Seventh Rule Artist Author & Punisher Interview is up

http://www.authorandpunisher.com/

1. Starting with working with heart and crossbow label.  This has been a labor of love it seems. For my readers this is a new project. How did you come to the style you create of industrial drone doom?

I think the process was a natural one.  I started playing metal with guitars and drums, but once I went out on my own with a laptop and drum machine, the sound sort of developed into what it is now. The influences were what you would imagine in the metal side of things, and also very electronic: drum and bass, electro, dub...The machines have now sort of morphed my influences into this new thing that you her now that is A&P.

2. Tristan you create the majority of the devices you use to make your sound was that the goal all a long? 

No I it wasn't at all.  The progression was completely natural.  I was a one man band with a laptop playing a sequence...I didn't like this setup because it didn't feel live and the sequence almost  felt too stiff.  I basically decided to make different types of interfaces that I could manipulate and move/turn/push that would allow me to play all the sounds live.  If I don't move, you don't hear it.  Now I am playing all the sounds live and can improvise and really capture the emotion of the moment.

3. With Author & Punisher is there a theme or ideal you are trying to present? I does have a very apocalyptic feel..

I try to make devastating music, it is what comes out of me when I sit at a piano or a set of my instruments.  There is no theme, it's sort of a giant mess that I have created.  I do have aesthetics that rear their head in my designs but they are very much a product of the materials and components I am using.

4. How did you come to work with seventh rule a rather high profiled label in extreme underground?

They saw me play at the Fall into Darkness Fest up in Portland and we got in touch after that.  I toured with Batillus once and they spoke highly of the label, so I ended up writing to them...bam.  We have a great relationship and I am in constant contact with them about music, life and everything else.

5. Tristan you're a teacher,  creator and inventor in computer and industrial mechanism. How would yiu say it influences your musical out

All of these things influence my designs, compositions and performances as well.  I used to get angry about being an engineer in a lab in a dark room or cleanroom, because it was not where I wanted to be, so that angst would come out in the music a bit. Now I embrace the contrast in my life because it is another dimension.  At Work I keep touching hardware, devices and materials that inspire my designs.  I also have to calculate and debug problems, so the mental stimulation is also useful in training my brain beyond music.

6. From videos ive seem live is more an interpretation of the recordings.  Should live installations always be more free formed?

Sometimes the live is very close to the recording whereas other times I tend to improvise and change the songs on the fly or end them or meld them.  That is one of the reasons I like my setup, because eI have that control over the sound where I can change directions, slow down, get spastic whenever I want.  I like when bands do that, it seems more live and inspired.

7. Who influenced you to create this very post modern doom vision?

Artistically there are some people who I have worked with that helped me and exposed me to lots of great stuff...My friend Matt Hope (matthope.org) was a friend in arts school who taught me to build speakers and we worked in the machine shop side by side creating all sorts of metallic and mechanical sculpture.  Chris Csikzentmilahy is another artist that I worked for about 5 years helping design and build his large scale kinetic and robotic sculptures.  Other artists include Survival Research Labs, Arthur Ganson, and filmmakers like Bela Tarr and Ingmar Bergman who make some really emotional dark films.

8. Where do you Tristan see extreme music heading in 2013?

I see it moving more into the improvisational realm...not the psychadelic route, but I Think electronic instruments are going to become more intuitive and people will start doing crazier things with sound...this is the hope anyway.  I'd also like to see more metal and electronic crossover than we have not.

9. Is the digital age helping make this a new frontier for underground music or just watering it down more with to many bedroom artists?

Yes absolutely.  I am all digital and unashamed of it :).  I like the fact that one of my controllers can control any sound I make...to me it's magic.  Whatever I imagine, I can create something close.  Also, the DIY revolution has made electronics really easy to use, so you can create any device you want.  I get anxiety thinking of all the things I want to make and realizing there isn't enough time.


10. What do hope to achieve with Author & Punisher once all is said and done?

I want to make a lot more stuff and share the power with the world.  I hope that a lot more musicians start building crazy shit so the music industry gets all shaken up and confusing.

11. Tristan is there an artist you would want to collab with and if so why?

I have some friends I would like to collaborate with, but currently I am liking working on my own.  I am hoping to work with Matt Hope on some speaker installations and then my friend and filmmaker Augie Arredondo and I plan to make some short films soon.

12. Your videos seem to have a dark element but with hope always in the backdrop. Its that how you see the future ?

I don't think there is too much hope honestly, but that doesn't mean you can't try and that there isn't love.  I am a very positive, outgoing person.  I enjoy life.

13. What are you currently listening to?

James Blake, Andy Stott.

14. You website is a massive endeavor.  Tell us about it any why full website over just social media in 2013?

Websites are a nice place to document things in a full and complete manner where the people who have concentration beyond a 30 second porn video can go.  I think social media is very helpful too, but just for immediate updates.  You gotta use all that shit I think to reach people.

15. Any closing thoughts here.

I hope to see everyone out on the Technicians of Distortion tour with Phil Anselmo & The Illegals.  The tour is going to be fun as hell and for me a chance to pump up the stage show a bit with some video and another person helping with live sound.  Thanks for the interview! \m/

New Reviews June 8th 2013

Dark Moor- Ars Musica-CD/ Digital (Scarlet Records)

Oh we have Epic Power metal going on here. If your a fan of Savatage, Kamelot or Blind Guardian you need this album without fail. Its done in a stellar fashion ( Arranged, Produced and Written) The musical  and vocal talent are 2nd to none here and with Dark Moor on their 9th album you would hope it would be no different. The orchestral element and group sung chorus really add something special to the work at hand. There is a total AOR Rock melody as well you hear from bands like Firehouse, TNT and Sheriff if you like these bands it will make this album all the more impressive to you as well.  Dark Moor would be the band to any fantasy big budget motion picture . With that I will let you know this if there is any negatives i can find with Dark Moor is they are over polished and sometimes the slick side comes across as pompous and cheesy. Other then this fantastic release by band the deserves far more respect worldwide..

http://www.scarletrecords.it/

Deadlands - Evilution- CD/ Digital (Massacre Records)

