New Reviews 8/31/2009 @ AZM

My Own Grave- Necrology-CD (Pulverised Records)

This brings me back to the mid 90's Death metal movement with a touch of the blackened and thrash elements as a nice secondary touch. My own grave have the melodic death riffs with the blistering war metal moments and a deep growling not ultra guttural vocalist. If you were into bands like Dismember, Vital Remains and even Testament in the " Low " period then you know what My own grave are going for. I love the pounding percussive assault going on here . They really at times make me want to get out my old Altar Cd's as they have something very incommon with them. Hypocrisy as well. I think I've been more then clear what your getting here. No fucking around Blackened Melodic Death Metal.....

http://www.pulverised.net/



The few against the many- Sot-CD (Pulverised Records)

Wow I was not ready for this in any way shape or form . The few against the many have added 3 of the best elements of Death metal for me The Melody from the Swedish sound, The Symphonic elements of bands like Therion, Dimmu Borgir and Bal Sagoth and the complexity from bands lke Nevermore, Opeth and Old Dead Tree. I swear that Dan Swano has something to do with this as it has such a strong homage to Edge of Sanity and His Moontower solo release. In creation and arrangements. If it was 10 yrs ago I would be in awe thrashing about at the show. There is a strong love of the moog and Amorphis at time as well. The few against the many just floored me I didnt think I could be exited about Extreme Prog metal again.. But you have so proved me wrong. I must Interview this band be on the look out...

http://www.pulverised.net/




The Black- Alongside Death-CD(Pulverised Records)

Yea yea yea we all get it now this is Raw lo fi Black metal for the bleakest of bleak , The darkest of dark souls. If your a fan of early Mayhem, Mid period Dark Throne and Early enslaved then you will love this or many you've even gotten past this point in your musical worship. Under the cold nordic moon kind of stuff. We've all hear it before. If your not going to even try and be a bit original in the format why try anymore. We have so many great releases out there already pass... This is a wanna be demo recorded 20 yrs later...

http://www.pulverised.net/



Pestilential Shadows - In Memoriam, Ill Omen-CD (Pulverised Records)

See the instant difference between this and The Black CD is that Pestilential Shadows has interesting song structures and layers of cold and grim sounds that brings you in and entwines you into the music ans lyrics that are being spewed with a sickness that is needed . The music almost feels possessed with a black plague that one will never be able to remove. The clean droning guitars that are very verbed and distant , the maddening overtones of the themes being spoke about this band from the land of OZ makes Black metal an interesting listen as I say again. Reminds me a lot of bands that Avantgarde and Wounded Love brought to the world band in the 90's early 21st century. There is a epic element to there music and they use the guitar and bass as feelings as much as musical destruction. Another good taste at the way metal can move you toward the darkness and you may not even know it...

http://www.pulverised.net/



Sanctification - Black Reign-CD (Pulverised Records)


MMMMM ahhh ok I'm extremely dissapointed here folks. From the cover and the name I was really hoping for a Viking metal band and not an over the top Death metal band that we have all ready 20 times over. Welcome to the Temple of Hypocrisy version 5.0. It was producted by Mr Tagtgren too. It sounds like he gave them sounds from 10 yrs ago as well and just helped them put them on this record. There is nothing new here. Yes they can play and its heavy and works well over all just missing the point in playing metal the creativity the spark that makes metal the most special music on this earth... Its all one big blasting rumble of growls, army of guitars and drummer sweating his ass off every song. Its simply over kill.....

http://www.pulverised.net/



SUBARACHNOID SPACE Eight Bells-CD (Crucial Blast)

Bow down and bare witness to the great avant space rock band that has ever strapped guitars to there side and strummed chords to the world. SUBARACHNOID SPACE can make music for the next 50 yrs and I would never grow tired of there drifting, Sonic Droning Spacial majesty. This time out they have joined the Experimental juggunaunt of music world Crucial Blast and releases some of the best music of there career. If you you like bands like Isis, Grails, Pelician, Kayo Dot , Sigur Ros and Mogwai this is where it all started my friends. They have release material on such labels as Charnel, Relapse/Release, Last visable Dog and more. SUBARACHNOID SPACE is a musical exploration into tones, textures, emotions and the depths of ones very soul. Imagine warping Guitar/ bass and synth tones in the deep of space and letting them drift for yrs as the ebb and flow and alter into a new form of communication for the future travelers to understand and learn for there long journeys to discovery. Then out of left field SUBARACHNOID SPACE becomes an amazing Prog Rock force like Porcupine Tree or ELP. There is so much going on with this band it will take you years just to crack the surface and Live is where they really shine. I'm so pleased to see another SUBARACHNOID SPACE release thank you for this magically moment once more...

http://crucialblast.net/



Overmars-Born again-CD (Crucial Blast)

