Absolute Zero Media Has Digital Distribution Home with Fossil Dungeon/ The RELIQUARY

Its official we have agree to have Fossil Dungeon as our exclusive Digital distro home for all AZM titles this point forward the 1st two titles under this arm will be


NOIR MAGNETIK- NO ROOM IN HELL- AZM-008
Aries of As All Die and Power Through Will has release a album of old school Industrial sounds mix with Occult Dark Ambient Rituals and some noise for good measure. This is not a simple listen. Noir Magnetik takes you darker regions on your beliefs!!!!

Black Depth Grey Waves- Tumor Throne- AZM-009
The 2nd release by this Black Occult Industrial Force. Born from the Fires of MZ412, Valefor & Aghast…. Black Depths features members of As All Die & Ordo Tyrannis

This will be starting in June 2009

The digital distro will include I Tune, Amazon, Rhapsody, E music and Napster...

So here are the distro outlets for Absolute Zero media releases
North American Distribution thru Malignant Records - http://malignantrecords.com/
Exclusive European Distribution thru Fractured Spaces Records (UK) http://fracturedspaces.co.uk
Digital Distro thru Fossil Dungeon- http://www.fossildungeon.com/fossildungeon/

New Reviews 5/24/2009

Tim Ripper Owens- Play My Game-CD (SPV Records)

I mean good lord man can Ripper Owens Sing... On The 1st track off his debut proper solo release the man sounds like Ronnie James Dio. To this reviewer the best metal / Hard rock vocalist ever. The power in Ripper's range and the melody and emotion that can come from his pipes are just amazing you can see why Judas Priest and Iced Earth both had him come in at there times of most need. I really think Tim gets the short end of the stick a lot of the time but even with Beyond Fear which I think is his proper band anyway there seems to be something holding him back. With Play my game it's the 1st time I've heard a really bluesy hard rock sound come from Mr Owens and this is where his voice really sits at the top of its game. Yes his Falsettos and Screams are fantastic but the more mid range doom/blues voice is just jaw dropping think of a Solo Dio or him in Sabbath and this is were Ripper is home now. Lets not forget some of the major talent that helped him out Bruce Kulick (Kiss) Rudy Sarzo ( Ozzy, Whitesnake, Quiet Riot), Billy Sheenan ( Mr Big, Dave Lee Roth), Simon Wright (AC/DC) and Dave Ellefson (Megadeth) . All I can finish this off with is if all solo releases where done this well. Most vocalist wouldn't need to be in a band anymore. SPV and Ripper have a Classic in Metal in the making....

http://spvusa.com/



Bloody Mary- We Rock You Suck-CD (Self Released)

If you a 80's hard rock fan then this is going to kick you in the ass hard as from the moment of listening to Bloody Mary right down to the Sex Sex Sex view of the art. This ban reminds me of bands like Dirty Looks, Kix, Sea Hags, Little Caesar and Britney Fox. They are all Long haired hairy chest showing bluesy hard rockers. I hate to date my self but if Terry Date or Bob rock are still producing records here is the band to bring back hard rock to the world. The vocalist is raspy, powerful, bluesy and melodic all at the same time. I hear riffs straight of Kix , Ratt and Little Caesar on the Guitar as I said earlier. The bass and drums are 4/4 and rock steady with a bit of the funky style you got from that decade. They have a strong love of ZZ top, Stevie Ray and Aerosmith in the arrangments and style were its heavy with a strong catch factor. Bloody Mary are one hell of a ballsy rock band. Check them out.

www.myspace.com/bloodymaryrockband




The Terminal Generation- eVERYONE pRays tHERE iS nO gOD-CD (Self Released)

The band just sent me this to the zine asking to review it and the called me MR Eastwood and how they liked my movies. I had to at review it for this alone as it made me laugh. Well on to the reason where here. The music itself . Wow is this a twisted little cluster fuck of fun. I would call if Hardcore Industrial Metal with a Triphop flavor. If you could mix Thought Industry, Bad Brains and Manes into one project this would be very close to whats going on here. The Terminal Generation kick some major ass. The sounds are full on and blistering these are not happy men by any means. I'm sure very few of you know who the band WHEN are but if you added metal elements to them I swear its the same band. There are moments of Chemlab and Tricky going on here too. The Jazzy element mixed with Noisy and Metallic bursts. The Megaphone or very distorted vocal mixed with the back beat are just so well thought out and composed. It would make Mr Bungle or Beastie Boys proud. I'm sure they self release the material by choice not by need as labels would be down right foolish not to add this band to the roster esp labels like The End or Hydrahead.... Do you hear me people get this CD is just that goddamn good.

www.myspace.com/theterminalgeneration

Arckanum-ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ-CD (Debemur Morti Productions)
What are you expecting from Arckanum. They are what they are a thrashing raw Black metal force that hates all the christian religious things around them. This is good old Nordic Black metal with the Heathen blood of the forefather boiling over from the lies that have been given and all that has been taken from there lands in the name of a God they do not and will not support. The static tones and almost punk like approach to the razor throat vocals are very similar to bands like Khold and Horna. So you get the very clear picture this is a dirty sounding release and I don't mean is a sex or vulgar manner. Just let the blasting almost numbing drumming styletake you to brink of all sanity. I want to call it Ambient Black metal at times but it just never quite gets there. Arckanum have a icy cold melody to them at time too very similar to the lesser known german and polish black metal style. They are very talented in there own right. A band to never over look or you will be missing out on a lost art of real black metal.

www.debemur-morti.com

Your Demise- Ignorance Never Dies-CD (Earache Records)

