Zlatanera/Legerdemain/2016 Full Length Review

  Zlatanera  are  a  band  from  Northern  Ireland  that  plays  a mixture  of  sludge,  stoner,  doom,  groove  and  heavy  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  album  "Ledgerdemain"  which  will  be  released  in  August.

  A  very  hard  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  stoner  rock  style  melodies  and  the  vocals  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  groove  metal  style  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  and  you  can  also  hear  a  lot  of  70's  metal  influences  in  the  bands  musical  style.

  While  there  is  a  great  amount  of  retro  and  old  school  elements  in  the  bands  musical  style  the  music  still  sounds  very  modern  and  the  solos  and  leads  bring  in  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  style  of  hard  rock  and  heavy  metal  and  as  the  album  progresses  keyboards  along  with  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  a  few  of  the  tracks  being  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction.

  Zlatanera  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  heavy,  groove  and  stoner  metal  and mixes  it  in  with  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  to  create  a  musical  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism,  and  Violent  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Zlatanera  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  stoner,  doom,  groove  and  heavy  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Bar  To  Far"  "Master  of  Ceremonies"  and  "Advance  Of  The  Clodhopper".  8  out  of  10. 

These Winds Are Not Hope/Yesterday's Ghosts/Sepulchral Silence/2016 Full Length Review

  These Wind's  Are  Not  Hope  are  a  band  from  Macedonia  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  goth  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Yesterday's  Ghosts"  which  was  released  by  Sepulchral  Silence.

  A  very  dark,  melodic  and  melancholic  sound  starts  off  the  album  and  the  vocals  are  done  in  a  clean  singing  goth  metal  style  while  the  riffs  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  the  solos  and  elads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  A  great  amount  of  90's  influences  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  some  of  the  songs  while  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to  a  very  slow  musical  direction  while  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  sorrow,  sadness  and  depression.and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean playing  and  acoustic  guitars.

  These  Winds  Are  Not  Hope  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  very  melodic  style  of  goth  metal  and  mixes  it  in  with  the  heaviness  of  doom  metal  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  grief,  loss  and  depression  themes.

  In  my  opinion  These  Winds  Are  Not  Hope  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  goth  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Yesterday's  Ghosts"  and  "The  Death  of  Hope".  8  out  of  10.  

Shatter Messiah Interview

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

We have been getting the new material ready for tour and making plans for a new album as well. With Kelly in the band we need to get him up to speed on all the old songs from the last three albums AND we are making plans to re-release “Hail the New Cross” with new mixes and re-master, as well as having Kelly play all the bass parts on that album!

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

The new record for me is really dark and sinister sounding. If you listen to the chord structures on the 1st three songs everything is descending and falling down musically. There is very little “up” in the songs structurally, till the very last song “Free” at the end of the album. And even then the music has an underlying feel or soul of un-explained despair. The subject matter is very dark and painful as well. Everyone knows or understands the ruthless devil of addiction, which is what makes us all “orphans of chaos”.

3.Since 2007 there has only been 3 full lengths, can you tell us a little bit more about the gaps in between releases?

The really big gap between “God Burns Like Flesh” and “Hail the New Cross” can be explained due to Shatter Messiah having to find a new label and negotiate a new deal and then submit the 3rd album and then wait for that album to get a release date and then wait to book any tours and shows. It was a long agonizing process, BUT we filled that time with writing and preparing new material for upcoming records!

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

With the “Orphans of Chaos” I made the very serious decision to move away from the religious tinged lyrics. Even though the lyrics and words I used on the all three of the 1st records where not really about god per-se the lyrics where more about my personal take on issues and things I hate in the world and just twisted the subject matter to use powerful words like “god’ and “faith”. On “Orphans of Chaos” I wanted to address addiction, which has ruined more than a few lives on the earth, including family and friends of mine. Each guy in the band knows a loved one that has destroyed themselves with addiction, and that’s where I wanted to attack from on this record.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Shatter Messiah'?

Shatter Messiah is literally what I want to do for the myself. I want to destroy and unhinge the idea of gods and messiah’s, invisible men in the sky, or celebrity’s, or sports stars, these are all either make believe , or not hero’s like people think. We are all human and should all enjoy the talents and skills and happiness we can make for each other. But treating people like gods is poison for the soul. For the person being worshipped and the person doing the worshipping.

6.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 had so many great shows it is hard to say which ‘one” show was the best. I think out very 1st show has to be one of my favorites, because when we came out I still didn’t know if the band would be any good live, or if people would like what we were doing. Thankfully we played great and people lost their minds for Shatter Messiah and I knew I was getting things on the right path for me and my music! Our stage performance is basically organized chaos with a dash of bizerk madness to boot! We all play our asses off and try to have as powerful and energetic of a live show as possible. We like to get people crazy with the music and the live show!