 Deadlands was founded by ex Vicious Rumors member so we all know that Thrash and Power metal has been brothers in the metallic realm for a very long time and with Deadlands they become brothers again. If you could mix Nevermore and Forbidden into one group and then let members of Iced Earth help with some musical arrangements you would have Deadlands sound and secret sauce bottled and ready to go out to the world. The trouble with this is that is a some of all three and them at time he almost goes into that Melodic Death style but just or a moment or two then comes right back to were we have spoken. The solo and guitars are massive and the vocals are mix of Warrel of Nevermore and Russ of Forbidden . I swear some of these songs could be on Twisted into form period Forbidden. If you remember a band called Hades from NJ they have a similar sound as well. I will end with this my friends. Deadlands is a great metal record that any fan of the genre will be pleased to have in their collection.

http://www.massacre-records.com/

Cadaveria- Horror Metal-CD/Digital (Bakerteam)

If you don't know but about a decade ago the from women and namesake of the band was in an amazing gothic black doom band called Opera IX and with this Cadaveria album I hear her coming full circle as the Black metal and goth elements are mixed with the death and horror elements. This would be the best produced and the most well put together album I've hear from Cadaveria in a very long time. There is a strong mix of frailty and power . Acoustic and full on metallic assaults as well. Cadaveria has that gothenburg sound often too that of esp At the Gates and Arch Enemy. The Big difference is that Cadaveria can add the Massive symphonic sound with the genre and make it all their own. With Horror Metal this band as really taken the next step for the sound that has always been interesting and now is innovating. You will be impressed ...

http://www.bakerteamrecords.com

Demon Lung- The Hundredth Name- CD/ Digital ( Candlelight)

Droning Doom is what comes across on the info track and let me tell you brothers and sisters HELL YA!!!!.  The Noise and Feedback of Sludge/ Droning Doom is something I take on with the highest of regards. There are moments of bands line Mourn, The River, Anathema and Paradise Lost going on here.  I would even say a strong love of bands like Crowbar and Electric Wizard comes pouring through on Demon lung. This album is as hypnotic and it is soaked in the riffs of Sabbath and Vitus.... Demon lung your female vocalist is a true force to be reckoned with with and most bands like this come across a just another retro doom band and with Demon Lung that is so far from the truth. I'm not a huge fan of the stoner realm but Demon Lung really  incorporates the sound and makes it all more creative and powerful. I want to say there are elements of Early Gathering with Anneke and even early 3rd and the Mortal . Let Demon lung envelope you in the sound and passion of sorrow an riffs of molasses!!!

http://candlelightrecordingsusa.com/

The Meads of Asphodel- Sonderkommando- CD/ Digital ( Candlelight)

So I'm going to try to explain again on what the sound of this band really is as its one of the most crazy, experimental , original bands on the planet. Lets try it like this. What if you wrote a massive rock opera and then decided to have Pink Floyd, Bal Sagoth, Ihsahn, Fleetwood Mac and Blood Axis all collab at the same time and present it to the world in one complete story of Nazi and Jewish ideals at the same time. There really are no words that come up with on how wrong and right this band are all at the same time and with each track its just takes you deeper to a place were you want to hear more but are afraid you may never be able to return from. I really do know where to turn and in 2013 I didn't think I could be made speechless by music or ideas and again The Meads of Asphodel did it to me. Kudos to them and this bizarre beyond Bizarre album

http://candlelightrecordingsusa.com/



Orphaned Land- All is one-CD/ Digital (Century Media)


Orphaned Land has transformed from a Epic Death metal band over the years to a symphonic rock/ metal band with eastern elements in their music. With All is One this is the most polished and commercial release of their career. The Death metal elements are all but gone and what has appeared is very similar to what bands like  Anathema, Amorphis, Opeth have done . They have looked with in and gotten more progressive and theatrical in all things being done . This does not in anyway make Orphaned land less impressive and brilliant what it does is just add to it all all and make them all the more challenging to the listener to hear what is going on see and absorb the beauty of what is Orphaned Land. I really want to call these Jewish hymns as Orphaned land really let there Israeli love lay hard on their sleeves.  With this review coming to a close I will say Orphaned Land give me hope that even a band with 20 yrs behind them can make an album this fresh and groundbreaking. I really hope this band hits 30 yrs and beyond. Oriental Metal music needs to continue for all times..

http://centurymedia.com/

6 New Reviews 6/2/2013

Spheron- Ecstasy of God- CD/ Digital ( Apostasy Records)

Complexity and Progressive elements to Death metal is nothing new. Though creating it in a new and inventive manner is nothing of an easy task. Where Spheron comes into the picture is a mix of Brutally extreme Death metal and the over the top arrangements of bands like Edge of Sanity,   Hypocrisy and The Red Chord . I know many like to call this Tech Death metal music its more than that as is mixes elements of grind and hardcore into where Spheron comes to full picture. At times I think they have most in common with bands like Death or Pestilence just with a more modern overtone. Spheron talents are beyond what the mainstream will ever know or see. Spherom will write there own destiny if they continue down this road of intelligence and skill..

http://www.apostasyrecords.com/

Mumakil- Flies will starve-CD/ Digital (Relapse Records)

Mumakil are very clearly a force in the realm of Grindcore as there are many sub divison's of this style were Mumakil would be very music in the earache/ relapse ideal so its no shock they are signed to relapse. As they have much in common with bands like Brutal Truth, Human Remains and Nasum. You can also hear Bands like Extreme Noise Terror and Aborted. Relapse as a band of speed , power and surgical strike in musical talent. Mumakil are not a wall of noise they are very sharp in production and the way you can hear everything. This is not noise, With Flies with starve they worked on a massive game plan for sound, arrangement and tone. If your even a remote fan of grindcore you need to hear Mumakil.....

http://relapse.com/

Across Tundras- Electric Relics- Vinyl/CD/ Digital (Electric Relics)

So this is one of those albums that crosses 3 very different genres that at 1st you would not think would work at all just is surprisingly impressive. Proto Doom, Americana and Southern Roots rock. Across Tundras last release was on the mighty Neurot Recordings . From that side they get the Grails and US Christmas elements and can see why Neurot works with them. They also have a very Neil Young, Wilco, Jayhawks thing going on here. I will also say if you like bands Religous Revival music Across tundras gives me this vibe as well. I also hear bands like St Vitus and Sabbath in this sonic-ally masterful album. Across Tundras decided this time out to release the record themselves and with that let's help them get the music to proper people this is not an album for the masses but it is for those fuzzed out , bluesy hard rocking fans out there that love there music with passion and soul... 

