Tarja/Colours In The Dark/Armoury/2013 CD Review

  Tarja  is  a  solo  artist  from  Finland  best  known  for  her  work  in  Nightwish  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  symphonic  rock/metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  her  2013  album  "Colours  In  The  Dark"  which  was  released  by  Armoury  Records.

  "Victim  Of  Ritual"  starts  off  with  a  slow  drum  beat  before  the  orchestra  kicks  in  which  leads  to  the  clean  singing  operatic  female  vocals,  shortly  the  heavy  metal  guitar  rhythm's  kick  in  and  join  forces  with  the  orchestra  as  well  as  some  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riff's.

  "500  Letters"  starts  with  some  some  gothic  sounding  vocals  and  soft  synths  before  going  into  a  semi  heavy  and  melodic  hard  rock/metal  riffs  for  a  couple  of  minutes  until  a  brief  guitar  solo  makes  itself  known  before  the  song  switched  back  and  forth  from  soft  and  heavy  along  with  a  brief  use  of  whispers,

  "Lucid  Dreamer"  starts  of  with  a  classical  music  style  orchestra  along  with  some  regular  synths  until  the  vocals  kick  in  and  add  to  the  other  elements  which  sets  up  the  pace  for  some  heavy  metal  guitar  riffs  to give  the  song  more  diversity,  then  the  song  goes  into  a  more  avant  garde  direction  with  some  spoken  word  parts  and  samples  before  the  classical  and  metal  elements  return.

  "Never  Enough"  starts  of  with  some  radio  friendly  metal  riffing  before  the  soft  parts  and  vocals  kick  in  along  with  a  powerful  bass  guitar  and  then the  song  goes  into  a  more  melodic  and  heavier  direction  while  still  utilizing  goth  rock  elements  and  going  back  and  forth  between  soft  and  heavy.

  "Mystique  Voyage"  starts  off  with  some  soft  sounds  and  spoken  word  parts  before  the  piano's  and  drum  programming  kicks  in  along  with  some  synths  and  vocals  for  awhile  until  going  into  a  more  orchestra  rock direction  while  also  utilizing  some  acoustic  guitars  and  semi  melodic  guitar  leads  as  well  as  the  song  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  "Darkness"  starts  off  with  some  sound  effects  before  the  heavy  metal  guitar  riffs  and  synths  kick  along  with  the  vocals  and  industrial  elements  then  the  song  goes  into  a  more  soft  rock  style  direction  for  awhile  before  going  back  to  the  metal  and  gothic  elements  while  retaining  the  more  softer  musical  parts.

  "Deliverance"  starts  off  with  a  very  symphonic  sounding  orchestra  which  leads  to  the  metal  guitars  and  the  orchestra  joining  forces  together  before  the  vocals  kick  in  which  turn  the  song  into a  more  gothic  rock/metal  direction  along  with  some  powerful  drum  programming  and  the  song  goes  into  a  more  mid  paced  direction  towards  the  end.

  "Neverlight"  starts  off  with  some  powerful  guitar  riffs  and  drum  beats  bring  a  classic  metal  feeling  to  the  song  which  leads  up  to  the  vocals  combining  all  off  the  other  parts  with  some  gothic  sounding  synths,  the  music  stays  in t hat  direction  for  awhile  and  then  the  orchestra  starts  combining  with  the  other  elements.

  "Until  Silence"  starts  off  with  some  dark  sounding  synths  which  lead  to  the  programming  and  vocals  and  the  song  stays  in  that  direction  for  a  few  minutes  before  the  orchestra  and  guitars  kick  in  which  also  close  the  song.

  "Medusa"  starts  off  with  some  soft  esoteric  musical  sounds  from  the  folk  instruments  until  the  finger  picking  from  the  acoustic  guitars  kick  in  and  then  the  metal  guitar  riffs  and  vocals  make  their  presence  along  with  the  orchestra,  as  the  song  moves  on  the  male  vocals  kick  in  as  well  as  some  drums.

  Lyrics  on  this  album  cover  Darkness,  Nature,  Feelings  and  Life,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  great  sounding  album  from  Tarja  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  artist,  you  should  check  out t his  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  ""500  Letters"  "Darkness"  "Deliverance"  and  "Medusa".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Abysee/en(D)grave/2012 CD Review

  Abysee  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  an  instrumental  form  of  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  album  En(D)grave".

   "Eagle  Of  Haast"  starts  off  with  an  exotic  guitar  solo,  powerful  drumming  and  heavy  bass  and  rhythm  guitar  riffs  that  bring  in  doom  metal  elements  then  leading  to  a  melodic  post  rock/metal  guitar  lead  along  with  some  shoegaze  sound  effects  before  going  back  to  the  rhythm's  well  maintaining  the  solos  and  before  the  end  of  the  song  the  music  speeds  up  with  a  blast  beat  from  the  drums.