This is straight up old school hardcore in the style of Sick of it all, Madball & Leeway etc. This actually sound very much like a lot of the earlier Victory bands like Bloodlet, Integrity, Earth Crisis . The shot vocals, The pounding down stroked guitars. The heavy snare/ floor tom beats that make you pogo and gorilla pit around. I've read that Jamey of Hatebreed loves this band and I can see why. The lack of guitar solos and passionate musical and vocal aggression will make you long for the days of old with the ABC No Rio/ CBGB Sunday Matinees in NYC.... I love that the songs are so short as hardcore is not suppose to have 7 minute track 2-3 minute blast of chaos, pain and destruction. Your Demise is a grand addition to a much struggling hardcore scene worldwide.

http://earache.com/

The Boy Will Drown- Fetish-CD (Earache)

Earache have pick a very difficult band to market to anyone here are there are so many styles and ideas going on here at times its becomes very disjointed I do get why the songs are so short as well as here so complexly arranged. The 3 main bands I hear in the mix are Psyopus, Dillinger Escape Plan and Opeth . Yes like a said very odd combo indeed. They at times the go for the full on Cynic or Atheist Jazz Death metal vibe and around the next corner THe Boy will drown becomes a metalcore band or they throw in a sludge southern nola doom riff. This UK band has grown up on so many styles its just becoming a jumbled mash of 7 or 8 genres. Jesus now I hear country steel lap guitar sounds. Earache I wish you the best as The Boy will drown is going to be a sink or swin kick of artist....

http://earache.com/

Below the Radar May 2009

BELOW THE RADAR

I've been thinking about a few bands that have been very impressive to me but seem to have always or just seem to miss the radar to the musical world. I'm going to talk about a few bands every month on this front. So be on the look out for the Below the Radar section on the zine from now on.





RUSSIAN CIRCLES
http://www.russiancircles.net/
http://www.myspace.com/russiancircles

Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. Similar to fellow Chicago residents Pelican, Russian Circles play epic, sprawling music which runs the gamut of heavy discordant metal, to soft delicate passages. They are also known for their energetic live shows



DAVID GALAS
http://www.davidgalas.com/
http://www.myspace.com/davidgalas

David Galas is one of the former members of the darkwave band 'Lycia'. He has been credited with working on many Lycia releases including 'Lycia-Live', 'The Burning Circle And Then Dust', 'Bleak-Vane', 'Cold' and 'Empty Spaces'. Shortly after Lycia broke up in 2000, David began writing and recording new material for a solo release. Finally after six years he has completed the CD and has been signed to Vendlus Records




COP SHOOT COP
http://copshootcop.com
http://www.myspace.com/copshootcopslackjaw

Starting with their intentionally confrontational (and controversial) name, New York City's Cop Shoot Cop are descended from the darker impulses of the early-'80s no wave movement that produced noisy, disagreeable, anti-social, but often very intriguing bands. Cop Shoot Cop eschew the impulse of pop altogether, preferring a rumbling, clattering, deafening, metallic sound that focuses on the band's two-bass, no-guitar attack. The song narratives tend toward simplistic doom-and-gloom observations -- a point they often belabor. But when this bummer-rock clicks, it's oddly compelling, if slightly intimidating stuff, crammed to the gills with the standard litany of contemporary urban angst: anomie, alienation, and boredom. Add to this the odd meters, low-end bassist Natz's yelling (he never describes it as singing), and forays into pure noise, and what you end up with is an anti-rock style that is furious, frightening, and powerful. Despite the inherent anti-commerciality of their music, as well as the band's disdain for corporate-controlled major labels, they did land a contract with Interscope Records, part of the Atlantic family.



Polkadot Cadaver

http://www.myspace.com/polkadotcadaver

Polkadot Cadaver is a band formed by members of the now defunct notable Baltimore avant-garde metal band Dog Fashion Disco. The band is musically similar to Dog Fashion Disco and has already inherited many of their fans.

Dodsferd Interview 5/19/2009

http://www.myspace.com/dodsferdmisanthropy

1. Wrath the new Dodsferd seem to be going to into a direction with Suicide and the Rest of Your Kind Will Follow-CD. There is a lot more experimental and avant sounds correct?

That’s correct! It’s another part of Wrath! And still you haven’t seen anything at all!

2. You have decided to make the new album 2 epic tracks what is the thought behind such a major undertaking?

It had to do with my personal propitiation!

3. I remember about 10 yrs back the Greece Black metal scene thriving with labels and bands. Is Dodsferd one the last great Blackmetal forces in the region right now?

I really don’t care!!!

4. with Suicide and the Rest of Your Kind Will Follow-CD there seems to be a bit more melodic and less harsh tones while staying with the sorrow and cold tones still in full force. Was this where you were going all along?

It’s a planned trilogy! I knew exactly what I wanted!

5.You've been working with Moribund for a few releases now. I feel there is no better home for Dodsferd are you please with all that has been to for the project?

Moribund is the most respectful label in underground black metal! It is the only appropriate label for Dodsferd! Eternal hails and honour to Odin and Moribund Records!

6. with Suicide and the Rest of Your Kind Will Follow-CD. Are you working with session member or have you gone 100% a solo project?

I am working all these years only with Maelstrom (Drums)! He is devoted to Wrath and Dodsferd!

7. Does Dodsferd want to perform live or has this never been a goal?

It depends on the circumstances of the live!

8. Wrath do you feel that Black metal is going more underground again and more extreme and experimental bands are going back again? I think a lot of the bands have lost there way on what Black metal was all about what's your thoughts?