Holy Psychedelic Sludge Doom we have going on here. If you fans of Older Neurosis, Damad, Weaklings and Swans then this will kick you in the fucking teeth . There is a strong love bands likes Godflesh, Crisis and Thors Hammer . There is a darkness about this that is so skin crawling words can not really explain how Overmars moves you. I know this will come across very weird even bizarre but go with me image Bjork or PJ Harvey fronting a sludgy doom band with Mr Von Till or Mr Brodrick as the male vocalist. and you will have some of the best moments of what Overmars does. Diamonda Galas territories we have reached as well here. When bands mix Industrial, Doom and Crust elements all into one platform I can just not turn away. This is the voice of the true common man and women. It's our struggle for survival at its most basic element. You can hear and feel the torment in every moment of this release. Overmars and Made out of babies should tour together but if it happens the world may just stop spinning as it would be an amazing combo package and to top it all off this is but one 40 minute track.... Love this band!!!!

http://crucialblast.net/




GNAW THEIR TONGUES -All The Dread Magnificence Of Perversity-CD (Crucial Blast)

Crucial Blast is on the mission with these 3 releases to become the best indie label in America right now... Gnaw their tongues is pure hate and loathing of all things just and good in the world just for a minute try to picture bands like Khanate, Khylst, Godflesh or Neurosis at 1/2 speed then add a violent noise/feedback element to it all. Then if you can wrap your head around it give it a neoclassic almost martial overtone were you can hear elements of bands like Puissance, MZ412 , Der Blutharch etc in the mix. Gnaw their tongues is one of the first bands I would say has ever made me feel there is less hope in the world after listening to it. This is pure sorrow and horror on a digital music format . If you can call it music. Its a aural documentation of Terror on a CD. This is a run for the money with Staalaag for the worlds most destructive band. Enough said now get this so you can see how your world will always be better then this.... Brilliant Release Simply Brilliant.....

http://crucialblast.net/

Canis Dirus Interviews is up....

http://www.myspace.com/thecanisdirus

1. Let us know about Canis Dirus you seem to be much of a mystery...

TMP: Who we are as individuals is really not important. What matters is that we both share the same philosophies and ideals regarding our disdain for this so called modern world and mankinds pursuit of so called 'progress'.

2. How did you come to work with Moribund Cult?

TMP: Moribund Records was our first choice for a home for Canis Dirus. Our main concern when determining this was to be signed to a label that gives us the best chance to get our music out to as many people as possible and Moribund is able to do that for us.

3. You seems to have very little on the internet music a myspace page. Do you like to keep things secret?

TMP: I'm not sure that I understand the first part of the question but as for as keeping things secret I would say that is not really the case. Although we know that these interviews and such a neccasary to get our name / music out there, we would much rather just let our music speak for us. Even though we do have strong opinions about humanity and the destruction of our land we would rather that folks get more out of how our music speaks to them and not what we are saying to some music journalist or whatever.

RH: Not necessarily secret, but we don't feel that we need a massive internet presence. While neither of us are big into Myspace, I would say that we both find it to be a practical way to have something out there for those who are curious.

4. Does Canis Dirus perform live or is it only a recording project of destruction.

TMP: Neither RH or myself have any desire to play live whatsoever. Canis Dirus is strictly a studio project.

5. The vocals are so cold and suicidal how did the style come about.

RH: The music that TMP created is very powerful for me. It is music that connects with me in a different way each time I hear it. While I had ideas going into the recording, there were no penned lyrics, no rehearsals. This was a spontaneous recording of what I was experiencing at the time.

6. The music of Canis Dirus is a mix of Folk, Old School Euro Black metal and some Epic movements. Was this always the way the band has been or has it grown to this style?

TMP: We don't try to fit in with some sort of 'style' or whatever. We are simply a black metal band. If that means that there are some acoustic parts or 'epic movements', if I may use your words, than so be it.

7. Is there a running theme of "A Somber Wind From a Distant Shore" or a collection of dark hymns?

TMP: It is loosly based on humans desacration of earth and nature and how this desacration will one day turn on us all.

8. What are you thoughts on Corpse paint and Black metal is there a need for this or not any longer?

RH: I rather enjoy corpse paint when it is done well and taken seriously. I believe there will always be a place for it in Black Metal.

TMP: Honestly, I've never given it much thought. I can say that for us there is no need.

9. Being from Minnesota the cold north does this help create music so grim and hopeless?

TMP: Perhaps this might have a little something to do with it. Interstingly enough the music was written / recorded in the summer months.

RH: Your surroundings always play a part in who you are and what you create.

10. Is there any earlier material out there or is "A Somber Wind From a Distant Shore" the only material you want to world to know right now ?