  "Ten  Thousand  Changes"  starts  out  with  a  psychedelic  sound  before  the  music  gets  heavy  with  fast  riffing  and  drumming  for  a  few  seconds  the  music  slows  down  and  gets  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  along  with  some  heavy  bass  playing  for  a  couple of  minutes  then  a  melodic  guitar  solo  makes  it  way  into  the  song,  then  the  music  switches  back  to  being  heavy  and  melodic  while  still  having  the  lead  guitar  parts.

  "Mastodon'  starts  of  with  a  very  slow  and  heavy  stoner/doom  metal  riff  and  powerful  drumming  which  leads  up  to  a  powerful  bass  guitar  line  before  going  into  the  mid  paced  area  and  switching  back  and  forth,  which  sets  up  the  pace  for  a  guitar  solo  which  makes  the  guitars  sound  even  heavier  when  the  rhythm's  return.

  "Forest  Monument"  starts  out  with  some  guitar  distortion  before  the  drumming  starts  kicking  in  which  in  returns  is  the  beginning  of  a  heavy  guitar  riff  and  post  metal  lead,  then  the  song  goes  into  a  more  blues  rock  direction  until  the  clean  playing  kicks  in  before  reverting  back  to  being  heavy  and  melodic  while  still  keeping  the  lead  guitars  which  also  close  the  song.

  "Sharp  And  Chrome"  starts  off  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  before  the  heavy  doom  metal  guitar  riffs  and  powerful  drumming  kicks  in  and  the  rhythm  guitar  adds  in  influences  from  other  styles  of  metal along  with  a  powerful  guitar  solo  and  heavy  bass  playing  make  their  presence  known  while  maintaining  the  heavy  riffing.

  "Golden  Life"  starts  off  with  a  slow  guitar  riff  before  the  melody  and  drums  kick  in  which  leads  to  the  beginning  of  the  heavier  riffing  for  a  few  seconds  before  a  post  rock  guitar  leads  starts  introducing  itself  to  the  song  which  does  not  affect  the  heaviness,  as  the  song  moves  on  a  soft  acoustic  guitar  comes  in.

  "Light  For  Wheke"  starts  out  with  some  heavy  drumming  and  guitar  riffs  before  getting  into  some  post  metal  melodies  and  powerful  bass  playing  which  in  turns  sets  up  the  pace  for  a  melodic  guitar  solo  while  still  keeping  the  heavy  riffs  before  slowly  drifting  into  a  brief  clean  riff  until  going  back  to  being  heavy  for t he  rest  of  the  song.

  Vocals  and  song  writing  are  all  absent  from  the  music  with  the  music  being  all  instrumental,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  album  with  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Abysee  are  a  very  great  sounding  instrumental  post  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eagle  Of  Haast"  "Forest  Monument"  and  "Golden  Life".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Duskmachine Interview

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

Joe: Currently we are working on putting together some sort of tour to promote our new album. We are also planning to release another video in the near future.

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

 Nik: The music is more straight forward. We had no concept story this time, so every song stands for itself. We still have fast and slow songs, softer and heavier stuff, but the flow is different. We've grown together as a band. Regarding production it sounds thicker and has more impact I think. "The Final Fall" sounded cleaner and colder, which worked well for the concept story, but this time we were looking for something different.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
Joe: Very deep and personal! Life...things I have experienced and a personal private relationship.

4. There was an 8 year gap between albums, can you tell us what was going on during those years?
Nik: We had to deny a tour offer opening for Master in 2005 'cause our original singer left. It took us a long time to find a new guy. I started writing new songs in 2006 and then, during the vocal recordings in late 2009 the guy left and we were in the same situation as before. Luckily Joe agreed to join, but new lyrics and vocal lines had to be written, so it took some more time until we could finish the recording. The mix and search for a label was the next obstacle on this odyssey. But, we finally made it and it definitely won't take us another 8 years for the next album!

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

Nik: Our original singer came up with the idea. It basically stands for the combination of our sound, a heavy, machine-like groove with a dark and evil attitude.

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

Nik: We haven't had the chance to play many shows yet, but the best so far definitely was during the "70,000 tons of Metal"-cruise. Regarding stage performance, there's always room for improvements, especially since we only played 2 shows with this line-up.
7. Do you have any touring plans for the new album?

Joe: We don't have any shows booked yet, but we are working on it. Interested bookers can contact us. Festivals in 2014 are up on the priority list.

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

Nik: So far we received very good reactions from fans, existing and new ones. We never tried to follow a certain trend and I think people respect this.

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

Nik: I am going on tour with my other band "Necros Christos" this fall and we're also working on new material for the next album.

Joe: I have reformed my old band Liege Lord. We will be writing and recording a new album next year.