I have no other thoughts about anything else except of my world, Dodsferd!

9. What bands or projects have influenced you to have Dodsferd come to the sound and themes you currently project?

I have been influenced by a lot of bands and kinds of music! But in the end it’s just Wrath what you see and hear!

10. Wrath your releasing material as Nadiwrath as well if you will . Please tell us the major difference in this verse Dodsferd. As they both are under the raw Blackmetal banner.

Dodsferd is my solo project! Nadiwrath is a full band member! There are a lot of differences! You will understand them after the release of our debut album with Nadiwrath!

I write music only for Dodsferd! In Nadiwrath I am writing only the lyrics and sing!

11. Does the Digital age help or hurt the real black metal sound. Are you afraid like I that many bands are just doing this for an underground hype factor?

I don’t give a shit about the other bands! Fuck the digital age! Fuck all the ages!

12. Thank you for the time please have any closing thoughts here.

”Another two of Your scars and the world is dead”! Soon!

With Respect

Wrath form Dodsferd!

Absolute Zero Media Has a Mobile site now

http://absolutezeromedia.mobi


Its now available to read on your Smartphone, Iphone or Blackberry !!!

ENJOY!!!!!

ElvenKing Interview is up 5/18/2009

http://www.elvenking.net/


1. Elvenking seems to be a strong mix of Power Metal, Celtic and Folk music. How did the project come to mix these sounds?
Well I wouldn’t be so “categorical”.. I mean our music embraces also these elements but we wouldn’t call us a folk power metal band…never! We have so many different shades in our music and it’s really hard to label it, I know that. Anyway we have always wanted to make strong and heavy melodic music and we had the idea of adding the violin which is not making folkloristic tunes all the time and stuff like that but it’s a great melodic complementary instrument for harmonies and lead melodies and we have always tried to melt its sound with our music at best.

2. To my ears your a newer project tell us how you came to work with AFM label.
Actually we signed a deal with AFM records in 2001 and since then we have released 4 albums plus the new acoustic one. At the time we recorded a demo in a professional studio and sent it to the record labels. AFM was interested in EK and so here we are!

3. Is there a theme or ideal to all the songs of Elvenking. I have a very Fantasy/ Fairtale theme when listening.
No, there are no fantasy-themed lyrics in our music, at least not anymore…and also in the past they have been a way to tell deeper things and express ourselves. Anyway our lyrics are completely inspired by our feelings and emotions… let’s say they are the perfect poetical mean to discharge and translate ourselves.

4. The vocals are very powerful on the release. Are the vocals key in Elvenking as with a lot of Viking or Folk Metal bands its more about the musical element.
For Elvenking, melody is the key. I mean a song can work perfectly but if we have the wrong melody on top we just discard the idea. Of course also the way the songs are performed and the interpretation and strength of the vocals is very important…I think you can hear that especially in our last two albums.

5. The Full package of Two Tragedy Poets (...And a Caravan of Weird Figures) -CD. Is amazing I feel that your image and music are on complete picture correct?
Actually this album is an experiment because usually we don’t play acoustic music, at least not all the time! We had this idea in our heads for many years and finally we have decided, with the support of our label, to make a full length acoustic album. It has been really interesting and stimulating and we’re gonna do a couple of these songs also live so at the end we’re pretty happy about this new thing we made. At the moment we are working on the next “regular “ album.

6. Will Elvenking be touring the US for this release or will it be europe only?
We will tour Europe at the moment. For the US it’s always difficult for the costs and for the fact that a good tour would take a long time..the US are so big and we’d have to find a good supporting slot for a bigger band in order to make it work and to promote the band at best. let’s see what the future will bring. In any case we played last year in Atlanta at the ProgPower Festival and the reaction of the crowd was so amazing that we can’t wait to return!

7. Your videos work well with the musical theme. Will there be a DVD coming any time soon?
No unfortunately there’s no DVD coming even if we’d really like to film a show and give it to the fans. We will shoot a video clip for the next album though!

8. Are the members of Elvenking Fans of the modern digital age or do you miss the days of old with Radio, Paper Zines and were you had to buy a full CD or Vinyl to get the album?
Personally I think that we have to embrace changes without fear. How could we progress as human beings and persons without changing constantly? I love when I think at those days but I absolutely welcome all that’s new..we’ll always have a good side and a bad side of it! With radio and paper zines you had less promotion but those were the days where people bought albums, nowadays you have more visibility but people downloads the cd’s!

9. As I have not heard much of Elvenking miss this fantastic new CD. Has the bands sound altered very much from the early days of band?
Elvenking has always tried to make a step forward with the music and every album shows a renewed face of the band every time. So yes I think that the sound developed a lot since the first albums but I think that you can always ear that it’s EK playing!

10. If someone that has not Elvenking before how would the member of the band describe the band to others?
I would describe it as fresh powerful and melodic music. And I would mention the violin as one of the features.

11. Tell us a bit on what a live show is live. Is it very theatrical or is it just the band raw and live on stage?
I think it’s a good compromise of the two things because we love the “raw” and rock’n’roll side of a live show but at the same time we like the theatrical and spectacular imagery that you can evoke on a stage.

12. Are there bands out there that are impressing you any lesser known bands you want to expose to my readers?
Not really..I’m listening to a lot of classics in this period!!

13. Thanks for your time any closing thoughts here
Thanks a lot Clint! we really hope that your readers will have a look at this interview and maybe have a listen to Elvenking. For news or for a taste of our music you can visit www.elvenking.net or www.myspace.com/elvenking

Glorior Belli Interview is up 5/12/2009

http://www.myspace.com/gloriorbelli

1. Glorior Belli has made a major leap in sound from MANIFESTING THE RAGING BEAST to MEET US AT THE SOUTHERN SIGN tell us about the sound changes.