TMP: Nothing to speak of. Whatever stuff that was either written or recorded that we weren't pleased with was discarded.

11. Where do you see Canis Dirus ideals and sounds going for future releases do you want to expand or just grow and experiment within the sound now?

TMP: We are not really concerned with it. We actually feel we have much more in common, sound wise with bands like Silencer, Craft, Bethlehem, Burzum..etc, so when it comes to what we do with our sound / style we much prefer to look to the past than gaze into the future.

12. Thank you for the time and interview any closing thoughts here .

TMP: Thank you.

Wodensthrone Interview is up.

http://www.myspace.com/wodensthrone


1. For those in the new to Wodensthrone give us a slight history lesson.

- Wodensthrone has existed in some form or another since we formed in 2005. However we first started to resemble the band we are now when we released our split 7" with Niroth in 2006. Since then members have come and gone and each has had their part to play in creating the wodensthrone sound. We feel that everything we have done up until now was working towards this album.

2. Wodensthrone from the amazing loss CD mixes elements of Folk, Viking and Black metal elements is there a strong Pagan/ Heathen belief behind this sound?

- We all feel a connection to our land and the history of our people so it was natural that we would embrace their spiritual beliefs. Each of us holds our own personal beliefs but we share a sense of sorrow at our lost heritage and see 'heathenism' as a rejection of the modern world with its ideals of consumerism and spiritual bankruptcy. Unlike some so called 'pagan' bands Wodensthrone is not a musical history lesson, we strive to provide a reflection of the world around us, viewed through the eyes of a pagan.

3. There has been some delays on Loss was this just time making sure the crafting of songs were they way they were wanted or did members move and change?

- While there were technical issues surrounding the mixing process, most of the delays were due to Huppogramus and Arioch's sense of perfection and we are extremely grateful that they invested so much of their time and effort to help create this album.

4. What is a Wodensthrone live show like and what do you want the audience to get from it?

- Live shows are somewhat ritualistic for us, as we try to conjure an atmosphere where the listener can truly immerse themselves in the music and feel a spiritual connection. We want the listener to feel our sorrow at everything our culture has lost and our fury at those who have desecrated it. Atmosphere is everything.

5. How did you come to work with very well run upstart Bindrune Recordings?

- Wyrd bið ful aræd! Marty first approached us to express an interest in our music when we were just starting to look for a label. We'd received a few offers but Bindrune was the obvious choice for a number of reasons. The sheer quality of artists on the label alone was encouraging, and we are honoured to call bands such as Blood of the Black Owl, Celestiial and Cold Northern Vengeance our comrades, but ultimately Marty has provided so much faith and support that the album might never have become a reality without him.

6.Wodensthrone seem to have a bond with Negura Bunget ... Can you talk about the connection and if they helped with getting Wodensthrone sound or style to a more pagan feeling?

- We first met Negura Bunget when we played alongside them in our home town. We already had massive respect for them as musicians, and we quickly developed bonds with Huppogramus, Sol and later Arioch. So when they offered to produce the album it was an offer too good to refuse. It is important to mention thought that Negura Bunget have never claimed to be a pagan band, and whilst we may share a similar spiritual outlook we are distinct individual entities.

7.Is there a running theme on Loss or is it a collection of mighty powerful songs?

- The simple answer is both. The songs were written individually and at different times, but they do share key themes of loss, be they personal, cultural or spiritual in nature. It's somewhat difficult to define the intrinsic lyrical themes that intertwine throughout the album, but there is a definite connection that we feel comes across in the finished album.

8. Do you feel longer songs in this short term / instant gratification age is a plus or minus in you fan base?

- We have never written with a 'fan base' in mind. We try to remain as organic and natural with the writing process as possible and the songs are simply as long as they need to be. We view ourselves, perhaps romantically, as artists weaving a song out of raw emotion and you cannot hope to explore the vastness and complexity of the human condition in a three minute pop song, no matter how marketable it might be.

9. Are members of Wodensthrone fans of the modern digital age or do you miss the days of old tape trading, fanzines and underground college radio shows?

- This is a difficult question. It's undeniable that the modern age has helped us, without the internet for example we may never have forged our allegiances with Bindrune or bands like Niroth and Fen, but at the same time we feel that the sense of community which underground scenes encourage is important. It's a double edged sword really, as it's now easier than ever to discover great music, but this has led to fanzines and tape trading having to find different forms. It has also meant that bands and labels are finding it harder to actually sell their music, but there are some people still keeping the flame burning! I think that local record stores and live music scenes are the future of the underground.

10. Will Wodensthrone be touring the North America now that your working with Bindrune Recordings?

- Obviously our location is problematic and while we have nothing planned at the moment we would love to come to the US. We've had a lot of support from US shores and would love to finally meet some of the people who've supported us in person, including Marty!

