Astrakhan Interview

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

It has been a busy few months for us. Coming out of the summer festival season, we have been focusing heavily on writing our first full length album as well as getting our new EP “A Tapestry of Scabs and Skin” ready for release next month. We have a couple of local showcases happening in December and January and from there it’s back in to the studio and back out on the road.

2.You have a new ep coming out in December, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

This EP is an interesting one because it combines two separate recording sessions that took place over a year apart. It features a musical diversity that has grown in that time but the songs still work together. At least I feel that way. Consciously, the aim was to make some big, riffy metal songs but our influences in atmospheric post rock and 70’s prog have found their way in as well.

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

We try to create an image or situation that suits the mood of the music. Obviously with heavy music the topics tend to be about fear or frustration, loss or passion. We struggle with choices everyday and to be able to create a scenario in which the character in the story has to choose between infinite knowledge coupled with certain death or an eternal life bound by regret makes deciding whether to get skim or homo milk for your cereal seem a lot easier.

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

It sounds bad ass. Band names are hard. I like star trek.

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

We have been really lucky to be able to play with some pretty incredible bands in the short time that we have been together. Some highlights for me were playing with Cynic, Helms Alee and Weedeater. As far as our performances go I find we put on the best shows when we are pissed off at each other or at something else before we play. Adam and I busted each other up pretty bad the night before we played a show and we hit the stage sporting matching black eyes. There was pure, white fire coming from both of us for those 45 minutes and everyone could feel it. That’s why we watch bands isn’t it? To feel what the musician is feeling, to understand the music on a physical level.

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

The focus is mainly on getting the new album finished and recorded for now. We have a few shows in the works in Vancouver in the spring and then hopefully a tour later in the year.

7.The ep is coming out on War On Music, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Yea, Charley at WOM has been a gem in helping us get this thing together. He’s been a huge support for a few Vancouver bands like Bison, Anciients, and Black Wizard and we are pleased as punch to be added to the roster.

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

It’s been extremely positive. As much as we are just doing this to get the ideas out of our heads and on to tape, it’s satisfying to know that there are like-minded people all over the world that appreciate what we are doing.

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

When we started this band we decided that it was important to choose a sound and stick to it. Not to be derivative and repetitive but to dig deep in one area instead of spreading out over many. Who knows though, I found an oompah tuba record that I really liked the other day and I might feel like the next song needs a bit of that in it.

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

Our tastes are pretty different from each other so I can really only speak for myself. I can’t stop listening to the new Pallbearer album. That and a lot of Hungarian gypsy music has been catching my attention lately.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

As part of our initiation into the Astra-cult we cast off all worldy interests and vices. There is heavy riffing and nothing more.

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

Shit, I should have used the last sentence from the question before this one. That would have been a strong closer.
www.waronmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/astrakhanofficial

Thy Fallen Kingdom/Fear The Hunter/2014 CD Review

  Thy  Fallen  Kingdom  are  a  band  that  plays  a  very  aggressive  form  of  thrash  that  also  brings  in  elements  of  speed  and  early  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "Fear  The  Hunter".

  Acoustic  guitar  playing  which  is  also  used  again  on  a  later  track  starts  off  the  album  bringing  in  a  very  haunting  sounding  atmosphere  to  the  recording  and  after  the  intro  the  music  starts  going  into  a  very  aggressive  thrash  metal  sound  along  with  some  aggressive  vocals  and  melodies  and  you  can  hear  quite  a  bit  of  the  80's  German  sound in  the  bands  musical  style  along  with  a  good  dose  of  American  influences  also  being  mixed  in.

  The  solos  and  leads  the  band  uses  continue  the  old  school  thrash  metal  tradition  of  the  bands  musical  style  while  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  skill  and  the  band  also b rings  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  A  good  amount  of  back  up  gang  shouts  can  be  heard  throughout  the  recording  and  some  of  the  later  tracks  bring  in  a  bit  of  the  early  80's  speed  metal  sound  and  mixes  it  with  the  more  aggressive  thrash  metal  sound  that  is  a  very  huge  part  of  this  recording  while  one  of  the  alter  tracks  brings  in  an  influence  from  Dave  Mustaine  in  the  vocals  briefly  before  reverting  back  to  a  more  heavier  musical  direction.  

  Thy  Fallen  Kingdom  plays  a  very  old  school  style  of  thrash  metal  that  also  has  some  early  death  metal  influences  and  all  of  the  song s have  a  very  extreme  vintage  80's  sound  to  them,  the production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  professional  at  the  same  time  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  horror  and  violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Thy  Fallen  Kingdom  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  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Army  Of  1"  "Imperious  Regime"  and  "Possessors  Of  Absolute  Power".  8  out  of  10.   