You know one way or another, things necessarily evolve and nowadays it just feels right to explore new territories and aspects of the sound. There’s no point for me to release the same album every year so I decided not to play by the rules and do my own thing again. Glorior Belli’s third full-length « Meet Us At The Southern Sign » was recorded in March at « Hybreed Studios » with Andrew Guillotin as sound engineer; Same studio where we recorded our previous records. This new album is made of 11 tracks for approx. 55 minutes. So as you can see it’s really longer than everything we did before and it was a real challenge in studio but it’s our choice to always move forward to the next trial. On some levels this is should be considered as a homage to our fans, to the few who are able to understand our essence and its persuasive meaning! We’ve been working really hard on this new record and though it might not be as catchy as “Manifesting…” was, the songs won’t be as easily forget so to say. It’s less of a “block” and they all have their own personalities and very different beats/tempos. Some tracks even have 6 guitar layers and nothing was left behind. We used a few samples, I came up with a more flexible voice, not only “clean” but also really heavy sometimes in a sense that I was fucking screaming my guts out! We also invited our brother Jeremy Christner [Author of “Kosmology”] to write some lyrics for a song called “The Blazing Darkness (Of Luciferian Skies)”. A few months ago, I made an announcement about Obscurus Advocam, a side project that we had together with Antares. Taking the decision to put it to an end after the first and only full-length, as the composition line between both bands was becoming too thin, allowing myself to include all those influences into Glorior Belli and to tell the truth this was an awesome step forward! What was once puzzled is now back in one piece and the result is a strong album: “Meet Us At The Southern Sign”, Raging yet in a subtle/hypnotic way. This new record is dedicated to Illumination, ours and yours!

2. Just wondering why the move from Southern Lord to Candlelight for MEET US AT THE SOUTHERN SIGN?

It’s a complicated and boring story. Really! To put it simple: We couldn’t get a decent budget for the new record with Southern Lord, it might come as a surprise for you but this is reality. So they decided to “friendly” let us go to Battle Kommand Records. But then somehow we ended up on Candlelight, thanks to Blake (and I mean it in a positive way). It was great to be part of the Southern Lord family and I have much respects for these guys and it would be lying to say that we don’t owe them anything, but in the end it’s all the same to me as long as I can go on with my music.

3. Are the members of Glorior Belli looking forward to touring the US with Absu & Averse Sefira? This should be an impressive Black metal tour?

Well, the tour is supposed to be kicking off in 3 weeks and we still don’t have our visas and plane tickets, so the agenda is really stressful and it’s a fucking struggle to get things done the way it should be but yeah I mean, we’re really excited about this tour. Actually, Averse Sefira had to pull out. So it’s just Absu now and 2 other bands but I believe this should be a fucking blast anyway. American people are really into Glorior Belli and we get a lot of messages and support from there. I have a few friends there as well and I’m really looking forward to meeting them.

4. There is a strong Blues/ Southern feel to a lot of the guitar and bass lines on MEET US AT THE SOUTHERN SIGN. Was it hard to mix this with the raw black metal sounds you’re known for.

Hard? Not at all! I’ve always been a huge fan of blues and music in general and despite what most people think, not everything starts with some Burzum demos. My point is, it’s not hard to mix influences as long as you catch the essence and have some kind of real musical background other than just Black Metal.

5. The more I listen to the release there is a strong sound of bands like Virus, Satyricon, Thorns and Fleurety to my ears are you fans of these bands at all?

Virus, Fleurety, DHG, Ved Buens Ende are bands I like a lot. I don’t really see how our new record would relate to any of them though, except may be for the dissonances here and there (but that is more typical of the Post-Hardcore/Post-Metal scene) or because of the fact that these bands created their own sound and that’s something we’re doing as well, or at least try to do. Not as a very first objective though.

6. I see that Antares your old drummer has returned are you pleased to have an old friend back in fold?

Again, a complicated and/or boring story. Antares came back for a few months but was kicked out after the studio experience. It was good to have an old friend back in the band, but it’s just time for him to let go of Glorior Belli and do his own thing. Not to be an asshole, but I’m done wasting my time with “friends” who aren’t dedicated enough and don’t commit when the time comes. Antares was obviously not the one for the job… Twice.

7. I would call your music Post Black Metal do terms like this seem to limiting on what your doing now?

I far more prefer this term than the “Orthodox” crap. Actually it’s a good definition, cheers!

8. Is there a Theme or story line on MEET US AT THE SOUTHERN SIGN?

Of course! There always is a concept. « Meet Us At The Southern Sign » is a very unique title that you can understand in a few different ways. Basically this is the « Devil at crossroads » metaphor, thus we offer our fans a deal… Follow us into the darkness, let the fires of illumination be your guide and free yourself from your cosmic prison. Embrace the knowledge and truth of our Father… If you dare come close to the flames be careful though not to get burned. As you can see on the cover, there are 3 key words written on the sign: Darkness, Rebellion and Knowledge. “Southern” stands for HELL and also underlines the new direction of the band, mixing up influences that I always liked a lot from Southern rock/metal into the riffs.

9. Your main site seems to be a myspace page now. Do you see the digital age as a good or bad thing for indie bands esp in the extreme music scene??