11. If someone asked Wodensthrone what your bands sound is how would the band as a whole explain it to them?

- The sound of our ancestors screaming in despair at the apathy and emptiness of the modern world.

12. Your Cover artwork on Loss is very powerful. how does it play a role in the overall packaging of the complete release?

- We firmly believe that an album is more than simply a collection of songs, and as such the packaging and presentation is equally as important as the music itself. In this age of disposable music, the 'object' becomes more important than ever. Perhaps it's due to our obsessive collector tendencies, but there is nothing more satisfying than a beautiful piece of music which is suitably packaged. This is why we have hand produced a run of 50 special editions of loss, wrapped in parchment, daubed in runes and finished with a wax seal of our crest. The artwork should both reflect and compliment the music, and this is something that is missing with modern downloads. Moga of Kogaion art has truly outdone himself with the artwork he has crafted for this album.

13. Does your earlier material sound very different from Loss recordings?

- Obviously our sound has progressed while we have developed as a band. As I have mentioned, we view Loss as the culmination of everything we have done so far. We regret nothing, as every step we have taken has led us to this point. The real question is where our path will lead us next...

14. Will there be any videos or visual releases for the band as I think the music really fit this format?

- This is something that we would certainly be interested in, as our music has a certain cinematic feel, but the opportunity has not presented itself yet. As you might imagine, the idea of producing a standard music video does not appeal, but to produce a true visual accompaniment to our music would be something spectacular indeed which we may pursue in future.

15. thank you for the time any closing thoughts here..

- We would just like to thank everyone who has supported us thus far on our journey. Waes thu Haels!

Hréowsian

LAUDANUM Interview up...

LAUDANUM

http://www.laudanum.org/

http://www.myspace.com/laudanum18

1.For those of us just finding out about LAUDANUM give us the pre story to now.

Laudanum formed in 2004 after the short-lived “Brainbloodvolume” ended. Becky, myself, and Robert Collins (Artimus Pyle) continued to play together after that bands’ demise. In 2005 Robert moved to Milwaukee shortly after the recording of “The Apotheker”. We ended up taking a break for a little while, and then Greg Wilkinson joined the band shortly thereafter. Once Greg joined the band, we really took our time jamming, writing, and delving even deeper into the noise aspect that makes up our sound today. We played in that form until this year, when we began talking w/ Nathan Misterek about doing some guest vocals on an upcoming release. We jammed w/ Nathan soon after and realized there was something really interesting going on here. Nathan was interested in a more permanent gig, so we asked him to join Laudanum.

2. How did you come to work with 20buckspin?

Our good friends in Stormcrow asked us to do a split. They had already worked w/ Dave, so they approached him about the LP. We talked w/ him quite a bit during production of the “Sacred Death” split, and he eventually showed interest in working w/ us and Life is Abuse on “The Coronation”. We really lucked out working w/ Dave, 20 Buck Spin is one of the most amazing and consistent labels out there.

3. Your sound to me is a mix of Doom, Drone and Industrial sounds how did you come with such a strong love of bands like Jesu, Swans, Neurosis and Khanate . What it a long time coming this sound?

Yes, it has taken a while and I think it will always be a work in progress. Like the bands you mentioned, we don’t want to be tied down to a specific genre. We are all really into noise manipulation (field recordings, circuit bending, etc.) and heavy, dark music and we will follow that where ever it goes.

4. Does your early material differ much from " The Coronation " ?

Somewhat, I don’t think people realize “The Apotheker” was released in 2004. At that time we were a little faster, more sludge, and had just begun working w/ the noise elements. The label that released that record went out of business before we even got the CDs, so there never was a proper release or promotion. Those records have slowly trickled out for many years. I still see new reviews of that record all the time!

5. What is a live show like for LAUDANUM?

Obscene volume and the search for the elusive brown note.

6.Your Website is very creative http://www.laudanum.org/ is LAUDANUM a very visual band over all?

Yes we are. I do the art for the band and I think we all have a very specific idea of what our sound portrays. Nathan is a visual artist also and will probably do something for the band down the road. I would say we put thought into every visual aspect of the band including our live set-up.

7. Whats you thoughts on the modern digital age I know you have myspace page but are you for digital audio, internet radio, blogs and webzine formats?

I think it all has its place and I find it really interesting. As far as promotion and communication it seems to work great, but for creative endeavors we will always use analog.

8. If LAUDANUM was asked to explain there band and sound to someone that has never heard you before how would you do so?

That is a tough one…something like “massive blackened rhythm section, corrosive amrep guitar and unholy, tortured vocals, with a heavy spackle of atmospheric noise filling in the cracks???”