http://www.acrosstundras.bandcamp.com/

Besieged- Victims Beyond all help-CD/ Digital ( Unspeakable Axe)

Wow Extreme thrash, Punk and Hardcore all blended into a moment that is just too good to be true. So DRI, Atrophy, Slayer, Excel and Vio-lence fan unite as you will have another band to fall in love with as that is Besieged mix of.  The solos are over the top and its the only way they should be. The vocals are throaty and strepped and the music is nothing but an addiction of speed and aural madness. Skate punks and Metal heads that have a need for mid period anthrax these will be your new anthems.  The label there on is a sub label of Dark Descent and they seem to have found a nitch for retro metallers and socal punks to have a field day with a new band with a very old spirit!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/UnspeakableAxeRecords

Scale the Summit- The Migration-CD/ Digital (Prosthetic Records)

First off anyone that tells you bands need vocalist to be good or interesting.. Tell them to listen to Scale the Summit.... What you have is a instrumental progressive,jazz, thrash band. Words really do fail me to explain what I'm listening to if you could add the music of Kings X, Opeth, Racers X, Devin Townsend, Ayreon and Fates Warning all into one band then Have them perform old Genesis and Yes songs you would have Scale the Summit. These Texas natives are simply the shit nothing else really to say. You will not hear many bands like this in your life so do not miss out. Wow just Wow......

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Integrity- Suicide Black Snake- CD/ Digital (A389/ Magic Bullet Records)

So if you don't know who Integrity is why?? for over a two decades they have been production some the most creative and interesting  Hardcore, Metalcore, Noisecore music in the world. Integrity is what would happen if Black Flag, Slayer and Misfits decided to create a full on hardcore band. Integrity is just that awesome and special. Their sound has defined a generation and created bands like Dillinger Escape Plan, Deadguy, Hatebreed and Madball for the love of the gods above. I feel labels like Slap a ham and Rhetoric were born just release music like this as much of thier rosters are directly influenced by Dwid and Integrity... They mix Blues solos and Jazz at time into the chaos . It's so good to see this band back into the fold making musical nightmares once more...

http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/

http://www.a389records.com/

Century Media Records - SANCTUARY: : signs worldwide deal with Century Media Records

Century Media Records - SANCTUARY: : signs worldwide deal with Century Media Records

Blind God Artist Morgengrau Interview is up ...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgengrau/112541632142818
http://www.reverbnation.com/morgengrau
http://morgengrau.bandcamp.com/album/extrinsic-pathway

1. Erika tell us how Morgengrau came to be I know you were part of Ignitor

who released a CD on Cruz Del Sur before this which was more Power/ Classic

metal...

Erika: Hey Clint! My path to death metal has been very round-about. When I

started playing guitar as a teen, I always wanted to do a very heavy band.

My favorite bands at that time were Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel,

Deicide and Pestilence.  Unfortunately, I lived in a rural area and was

shy, so I didn’t have the resources to get a band going. After college, I

gave up on guitar to concentrate on getting a job and starting my “adult”

life. Boring, I know. Some readers may be aware I sang in a neoclassical

darkwave band called Autumn Tears for quite a few years. It was a bit of a

weird way to start my music career, given I’d always wanted to be in a

metal band. Towards the end of my time with AT, I started developing a

more aggressive vocal style in anticipation of moving in a heavier

direction. In Ignitor, I got the opportunity to put that new approach to

good use. The problem with Ignitor is it just wasn’t heavy enough. I

enjoyed the music as I like NWOBHM, but it wasn’t the band for me long

term. After quitting Ignitor, I dabbled around with more aggressive yet

still heavy metal vocals in a project called Bracaglia. About three years

ago, I decided it was now or never if I wanted to do a death metal band,

so I bought a guitar and amp and relearned how to play. Developed my death

metal voice and about a year later, Morgengrau came together.

2. The Sound of Morgengrau is a mix of Old School Death metal Immolation,

Asphyx and Grave with some strong Extreme thrash elements . How did the

sound come about?

Erika: Suffice to say, the bands of my late teens-early twenties are

permanently a part of my inner soundscape. That stuff is imprinted on my

brain permanently. I do find it really  interesting since the album has

come out hearing what influences others detect in the music. Everyone

hears a few different things. You’re a good example: you hear Grave

elements but I couldn’t identify a Grave song if it bit me on the ass.

Never listened to them. We gotten a few later model Death comparisons,

too, and again, that was never part of my lexicon. Just goes to show we’re

hitting solidly in the death metal model, which is by no means a bad

thing.

3. Your releases you debut album Extrinsic Pathway this month on Blind God

. Its this the bands own label? If so did you want to independently release

the album as in 2013 its just a better way ..

Erika: I’ve watched several bands much more established than mine struggle

like hell to get label support, their albums languishing unreleased for

months to years. I’ve also noticed the dismaying tendency of some labels

to produce very cheap digipaks. To avoid both of those problems, I created

my own imprint and self-released the album. Much easier, faster and

complete artistic control.

4. Whats a like show like for Morgengrau? Do you enjoy live or in the

studio more?

Erika: We prefer playing live much more than being the studio. The studio

is a necessary evil. It’s stiff and inorganic and tiring. Live is so much

better. We have very energetic, violent shows. It’s a great exchange of

energy between the band and the crowd. By far, the most enjoyable live

performances of my career have been with Morgengrau. This is the band I’ve

always been meant to be in.

5. I read that Devo of Marduk fame mixed and mastered the album how did

that come to be and how do you feel that polished the album for you?

Erika: I got to know Devo a few years back. My husband was Marduk’s stage

manager for their 2009 US tour, so I got to know them all. When we

traveled to Sweden, we spent a bunch of time in Devo’s studio in

Norrköping. I knew he could give the album the right old school feel and

he agreed, so there you have it. He did a great job, very fast, very easy

to work with. Super cool guy - support Endarker Studio!

6. Is there a theme or story line for Extrinsic Pathway or just a

collection of Extreme Death metal tracks?

Erika: It’s a collection. It’s possible the next album will be themed. I’m

a very slow songwriter - it takes me forever to construct songs and even

longer to come up with lyrics, because I am so particular. Extrinsic

Pathway is raw and unbridled. The next album will be more focused, now

that we know more about ourselves as songwriters and a band.

7. If you could make a video for any track off the new album which would it

be and why?