MySpace is a strong virtual community where you can find any info about your favorite bands in one fucking page, as long as they keep it updated of course. Everything has moved so fast regarding the new age of Internet and digital music, it’s just a matter of how you can adapt to those things in the end. I’m not the one for crying about the past so I just learn how to enjoy these new toys and get the best result out of them for my band.

10. How does Glorior Belli create songs does the music or lyrics come 1st. Is it a full band collab or in the studio is it layer by layer?? I'm really interested as the new CD sounds so full and epic.

I usually come up with a concept and ideas first and then all the songs are coming in a row like I’m being under some kind of supernatural inspiration and sometimes I even dream about riffs. I can’t help but playing guitar and recording some stuff for a few weeks, keeping in mind every ingredient of the album and then most of the composition is done. True story. Think about King Diamond for instance, if you hear “The Graveyard” and “Voodoo” you can tell of course that this is the same artist but still those albums are different. May be not as different as ours can be but I bet you can also find some similarities between our records, so in the end you know it’s always Glorior Belli and not another band. That’s a good thing I guess, having a few trademarks of our own and being able to somehow maintain our aura whatever we do. Our music is raging with heart-eating intensity, Filled with seasick riffs, guttural vocals and surprisingly melodic yet dissonant lines. It is as darkly beautiful as it is gloom inducing. Glorior Belli is the trumpet of Lucifer and the melody that blows is the one of your endarkenment. We’re not collaborating on the composition, as I’m the only one taking care of it (by choice), but the other members understand the meaning of the songs and riffs.

11. Do you feel image is as important as the music and statements in Black metal. Is there still a shock value live and on release for the listener?

Yes I feel that the image is very important but it must be done in a smart way. Obviously it takes much more than just some paint on the face to make an impact as this can only be defined by your actions and must be based on your essence.

12. Thank you for the time any closing thoughts?

For the first time in many years, we’d like to thank our dedicated fans and this new record is our way to pay homage to the very few faithful adepts of the dark arts. Murderers of the former faith, here’s to your illumination. Children of darkness, meet us at the southern sign!

MATCHITEHEW ASSEMBLY Music Fest in Chicago IL in June 2009

I was asked to post this by the members of LOCRIAN So I just did so. This line up is amazing
So if you can attend do so.





MATCHITEHEW ASSEMBLY
Date: June 5th and 6th, 2009
Location: Co-Prosperity Sphere; 3219 S. Morgan; Chicago, Illinois 60608

Matchitehew Assembly is a two day, all-ages assembly of musicians from across the nation and otherwise, June 5th and 6th, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The performances will consist of everything from traditional black metal to noise.

Here is the lineup; one or two acts may be added. Details subject to change. Tickets are available now on the event website:
http://www.matchitehew.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 5
MARBLEBOG
MONARQUE
BLOODYMINDED
MENACE RUINE
SWORD HEAVEN
VELNIAS
OAKEATER
SILVUM
HEATDEATH
+TBA

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
KRIEG
BONE AWL
RUSTED SHUT
CADAVER IN DRAG
ABORTED CHRIST CHILDE
ASHDAUTAS
VOLAHN
MALEDICERE
LOCRIAN
WORMSBLOOD
BURIAL HEX

New Reviews 5/09/2009

Necrophobic- Death to All-CD (Regain Records)

I maybe way off base here but if you like the more melodic black death of bands like Dismember and Dissection then Death to all will be a CD that will seriously impress you. Necrophobic are not a ground breaking force the are solid, catchy and write great Death metal music with Black vocals and a good dose of harmonies. The Swedes have always had a talent for this so Necrophobic being from there just makes scene. Its sad so see so many of the great Death metal bands of the 90's move away from the sound that made them all the more interesting. The guitars tones work so well with the driving Bass and Drum movements. The solos are what you want never over done but full of chops to make them killer to listen to. Necrophobic are not afraid to clean up the sound some times and add very flowing synth lines.It maybe guitar effects that add that synth sounds but the very much sound like synths. At times Necrophobic really make me relive my youth going to see Kick as underground metal at CBGB's and Lamours in NYC. I just can't say enough good things about Death to All. This is metal raise your horns high !!!!

http://regainrecords.com/



Endstille - Verführer-CD (Regain Records)

This German force of Black metal hatred is back with there 5th release I think it is. Its raw, ugly and ready to rip your head off. The Static and bass heavy sound fits very well with the War machine like sound that Endstille present. If your a fan of bands like Marduk mix with Xasthur then your coming into close terrority of what Endstille creates. The drums are relentless I keep waiting for the drummer to stoke out from how many blast beats per minute are going on here. Don't be fooled as there is an underlying melody but is kept muddy and more in the back to fill out the very extreme overtones of the CD as whole. This is Apocalyptic Black metal if I have ever heard it I would even go to say there are some very thrashy and punk elements that come and go through out the release as well but all good Black metal has a root element of dirty nasty punk rock. Not for the timid and just the way most of use like it. Keep the Corpse Paint Tru vibe alive its esp needed in this day and age.


http://regainrecords.com/




Devils Whorehouse-Blood & Ashes-CD (Regain Records)

Ok I'm sure I'm going to shit for this but I think Marduk while on tour with Danzig got a major crush and Devils Whorehouse was born for an outlet so that Morgan of Marduk could have his Misfist/Samhain cover band... As Devils Whorehouse sound like those too band to the last note. I makes me smile a bit being from New Jersey as every kid has Misfits patches and we all had at least a few Misfits tapes laying around somewhere. I just crazy how much the vocalist sounds like Danzig to me. The songs on Blood and Ashes are fast metallic punk anthems for the 21st century I can see a new generation of Skate/ Surf punks falling in love with this band. I'll be the 1st to say these are great sounding catchy songs . I can see myself listening to this more then I like to mention. Devils Whorehouse will be my dirty little secret it maybe yours a well give it a chance and see.