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

We have been making plans for some Europe and South America touring as well as touring America. We will be releasing dates very soon!

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

I think everyone really likes the new record, all of the reviews have been very very good 8’s, 9’s, and 10’s which is always a good feeling when you release a new piece of art!!!! Fans that I have sent advance copies to are blown away and some good press friends of mine are very positive about the record

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Kelly is always a busy guy since he is such an incredible bass player. Mike has a couple of really good bands he plays in as does Pat. BOBS is playing in Ramallah and I am mixing for them the songs they are recording right now. As for me I have my recording studio my instrumental band Custom Audio Mutation, and also my power metal band Sunless Sky I play in.

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

We have about 6-8 records written so it is hard to say exactly, BOBS always picks the music for the records since I am terrible at that, He has the 5th record already organized form the demo’s I have sent him over the years

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?

Always the classic big four of course. But there is some amazing new music out there from Prong, Revocation, Chon, Thrice, and Destiny Potatoe

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Building tube guitar amps, building guitar pedals, building guitars, building recording equipment, recording bands and running my recording studio, oh wait this is all music stuff! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH It is what I live and breathe my friend!!

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

Thank you for the interview, I hope everyone that buys the record loves it and we will see you out on tour as soon as possible!!!!!

Veil Of Deception Interview

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



You bet! We just got a new drummer who will sure turn a few heads (he’s amazing!) so we’re just getting him up to speed with all our song plus we’re also writing new material for the new album – it’s turning out killer. After the summer we’ll be gig-ready again and we already have some dates lined up so it’s gonna be a belter after the summer.



2.So far you have released 2 albums, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?



That is correct. “Deception Unveiled” was our début album and it was released in 2013. We’re very proud of this album – it has tons of attitude albeit the overall sound could’ve been a bit more polished. Still it is a very enjoyable album that we look back on very fondly. Not that I am a fan of putting a label on our style but probably the best way to label this effort would be stoner/groove metal. “Tearing Up the Roots” was recorded and independently released last year and I think we really hit the sweet spot on this one. Less stoner influences (although the influence is still there) and more predominance of groove, classic heavy metal and some pretty meaty thrash riffing with a sprinkling of modern metal. On the whole a more mature effort to it but hey, we’re very proud of both releases to be honest.



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



I happen to be the band’s lyricist… well a bit of everything really but I would say my lyrics tend to touch on introspection, personal struggles (anger, deception, disappointment), melancholy, insanity… although I have also written stuff about conspiracy theories, etc.



4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Veil Of Deception'?



We thought it sounded pretty damn cool! There’s no hidden meaning or anything like that actually. We thought it really fits our sound and overall attitude. Some people think there is a link with the Death Angel song but there’s no connection (although some of us do love Death Angel).



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?



Stage performance? Very intense. We’re very feisty onstage. Every time we perform we play our skins off and we love to work the crowd. We love the sense of communion with the audience. Good shows? Quite a few but I think the gigs we did opening for legendary acts like Flotsam and Jetsam, Rage or Blaze were absolutely hellish!



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



We’re looking into touring options at the moment. There are though a few shows lined up for the remainder of the year (including a support slot with German power metal legends Sacred Steel) and for March next year we have been confirmed for the Alpine Steel Festival that takes place in Innsbruck every year. That’s gonna be a belter of a show I can promise you that! Other than that like I said we’re still shopping around a bit.



7.Sliptrick Records is re-issuing your 2015 album, what are your thoughts on the final product?



Yeah we’re really chuffed about this! So far Sliptrick has been great and we’re sure they’re gonna help us bring our music to the masses!



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



It has been very positive. Not a single bad review. I think because we mix several metal styles our sound appeals to quite a wide spectrum of metalheads and conversely, we can share the stage with many different types of metal bands. It’s funny… we have been likened to 90’s Anthrax, Pantera, Vicious Rumours, Iron Maiden, Flotsam and Jetsam, Precious Death… even bands like AFI from a vocal perspective. It’s all good! We love a lot of those bands anyway.



9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?



Not at the moment. Right now we’re all focused on VoD and we’re ready to take it to the next level.



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



As I said we did hit the right spot with our latest release but of course there is always room for improvement/experimentation. I think the next release will be groovier and catchier but some of the hooks will be annoyingly memorable. So we’re looking to get heavier and even tighter but yet at the same time catchier and more melodic at times. Will we accomplish this? Time will tell haha! But my guess is yes and being able to make some noise with these dudes every week makes it totally worth the while.



