Face Down Interview

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

- We're just a bunch of guys doing what we do, and hoping to be able to make everybody have the best time of their lives while listening to the album or seeing us live.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?- It depends on who you ask, we've all got a variety of musical influences, but of course we've got something in common, and that's what makes us do what we do and love every riff and little detail of it.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?-Lyrical wise I try and make them accord to the southern style that we have, of course some of them relate to some hard situations that I've been through, and I like to try too to send a message out, commenting on some of the bad situations of todays society and world.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?The meaning of the name... well truly it's just about not giving up and keeping your head high. I'd say maybe a bit of putting your troubles on your back, and plowing though with your own will power too.

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

- It depends, the concert we had with Lofofora was incredible but it was a different vibe than the concerts we've had in small bars and concert rooms, there we were all so close that the exchange of energy was incredible, and that's what I love most about what we do, I'm an in your face with the public kind of guy. 

Stage performance wise... I'd say energetic, definitely energetic, being a public bound guy, I love to go and scream in the faces of the guys down in the pit. 

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

- Unfortunately not as of yet, but hopefully very soon we will, it'd be incredible to cross the great pond and play our backsides off over there.

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?- We're not really looking for a label at this moment because Black wave is taking good care of us in the promotion department and in finding us a nice number of quality concerts. We'll see for the second album if we get any offers, but it's not what we're concentrated on at this precise moment, right now we just want to concentrate on doing some nice gigs and kicking everyone's ass!!!

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

- Up to now we haven't had very much, but the little that we've had has been motivating. We'll see as we go on doing more shows and get a bit more exposure out there.

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

- One for all, and all for Face down. hehe

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

- Time will tell, but for sure they'll be as kickass as the first one.

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

- As I said before, our music comes from a variety of styles and one common factor "metal", each one of us have groups that the other guys don't like and others that they do, a common factor could possibly be Pantera, but I think essentially that maybe we all like different parts of their songs, and thus, they all being in the same group, make us a little on the same path.

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

- Personally I'm a sports addict.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
- Just to stay tuned for future concerts all round, and be prepared to be blown away!!! hehe

Krownn/Hyborian Age/PRC Music/2013 CD Review

  Krownn  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  traditional  form  of  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2013  album  "Hyborian  Age"  which  was  released  by  PRC  Music.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  traditional  doom  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  old  school  and  melodic  sounding  traditional  doom  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  use  finger  picking  to  add  more  classic  metal  elements  to  the  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  doom/heavy  metal  vocals  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  screams  being  utilized  on  the  last  song,  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  fantasy  writings  of  Robert  E.  Howard,  Michael  Moorcock,  J.R.R Tolkien  and  George  R.  Martin,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark,  heavy,  old  school  and  professional  sound  with t he  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Krownn  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a fan  of t his  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "For  The  Throne  Of  Fire"  and  "Gods  Of  Magnitogorsk".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Get Rad/I Can Always Live/Gilead Media/2010 CD Review

  Get  Rad  are  a  band  from  Wisconsin  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2010  album  "I  Can  Always  Live"  which  was  released  by  Gilead  Media.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  blast  beats,  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  riffs  that  combine  punk  and  old  school  hardcore  with  the  heaviness  of  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  all  old  school  sounding  hardcore  style  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  everyday  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  Get  Rad  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  old  school  hardcore  and  punk  with  elements  of  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Life  Without  A  Plan"  "Fucked  Off  Death"  "No  Easy"  and  "I  Want  To  Kill  A  Priest".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Voodoo Mule/Voodoo Zoo/2013 CD Review

  This  is  another  review  of  a  recording  from  Voodoo  Mule  with  the  music  continuing  their  hybrid  of  doom  metal,  sludge,  and  stoner  rock  with  the  full  length  being  self  released  in  2013  and  called  "Voodoo  Zoo".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom  metal,  sludge  and  stoner  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  old  school  and  psychedelic  sounding  doom  metal/stoner  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  have  a  blues  feeling  to  them  at  times.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  doom  metal/stoner  rock  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark,  old  school  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  recording  from  Voodoo Mule  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  doom  metal,  sludge  and  stoner  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Honeyland"  "Im  A  Midnight  Moler"  and  "Church  Snake".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Voodoo Mule/Demo 2011 Review

  Voodoo  Mule  are  a  band  from  Slovenia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  doom  metal,  sludge  and  stoner  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  demo.