http://regainrecords.com/





Horde of Hel - Blodskam-CD (Moribund Cult)

So this is a band I have not heard of before I like going in blind with a new project . I lets me be 100% unbias on a review. If you like the Post Black metal scene this will kick you in the ass once more another very good band with that avant dissident sound I've come to love. This scream Moonfog records to my ears esp Satyricon and DHG in style and Ideal's I say it has a taste of Old Mans Child and Emperor in the symphonic elements that it layers through the very mid tempo dirty Black Avant sounds. It have that super verbed guitar sound with vocals that match. Horde of Hel are superb as the craft they create Let the pagan fires burn in the modern age my knights of the new dark age. They are going to be monsters in a scene that needs major stand outs now. Another fantastic add to the Moribund roster...

http://moribundcult.com/



Dodsferd - Suicide and the Rest of Your Kind Will Follow-CD (Moribund Cult)

Dodsferd is that band that will give you chilling nightmares from the moment you listen to what is created. This is a one man force made by Wrath. SO yes it has much in common with Buzums, Xasthur, Leviathan and Krieg in the solitary sickness , dispair and emptiness one feel with the utterly tormented vocals, icy/ ambient guitar tone a very minimalist drum style. Dodsferd had decided this time out to have but two very extremely long tracks. Suicide is a massive progression in a band that I always thought could be a leader of that black metal scene. You just don't normally hear this much Pain and Saddness in any music. I feel Suicide has a lot in common now with bands like Wolves in the throne room and Azrael now as well. Wraith is adding a lot of Post Rock and Avant elements that were missing before. The sounds of nature and pagan/ heathen rites seem to even flow into this. The most important journey we will ever have is that one after we leave this mortal coil. Dodsferd seems to be taking us on that journey early is all. One of the best releases of 2009 so far.

http://moribundcult.com/




Elvenking - Two Tragedy Poets (...And a Caravan of Weird Figures) -CD (AFM Records)

We now turn the tables 180 degree this has nothing to do with Black or extreme metal. Elvenking is Power, Celtic, Folk Metal of a very familar elk. Do you like Angra, Kamelot mixed with Skyclad and Subway to Sally to create a very fun musical journey to the days of middle age and middle earth.... The vocals are powerful , amazingly beautifully sung and the choir verses and choruses work so well with the clean stunning acoustic, warm bassline lines and the intricate drum and percussion work. These sounds are laid out like a storyteller would do in the days of old. The sound is massive to say the least. There is a good prog rock element at times too. I hate to call it metal but there are metallic moments. Its more like a grat hardrock background where the band can experiment with the most delicate acoustics then add some balls out moments. There are even newage elements that work so well with the over all presentation of Elvenking. Two Tragedy Poets could be an amazing play. Elvenking are you listening???

http://afm-records.de/



Exilia- my own army-CD ( AFM Records)

Medicore Metalcore with a female vocals with Dreads and a punk rock snarl and poppy melodic voice its like part In the moment and Otep but not a strong. I mean the songs are fine its just such a formulated band . Hey lets get some eye candy the guys will want to sleep with in the metalcore scene and put some over polished songs together that are not memorable at all. Ok 4 songs in and there the same thing just one more agressive and one is the ballad mix and we have song 3 then we go back to the pop song. The intros to the tracks aren't really needed. I've been on this ride to many times before. I'm done...

http://afm-records.de/

Gnaw Interview is up 5/4/2009

Want to email somebody a link to this photo?

GNAW

http://www.myspace.com/gnaw666


1. For those of us new to Gnaw can you tell us a bit about the band?

GNAW is made up of myself formerly of Khanate, OLD / Jamie Sykes ex-Burning Witch, Thorr's Hammer / Jun Mizumachi who had a stint in 80's NYC industrial icons Ike Yard / Carter Thornton who also plays in many avant projects such as Enos Slaughter and Izititz / Brian Beatrice who, like Jun, is a film & tv sound designer and mixer by day / Eric Neuser percussive freak number two. I had the idea for GNAW in 2006 while the final KHANATE album was being mixed. KHANATE was on hiatus at the time and I figured it would be a good time to collaborate with some musician friends with whom I've been discussing doing some projects with for a while. We all wear many hats in the band (not literally except for Jun. Jun wears some crazy fuckin' hats) and just like the actual music, our roles are always morphing. The only notion we had going in was to basically go "ape shit". Create and give birth to sound elements and music, blend them together until we liked what it became without regard to genre, pre-conceived ideas of traditional structure (although anything goes) and without regard to what anybody else thinks of it. I think the debut sounds like a fucking sick mixture of each of our musical personalities from Carter's passion for lo-fi recording and birthing noise methods to Jun's electronic fuzz and scratch recordings to Jamie's crazy metal drumming and my dismal story-lines and delivery.

2. Alan, now that it looks like Khanate is over, is Gnaw your main project?

GNAW is really the only thing I'm concentrating on musically at the moment. I'm doing some small collabs here and there but I only have time for one band at a time due to the extensive hours that I have put in as a film/tv editor. KHANATE is indeed over but our final opus Clean Hands Go Foul was just released.

3. You’re working with Conspiracy Records - how did you start working with them?

Besides being a killer record label, Conspiracy is also a Euro tour agency. I met those dudes a few years ago when they booked KHANATE in Europe. I stayed in touch with and when GNAW had a few demo recordings assembled I sent them over. We only sent the recording out to a few labels and Conspiracy was enthusiastic from the beginning. There is definitely a mutual respect and they've done a killer job.