Whote/II: Moons/2014 CD Review

  Whote  are  a  band  from  new  York  that  plays  a  very  experimental  form  of  noise  with  some  elements  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "II:  Moons".

  A  very  dark  and  distorted  ambient  drone  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  more  into  field  recordings  and  experimental  sounds  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  to  bring  in  elements  of  a  more  dark  industrial  style  and  the  band  also  brings  in  some  electric  guitars  that  are  very  heavy  and  minimal  as  well  as  bringing  in  a  sludge  metal  feeling  when t hey  are  utilized.  

  Harsh  noises  and  power  electronics  can  be  heard  throughout  the  recording  and  at  times  ritualistic  sounding  bells  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  having  more  nature  elements  and  clean  playing  being  used  at  times  and  the  music  never  forgets  its  ambient  roots.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  instrumental  while  they  still  have  a  great  amount  of  diversity  present  in  them  and  the  guitars  have  a  more  dominant  sounding  presence  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  while  also  having  a  small  amount  of  melodies  coming  out  of  them  at  times  and  when  the  album gets  closer  to  the  end  there  are  a  few  tracks  that  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Whote  creates  a  style  of  music  that  is  very  experimental  and  ambient  sounding  while  also  bringing  in  elements  of  drone,  harsh  noise,  field  recordings,  electric  guitars  and  some  metal  influences  to  create  an  album  that  defies  categorization  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark,  raw  and  powerful.

  In  my  opinion  Whote  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  noise   band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Vapors"  "Copper,  Wire, Bone"  "Moons"  and  "The  Crown  Of  Winter  (II)".  8  out  of  10.   

Savage Master/Mask of the Devil/Skol Records/2014 CD Review

  Savage  Master  are  a  band  from  Kentucky  that  plays  a  true  form  of  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Mask  Of  The  Devil"  which  was  released  by  Skol  Records.

  A very  old  school  80's  style  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  before  adding  in  some  clean  singing  female  vocals  and  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  an  1980's  United  Kingdom  metal  sound  to  the  bands  musical  style  and  on  the  later  tracks  the  music  gets  even  more  heavier  with  a  sound  that  borders  on  early  power  and  speed  metal  along  with  some  back  up  shouts.  

  At  times the  drums  can  be  very  aggressive  having  some  elements  that  are  close  to  blast  beats  while  some  of  the  other  tracks  bring  in  a  very  ritualistic  and  occult  feeling  which  also  sees  the  vocals  getting  more  aggressive  and  demonic  at  times  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  All  of  the  tracks  sound  like  they  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  during  the  early  80's  with  both  the  production  and  musical  style  and   the band  also  brings  in  a  good   mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  on  some  of  the  tracks  as  well  as  always  remaining  true  to  a  hard  and  heavy  old  school  heavy  metal  sound.  

  Savage  Master  plays  a  true  style  of  heavy  metal  that  is  pure  and  retro  while  also  having  a  more  dark  and  sinister  edge  than  most  bands  that  play  this  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  professional  at  the  same  time  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism  and  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Savage  Master  are  a  very  great  sounding  true  heavy  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mask  of  the  Devil"  "Kill  Without  Warning"  and  "Altar  Of  Lust".  8  out  of  10.  

Raum Kingdom Interview

.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
 The band was formed up back in the summer of 2013 with no real idea what we had in mind. We just wanted to play music as an escape. But as time went on and a few demos where completed and we finally got a line up that was solid after a couple of months of seeing whats what. We then started discussions of what direction and what we are about began. We are all long time friends and lovers of music and the time was right for the four of us to put this together.

2.A few months back you had released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
 To try and even start to explain what musical sound is presented on the EP for us would be difficult, as every time we read a description of what someone thinks we sound like we kinda chuckle amongst ourselves. Not because its comical but because most of the time the parts of the  description are correct. We do go from heavy, doom, prog, hardcore and what not, but most of all we just want the music to be an experience and sometimes experiance's can be multifaceted and difficult and hard to hit the nail on the head.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
 We try to leave it as subjective as possible. So that the listener can feel for the music the way that they wish too rather than  expressively been told what to feel by the means of lyricsm, as of the music of course will tend take the listener on that journey.

