Teufelskries Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Teufelskreis has got a new drummer, soon you'll be able to see some new band-fotos on our homepage. Of course we are still working on our next album. Probably it will be released at the end of the year.

2.For those unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe your musical sound?
Let's call it heavy-rock, i think that will fit best.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
I write about social-critical topics and also about my former live. Our music and my lyrics should be one union.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Teufelskries'?
Teufelskreis means vicious circle. It subscribes a sticky situation, where you are stucked. As i startet to write abour my childhood and youth, I thought, that this name would fit best.

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 played some support gigs with Megaherz or Eisregen. Otherwise we had a great time at some open-airs in Austria with about 2000 fans.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Actually we're planning a smaller Germany tour and also seeking contakt to bigger festivals in Austria and Germany.

7.In March NRT are re-issuing your 2009 album, what was the decision behind putting this album out again in a newer format?
It was an idea or our Label-Boss. He decided to re-issue our albums with different cover-artwork. I think, he's doing right in keeping us in touch with social networks and streaming and such things, a musician hasn't a clue.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal, industrial and heavy rock?
International response is a little bit to much to require, as we are a German speaking band. But fans in Austria and Germany made big response in sodial media, also writers of net-zines are positively abandoned.

9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other musical projects or bands these days?
Our singer and the drummer are working on different projects.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I think Teufelskreis' music will be mor innovative in the future. Christian, our new drummer is very versatile and pushes the band to higher levels according to songwriting and technical finesses.

11.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?
Especially music from the Eighties had a stong influence on me. Nowadays I hear less noisy music, eg. blues or latino. I also listen to contemporary music, but also Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Hale, Stevie Ray Vaughan and some of the other guitar heroes.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
What I definitely can't hear are some of the actual hits on the radio. An absolutely no-go is Austrian traditional music.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
To handle your own vicious circle I got one advice: The situation is crappy, but not hopeless.

Tristana/Virtual Crime/Bakerteam Records/2015 CD Review

  Tristana  are  a  band  from  Slovakia  that  original  started  out  as  more  of  a  power  and  speed  metal  band  but  have  evolved  into  more  of  an  extreme  and  alternative  metal  band  with  the  new  release  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album "Virtual  Crime"  which  will  be  released  on  March  31st  on  Bakerteam  Records.

  A  very  heavy  sound  that  mixes  electronic  music  and  nu  metal  together  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  good  mixture  of  melodic  and  aggressive  vocals t hat  also  have  a  black  metla  tinge  at  times  being  brought  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later  and  the  riffs  and  solos  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording.

  Synths  when  they  are  utilized  bring  a  progressive  metal  feeling  to  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  you  can  still  hear  a  little  bit  of  the  bands  power  metal  past  in  some of  the  vocals  at  times  while  the  music  goes  for  more  of  an  aggressive  direction  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  a  later  track also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals.

  Tristana  creates  a  very  original  sounding  recording  taking  elements  of  extreme,  nu  and  alternative  metal  and  adding  in  a  touch  of  power  metal  to  create  a  sound  that  is  original  but  would  still  be  mainstream  enough  for  the  masses  and  while  I  usually  do  not  enjoy  this  style  this  band  is  very  good  at  what  they  do  and  actually  make  this  genre  sound  more  tolerable  for  once,  the  production sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tristana  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  extreme  and  alternative  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fallen"  "Beg  For  Death"  "Killer"  and  "Haunting  Fever".  7/5  out  of  10.          

Mentally Defiled/Aptitude For Elimination/Violent Solution/2014 CD Review

  Mentally  Defiled  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Aptitude  For  Elimination"  which  was  released  by  Violent  Solution.

  Horror  movie  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavy  thrash  metal  direction  and  after  the  intro  the  band  adds  more  melody  into  the  riffs  and  also  add  in  aggressive  screaming  vocals  and  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Back  up  gang  shouts  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  while  the  music  has  a  very  vintage  mid  80's  feeling  the  production  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  modern  and  up  to  date  feeling  and  one  of  the  later  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  the  whole  album  remains  true  to  a  heavy  sound  from  beginning  to  end.

  Mentally  Defiled  plays  a  style  of  thrash  that  is  very  heavy  and  aggressive  and  they  make  an  old  school  sound  more  modern  without  having  to  resort  to  any  modern  trends,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  thrashing  and  real  life  themes.

  In my  opinion  Mentally  Defiled  are  a  very  great  sounding  thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Aptitude  For  Elimination"  "Thrash  Till'  Afterlife"  "Beyond  Redemption"  and  "Soldier  Of  The  Underground".  8  out  of  10.      

Comaniac/Return To The Wasteland/iMusician Digital/2015 Full length Review

  Comaniac  are  a  band  from  Switzerland  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Return  To  The  Wasteland"  which  was  released  by  iMusician Digital.

  A  very  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  an  old  school  thrash  metal  direction  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  when  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  very  aggressive  screams  and  you  can  also  hear  back  up  gang  shouts  at  times.

  Melodies can  be  hear  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  in  both  the riffs  and  solos  and  the  lads  also  demonstrate  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  skill  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  vocals  also  add  a  touch  of  melody  into  the  more  aggressive  parts  and  one  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Comaniac  plays  a  style  of  thrash  metal  that  is  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding  while  also  being  very  melodic  at  times,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  violent,  hateful  and  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Comaniac  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  "Secret  Seed"  "Killing  Tendency"  "Solitude"  and  "Flakhead".  8  out  of  10. 