9. Is the oakland scene much different from the San Fran movement I remember many good sludge, crust and grind bands coming out of the bay area as well as Thrash Bands. I don't know many doomy bands from there minus Neurosis...?

One of my absolute favorites is Asunder…deep, depressing, funeral doom.

Some other local favorites are Stormcrow, Saros, Ludicra, Drain the Sky, and

Worm Oroboros.

10. It seems that as the economy fails and recessions hit, darker and more extreme music thrives would you agree?

That definitely makes sense to me.

11. The artwork on The Coronation is minimalist and creepy does the art play hand in hand with the themes on the release?

Yes, I painted it specifically for this release. The original oil is 48” x 48”. Most of the art we use in records, merchandise, and web images are done with the band in mind. Ideally, we want every aspect of the band to portray a cohesive message.

12. Where do you see the band moving with future releases are there more experimental or more extreme paths ahead or maybe both?

We have already been writing new music w/ Nathan and I would say the direction is more extreme in every way. Everyone is pushing themselves to take things to a different level and open to new experiments, I feel like anything goes right now and I look forward to see where that leads us

13. Thanks for the interview any closing thoughts here.

We will be touring the west coast from Nov 20-30 w/ Black Ganion from Japan. The official release of “The Coronation” CD on 20 Buck Spin is Aug 25, and the

2 x LP on Life is Abuse will follow soon after. Check our website for updates and to get on our mailing list. Laudanum.org. Thanks!

New Reviews @ Absolute Zero Media

Bahimiron/Unchrist "Last of the Confederates"-Split MCD (Graveless Slumber)

Bahimiron in an even more raw pissed off format then the Moribund release. This is extreme Black metal the kind that 90's demos came from my friends. The low fi element on the drums and over all noisy backdrop works so well with the guttural / screeching vocal assault going on with these 4 short gems of hate and bleak hope from Bahimiron. If Eyehategod and Venom had a love child I really think it would be Bahimiron. Now we dig into the sounds and nightmares of Unchrist. Within the 1st 3o secs I going to say that Unchrist is a fan of Crust and Punk and mixes with there ultra rough black metal rituals. I want to calll Unchrist war metal but its even to extreme for that title at times. There is an odd melody to all of this at times but it all just comes back to clusterfuck of sound and torment. This is one amazing split CD of 2 extreme bands that deserve more exposure to very unforgiving world of music....

http://gsr666.com/

Wodensthrone - Loss CD (Bindrune Recordings)

This is by no means a simple release to listen to or review in any manner. Wodensthrone is a craft a skill a modern masterpiece of extreme blackened metal. Wodensthrone is three very distinct parts of the whole . As the root of it all this is a Black metal band but you must include the elements of viking metal that are very much in the Falkenbach and Vintersorg manner to this reviewer. The icing on the cake so to speak is the Folk or Traditional music mixed in were it reminds me of bands like Agalloch, A Forest of Stars or Wolves in the throne room. That should give you a real picture of what Wodenthrone are all about.. The more I listen to the release there is a kindred spirit to bands like Borknagar and Burzum too. Wodensthrone has so many level and layers going on with a very strong melodic overtone. The Blackened battle cries work well with the synth backdrops too. If your all remember a band called Somnus these gentlemen remind me a lot of that project. There is a strong pagan tie to this band and the thoughts they are creation. The blistering drums and rumbling bass with the delicate acoustic's of the guitar make the whole journey all the more special for the listener. Bindrune has a very important release here and will break them to a new level of exposure and I can not wait for Wodensthrone next release even if its 3-4 yrs from now.

http://bindrunerecordings.com/




Skyfire- Esoteric-CD (Pivotal Rekordings)

This is the type of band extreme metal fans love or hate do to the heavy Prog and Symphonic elements. Skyfire are again another one of the bands that are parts of a whole. Mix Dimmu Borgir , Amorphis and Dark Tranquility and you will get the classical strings and pianos, driving folk and Death/Black metal to complete the picture. Skyfire are not a ground breaking band but are very very good at the tracks they are giving to the world. Yes its all be heard before with there is a different approach to the structure and that is more then most Melodic Black/Death bands even try to do these days . So I respect that greatly. I like the throaty death vocal style more then going for the black melodic singing that would fit as well. Skyfire is going for the more old school gothenburg vocals here and I've missed them to the more hardcore feel that bands like Soilwork and Inflames have been going for now. The guitar and synths are just beauty in motion here as well with the very complex rhythm section working overtime on " Esoteric". Skyfire is a band with class and talent well worth the listen several times over....

http://pivotalalliance.com/




The Accüsed-"The Curse of Martha Splatterhead" CD (SOUTHERN LORD)