  Drums  range  from  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  and  dark  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom  metal,  sludge  and s toner  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  dark  sounding  melodies  being  thrown  into the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  old  school  sounding  doom  metal/rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  stoner/doom  metal  singing  along  with  a  brief  use  of  high  pitched  sludge  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  desert  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy, d ark,  old  school  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present   on  this  recording  with  the  two  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Voodoo  Mule  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  doom  metal,  sludge  and  stoner  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Powder  Boy".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Fatality/Psychonaut/2013 CD Review

  Fatality  are  a  band  from  Toronto,  Ontario,  Canada that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  old  school  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  self  released  2013  album  "Psychonaut".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to fast  old  school  style  thrash  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a good  amount  of  melody  in  the  riffing  along  with  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  old  school  sounding  thrash  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  thrash  style  vocals  to  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  occult  and  thrash  metal  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album  with  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Fatality  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Enter  Purgatory"  "Before  The  Collapse" and  "Satan's  Shepard".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Gloryful Interview

Jens „Shredmaster JB“ Basten, guitar-player of 
GLORYFUL,  28.05.2013

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never
heard of you before?
Johnny and me started the band in 2010 as a two piece without having any 
professional aim in mind. The only thing we got in mind was to pay 
tribute to the bands which are most important for our lives, like they 
are the most important bands for a million heavy metal maniacs in the 
world: These bands are maybe Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Manowar. We 
did the "Sedna`s Revenge demo EP" which contains our very first three 
compositions. The feedback was quite nice so we had to extend the 
Gloryful line-up and to bring the band up on stages. The current line up 
is  Johnny la Bomba (vocals), Vito Papotto (guitar), Oliver Karasch 
(Bass) and Hartmut Stoof (Drums), … ah and it´s  me on the other guitar. 
We signed a record deal with Massacre Records in January 2013. Our debut 
album is called „The Warrior´s Code“. It has been released 5 days ago 
(may 24th) and we are very about that!

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
It´s not that typical european power metal with that high pitched vocals 
and keyboards. Johnnys voice is way more mid-ranged and the music is 
rather classic heavy metal with it´s own note. We play heavy metal. You 
will recognize a lot of famous heavy metal bands that influenced us, 
though we for sure never sound like a copy of one of these bands. We got 
our own special style regarding songwriting, guitar- and vocal-melodies 
and Johnny got a very exclusive sounding voice that makes a difference 
to most of the typical heavy- and powermetal acts out there. We try to 
keep things simple and integrate some nice hooklines and singalong-parts 
in our songs. Some people say we sound like early Maiden and Priest 
mixed with some Lizzy and Running Wild. But we are not compareable to 
those numerous retro-trend acts. We don`t try to be a poor copy of 80`s 
bands with a lot of silly glam-fashion, downsized sound to express 
authenticity

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
with the music?
We started writing about the saga of sedna, a story which is part of the 
inuit-mythology. You can find these themes in the tracks „Sedna´s 
Revenge“, „Death Of The First Earth“ and  „Breaking Destiny“. Besides 
that stuff it´s all about heavy metal brotherhood, and ecspecially about 
heavy metal as something you can´t get rid of once you became a real 
part of it. We are actually exploring our inner selfs. And we tell 
peolpe that heavy metal it nothing you can buy or imitate as it is a 
part of your heart and soul. Heavy metal is just more than meets the eye.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
There is no specialmeaning behind that. One day in 2010 I suddenly had 
this name along with some conceptional ideas as the inuit-mythodology in 
my head. Johnny liked the idea so we started that way.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?
One of the best shows was the show with Powerwolf in 2011 in Essen: it 
was a sold out show and half oft he audience was singing our songs 
without knowing the stuff! We was simply blewn away and that day we 
truly started believing in what we started. Another great gig was the 
show with Cicagos´ High Spirits in Hamburg in April´13.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Of course we need to support the album with a fitting tour soon. But 
nothing is fixed so far and maybe we will organize a little underground 
package tour through Germany/benelux states in late summer if nothing 
bigger happens sooner or later.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans
of metal?
The press-response on „The Warrior´s Code“ is just incredible so far. 
The sellings via amazon are suprisingly nice what no one expected. We 
got a lot of messages from people all over the world, but itßs 
impossible to draw a picture at the moment. The record was released only 
5 days ago. So far it really seems pleople diggin´ the shit.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
Surely Gloryful is actually taking the main part. Vito is part of new 
german melodic metallers Exotoxis while i work on new Night in Gales 
demo-tracks. There will be a german-romanian black metal collaboration 
called „The Wake“ later this year i will be involved in as well.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
There will be no other direction for Gloryful. We started Gloryful for 
what is now and it hopefully stays the same for the next couple of 
albums. Most oft he tracks for our second album are already written and 
we will record the new album this summer. There will be no bigger 
changes, we just tried to do some shorter songs as well this time.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I started at the age of 8 with bands like Dio, Crue, Maiden, Helloween, 
Guns n´ Roses and Wasp. We strongly believe, that the bands you listen 
to in your youth are the most important in life. And that´s what 
Gloryful is all about: You are not choosing heavy metal – metal chooses 
you!


11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Honestly, for me there is actually no fucking time left for anything 
besides Music and Work. If there´s some little sparetime between music 
and work, i really need that time to relax. Johnny is a lot into 
X-Box-games, comic-series and of course the whole Marvel-stuff, hartmut 
is a semi-professional table-tennis player, Olli is wearing the Karate - 
black belt while Vito is working as guitar-teacher.

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I`d like to thank all of you real heavy metal maniacs out there that 
support us. Everyone should check out our album which will be released 
as alimited vinyl-edition on Metalizer Records in Juli as well as our 
soon to be released first official music-video for the titletrack „The 
Warrior´s Code“ on youtube and www.gloryful.net! Get in touch with us 
for booking and merchandise requests easily at facebook. Stay metal, Cheers!