4. Your sound is such an interesting mix of Noise rock and Post Hardcore - is it hard to perform live?

It is hard to perform but fun at the same time. Right now we're working on the skeletal aspects of the songs in the traditional sense. So far it's been Carter and Brian both switching off guitar and bass. I've been doing vocals and Eric (2^nd percussionist/local) has been pounding the drums. We're about to introduce the sonic noise chaos into the mix over the next few weeks with the addition of samples, triggers and sheet metal (oh and Jun making sonics as well). We're also going to have scenarios where both Jamie and Eric are bashing out percussion together. We're planning on starting our live shows this summer sometime in July or August and then hopefully we can set up some small tours towards the end of the year.

5. Would Gnaw have any interest working with label in the US like Hydra Head or Southern Lord to get a bit more exposure here?

We're open to any offers. I've had great past experiences with HH & SL but we've been treated fucking great by Conspiracy thus far. GNAW isn't that concerned with labels, popularity and the like as we're really making this stuff for ourselves. If other humans like it then that's great, if other humans hate it then fuck 'em. We'd be doing it if nobody wanted to put it out.

6. " This Face" is one of the most angst filled releases I've heard in some time at time its almost unmusical was this done on purpose?

Yes and no. Yes - because it’s a lot more powerful for us to write songs about the despair of filthy humans rather than partying, politics or sluts. No - due to the fact that there really wasn’t a blueprint for what the songs should be when we started to write them. As far as being unmusical goes, even white noise is music to us.

7. Do the members of Gnaw feel the new Digital music/ Media age helps the indie artist or does it expose them to the world too fast now?

The digital media age does a few things. First off, it’s nearly impossible for an indie band to make any kind of living off of CD/vinyl sales due to file sharing shenanigans. The passion for new releases within each genre has dwindled as well. Releases are illegally downloaded in a shitty mp3 format without anything tangible attached to it such as artwork, lyrics etc. The music is just clicked on, listened to quickly and added to some little punk’s hard drive sounding like shit. Chain wallet douche fucks. No passion, no joy, big twinkie eating man tit downloaders.

8. Will there be much performing live or is this more a studio creation?

Yes, we will be playing live. We’ve been getting it together and hope to have our first set of shows towards the latter half of the summer. We’re planning on doing multiple small tours throughout the year as well revolving around our schedules.

9. What is the end goal for Gnaw with its band members?’

The goal for GNAW is to give birth to sonic creations without regard to genre, traditional musical expectations or what anyone else thinks and to basically go fuckin’ ballistic during the process.

10. This there a running theme for " This Face".

There is no specific running story throughout “This Face” but the songs are all tied together within a dreary and harsh spirit. The story lines and visuals created by the lyrics combined with the ferocity and demeanor of the music can fuck up the listener victim if they choose that path.

11. How as the album recorded as its not a traditional sounding band. Do you go in a record a group or is it layer by layer?

The first few songs that we created did start out as layers. Sound-beds were created by scratch first by Jun and Carter. I added some sonics into the mix then Boggy recorded all his drums down in Memphis and sent us the split tracks. We all had a hand in the arranging of the songs separately and eventually we all came together in the studio and built upon each others’ tunage. The lyrics were written and the vox recorded one song at a time as each of the music tracks were finished. The songs were sometimes deconstructed and rebuilt again in the studio and all of us kept adding until mix master Beatrice was done tweaking and we agreed they were done.

12. I know its early but are there any thoughts on future material as I hope this isn't a short-term project?

Right now we’re working on our live setup so we can start ruining people’s nights in a live a setting. We’re also working on the next GNAW album already. Most recently we finished an unnamed piece as of yet that reminds me of a psycho electro Hellhammer hybrid. Weird. It is not in our plans for this to be a short-term project.

13. Thank you for the time any closing thoughts here...

Thanks for the killer interview Clint!!!! Only vinyl is true!!!! Our debut “This Face” sounds best on vinyl. Kick an old lady neck and boycott digital downloads.

Swans may reform I'm so jazzed!!!

Read all about it

Swans reforming???

Blow out sale for some Titles from my old label stock

I have the following titles for Sale through Paypal
orders@absolutezeromedia.us

Email me before ordering please

for $5US/ $7 World Each PPD

Arcane Art- KritaRan-CD

(Karsten Hamre of Penitent/ Dense Vision Shrine/ Veiled Allusions. Creates Post Rock/ Post Industrial soundscapes)
Veiled Allusions- Rosenkranz-CD
(Karsten Hamre of Penitent/ Dense Vision Shrine/Arcane Art creates bleak dark ritualistic dark industrial sound. This sounds like your travels to the deepest layers of the abyss..)
Dense Vision Shrine- Litanies of Desire-CD
(Karsten Hamre of Penitent/ Veiled Allusions /Arcane Art creates Minimal Neoclassic epics remember the old days of CMI/ Cold Spring and you have a good idea)

The Golden Age of Darkness II- CD (very few left)
( 3 way CD with 3 Dark Industrial forces Helter Incendo, Hollowing, When Joy Becomes Saddess)

Monstrare- Isfet-CD (very few Left)
(from the mastermind cordell klier of Vedisni . Occult Dark Ambient sound with a Masonic over tone. This is old school creep factor for your dark experimental sounds)


LS-TTL- el es tee tee el-CD
(One of the early releases on the Dragon Flight label, Dark, Noisy, Rhythmic Industrial with a Glitch element)

Terror Organ- The Stalag Symphony-CD (very Few left)
(Peter of Angelcorpse and wife create an orchestra of noise, percussion, pain and complexity. This is ritual for the new age of darkness)

Proscriptor- The Serpentine has Risen-CD
( Yes the brilliant man behind Absu gives us the follow up to is Cruel Moon / Cold meat release of Celtic/Occult experimental sounds mandatory listening for those with pagan pride)

Omei- A Single Sickened Cell-CD (Very few left)
(Chris of Sickness fame goes darker and even more un nerving in the Dark Industrial scene. This is what madness would sound like. This will scare the shit out of you...)