Welcome back to the world of Grind, Punk, Metal and just great fun . Most of all welcome back Martha!!!!! MMMMMMMMMM..... LOL. I grew up in 80/90's with bands like this and DRI just doing there own DIY Punk, Crust Metal movements. The Accused has spawned more then more band or label because of there amazingly diverse style. Even Sir Mix Alot and his Nastymix label released an label for these madmen. Tommy,Blaine and Company have now found a real home with Southern Lord were they can express there chaos to the world without having to look at another 5-10 yrs of silence.... You have to love the raw punk/crust vocals with the almost hardcore/punk guitars , bass and drumming. THe Accused I always thought were just one step shy of Grindcore. They were always in the same light to me as S.O.D and BuzzOven. You got you love the samples and intros and outs on some of the tracks too. Well what else can be said that hasn't about them. Don't be stupid and get this release so Southern Lord gives us years of The Accused!!!!.

http://southernlord.com/




Canis Dirus- A Somber Wind From a Distant Shore-CD (Moribund Cult)

The Pagan Fathers of the old lands seems to be deeply rooted in this project. The vocals sound so tormented there almost unsettling to the seasoned Black metal listener. They remind me very much of what old Bethlehem and Shinning vocals were like... The music on the other hand clearly call out a few very classic Black metal bands two right now off hand are Burzum and Negura Bunget... With the slow mid tempo droning almost folkish black metal. Canus Dirus are not a happy duo at all you can feel the sickness and hatred to all that is around them , forget about mankind being the man target... The disharmonic tones and the very high end distortion on the guitars well at the same time underlying tracks have very crisp and clean guitar lines. I like the bass is very clear and can be strongly heard and used as a melodic element and not just bottom rumble. For a brief moment Canis Dirus remind me of Opeth with the epic and soft acoustic moments but just in spots and for mere moments. Another jem in the metallic crown of Moribund Cult...

http://moribundcult.com/




Nazxul - Iconoclast -CD (Moribund Cult)

Nazxul just screams out to the listener if you like Darkthrone, Immortal and Satyricon them come to our temple of darkness and deprived thoughts because you are very much welcome. There is a hopelessness that comes from Nazxul you don't hear much mix with a raw symphonic element I've only really heard in older Satyricon releases before. There is a punk element were bands like Khold and Darkthrone shine here as well. In the vocals they are classic norge Black metal cries , screams and grunts mixed with the deep spoken passages were they are almost chanting deeply. Nazxul is just fucking brilliant. This is perfect Black metal to my ears . Just get the release or be stupid....

http://moribundcult.com/

Hiems- Worship or Die-CD (Moribund Cult)

This is WAR METAL!!!!!!!!! MARDUK, PANZERCHRIST, IMPALED NAZARENE all these band beware a new Blackened force is coming to take the throne with a battle cry that may even be louder and more pissed off then your. There is very much a Bolt Thrower vibe going on here too and I love that more then words can say. You will also be very aware of a melodic heavy prog feeling going on that I would almost say is a mix of Katatonia and Bal Sagoth very much present. If Hiems could have the tanks roll across the landscape and ravage the land then this would have already happened some time ago. The driving sound of this band is just so damn powerful. Hiems came out of left field on this with me but I should never doubt Moribund and there signings as there have only been a few that didn't win me over verses 50 to 100 that have. Worship or Die is classic War Metal in the making...

http://moribundcult.com/

New Reviews 8/16/2009 The Experimental Addition....

Harvestman- In A Dark Tongue-CD (Neurot Recordings)

Its another journey after a break from being distroed promos from Neurot that I'm very proud to start with another amazing project by Mr Steve Von Till of Neurosis fame. In a Dark Tonue reminds me a mix of Steve's solo material were the organic and folk elements meet with a more prog / space rock vibe. With Harvestman the guitar seems to be the main focus will all else adding the backdrop to the sound. You know its Von Till's guitar sound at once as it has the lazy southern vibe in the mix of the very textural layered guitar chops. I think there is a strong tribute to bands like SubArachnoid Space. I do like the very drone/avant quality going on as well it has a sonic youth. There so much going on here almost in a nature based output as well. I think Steve have become one with the quiet surrounds of is world. This is almost something you would hear in a older avant indie film .There are no vocals at all but it doesnt need it. I almost at time want to call this ethno ambient music but it ebbs and flows to darker and noiser terrain as well. Another stellar release from the San Fran family of Neurot...

http://neurotrecordings.com/


KK Null Oxygen Flash CD (Neurot Recordings)

This is the mastermind behind Zeni Gevi but I have to say this is a very odd electro very far left recording. I reminds be if you mix projects like Aube, Robert Rich, Flux and Kraftwerk together in a blender and just let it come out as it may. very bizarre blips, pops, electro static, radio tones and machine noise all going at random times, levels and mixes. This will have a very limited audience but those of us out that that can get into the ultra avant dark electronic music this is something you just put the headphones on with and take 40 minutes alone to experience the 1st time then have others listen and see there reactions as that will be the most brilliance of Oxygen flash. Seeing what the mainstream make of this. As this is as much art as music, A sound scape for the the mind.... Hats off Mr Null....