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?



Oooohhh from a VoD standpoint too many to mention. We have so many different influences. Most of them metal of course but there are others of course. Actually it’s easier if you go towww.veilofdeception.com. It’s all there. My fave bands have always been Maiden, Symphony X, Dio, Anthrax, Flotsam and Jetsam, Kyuss, Voivod, Skid Row... a bit of a mixed bag really. Some more modern bands that I really like are Shadows Fall, Trivium, God Forbid or Disturbed. I love all this 80’s traditional metal and old-school thrash revival thing. Some bands are outstanding and they have rejuvenated both genres.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?



We’re all very normal guys. I love spending time with my family, travelling and I’m a bit of a movie buff. Dejan (guitar)… I think outwith listening to metal and playing guitar he’d be kinda lost! Samir (guitar) loves going to the gym and keeping fit. Thomas (bass) is a total businessman and he likes it that way and our new recruit Chris (drums) is awesome at beatbox! This dude is seriously talented.



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

Thanks so very much for the cool interview and keep up the great work. If we get to play in a city or town near you do not pass it up!! For those readers who made it this far please give us some love! I think we can bring something a little different to the table. Check us out at

www.facebook.com/veilofdeception

www.veilofdeception.com

Eleanora/Allure/Consouling Sounds/2016 Full Length Review

  Eleanora  are  a  band  from  Belgium  that  plays  a mixture  of  sludge  metal  and  post  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Allure"  which  was  released  by  Consouling  Sounds.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  screamo  style  vocals  and  elements  of  post  hardcore  while  also  mixing  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  when t he  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  you  can also  hear  all  of the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  clean  playing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  bring  in  more  of  a  melodic  post  metal  style  and  the  songs  stick  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction  while  also  bringing  in  a  very  modern  style.

  Eleanora  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  it  with  post  hardcore  and  screamo  to  create a  sound  of  their  own, t he  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Eleanora  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  metal  and  post  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should c heck  out this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Menis"  and  "Telos".  8  out  of  10.

  

Kohti Tuhoa/Rutiinin Orja/Southern Lord/2016 CD Review

  Kohti  Tuhoa  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  crust  and  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Rutinin  Orja"  which  was  released  on  July  29th  by  Southern  Lord.

  A  very  distorted  amp  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  crust  style  guitars,  aggressive  screaming  female  vocals  and  d  beats  while  the  solos  and  leads  have  somewhat  of  a  melodic  style  to  them  and  all  of the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  most  of t he  songs  are  very  short  in  length.

  You  can  hear  the  heaviness  of  metal  in  the  music  while  the  music  is  more  focused  on  a  raw  style  of  punk  that  has  a  lot  of  80's  and   90's  influences  while  sounding  very  modern  at  the  same  time and  you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of both  Swedish  and  Japanese  influences  throughout  the  recording  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  very  fast  and  heavy  musical  direction.

  Kohti  Tuhoa  plays  a  style  of  crust  punk  that  goes  back  to  the  early  days of  the  genre  while  also  updating  the  sound  for  the  modern  days,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  violent  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kohti  Tuhoa  are  a  very  great  sounding  crust  punk  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Orja"  "Voittojen  Maksimointi"  "Kujanjuoksu"  and  "Liha  Palaa".  8  out  of  10.

  

Forsaken Peddlers/Songs Of Fate And Freedom/Heathen Tribes Records/2016 Cassette Review

  Forsaken  Peddlers  are  a  band  from  France that  plays  an  epic  form  of  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2014  album  "Songs  Of  Fate  And  Freedom"  which  will  be  re-issued  on  cassette  in  August  of  2016  by  Heathen  Tribes  Records.

  Clean  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with some  melodic vocals  and  a  few  seconds  later  heavy  guitars  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  start  taking  the  music  into  more  of  an  epic  doom  metal  direction  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  era  of  the  genre  and  most  of   the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  At  times  the  riffs  can  be  very  melodic  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  sound  like  they  could  of  easily  been  recorded  and  released  30  years  ago  and  the  songs  stick  to  mostly  a  slow  musical  direction  while  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  mid  paced  sections  and  clean  playing  also  makes  a  return  on  a  later  track.

  Forsaken  Peddlers  plays  a  style  of epic  doom  metal  that  is  very  melodic  while  also being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  style,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover   history and  society  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Forsaken  Peddlers  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  cassette.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS INCLUDE  "All  Shall  Fall"  and  "The  Conqueror".  8  out  of  10.