4.What is the meaning and  inspiration behind the name 'Raum Kingdom'?
It comes from a small amount of Kingdoms of Norway and one of them was called Raumerike. The inspiration comes from that we would all love to visit Norway at somestage. Think it would be great for the band and music. 5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
 Every show is different and dynamic. We want the performance to be remembered, again just not as a  show but an experience. So we want it to be engaging to from us and the crowd. The last show supporting “7.5 Tonnes of Beard” which they were massive, was great as there was no pressure. It was fun to play and see all the other bands perform.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
 We are trying to seriously look at touring but again we got to be realistic. Definately next year we will try and get a few shows abroad. On the 15 NOV 14 we are playing the limelight in Belfast Ireland supporting “War Iron” and “Okus” and we are really looking forward to it and seeing the other bands play. Then hopefully in DEC 14 we will hopefully play a show in Drogehda Ireland.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We have received “SOME” interest and it would be great to pick up a deal. There has been nothing realistic, so we are at the min holding off with making any rash decisions, as we are still loving the process we have at the moment and trying to keep that going till we can have further resources and credability behind us.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your ep by fans of heavy music?
 For an EP we have been amazed with the response. We didnt think it would go down as well as it has. For 4 guys from Ireland who just wanted to play music the feedback has been great and we are very appreciative of that. We did it for ourselves and when other people get it, thats rewarding in its self. We hope to deliver now on our full length LP.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
 For a full length we will hopefully be ready to release one by the summer of 2015 all going well. We have content ready to start so just gotta get it all put together. We are going now more for the experience as in the songs will have more expressive dips and valleys and a few surprises thrown in there as well.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays/
 We just listen to what we like. We put Justin Bieber on really loud when rehearse and just to try to play louder as to drown out the noise. Ah no. We like all sorts and we all have very simliar music influences, but at the same time different. Some of us just might listen to different styles of music longer than the other. As for nowadays. Mono, Jakob, Godflesh , Aphex Twin, Winged Victory for the Sullen, Horn of the Rhino have all released new material this year so guess thats what we  are listening to now. I think.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
 Travel, Going to the Movies, Reading, Hot Yoga and taking long walks in the park.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
“What is to give light must first endure burning”

Gale/Vol. 1/2014 EP Review

  Gale  are  a  band  from  Arizona  that  plays  an  organic  form  of  sludge/doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "Vol.  1".

  A  very  dark,  clean  yet  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  ep  and  after  a  minute  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavy  doom/sludge  metal  direction  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  all  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  good  amount  of  melody  which  also  leads  up  to  some  aggressive  shouting  vocals  being  added  onto  the  recording.

  You  can  hear  some  elements  of  hardcore  and  groove  metal  in  the  way  the  vocals  are approached  and  they  also  bring  in  small  amounts  of  clean  singing  at  times  and  the  band  also  uses  a  good  mixture  of  both  clean  and  heavy  parts  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  bring  in  more  melody  and  darkness  to  the  bands  musical  style  and  as  the  ep  progresses  their  is  an  instrumental  track  along  with  the  band  adding  in  some  elements  of  post  metal  while  also  still  utilizing  vocals  on  the  later  tracks  and  towards  the  enf  the  music  starts  to  speed  up  and  on  the  last  rack  you  can  hear  a  slight  black  metal  influence.

  Gale  creates  a  style  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  that  is  still  very  heavy  yet  melodic  at  the  same  time  and  they  also  add  in  a  post  feeling  to  make  their  music  stand  out  on  their  own,  the  production  sound s very  heavy  and  dark  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  existentialism,  darkness  and  self  analysis  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gale  are  a  very  great  sounding  sludge/doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "To  Build  A  Fire"  and  "Burn  your  Prison".  8  out  of  10.     

V.A.R/Level 6/Parat Magazine/2014 CD Review

  V.A.R  are  a  band  from  the  Czech  Republic  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Level  6"  which  was  released  by  Parat  Magazine.

  A  very  heavy  and  aggressive  thrash  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  that  are  utilized  quite  often  throughout  the  recording  and  very  rough  sounding  vocals  that  bring  in  even  more  aggression  and  the  band  also  brings  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  band  also  bring s in  some  early  80's  speed  metal  elements  and  mixes  it  in  with  their  old  school  thrash  metal  sound  which  is  a  lot  closer  to  the  mid  80's  style  while  having  more  of  the  European  style  which  was  a  lot  more  aggressive  than  most  of  the  Big  4  American  bands.

  While  the  vocals  are  mostly  aggressive  they  do  have  a  melodic  edge  at  times  and  you  can  also  hear  some  melodies  being  utilized  in  the  guitar  riffing  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  keyboards  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  they  also  give  the  music  a  more  haunting  and  sinister  edge.

  V.A.R  plays  a  style  of  thrash  that  is  very  old  school  and  these  veterans  have  been  doing  it  for  more  than  25  so  they  do  know  this  style  very  well  while  the  keyboard  parts  they  use  remind  me  of  later  period  Bulldozer,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  yet  professional  at  the  same  time  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  their  native  tongue  and  cover  dark,  violent,  occult  and  heavy  metal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  V.A.R   are  a  very  great  sounding  thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Snake"  "Lucifer  Star"  "One  Day  You'll  Kill  Me"  and  "Gelid  Creatures".  8  out  of  10.