Erika: Antithetical - it’s a great example of Morgengrau’s relentless

style and my favorite song on the album. We’ve toyed with the idea. Maybe

after we play the Martyrdoom fest. Right now, we’re too busy getting merch

and a few new songs completed to add anything else to the Morgengrau To-Do

List at the moment.

8. Whats you thoughts on the underground metal scene in 2013 is more active

then ever or is it back to basics again were live shows and grass roots is

the only way to get a band out there?

Erika: This is a hard question to answer. Getting exposure feels very

random and luck-based. I see many very legit bands working hard in the

grass roots fashion and making middling progress at best. I see ridiculous

bands play-acting at extreme metall - these are the ones on labels,

filming videos, getting on tours while adding nothing to the scene but

debris and confusion. Metal’s ever-increasing visibility to mainstream

society has created a trend of curiosity and a “let’s-get-in-on-it”

interest in the genre that isn’t helping anybody who’s still making metal

for the reasons we all had in 1990: aggression and death/occult worship.

Way too many regular people still try to connect with me just because

they’ve caught a Dethklok cartoon on Adult Swim or because their kid

listened to The Devil Wears Prada for five minutes. Suddenly they’re a

fucking expert in metal. It’s so hard for me to not react with utter

disgust in those moments. I have nothing in common with those people.

Metal is very serious business for me, and because of that I know my

chances of turning a buck on it are close to nil. Yes, I know many other

musicians have said, “We’ll never sell out” and then out trots their own

version of the “Black” album a few years later... Morgengrau has an

advantage over them: we know we’ll never make our living off metal. That’s

what our day jobs are for. We are free from the pressure of needing to

cash in on the latest trend to turn a profit to pay the rent.

9. Do you think the digital age is helping sales and growth of bands or are

there to many outlets and webzines and we water down the scene at large?

Erika: You’re very right about the scene being watered down. So many

people want to exercise their own “creative genius” and be acknowledged as

such when all they are creating is useless dreck. When I was growing up it

was a lot easier to focus on what mattered. There was less of everything.

There was no Internet. There were only a few labels: Roadrunner/Roadracer,

Metal Blade, Combat, Earache. You knew what you were getting. There were

fanzines, but your access to them was limited to how much you wanted to

write to other metal fans and take the chance of sending dollar bills

through the mail. Now, there’s 10,000 options for everything at your

fingertips. You have to wade through acres of garbage to find good stuff;

it takes a lot longer.  I’ve done my best to seed Morgengrau in as many

online haunts as possible. We’ve gotten a lot of good press since the

album came out so that is helping raise our profile as well. We’ve moved

about 1/5 of the first pressing of the album, which is pretty good for

only 2 months post-release with no official distribution.

10. Were do see a band like Morgengrau progressing to with future releases

? Do you want to find a bigger label expand on the sound of the band . Get

out on National and International tours or all of the above?

Erika: Larger label support would be ideal, so we can get better

distribution on releases and not have to deal with so much of that

mechanism. I intend to keep the band firmly in the old school vein as much

as possible - we will write music we want to hear. If we find a label who

agrees with our model, then everybody will benefit. Getting on a tour

would be wonderful, even if it was only for a short stint. I feel we could

make a really good showing.

11. Morgengrau is based out of one of the biggest music cities in the world

Austin Tx what is the scene like there and are there any stand out bands in

the local scene you would like to promote to my readers?

Erika: Oh Austin... we love to talk about how great our city is for music

but in truth, it’s good for trendy pap and country, not metal. We have a

decent scene but certainly not the best. We do have some great bands in

our area: Birth A.D. is a killer crossover thrash band - their album “I

Blame You” is out on Unspeakable Axe Records. The Blood Royale is a

punk-metal crossover unit with a lot of Motorhead influences, so if metal

with a more rock feel is your bag, check them out. Black metal fans should

listen to Plutonian Shore from San Antonio. They have a very European old

school flavor. Also from San Antonio is Hod: really good speedy blackened

death.

12. As a band you seem to use social media Bandcamp, Reverbnation, Facebook

etc do you feel this the best way to promote bands in 2013 is a good PR

team and Social media all you need or does a proper website seem to be

needed?

Erika: I find it hard to know what’s best. The world of social media and

the Internet is so fluid that a site which gets a lot of traffic for 6

months may not have the same traffic 6 months later. Like I said earlier,

I’ve tried to seed band information around on the Internet to cover the

broadest base possible. We just got up on iTunes. Clawhammer PR handles

our main promotion, they do a great job getting us reviews and interviews.

I’m sure we could be doing more. I could spend all day fucking around on

the internet posting shit in 400 different places, but then I’d never

write another riff.  In the end, I think getting interviews in zines,

playing strategically important shows, using social media and old

fashioned word of mouth are the way to go.

13. If you could tour with any band who would Morgengrau want to do so with

and why?

Erika: Immolation - because they are a great inspiration and also our good

friends. Who wouldn’t want to tour with friends who share the same love of

metal, goofy jokes and ice cream?

14. Thank you for your time any closing thoughts here...

Thanks Clint and Absolute Zero! Readers, please check us out on Facebook

and Reverbnation and purchase a CD through Bandcamp.com. Support the true

underground - Hail Metal, Hail Death!

7 New Reviews 5/18/2013

Ash Borer- Cold of Ages -  Lp ( Pesanta Urfolk)

This was earlier released on CD and digital by Profound Lore and now has been released on a limited vinyl and normal full vinyl run this is Folk inspired black metal in ways that only bands like Ash Borer can do so it has a very Wolves in the throne room vibe going on here . Nature and Woodlands play a major role in the style and sound of how the band creates the themes and tones of their music. The controlled chaos of all that Ash Borer does is very clear and the talent that goes into this is beyond most people will ever understand. With Cold of Ages we have a very haunting dissidence going on that almost borders on Doom and Prog metal at time. Ash Borer are more interesting as the album goes along and welcome the need age of experimental heathen black metal .....

http://www.ash-borer.blogspot.com/

Chaostar- Anomima-CD/ Digital (Season of Mist)