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

Nik: We won't try to re-invent metal music and haven't so far, but we'll always try to do our own thing and stay true to ourselves. Maybe even another concept story, even if it's only for 3 songs - we'll see....

Joe: We just want to create music we are happy with, proud of and that is true to ourselves.

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

Nik: I am a huge fan of Devin Townsend and listened to a lot of his stuff recently. But I also enjoy CCR, Peter Gabriel, Queen but also Depeche Mode for example or oriental music. I'm very open minded - music should have no barriers.
Joe: I agree, but maybe not with those bands! Hahaha. As long as it’s good I’ll dig it.

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

Nik: well, I have a job, a girlfriend and 2 bands, this doesn't leave much time for anything else, trust me. But sometimes I manage to practice a bit on my guitar....

Joe: I’m an extremely busy person also…I enjoy it all…life in general.

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

Nik: it would be nice if people could compare us less with Annihilator. We have 3 former members in the band and yes, we play Thrash Metal, but that's about it. And, thank you very much for the interview!

Joe: I agree. We play thrash, but I don’t consider us to be stuck with the title of a thrash band. I’d like to think we offer much more variance.

Thanks for your support! Please check us out at www.duskmachine.,com and www.facebook.com/duskmachine

Machines Of Indetermenate Origin Interview

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

A: We are a duo from Hobart, Tasmania, the small island state at the bottom of Australia. Myself Matt Warren (drums/percussion/vocals) and Aaron Metcalf (guitars/percussion) have known each other for about 28 years and were in our first bands together. We started this project in late 2007 after having not played together for quite a few years.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

A: A difficult one. A basis in metal, but that's not what we really consider it. It's heavy, dense and sometimes harsh and tribal. But we like to contrast that with quieter plaintive moments too.  We grew up listening to Killing Joke, Voivod, Godflesh, Black Sabbath, Dead Kennedys and so on. We've been told we sound a bit like The Melvins, Isis and Fudge Tunnel. It's almost like slowed down, abstract punk rock.

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

A: Interestingly the majority of what's sung is nonsensical. We treat the vocals mainly as a melodic or sometimes rhythmic texture. It's inspired by Damo Suzuki's 'instant composition' technique and the some of the Dadaist poetry. There are occasionally real words used and they may reflect what the song is about. We are both fairly politically and socially minded and that can figure into our material, but we're keen to not be overt with a 'message'.

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

A: There is a term used in online collectors circles that is 'Recordings Of Indeterminate Origin' which is a slightly less dodgy way of saying "bootlegs". I always liked that term, the slightly mysterious nature of it. When it came to name the project, Machines came up at some point as a reflection of our kind of industrial sound and we put that on the front.

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

A: There are no plans to expand. We enjoy the challenge of making music such as ours with just two people. It makes us both play a certain way and adding more people would alter that. It's easier to make decisions too. That's not to say we wouldn't consider guests on songs for things we just can't/don't play. We've done that live a few times.

6. Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?

A: Yes. We started off basically jamming/studio, but it's really a big noisy immersive environment that should be experienced live. So we play fairly regularly and recently did our first foray interstate.

7.Rough Skies Records is planning on releasing the album on vinyl, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

A: A Hobart based independent label run by Julian Teakle from the band The Native Cats.  It's been around for a number of years and started off as an avenue for his own music, but quickly became interested in releasing things by local artists. So the label has put out two compilations of alt/indie music called 'Community' and 'Community 2' and a recent vinyl release by the Hobart Improv Collective. Julian has been quite supportive of M010 and we approached him to help us do a vinyl release of the new album. He was keen. We were fortunate to have James Plotkin (Scorn, OLD, Khanate) to remaster it for vinyl. It sounds great.

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

A: I think we're relatively unknown, even in the underground. As this new album is still barely released it hasn't gotten much feedback at all yet apart from your own, we're hoping for more. But the previous EPs got some really positive and encouraging responses.

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

A: Aaron pretty much sticks with this project and runs the studio/rehearsal room we work out of. He does the odd bit of recording/engineering for others and we both contributed to a Concrete Lung (UK industrial metal band) recording. He also has a part time studio project called Manufactured Pop Whore. I've got a few things on the go. I do solo drone stuff under the name mumble(speak) and do noise stuff with The Non-Compliant Airmen. I'm in a duo called Untermorast which are kind of on hiatus. I play various instruments as part of the Hobart Improv Collective. Hobart is a small but, very active music community.

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

A: Not really sure. We recently recorded a new song that will likely end up on 'Community 3'. It's a little more uptempo and in a higher key than we usually do. Not sure if it indicates how things may change, but we have definitely evolved from the first recordings, so I'm guessing we'll continue to discover what grows from our self imposed limitations.

Master Charger Interview

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

 

 

At present, we are in the process of writing new material for the follow up to Unity In Black and are also promoting the album by playing live show in and around the UK.

