Sunday, July 24, 2016

Morthus Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

We started in the end of 2012, as friends playing death metal, inspired by bands like Morbid Angel, Autopsy. Since that we became brothers with an idea of spreading blasphemy, influenced by black art. Now we are 19-23 y.o. maybe that’s not impressive, but whatever, we have own vision  of what happens with the world and humanity. We came from little towns in central Poland, so you can only imagine the atmosphere of our lives. But back to the main theme, since we brought band to live, we recorded some stuff and play few concerts, sometimes in dirty caves, sometimes in big halls (for example on tour with Infernal War).

2.Recently you have released your first full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from your previous ep and demo?
There’s more black metal influence on it. The dark atmosphere of solitude and being forgotten by god weeps from our tools of doom. We’re not playing in the same pulse all the time, because it’s like a story to tell, sometimes there’s fast blast beats fueled by hate and aggression, sometimes very slow, powerful acts of doom. The album is more consequent and coherent. Definitely it’s more mature, but it’s only early phase of what’s inside us, time will show, because even we don’t know where this path is going. Or we know – into death and nothingness, but what’s en route?

3.Your lyrics cover a great amount of occult and left hand path topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

I recommend to research it on your own, because that knowledge is only for chosen ones, those who really are interest, but the fact is that evilness is around us. Only fools wouldn’t agree, and the thing is to be able to live in this society. Sometimes we create it and hurts each others, sometimes we’re on the way with it, watching the great misterium of downfall of our times, sometimes we fall under our own weakness, but when the black flame of Lucifer’s illumination is burning inside we’re able to rejecting lies. The truth is subjective nowadays, so we’re still looking for real liberty, against the god law. It appears in our everyday life's as attitude, but also I celebrate it during special dates, or in special places, practicing some kind of rituals. There’s only death real in this world. 

4.Why did you pick the name 'Morthus' and also are you aware of the band in Germany that also has the same name?

It cames from “Mortuus” – in latin it means dead. Short name, easy to remember, that’s all. When we choose it, we only knew about Czech Morthus playing dark ambient or something, but we’re not interested in this kind of music. After that we discover the band from Germany, they play quite good, but there’s no devil in their music, so we’re also not interested.

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?

It sucks when you have to read or talk about shows. And it’s hard to describe in few words. Wildness, aggression, hate and dignity – this ones are good.

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

Yes, but only during the winter. We confirmed 2 gigs with Mayhem and Watain during their tour in Europe, both in Poland, and also one festival with Grave Miasma and Sadistic Intent in Poland too.

7.The new album was released on Witching Hour productions, are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?

It’s hard to say, we’re young so we don’t know how this big mechanism works, they helped us with a lot of things, but some things weren’t done as we would do it, or some topics were without answers for long time but it’s only details.  Finally we are glad, because they do the great physical version of the album and the promotion. It’s one of the biggest labels in Poland so it would be stupid to reject their proposition.

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

We have good response from places we hadn’t expected like Singapore, Chille, Brasil, Nepal, Serbia. There’s a lot of reviews from US or UK and of course from Europe - Spain, Portugal, France, and our neighbours: Germany, Czech Republic (see u at Brutal Assault) but it’s quite obviously.

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

deeper…

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?

All the music we listen to had an influence, there’s no one particular band. Of course mostly it’s Scandinavian scene, but also American. Nowdays we listen to oldschool stuff (Bathory!!), but sometimes we are bewitched by younger bands. I recommend stuff from Poland like Bestial Raids, Cultes des Ghoules, Mgła, Infernal War and others. Also I can name few bands which I mostly listen to for a few months (I don’t say that I’ve just know them, but they are in my top bands now): Teitanblood, Truppensturm, Darkthrone, Degial, Bombus, Wardruna, King Dude, Diocletian and Witchrist and many more

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Sex and drugs.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

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Friday, July 15, 2016

Triplezero Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Well, this project started in 2015 but we've been collaborating and playing in many different bands for several years.
In fact I've recorded most of my albums in the studio of Denys, who plays electronics in this release. I mean, besides the band, we're three mates who share more than musical activities.