If you know of the mighty Septicflesh then you will understand Chaostar as this is a project of the some of there members going into a more orchestral and neoclassical side of the bands sound if you like bands like Dead can dance and Rajna then you will see were they are taking the already symphonic metal sound you know and reguard so highly with Septic flesh, There are elements of Eastern and Southern European heathen movements going on as well. Chaos start is almost a non metal version of bands like Orphaned land and Therion. The music on Anomima is just mindblowing and the vocals are even better. The Operatic Female and male vocals are just wow. If you have heard Ava Inferi as well they are very similar . This is not an ordinary release and it should not be ever. Fantastic....

http://season-of-mist.com

Circle- Six Day Run-CD/Digital (Ektro)

So long running Finnish Prog Space rockers Circle are back with another release this time with a bit more of a heavy backbeat and electronic side but this every thing you will love from this proto Post rock force and yes I say proto as they have all the elements of post rock but never bring it full circle (Pun indeed). I prefer to call them avant noise rocker as if you like bands like  Flux from James Plotkin, When or  Xploding Plastix then a band like this is going to win you over fast I mean even bands like Can , Hawkwind and Kraftwerk are huge influences on the band and you can hear it. If your ready for a heavy ride of sounds and powerful riffs then we will speak no more and journey on my musical traveler. I will end that this release is a soundtrack to a shortfilm and endurance sports so there is a strong cinematic element going on through out.

http://www.ektrorecords.com

VHK- Bite the Stars-CD/Digital (Ektro)

Every time I hear VHK then remind me of a few things but 1st we need to understand this band has been around for decades and in europe have a cult like status . If you could mix punk, folk, heathen rituals and doom metal all into a bowl and mix till he become something that no one in the USA ever really hears then you have VHK. If you like the more somber moments of Neurosis mixed with Sabbath Assembly and Oxbox all into some thing of another dimension then and only then would be almost be close. The epic percussion and bass movements with the passionate sung , chanted and screamed vocals mixed with delicate acoustics of eastern europe make this a band that is something that to you heathen past feel very familiar but to the modern side feel like its very off kilter.  There are moments of Killing Joke and even Hedningarna (A Nordic Folk band that you all should check out). Ok so this band is Hungarian and yes the old world mean alot to there sound and with each release I've heard I'm more impressed by the band you will be to if you just take the chance.

http://www.ektrorecords.com

Carrier Flux- Objections-CD/ Digital (Code 666)

Experimental Industrial / Ambient Black metal something Code666 have become well known for and Carrier Flux is the next in line to be honoured to work with a label that really seems to care about the quality of music and how the underground get it in a proper and well recorded manner . Carrier Flux comes from bands like D.H.G, Satyricon, Thorns and Fluerety and Solefald in the way Jeff creates his sounds and arrangements. Yes this is a one man black metal project but that should not lessen it one bit as its way more interesting then most out there with its mix of goth, industrial and electronics all in the post black metal style its not MZ412 or Ihsahn at all its a mix of all he hears and makes his own and I find that all the more important. Congrads to Code666 and Carrier Flux for a long and fruitful partnership...

http://code666.net/

Hybrid- Angst- CD/ Digital (Deepsend)

Well umm a jesus what did I just get myself into to review this is equal parts Post Hardcore, Mathcore and Noise/Grind all into something that I just love. Are you a fan of bands like Cynic, Atheist mixed with bands like converge , Meshuggah, Made out of babies and Red Harvest and Napalm death  all at the same time. Hybrid is wonderful madness brought to me by many 1's and 0's in this fantastic digital age. The wild uncontrolled creativity here is something that I miss until a new band comes around and throws me for a total loop like Hybrid. There are even some tasty as hell jazzcore moments from time to time and I mean with horns and all. Deepsend you have a Juggernaut here please get them exposed to as many fans as possible I do not want this band life on the side of the musical road as they are better then thousands of others I have heard over the last few yrs alone.

http://deepsend.com/

Arckanum- Fernis Kindir-CD/Digital (Underground Activist/ Season of Mist)

Epic Cold and Fierce Black metal for the warrior in all of you . Arckanum is one of those bands thats just gets how to piss off the world with its music. Fernis Kindir is fueled by the darkest of all emotions and that is revenge and disgust. You can hear it in every cord and vocal that is released by this one man assault. Season of mist has even put the release on its more underground label as they are presenting it to those of us that ready for the coming end of days and can fully be rewarded by a release like very few bands can spew forth on this sick sick world. Fernis Kindir will not be for everyone and that is very very clear but for the real black metal fan out there that misses the 90's raw and blistering elements mixed with a more modern black punk feel then get out your old album light the black flames of hate and let its dull glimmer warm thy self... Once you go in on Arckanum there is no turning back I will warn you now. The extremity here is second to none.. HORNS UP HIGH on this one.

http://season-of-mist.com/

New Reviews 5/4/2013

I Klatus- Kether-CD / Digital ( Horse Drawn Productions)

oh mighty and power underbelly of Sludgy Doom you welcome me with open arms .. It's so good to hear from you. Low rumbles, loops of feedback from guitars and the cries of a tortured soul. If you are into bands like Grief, Eyehategod, Mid Period Neurosis,  Noothgrush, It is I and High on fire then my friends there is no where else to turn but I Klatus.  There is some Crush and Post Hardcore element going on through out the album as well but the gut punching doom is what comes out the most here if you liked that late Mid 90's Nola and Sanfran Sludge movement then this is a must own. Its so damn heavy I just want more and more . There are a few punk/ noise moments but you know your going to get this with any release like this as they love bands like Man is the bastard or His Hero is gone. At time you even hear buzzoven and sleep movements creep in... We need more from this band and often but as with all good Doomy music it takes time...

http://www.iklatus.com/

Earthling- Dark Path- CD/ Digital ( Forcefield)

So these fine down and dirty southerners have created what can best be a dirgy punk thrash album with some very raw black metal elements. I here a mix of Bathory, DRI, Marduk and Early Metallica all in the same track with a HUGE  LOVE FOR SLAYER!!!!!!. So were do you progress on an album YOU DON'T!!!!! you leave this album by Earthling just as it is and all its raw and under produced retro elements and let them shine back to a day that patches and demin was as metal as you could ever get.. Earthling is fantastic just as it is do not mess this band up with progress. Stay in your caves and make what you know.... HORNS UP HIGH....

http://www.forcefieldrecords.org/

Control Human Delete- The Prime Mover- CD/ Digital ( Code666)