http://neurotrecordings.com/




Chord Flora CD (Neurot Recordings)

This is one of the most interesting things to come out in a long time the name of the band is the theory of what that band does ..."CHORD performances consist of each player being assigned one note from a pre-selected chord. They are then expected to consider all ranges of flexibility concerning octave, rhythm, playing style and effect treatments" (off the neurot page). In sound and feeling is very similar to House of Low Culture and Caspar Brotzmann. With a project like Chord you live the sounds they create as it will never be the same twice. The music is eternal and fleeting all at that same time that make it all the more special. It has a very Post rock sound in the way its created as well. The waves of sounds change but the tones all stay very much the same. I would love to see a project like this live in a very dark room with red or purple lights on only and let the waves of sound do the talking for about an hour... I think Chord is a majestic and brilliant project and we need more free thinking in music like this...

http://neurotrecordings.com/

¡M.G.R. y Destructo Swarmbots!-Amigos de la Guitarra-CD (Neurot Recordings)

Do you remember the days of jazzy avant post indie rock yes I know this is a mouthful but labels like Touch and Go, Merge, Matador and Kranky well this is where this band sits with me think Polvo, Godspeed you black emperor, Slint etc and you get a good Ideal where this very minimalist yet epic and flowing Post Music band comes from . It's music for a twisted John Waters or David Lynch movie. You can feel the Sadness, Hope, Desire, Loss and Rebirth with every note that is performed. The Guitar and Ambiance that is needed comes out in full . I release like the delicate nature that comes from this release. The release is just one 42 min track and its funny because it thanks any listener that has the attention span to get through the whole release. Its sad today that most music listener want 3 minute cookie cutter music. This is not for you this is for people that care about the art of music and how it effect one at that very core of the soul... Thank you again...

http://neurotrecordings.com/

Lacus Somniorum "Tideshaper" CD (Cyclic Law)

Gustaf Hildebrand and Amanda Votta seem to have created an old school ethno ambient record that would fit in the Hypnos, Projekt or even Staalplaat line up from the late 90's there is a darker side to it as well with a very occult vibe that you got from artist like Sephiroth or Lustmord back in the day... There is a strong connection to Arecibo as well in the sounds of droing space going on here. Cyclic Law likes to have all there ambient release have a very other worldly approach I don't know if that is on purpose or just the releases he gets as the artist are like minded in that skill set. I feel like on a new world for the 1st time but it seems to have been following the same path as Eastern cultures on earth (Oriental in manner). The Dark Drones, Woodwinds the slight static elements are all such a good mix with the windchime effects as I call them. If you have not heard music of this kind it could be an unnerving journey for sure. Another good strong release from The Canadian hope for experimental music Cyclic law....

http://cycliclaw.com/

A Forest of Stars Interview is up....

http://www.aforestofstars.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/aforestofstars

1. For those of us new to the band tell us a bit on how the band came to be.

Mr TS Kettleburner: The Gentleman’s Club of A Forest of Stars officially formed in the early months of 1887 through a mutual interest in occultist principles as well as various retro-spiritualist philosophies. The Gentleman was essentially the lynchpin who brought us together, with himself and Mister Curse having been associated on a personal level for well over ten years. Myself and Katheryne had a similar association prior to the Club’s formation, as such it felt logical to collate and combine our talents.

The Gentleman: The Club is an output for it numerous members’ various activities, most of them private, some of which, from time to time, might even involve music, working towards the new millennium while fighting against the temptation of an increasing amount of opiates, a well-stocked larder and a rather impressively expansive wine cellar. Needless to say, we’re losing badly.

2. As the 1st release I’ve heard has been " The Corpse of rebirth" is this release very different from early material?

Kettleburner: The Corpse of Rebirth was in fact our inaugural work as a collective and as such bears no antecedents. I would say it was a rather unexpected result of the alchemy of our muses; although our prior work as individuals was (and still is), one must say, rather varied.
The album has only been in the public domain for nigh on eighteen months, but already we do think back to the hedonistic port-soaked winter nights through which we fervently worked towards that goal with much glee.

3. From my ears I would call A Forest of Stars a mix of Post Black Metal, Doom and Folk music. Was it a natural progression to get to this sound?

Kettleburner: As previously mentioned it was a truly unexpected, serendipitous output. We drew influence from and cited many amongst the genres you ascribe to ourselves. However, that same field of influence was not necessarily restricted to those particular genres, and great deal more of it was from other, equally excellent sources.