2.Recently you have released an album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

I don't like talking in terms of "styles". I think nowadays we have to transcend that, music is music after all. And sometimes thinking in styles is artistically self-limiting , but to make myself clear Icould say there's some dark ambient and drones here, as well as free improvisation and black metal feeling.

3.Some of your music is inspired by the writings of H.P Lovecraft, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this author?

I've been a fan of Lovecraft since I was a teen, I really enjoyed Poe, him, or other terror/fantasy/witchery writers like R.E Howard. About Lovecraft, besides his stories, there's an amazing and complex philosophy and spiritual concept behind all that. As usual, best things are between the lines.

4.You have also listed S. Ben Qayin and Asenath Mason as influences 2 contemporary left hand path authors that have been making some headlines lately, can yo tell us a little bit more about your involvement with the Black Arts And Occultism?

Well, I think there's nothing black on Arts, and nothing occult on Occultism. All these are just words that humans need to conceptualize what our limited minds are not able to understand. Everyone has their own path and it's free to walk it or not. Everything's revealed, the only thing we need is having the will to see beyond. I mean by saying that, I don't take part in any team but mine. And I don't work for anyone but myself.

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

It's an abstract concept about the zero as chaos, the double zero as infinite, and triplezero as an antithesis of the infinite.

6.Has the band done any live shows yet or has this been a studio project so far?

The band was born as a studio project with the only purpose of having fun making free noise impros. But the results were much better than we expected, and then we decided to include our friend Eric on vocals as a featuring. The whole thing was growing and now we've got something solid we can defend on stage.

7.The album was released through both 'Antinomia Records' and 'Binary Sorrow', can you tell us a little bit more about both of these labels?

Binary Sorrow is an italian label who trusted on our music from the beginning and we really appreciate that. They'll release the album on CD in a few months. About Antinomia, it's my own label, a division of Sepulchral Silence, the metal one where I'm the A&R, but Antinomia is focused on experimental and avantgarde stuff regardless styles but on intense and creative music.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your album by fans of the more dark or underground forms of music?

Some of them love it, some of them were shocked or annoyed, and I'm glad about that, ‘cause it means our music leaves nobody indifferent. Anyway, not a big deal. I make music for myself, not for others. But if in the meantime it can touch somebody else... much better!
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?

We three are in too many projects to be listed here. I think the point is Triplezero feeds and fits some part of us that no other project can.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Expect anything. But I can assure intensity will be the same or even more, regardless the aesthetics or musical direction.

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?

I personally prefer music over styles. About bands...too many. I just can say lately I've been listening to Demilich, Cultes Des Ghoules, Infester, Portal, early Bethlehem and late John Coltrane.

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


I appreciate the opportunity to answer your questions here, and I just want to encourage people to find and discover new stuff, diving into the Antinomia, Sepulchral Silence, Binary Sorrow catalogues and all of underground metal or non-metal labels, to be open minded and always look beyond. Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/000triplezero/

Oblivion Circle Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band? Joe: we're an American blackened Metal band from dallas/fort worth Texas.

2.Recently you have released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording? Joe: pretty much its an extreme metal recording with some heavy black and death metal influence. Dark melodies with some aggressive parts throughout the release.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?  Joe: The e.p is a concept release, a fictional modern take on the 4 horseman of the apocalypse.  Pretty much how us as a human species destroy the earth. I.e. war, over population and pollution.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Oblivion Circle'? Joe: i believe we as humans blindly follow and repeat ourselves throughout history. Almost like we're programmed to self destruct. So oblivion circle is just a infinite loop of existence.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? Joe: Since we're a new band, we haven't played a live show yet.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? Joe: we're playing a local fest here in our home state in January. (our debut show)

7.The ep was released on 'Sepulchral Silence Records' are you happy with the support that they have given you so far? Joe: Iam very pleased with the exposure and feedback we have recieved.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and death metal? Joe: we haven't been told we suck or anything yet. Ha, people seem to enjoy it. We've been played on a few podcast radio shows and on air Shows here in TX and one in Arizona.  Seem to get more attention in the U.K, been played on few shows from london and ireland.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you seethe band heading into musically during the future?  Joe: probably going to stick to the blackened death formula, maybe get into a more progressive writing approach, hopefully by next year we will put out a full length, We're currently writing new material.