HELL YA!!! Progressive Industrial Black metal in the most avant and inventive of manners. You hear so many bands going on with this mixing and merging into something that is all Control Human Delete .  I hear a lot of love from bands like And Oceans, Thorns, Saytricon and   ( Later) Samael  are all very good examples of where this band is going but Control Human Delete are also adding a very Electro experimental over tone to the full picture . Bands like this are very rooted in the Northern European Black metal structure . They are just not afraid to explore, destroy and create some all the more new and special. We have some very full on prog moments at time too. Being on a label like Code666 its the perfect place to let your sound expand and see what happens they are very open to the Avant world of music. Control Human Delete are just another great mix of the Modern mixing with the ways of old metal....

http://code666.net/

MOONREICH- Terribilis Est Locus Iste-CD/ Digital ( A.T.M.F)

Epic Occult Black metal with a very modern and tech element going on in there music . I reminds me of bands like Ofermod, Deathspell Omega, Aosoth and Inquistion just to name a few. This is over the top in every way. A wall of Black, Punk, Thrash, Noise,  Post Rock and Hardcore all at once and more. Bands like Moonreich are on that kind of mission to just tear you aurally  limb from limb with  no mercy or even a reason other then its all they know and its keeps the band from burning everything in there path on a daily basis. There is so much talent going on here and we are clearly on the cutting edge of the underground with bands and labels like this yet another winner int this review batch...

http://www.atmf.net/

Thaw- S/T-CD/ Digital ( Avantgarde Music)

Well ummm this is going to be fun. Thaw is what I'm about to tell you and its really as twisted as I say. Imagine for a moments SUNNO)), KHANATE, GODFLESH and DOLORIAN all became an Ethereal Black Drone/Noise band and you have it .This album is from another world, dimension , time I'm not sure but the waves and echoes that Thaw can create is in a place all there own. This self titled release is drawing me in and will not let me go its almost the same way many of the earlier Avantgarde bands did  Unholy, Ras Algethi, Thergothon, Dolorian etc..  All I know is that I want more and with that Thaw has won.

http://avantgardemusic.com/

Nahar- The Strange Inconvenience-CD/ Digital ( Avantgarde Music)

I know some of the reviews are short and sweet there is not much needed to be said about some of these releases with Nahar is going to be short not because of the style but its that words can not really convey what they are about by saying this French Duo is  Black Avant Doom you get an Idea of what I'm talking about . Its the layers of sound and complexity into this that will win you over  think on the most primitive of levels we have Moments of Forgetten Tomb, Dolorian, Evoken, Shining (Se) and Katatonia going on here. Its so much more with the emotional level of the music this not Emo music put the Grey area plays a major role in the overall style and sound of Nahar get this album and be as bewildered as this reviewer...

http://avantgardemusic.com/

Author & Punisher- Women and Children- CD/ Digital ( Seventh Rule)

We are all nothing in this world and Tristan Shone of Author& Punisher proves it with every release. He is every moment of the word industrial as he creates the machines and tools himself to create the music you hear with the help of laptops and synths. This is Industrial Doom on such a crushing and mind numbing level many will think this is just trickery and it is not. Do you like Ministry, Early Pitchshifter, Street cleaner  from Godflesh, P.h.o.b.o.s,  mixed with eletro industrial of bands like Terrorfakt, Converter and Noiseex etc. This is where this one man assault comes from and with every release grows stronger. Trent Reznor and Mr Shone stand in the same high regards for me as they have both innovated an entire genre to make other come out of the woodwork to create art as interesting as their own...  When the Matrix comes and the machine come from inside the earth to conquer us Author and Punisher will be here to fight them back this is what his music sounds like to me. Massive, Draining , Rewarding and Life Changing . You need to own this or you will never been complete...

http://www.seventhrule.com/

Shining- One One One- CD/ Digital ( Prosthetic Records)

This the band from Norway not to be confused by the Dark Metal and from  (Sweden). What we have is a creation of madness, sickness, creativity and insanity all at the same time. Mix the follow sounds Post Black metal, Industrial, Jazz and Funk into a pot and you have Shining with all of its chaotic beauty. If Ulver, Faith No More, Sleepy time Gorilla museum and D.H.G were one band we would be coming close to this. I love the horns that are over effective and made to sound industrial over the driving bass lines and metallic/ avant guitars and the vocals just this side of Mr Bungle...  I have loved the last three releases by this band and with this one they are just continuing the journey for me and if you are adventurous then it will be nothing less then the same for you. If the put Carnival music at 120 bpms and then put it through a tone generator and then made it weird you would have Shining. I don't want I need more more more more more..........

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Cyclic Law Artist Triangular Ascension Interview is up

https://www.facebook.com/triangularascension

1. Tell us about how Triangular Ascension came to be there is a very dark feeling coming from this project.

Triangular Ascension was the evolution of an old project of mine called Intimus Universum, which was more noise orientated. When it became Triangular Ascension, it sort of transformed from being a deafening illness to a soothing medicine for the soul. That's what I like to believe at least.

2. When I listen to your latest release on Cyclic law " The Chronos Anomaly" I hear elements of  Dark Ambience, Ritualistic Industrial and Martial music the 3 main projects I hear are Puissance, Sephiroth and Schloss Tegal in the way its created. Do these bands play any role in your music?

You nailed it on Sephiroth. I like Puissance too but I don't think it was a direct influence. I'd say I'm more into acts like Letum or Raison D'Etre. Listening to a lot of Movie soundtracks also helps. As for the Martial elements, I don't recall having any in the album, at least not intentionally, but Triarii, Arditi and Karjalan Sissit are among my favorites.

3. There is a very Dark Occult almost Spacial element going on how was the sounds of The Chronos Anomaly created?

It was created half digitally and half with random stuff I had around. Since I was a kid, I loved to sample stuff in cassettes with an old recorder I had. I decided to do this again and recorded sounds from several sources, you name it: keychains, scissors, mobile phones, toys or my backyard at night. After a bit of processing they did the job, paired with some synthesis and drones very rich in subs.

4. From doing some reading on you . Your much more well known for Drum and Bass and Electronic music . How did you come to working in much more extreme and dark industrial sounds?

I remember working on ambient and noise projects even before I decided to work with dance music. So in fact, Drum & Bass was the "new" thing for me. Zardonic just happened to blow up, but I like it that way. Triangular Ascension is a bit more personal, pure. It knows no limits.

5. You have worked with Major Industrial and Black metal artists have these very different styles you have remixed or worked with given you a pathway to this sound?