SoulCrush-S/t- CD in DVD Case
(Doug one part of Vedisni creates a Glitchy Dark Noisy electro journey if you like harsh meets melodic electro music this is a must)

Organ- Apoplexy in Six Parts-CD (with Bonus CDR) 2 Cds (very few left)

(Yes this is the same band now signed to Duplicate Records and also members of (V.E.G.A). Imagine V.B.E, Arcturus and D.H.G with out vocals and add a more experimental twist. This is a mindblowing release)


thank you
Clint/ Absolute Zero Media

http://absolutezeromedia.us/

New Reviews 5/2/2009 @ Absolute Zero Media

Glorior belli-Meet us at the southern sign-CD (Candlelight Records)

This has a lot in common with the current Post Black Metal movement. The band is very much in to dissident tones mixed with cleaner/ grim vocals. Melodic and blistering raw Black metal sounds. There is almost a bluesy/ southern feeling to the guitars and drumming at time. Then when you turn around Glorior belli becomes a full on Black/ Death force all there own. They remind me very must of Dawn and Dissections in music and structure at times . Without warning they switch modes and then have a Code, Saytricon and DHG vibe going on. The production even when at break neck speed is fantastic to say the least. I really like the avant tones and clean guitars that mix with dirty/ nasty crunch that in very upfront. Again if there was something called Think mans Black metal this would be it. Glorior belli need to exposed to the world so they can here how creative Black metal can be in 2009.

www.candlelightrecordsusa.com



MYRKR-Black Illumination-CD ( Debemur Morti Productions)

If you have heard any albums by the brilliant Avant Black Metal label Debemur Morti Productions. Then you know what you getting into V.E.G.A, Spektr, Old Wainds, Ruins etc. These bands put out some of the most twisted of the Avant/Post Black metal sounds. There is a creepy, spacial, distant sickness about the tones and vocals that are always used. This is the way all black metal should be un nerving and just fucking frightening. Myrkr has all this and more. Add the break neck speed and full on hatred towards mankind and I think this sums up a base element for this Irish unit. There is a very hypnotic over tone to all this as well. I don't want to use the words bomastic and nightmarish though I don't see another word that will add the love of chaos that comes from Black Illummation. Myrkr are full of cold, bleak and sould breaking sounds from the darkest regions of you mind. Enough Said....

http://www.debemur-morti.com/




The Legion- A bliss to suffer-CD ( Listenable Records)

So this is what you get with a former drummer from Marduk and other metal freaks from Sweden. A more melodic/ symphonic Black/ Death metal bands that has more intune with bands like Dimmu Borgir/ Emperor/ Hypocrisy and Old Mans Child to this listener. The Legion have a massive sound and the songs are structured and layers so much that it sounds like an army of metal musicians are performing it. Yet it still have the class and melody lines need to make it a stellar piece of metallic art. There is a strong Death metal element going on very much from the earache days of death metal for this listener esp Entombed or Carcass my friend. The Legion will not allow those amazing death metal guitar tones dissapear and for one I'm more then happy about that. Though at the heart of this beast they are an epic black metal force that should not be over looked and given the right platform will be a major force all there own!!!

http://listenable.net/



Hacride-Lazarus-CD (Listenable Records)

Where the hell did this band come from and why didn't I get there 1st CD or if I did i must not have been as fucking amazing as the 1st track alone on Lazarus called " To walk among them". Hacride is mixing some of my favorite elements into one power house of a Post everything band. Just sit back and emagine MESHUGGAH , SOLEFALD, ULVER, ISIS, DREAM THEATER and NEUROSIS all forming one mind numbing force of muscial enlightment. This is just the 1st track mind you. Listenable has a band that is genre defining here. Hacride could be the salavation to the taking metal, hardcore, indie and prog movements and unifying them together were all fans of underground music can agree. I was worried as we were getting to the 2nd track that is the one 15 minute track was there legend and if the rest of the CD would fall short but I can safely say Hacride keep the brilliance going on the following tracks as well. I not sure what else to say other then WOW!!!

http://listenable.net/



Dark Castle-Spirited Migration-CD (At a loss recordings)

Doom, Drone and Sludge have been melding, merging and growing in to its own Post Doom movement as well the 21st century seems to be about expanding genres and stretching them into new plateau's. Dark Castle is doing that as well. If you like bands like Isis, Earth, Crowbar, Eyehategod and Deadbird and through in some 70's dirge rock like Blue cheer, Deep Purple in for good measure you have what Dark Castle has achived as a duo yes this isnt a one man band or 5 piece its 2 members of the fanstatic in there own rights Samothrace. There are some trippy/ Space rock moments but nothing that takes away from the deep doomy drone/ sludge element of the music and vocals. There more just accent points on the full journey. Dark Castle synth elements are just those 70's rock elements that make the release all the more interesting. Check out Spirited Migration as it just plainly kicks ass...

http://www.atalossrecordings.com/