Salem's Lott Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
1.     Salems Lott is the brainchild of Jett and myself.  We were tired of hearing and seeing the same bands over and over and over again.  Everyone seems to be playing it real safe and are too scared to put themselves out there.  Especially in an industry where not a single young (in their 20’s) rock or metal act is having immense success.  So why not put together a band so insane that will cause people to have polarizing views?  I found Kay and Tony who shared our vision of insanity and a dream that would overwhelm god.  In short I put together a band that has the whole package, shocking image, intense live show, SONGS and can play like no ones business.

2.In January you had released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
2.     Unexpected, Intense, un-relenting, powerful, versatile, powerful etc.  That’s what we’ve been told thus far and it’s pretty accurate.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
3.     We are not limited to any one topic.  We are human beings and we go through allot of experiences in this sad existence of ours.  Our music is about those experiences.  Whether it’s something we are witnessing or apart of first hand.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Salems Lott'?
4.     I’m a history buff and so is Jett.  We talking about the Salem witch trials and though “Salems Lott” would be cool for a band name “Lot” meaning a group of individuals.


5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far an also how would you describe your stage performance?
5.     The House of Blues gig would have to be one of the top gigs.  Why?  Because the stage was great, the audience was shocked and we happen to win over people who are not necessarily into metal music.  Our stage performances are chaotic, alive and unpredictable.


6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
6.     We have some L.A. dates right now.  We would love to tour, just got to find the funds.  As of now we do everything ourselves, there is no outside help whatsoever.

7.The ep was released on Red Moon Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
7.     Of course I can since we started it.  Like I said we do everything and are involved in every aspect of this band.  That includes the business side as well.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of heavy, power and speed metal?
8.     It’s actually been overwhelming to say the least.  People are really digging what we’re doing.  We seem to be attracting those who listen to the much heavier side of metal as well as the lighter stuff, to even some rappers.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
9.     The sooner the better.  Keep in mind the songs from the EP are very old.  They were written a couple of years back. The new material is sounding really intense and amazing.  I think people are going to be shocked of what we have in store.  The EP was just the tip of the iceberg.

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?
10.    Too many to name.  Our influences span many genres and styles.  There’s allot of good stuff out there.  I’m currently listening to the stuff I’ve always been listening to and more.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
11.  Nothing to be honest.  Everything else really is just second fiddle to me.

12..Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12.   Thanks to those who are supporting us and understand what we’re trying to do.  You’re more than some stupid “army”, you’re blood.          

 SL
Rēd Moon Rēcords
Los Angeles, CA
http://SalemsLott.com
Facebook
Youtube

Wicked Inquisition/Self Titled/Tridroid Records/2015 Full Length Review

  Wicked  Inquisition  are  a  band  from  Minnesota  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  doom  metal  with  elements  of  psychedelic  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2015  album  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  Tridroid  Records.

  A  very  dark,  hard,  heavy  and  melodic  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  70's  hard  rock/metal  solos  and  leads  a  few  seconds  alter  that  are  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  when  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  all  done  in  a  clean  singing  fashion  and  the music  is  more  closer  to  the  early  beginnings  of  the  doom  metal  genre.

  While  the  bands  musical  style  is  more  in  tune  with  the  70's  and  early  80's  the  production  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  modern  day  feeling  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  stick  to  either  a  very  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction  and  as  the  album  progresses  acoustic  guitars  can  be  heard  briefly  on  a  couple  of  the  tracks  while  the  main  focus  remains  on  a  very  style  of  doom  metal  and  there  are  also  a  couple  of  tracks  that  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Wicked  Inquisition  plays  a  style  of  doom  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  70's  and  early  80's  and  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  psychedelic  rock  in  the  guitar  leads  to  create  an  album  that  is  very  retro  yet  heavy  at  the  same  time,  the  production  sound s very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  occultism  and  social  issues.

  In  my  opinion  Wicked  Inquisition  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  doom  metal  band  with  a  touch  of  psychedelic  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Magik  Nacht"  "Death  of  Man"  and  "Wicked  Inquisition".  8  out  of  10.

    

Kantamus/II/2015 EP Review

  Kantamus  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  hardcore  and  noise  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  self  released  2015  ep  "II".

  A  very  dark,  distorted  and  heavy  noise  rock  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  aggressive  sludge  screams  and  you  can  also  hear  some  spoken  word  parts  in  some  sections  of  the  guitars  as  well  as  a  doom  metal  influence  in  the  slow  and  heavy  riffs  and  after  awhile  the  music  incorporates  more  elements  of  post  hardcore  but  done  in  a  lot  more  heavier  fashion.

  Most  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  very  slow  yet  heavy  musical  direction  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  which  does  not  take  away  from  the  raw  aggression  of  the  bands  musical  style  and  when  the  music  eventually  speeds  up  you  can  hear  influences  of  punk  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  the  riffs  also  use  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times  and  the  last  track  also  bring s in  a  brief  use  of  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Kantamus  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  and  sludge  and  mixes  it  with  the  raw  energy  of  hardcore,  noise  rock  and  punk  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kantamus  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  hardcore  and  noise  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hakki"  and  "En pysy  nahoissani".  8  out  of  10.