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? Joe: i listen to alot of different bands but iam really influenced by cattle decapitation, Winterfylleth, forgotten tomb and vattnet viskar. Iam currently stuck on "Aborted" (RetroGore) and Regarde les hommes tomber (exile)

11.What are some of your non musical interests?  Joe: video games and craft beer. Ha.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? Joe: just huge big thanks to everyone that supports and listens to Oblivion Circle, Cheers!

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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Waldensis Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
1) We are a 2 pieces band, which play a kind of mixture of Black/Death Metal with some melodic stuff in it. We've had a few changes in our line-up and we're currently looking for a new singer which will also play the rythm guitar, and a bass player. We are 19 and 20 years old, but EP was recorded as we were 17 and 18. We are currently writing a new album, a full LP, which will be pretty daaaaaamm good.

2.Recently you have released an ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
2) It's pretty melodic, we wanted to have a melodic project but with more brutallity (blast beats, fast riffs etc...) as normal melodic death metal bands. Also there was a synth player which give us a kind of symphonic nuances, but she's no longer part of the band, so there won't be any synth in the future for this project.

3.So far all of the music has been instrumental, are you planning on using any vocals in the future?
3) Yes, actually we should have had vocals on the EP but we kicked out the vocalist because of musical divergency, so we removed the vocals, but there will be vocals on our future realeases.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Waldensis'?
4) Waldensis is the ancient name for the region we live, in Switzerland the country is divided in what we call "canton" or "Kanton" in the german parts, and ours is called "Vaud". During the Middle Ages it was called Waldensis, that's why we choose that name.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
5) We actually haven't played that many, but the biggest one was at a small metal festival with the bands "Path of Desolation" and "Blasted". But as soon as we'll have a solid line-up we will surely do more of them!

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
6) Probably concerts plans with other local bands such as our friend from "Unholy Pagoda" and Tripping Tombstone"!

7.The ep was released on 'Sepulchral Silence Records', are you happy with the support that they have given yo so far?
7) Yes it's very good, they are doing everything needed, we couldn't hope more!

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic black and death metal?
8) We haven't had a lot of feedacks just because we're not that famous and because we haven't made a lot of advertising for it, but so far, they've been pretty good and thats very motivating!

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
9) We are actually writing a new album at the moment, we are looking for some studios possibilities in Switzerland, and would record it next year if possible! It will probably be heavier, and more technicall for the most part !

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) For the inspiration mostly:  Belphegor, Dark Funeral, Rose Funeral, Carnifex; what we enjoy listening to:  Beneath the Massacre, Brain Drill, Djent (vildhjarta, textures etc...), Origin, Thy Art Is Murder, Spawn of Possession, Rings of Saturn, Iron Maiden, Fallujah, Decapitated, Animals as leaders and many more!

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
11) We both study law, we both enjoy video games (Competitive Halo, Competitive Super Smash bros Melee, Pokemon, Zelda etc...) ; and hanging out with friends!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12) Thanks for interviewing us, we really enjoyed it, and stay tuned for our new musical releases!

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Onirism/The Well Of Stars/2016 EP Review


  Onirism  are  a  solo  project  from  France  that  recently have  had  an  album  reviewed  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2016  ep  "The  Well  Of  Stars".

  Atmospheric  sounds  start  off  the  ep  and  also  start  evolving  into  more  of  a symphonic  direction  after a  few  seconds  while  also  having  the  epic  feeling  of  a  fantasy  movie  and  on  the  second  tracks  the  symphonic  elements  get  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sound  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  solos  and  leads  are d one  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  screams  and  the  songs  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  elements of  medieval  folk  music  can  be  heard  in  the music  at  times  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  all  instrumental.

