool. We had the idea about this with Sebu for a long time, and about a year ago I asked Tim if he was interested and we got the ball rolling. I remember buying some reissued compilations from bands which had sold out their early/demo works and being all excited on that nostalgic trip. I also feel it was important to offer something new as well. We also made a new layout, front cover etc... one third of that compilation consists on unreleased tracks from the same period: one old The Coven song played with Cardinals Folly´s 2009 line-up, Kraftwerk song handled in doom-chedelic style and finally, the outro track: what can you say. Stab the spear of destiny?

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

It´s been mostly positive. I think people are identifying our unique charm. I think they are seeing at least partially what´s there. You know, when people get sucked into some band seriously, they start to see under the surface. I think this band has ALWAYS consisted of three guys, whose musicianship creates a valley of wickedness to immerse yourself in. When you combine that with my lyrical passions and our visual side... I think more people should hear from us, and I don´t care if someone thinks I´m arrogant in saying this.

>
> 10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We have the new album composed, and we will enter the studio on 26th of this month. Shadow Kingdom described our music by saying we´re a classic doom band with black metal ingredients and even a dash of punk. I think it still describes us quite well. The new album consists of 8 tracks spanning over 55 minutes. Some song titles are "Our Cult Continues!", "The Lover´s Crypt" and "Fallout Ritualist". It´s catchier and more in-your-face than our debut album. There are also some new elements. I think one should always be able to give something new to discover with every album. Seems to be happening. Ah, it fucking kills. Just wait.

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

Our musical taste is fairly wide. To cut a long story short, we like 70´s power-trio bands, NWOBHM, black metal, doom, some death metal, gothic, some punk, even classical because Richard Wagner is the world´s heaviest shit... we´ve recently chatted about bands like ELECTRIC WIZARD, CIRITH UNGOL, UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS, PRIMORDIAL, WITCH MOUNTAIN, HAWKWIND, WITCHFINDER GENERAL, BATHORY, JEX THOTH, BLACK HOLE, MGLA, ANGEL WITCH, URFAUST.... must I go on?

>
> 12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Literature, old horror movies, relationship, pets, LUCIFER, travelling, getting caught with a beer in my hand... also sometimes I like to hit the punching bag. Random presence in different places. Stalking. Records? Oh, but that´s music again.

>
> 13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Heavy Metal Hails, N.W.O.F.D.M to the grave!

Have a good time drinking beer and listening to our BLUES FOR SATAN!

Cheers.

Raven Lord/Descent To The Underworld/Mausolem Records/2013 CD Review

  Raven  Lord  are  an  international  band  with  members  being  from  the  United  States  and  various  European  countries  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  heavy/power  metal  with  neo  classical  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Descent  To  The  Underworld"  which  was  released  by  Mausolem  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  symphonic  and  neo  classical  sound  to  the  recording,  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,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  traditional  and  power  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into t he  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  old  school  and  melodic  sounding  heavy/power  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  utilize  some  neo  classical  elements  at  times.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  heavy/power  metal  vocals  along  with  some  back  up  shouts,  while the  lyrics  cover  dark,  historical,  mythology  and  metal  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Raven  Lord  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  heavy  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Attila  The  Hun"  "Promised  Land"  "World  Out  Of  Steel"  and  "Metal  Knights".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

The Moth Gatherer/A Bright Celestial Light/Agonia Records/2013 CD Review

  The  Moth  Gatherer  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  extreme metal, hardcore, progressive  and  experimental  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "A  Bright  Celestial  Light"  which  was  released  by  Agonia  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  sound  effects  and  synths  bring  elements  of  ambient,  experimental,  industrial,  and  progressive  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very   strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  and technical  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  extreme  metal,  hardcore  and  progressive  music  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  with  some  of  the  riffing  utilizing  doom  metal  elements  as  well  as  some  melody  and  clean  playing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  to  aggressive  sounding  metal/hardcore  screams  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  deep  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressing  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  yo  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  Moth  Gatherer  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  extreme  metal,  hardcore,  experimental  and  progressive  music and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Water  That  We  All  Came  To  Need"  and  "A  Road  Of  Gravel  And  Skulls".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.