 

2. How would you say your newer material differs from the previous albums that you have put out?

 

 

The new material seems to have a more direct 70's heavy rock / metal approach. I think we have favoured more of the groove and melodic influences over the punk elements this time around while still retaining the doom and blues feel to the music. We have also re-defined the sound by stripping the band back to a 3 piece unit and tuning the guitars up slightly to achieve a clearer tone.

 

 

3. Can you tell us a little bit more about your song lyrics?

 

 

The lyrics for Master Charger are usually based on the darker side of things. A lot of the ideas come from life inspirations. There is also some dark humour in there too but there is also some lighter shades to the lyrics. Some of it is basically about being free and the ability to be able to express yourself which ever way you feel.

 

 

4. When I was listening to the songs and saw some of the past album cover's I noticed

some occult references, would you say that occultism plays any role in your music?

 

 

I think it's great that people see different things in the band when they listen to our music. While I wouldn't say that occultism plays a big part in Master Charger, it sure does have a dark side and I think you can certainly get different vibes from this album. I think living in a world where there is a lot of negative issues is hard to neglect when writing music. I personally keep an open mind when it comes to religion. When it comes to images for album art, we just pick what goes with the album theme.

 

 

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

 

 

I don't know really. I guess we were just looking for a simple but effective name that no one had and that people would remember. Master Charger came up and just seemed to fit the music we were writing.

 

 

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

 

 

I think Master Charger is still to play it's best show but so far all the shows have been pretty good in their own right. As for the bands stage performance, I would say it is quite edgy.

 

 

 

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

 

 

We currently have a couple more shows to fulfill in the UK but no touring plans as of yet. We would love to play outside of the UK but it is very hard to do so without the correct funding.

 

 

8. Recently Black Vulture Records re-issued your 2011 album, what are your thoughts on the final out put?

 

 

I cannot comment on this as of yet as I am yet to see the final product. I do believe that Mike at Black Vulture Records appears to be doing a good job with regards to promoting Unity In Black and I am confident that the final product will be a good one.

 

 

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

 

 

 

It is still very early in the bands career to answer this question thoroughly. However, what I have seen and the reports that I have heard, all seems to be doing good. We are still a very underground band that not a lot of people are aware of. People that have heard Master Charger really do dig what we are doing and have attracted fans both young and of an older generation to our music. So come on people check us out!!!!!

 

 

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

 

 

 

The band seems to be growing into a more mature way of writing as each new track is being written. We try to write music that is timeless which is still how I feel when I listen to an old Black Sabbath album. Timeless hard heavy rock is the direction for Master Charger.

 

 

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

 

 

Influences are pretty obvious I think, bands such as Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Cream, Mountain, Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster, Trouble, Saint Vitus, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Free, Pentagram, Hawkwind, Kyuss, Sleep, Early Celtic Frost, Early Slayer, Early Venom and Early Judas Priest. Bands I really dig a present are Electric Wizard , Orchid and Mos - Generator. I also listen to old folk like Nick Drake, John Martyn, Bert Jansch, John Renbourne, Roy Harper and I love early Jethro Tull. This list could go on and on to be honest.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Well I kinda just listen to music, watch films and TV Series and chill with my wife and kids.

 

 

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

 

 

I would like to say thank you for a great interview with some well thought out question. I would also like to thank all the loyal followers of Master Charger old and new. For those that have not heard of us, please check us out. Thanks again and peace to all!!!

Machines Of Indeterminate Origin/1.0 - Symptoms/2013 Full Length Review

  Machines  Of  Indeterminate  Origin  are  a  band  from  Hobart,  Tasmania  that  plays  an  experimental  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  album  "1.0  -  Symptoms".

  Drums  and  Percussion's range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  the  album,  while  the  rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  combine  extreme  metal,  sludge,  industrial,  experimental,  indie  and  alternative  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  some  clean  playing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  to  more  aggressive  sounding  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  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  Machines  Of Indeterminate  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Stab"  "Nausea"  and  "T1ckle  Fight".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Arabrot/Self Titled/Fysisk Format/2013 CD Review

  Arabrot  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  the  musical  style  being  a  mixture  of  noise  rock  and  sludge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2013  album  which  was  released  by  Fysisk  Format.

  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,  as  for  the  sound  effects  which  are  only  used  briefly  bring  an  experimental  sound  to  the  album.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  sludge  and  noise  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of   their  own  with  some  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  aggressive  shouts,  screams,  whispers  and  clean  singing  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts, while  the  lyrics  cover  Old  Testament,  Greek  Mythology  and  the  words  of  George  Bataille  and  Robert  Desnos,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Arabrot  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  sludge  and  noise  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Throwing  Rocks  At  The  Devil"  "Blood  On  The  Poet"  "Drawing  Down  The  Moon"  and  "The  Horns  of  The Devil  Grow".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.