  Onirism  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  epic  and  symphonic  style  of  black  metal  that  he  had  established  on  the  previous  release,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  lucid  dreams  themes  while  also  having  a  concept  to  them.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Onirism  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Well  Of  Starts  Part  II'  and  "The  Endless  Ride  of  heavens".  8  out  of  10.

http://onirismband.bandcamp.com/album/the-well-of-stars-ep

 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Marsh Dweller/The Weight Of Sunlight/Eihwaz Recordings/2016 CD Review


  Marsh  Dweller  are  a  solo  project  originally  from  Ohio  but  now  re-located  to  Pennsylvania  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2016  album  "The  Weight  of  the  Sunlight"  which  will  be  released  by  Eihwaz  Recordings in  August.

  Nature  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  before  adding  in  more  of  a  heavy  and  melodic  sound  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  use  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.

  A  lot  of  atmospheric  elements  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  at  times  the  music  also  mixes  both  the  heavy  and  acoustic  parts  together  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sound  very  powerful  and  a  couple  of  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  There  is  also  a  great  amount  of  Swedish  style  melodic  death  metal  influences  throughout  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a couple  of  instrumentals  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  some  tracks  also  add  in a brief  use  of  melodic  singing  and  the  album  also  contains  a  small  amount  of   session  work  from  members  of  Obsequiae,  Brimstone  Coven  and  Nechochwen.

  Marsh  Dweller  plays  a musical  style  that mixes  the  melodic  styles  of  black  and  death  metal  with  some  progressive  elements  to  create  a  musical  style  he  refers  to  as  being  'bright  metal',  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  nature,  Naturalistic  Pantheism,  Philosophy  and Triumph  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Marsh  Dweller  are  a  very  great  sounding melodic  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Dull  Earth"  "Monumental  Collapse"  and    "Forks  Of  The  River".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Marsh_Dweller/3540386723 

Stormtide Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?



We (STORMTIDE) are a symphonic fantasy/death metal band from a little country known to some as Australia. To others, “Down Under”. Having been hard at work these past three and a bit years on our debut album “Wrath of an Empire” we are finally ready to release through the awesome Metal Hell Records.



2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?



A fusion. We’ve worked tirelessly to blend together our favourite genres combining black, death, symphonic and folk metals to create something entirely new. Or at least we hope that’s what we’ve done!



3.Your lyrics cover a lot of High Fantasy themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?



Sure. Everyone in the band is a big fan of Dungeons and Dragons, video games and fantasy literature. In fact, the song “The Green Duck” is based on the tavern in our Dungeons and Dragons campaign.



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



That’s a good question! It came to us after a few failed (and hilarious) attempts at creating a name. It seemed to just fit.



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



We try and make each show as important and as exciting as the last. We’ve had the opportunity to play packed capacity venues supporting our favourite bands as well as playing to a few angry football fans at our local. Our stage performance is the same regardless – Cloaked, furious and fun.



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



Can’t say too much to that just yet, let’s just say some things are in the works!



7.The new album is coming out on 'Metal Hell Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?



Metal Hell have been really great to work with. They gave us a really great opportunity to promote the kind of music that most mainstream labels wouldn’t take a chance on.



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



Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive these past few years. We have fans all over the world who regularly message us asking for updates, merch and when we’ll be touring to their country!



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

It’s becoming a bit of a cliché to say “heavier and darker” about future music these days. We’re just aiming for “Better”!



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 influences range from old school black metal to epic symphonic metal. Our favourite bands are along the lines of Insomnium, Equilibrium and Wintersun.



11.Does Paganism play any role in your music?



Not so much! We try and avoid any religious overtones in our music.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?



Video games, reading, live performance theatre.



13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We look forward to seeing what people say regarding this new album!

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