Perhaps. Like I said, I worked with ambient projects way before I decided to do Drum & Bass. And in the middle of that, I used to compose black metal. Still do, for fun. Have released a couple things on the net but nothing serious. So before dance music came to my life, I was already well illustrated about the scene. My favorite acts back in the day were Emperor, old Dimmu Borgir, Carpe Tenebrum, Satyricon, Nile, Behemoth and the likes.

.

6. How did you come to work with Cyclic law a smaller label on the scope you work with . They seem to be one of the premiere Dark Industrial of the day taking the spot of labels like Dark Vinyl, Cold Meat and Tesco in 2013.

Since Triangular Ascension was something more personal, not something I wanted to market out that much, I decided to send demos to every single label I knew out there. Cyclic Law was the top offer so I went with it. And so far they've treated me very well. I'm proud to be part of their release roster and I believe it will stay that way.

7. Will Triangular Ascension be performing live or is it just a studio creation?

Unless the live performance equals something like the Cirque Du Soleil, I doubt it. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit there, but I'm so tired of seeing a lot of dark ambient performances and they're plain and boring. Just one dude playing with stuff around the computer with an angry face, or just one guy with a snare drum and a shy face. What the hell is that? Something as epic deserves an army of actors and an orchestra, or abstract visuals. I think Sophia are the only act I've seen with a decent live act, but in my opinion most ambient acts are lacking a lot of imagination (or maybe money) to do this. So who knows, perhaps I'll make enough money with my Drum & Bass act to do what I want live with Triangular Ascension. Meanwhile, it stays in the studio.

8. Will we be seeing any videos off the current album? the music seems very musically and soundscape fitting for video tracks.

I haven't thought about it. But could be. That's a great idea.

9. With this being your 2nd full release on Cyclic law do you feel the label is getting your name out there the way you wish? Where do you see the project moving in future releases?

So far I like what they're doing. It stays underground and reaches only the finest ears. But life will tell. Maybe it will open ways for something more mainstream. Maybe it will stay that way. As long as I'm free to do whatever I want with the project, I'm happy with whatever releases it gets. It's not about the outcome. Like I've mentioned earlier, it's a very personal thing.

10. Is there a theme or story line for Triangular Ascension albums our more just a martial cinematic collection of songs?

A bit of both. Both albums I've released have a concept behind it but some tracks maybe didn't match the "storyline" so to say. However, I thought they were a great result and didn't want them out of the album either. "The Chronos Anomaly" is the death of our illusion of time. We as humans dwell too much in the past and worry too much about the future. Time becomes a burden. But look at what animals do. They live every day doing what they do and they don't care too much about what's to come or what has happened. They simply are. We all want to get rid of our past, but yet the ghosts are always lurking. One we realize it's all in our minds, it becomes more bearable.

11. Out of all of the styles and genres you work in is there one that you have not worked in and want too?

Maybe jazz. But I don't know how to compose it.

12. What is the experimental music scene like in Venezuela its not a place you see many bands exported from. This there many bands or indie labels and clubs supporting extreme dark music?

Not really. I know of a couple "acts" but trust me it'll be a waste of your time. Latin America doesn't have one single good ambient act. It's all in Europe. I'm the weird guy here hahah. I do play a lot of "extreme" stuff in my Zardonic sets, but I don't see Triangular Ascension in any club here. It's just not the right place.

13. Are you a fan of the digital modern underground or does it water the scene down far to much anyone in a bedroom with a computer , synth and mics can make demos and get them up on soundcloud, revernation or facebook etc?

I don't see a problem with it. I for one am part of it. It's not always the tool, but the user. If internet freedom has given the chance to people to show what they do, let them do it. Only the good stuff gets attention anyways, everything else doesn't, but I don't see it affecting our scene. Quality control is there whether everyone wants to mash some samples and call it "art". If you're good, people will follow. If not, they won't. Simple as.

14. What are you listening to as of late . This normally tell my readers a lot on what the underground is really listening to. We like to know as this is not about trends.

My MP3 player is packed with a lot of random stuff. "Koloss" by Meshuggah has me grabbed by the balls. Arvo Pärt is one of my favorite composers of all time, and it's natural I guess. You could call it the grandfather of modern ambient music (not to mention most acts including myself have sampled the shit out of his works). Also artists like God Is An Astronaut, Octopus Nebula, Xavier Rudd which is a bit hippie but his stuff cheers me up a lot, and I don't like being in dark places all the time. Life's too short to be angry or sad your entire life. I love what Animals As Leaders have been doing recently too. Devin Townsend, Ihsahn, some electro acts like Project SAM, Hypomaniacs, Hijack Da Bass. Drum & Bass acts like Black Sun Empire or Noisia or even commercial artists like deadmau5. My taste is very varied.

15. You seem to let social media and labels take care of your internet needs do you feel a proper website is not needed for music in 2013?

I think a website is necessary. I just haven't found the time to build mine. But it's there, under construction: http://www.zardonic.net

This website will also include Triangular Ascension music.

16. Thanks for the time any closing thoughts place here.

Freedom without laws makes us prisoners of chaos.

Working on event in Oct 2013... seeking help and support

Trying to set up a Dark industrial, Power electronics and noise live event for Oct 2013 in Phoenix AZ seek artists and help to put this on. Seeking out venues but want a tentative lineup 1st ..

Experimental Review Edition 4/21/2013

Havan- Yajna-CD/ Digital (Cyclic Law)

So the 1st review of this edition comes from Frederic owner of Cyclic law and of the Majestic Dark Ambient project Vision. We have a live recording here of close to 30 minutes and just one track . The very 1st things you hear or the electro ambience of this project somewhere between projects like Schloss Tegal, Sleep Research Facility or Robert Rich. So you know were we are going with this very the very beginning  Deep spacial ambient with low end bass loops and static/creaking layering effects the build up to almost dark noise but stay within the boundaries of Dark Ambient  ie ( Cold Meat, Cold Spring, Malignant Records material). Havan almost sounds like a machine of the future slowly ending its cycle of activity in a distant galaxy were life has disappeared centuries before.  With Yajna we have a ritual to the modern and ancient Gods of many different realms. Havan is heavy and dark while at the same time feeling Distant and Forgotten all at the same time. I know that sound odd but its what is presented here. Maybe it will make sense to future generations as the pieces of the puzzle will be solved by the expanded intellegence of cybernetic advances. Havan is a ride one should not miss. 

http://cycliclaw.com/

Hexvessel- Iron Marsh- CD/ Digital (Svart Records)

Neofolk, 70's Space rock, Acoustic Rock and Underground Prog all play a strong role in this ep from Hexvessel. Kvohst has something very special here and with each release it grows into something more. I really want to say its a mix of bands like Tenhi, Antimatter, Sabbath Assembly and Anthony and the Johnsons . There is a very 70's fuzzed out rock element going on here that is just what makes it all the better. The mix of Male and female group vocals are really where the church or temple like element of Gosphel music comes from as well. Hexvessel is a ritual of nature, heathen and folk arts all into one. Iron Marsh is far to short to begin with just as you get into the meat of the release its over. There is even a Yoko Ono cover of " Woman of Salem " on the release I'm reviewing. Do you remember the days of World Serpent Distribution in the UK this is were a band like Hexvessel would have been king. I hope there is more sooner then later is all I can say.

http://svartrecords.com/

Triangular Ascension- The Chronos Anomaly- CD/ Digital (Cyclic Law)

YES!!! Epic Neoclassical Martial music has returned in the form of Triangular Ascension ... If you like bands like Puissance, Arditi and Sophia this is going to floor you as your getting this and more as there is a black industrial layer to the over all presentation of the album. You can not understand how massive this album is until you hear it . I swear they are Puissance in Disguise..  The Chronos Anomaly can me the next chapter of " Mother of Disease" release by Puissance. Triangular Ascension is from South america and you would never know this from the European industrial and neoclassic elements that pour through out this release.  I do not want to over state this but over a decade Cyclic law has been releasing material to the world now and this is hands down one of the best releases on their roster period.  The dark electro beats in the backdrop even add to the complete picture of this . I need to go back and hear there earlier material now as if I did hear it I don't know why I was not as impressed. GET THIS....

http://cycliclaw.com/

Steel Hook Prostheses- The Emprics Guild-CD / Digital (Malignant Records)

There are moments that you wait for and years go by any you know that its coming but its just never does. You start to lose you faith in all of it and then out of nowhere it comes to you like a wall of pain and nightmares all at once. Welcome to the new Steel Hook Prostheses release. Black Power electronic like only a few can do and even then you have to fear for your very soul. If your into bands like Slogun, Control, Grunt, Sickness  then my friends this is going to be a journey that you have needed for a while. The last time S.H.P has given us a gem on Malignant was 5 yrs ago and I will tell you its was worth the wait and more. The Power, Aggression, Noise, Drones and Occult elements flowing between these tracks are not for the casual listener. The Empirics Guild will scare the shit out of some people and that is the very reason I love it. The vocals are those of terror told to you by stories handed down by generation. There are  demons and monsters and S.H.P has clearly seen them.  S.H.P travel between the light and dark with this release and have seen the doorway to the abyss and welcome its coming not many will ever be able to say this.  I don't know if I can last another 5 yrs for the next release but S.H.P please never rush your craft if this is the end result... STELLAR RELEASE...

http://malignantrecords.com/

The Body- Master, We Perish-CD/ Digital (At a loss Recordings)

What the hell, where did this come from and why is it just 3 tracks??? The Body is back with a 12" vinyl release also on other formats. This Duo is beyond genre and style as they mix elements of Power electronics, Noise Rock, Electro Industrial , Drone and Sludge all at the same time. If Wolf Eyes, Sunn0)) and Swans all formed a band it's name would be  The Body. These 3 tracks are more massive them some complete albums.  I've heard live this band is so powerful live that it can make a mortal man sterile.... When the earth has one gaping breathe left I'm sure  The Body will take it and make the planets around them sorry that they were ever created to begin with. This band and all their albums are testament to the universe that chaos is how it began and The Body is how it will all end.......

http://www.atalossrecordings.com/

Lamia Vox- Sigillium Diaboli-CD/ Digital (Cyclic Law)

Neoclassical Rituals all in an dark ambience that is very much on an orchestral level is what we have going on with the choir vocals, Haunting Female incantations and layer after layers of sounds, rumbles, strings and synths all making this more sinster by the moment. Lamia Vox are from Mother Russia and you can hear the nature and heathen overtones of that land and its people in every moment of this release. This one of those releases were you past is more important then ever before as without that you will never get to a point where you can make music and artistic journeys. If you have ever hear bands like Aghast, Atraxia , Ranja or Sanctum the you know where Lamia Vox are coming from and where they are going to . There is something sinster in the making of this album and you know what I think we should just leave it at that as the blackness is needed to make this release for cyclic law complete..

http://cycliclaw.com/

Anatomia De Vanitats- The Anthropic Principle- CD/ Digital ( Cryo Chamber)

The Word Dark Ambience for some time now have become a lost art . Its not just drones and loops it really is so much more and with Anatomia De Vanitats we have the old world ideal fo Dark Ambient music maybe you can remember what it was when bands like Raison D etre, Sephiroth, Protagonist, In Slaughter Natives and Mindspawn to name a few.  This is as cold as dreamy as dark as drifting all the elements needed for great Dark ambient. It even has the simple percussive elements that come through out the more occult based side of the genre.  If you ever heard Karl Sanders of Nile Dark ambient release this is very close to that as it has the same eastern feeling through out the album. I know very little about this Cryo Chamber other then Simon of Atrium Carceri fame is who started the label and you know him from these releases on Cold Meat label. I look forward to more Dark and Sinister releases from this label as with The Anthropic Principle we have a real powerful beginning. 

http://www.cryochamberlabel.com

Abandoned Asylum- Derelicts of Distant hope-CD/ Digital ( Malignant Records)

Ok so this one is freaking the hell out of me and I don't know why. I swear as I'm reviewing this spirits are behind me playing with my back and neck. I can hear voices and I'm not sure there on the album or not. Abandoned Asylum is minimalist and deep in drones and tones. I feel like I'm trapped in a realm where nothing and everything meet all at once to never let me in or out just trapped at that doorway. Its a very smothering feeling coming from this album . The tones are so harsh you don't even hear it till its to late as it builds from a simple sound to a full wall of madness.  I don't want to over sell this album as its not he scariest album ever its just give me the chills listening to it and I hope you will give it the proper time as well.

http://malignantrecords.com/