4. How did you come to work with Transcendental Creation a very new label to my world ?

Kettleburner: We were initially approached by Transcendental Creations, occult-merchants, via an unsolicited telegram just over a year ago. With a small – but nonetheless impeccable – reputation, they expressed their genuine and enthusiastic desire to make our wares available to the public throughout the Empire and beyond. We immediately saw the potential of this as a great opportunity, especially as one does quite regularly experience chancers, broadsmen and blackguards in our profession.

Gentleman: Don’t forget the socially climbing ladybirds and dollymops, either. But they’re more welcome. Or so I hear.

5. I really like the strings and orchestral elements mixed in with other elements of the tracks . Do you feel that with longer tracks it gives you time to develop the songs with the fragile touches needed to build a full picture of what A Forest of Stars really is?

The Gentleman: The compositions were as long as they needed to be, because that was what felt correct, so to speak. I feared (and still do) that many people would tire of such lengths, but they were not written with any particular timing taken into consideration at all, and until we measured the final results against my humble pocket watch for a laugh we had no idea.

6. How are your live shows presented is its band on stage performing are is there more a stage event in a theatrical way?

Kettleburner: We have two fine gentlemen, The Projectionist and The Arsonist, who are specifically engaged in the presentation of our public events. We have a keen interest in the visual aspects of what we do and see it important to be well-dressed and well-mannered for all public occasions. That said, I certainly feel that it is important for the theatrics not to overshadow the truth of our work.

Gentleman: If I was being particularly facetiousness I might feel the need to point out that the last thing our work contains is either truth or honesty. But seem as I’m not, I won’t.

7. Your website http://www.aforestofstars.co.uk/ is very impressive as it a pages from a book to go through. Where did this come about?

Gentleman: Our personal webological portal is merely used as an instrument, like any other, to exhibit our manifesto, and to inform any party interested in our Club of its intentions. Obviously, that would be an infinitesimal number, but one has to keep up appearances, at all costs. One should certainly not exhibit any public front shoddily, don’t you agree?

8. Do you feel Myspace is the best way to get the band out across the internet? as your myspace page is very nicely laid out as well.

Gentleman: Hmm. Perhaps the best phrase to use here is necessary evil.

9. Are the members of A Forest of Stars fans of the modern digital age or did you prefer it before the days of Mp3's, Internet radio and Webzines?

Kettleburner: Personally I feel rather liberated by the opportunities that this age brings. It has brought communication with kindred spirits (or any other kind of spirit for that matter) beyond the realms of darkened rooms and questionably integral slate writings. As such, it has brought me much guidance and inspiration.

Gentleman: So you’re saying the the internet has brought people out of darkened rooms and liberated them from writings of suspect legitimacy? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course...

10. I really feel this band would be great on video format will there be any long form DVD or Video releases coming?

Gentleman: We have talked at length with Monsieur Le Prince about kinotropes, daguerréotypes and various other forms of images, moving or otherwise. The wheels are in motion, but the destination is yet to be set, I suppose. Something will come of it, I am assured, unless he just ups and disappears by magic or something.

11. What is next and future goals for A Forest of Stars?

Gentleman: Well, the Club bath house is nearing completion finally, after two blasted years. Once we can relax in there, we shall see. I’d like an observatory to watch the stars go by, that might be nice. And the garden needs tending to as well, we keep forgetting to sort that. But that means hiring another gardener, which takes time as we have to conduct the interviews, chase the references and so on. A damnable mess. Then there’s all the occult activity we’ve promised to undertake on behalf of various patrons. I think at some point, we may record another album as well, but that’s by the by really, in the scheme of things at present. Oh, and if memory serves correct, there should be a lovely double vinyl version of Rebirth coming soon as well.

12. I really am wondering where did the themes and name of the band come from?

Gentleman: Well the name was mine, but chosen by Curse if that makes any sense whatsoever. Where did it come from? I have no idea, it just did, truth be told. Which may say something about my mind, I don’t know. As for our themes, lyrically – Curse, as far as I can tell babbles on about the seasons, loose women, drug-addled poets, death, other inconsequential crap and so forth; his day to day itinerary, in other words. Occult wise – well that is entirely down to the interpretation of the individual. It is never for us to say what one should get out of the Gentleman’s Club, save a modest bill for the expenses we have accrued in allowing you to do so.

13. Are there unknown projects out there that impress A Forest of Stars members?

Kettleburner: We are not overly willing to be seen as a part of any clique or faction but do wish to support those amongst us; Altar of Plagues, Dragged Into Sunlight, Fen and any of the excellent acts on Transcendental Creations certainly deserve to be remarked upon.

14. Do you feel A Forest of Stars is better with Metal or Non Metal Crowds when you perform?

Kettleburner: Our live work will be irrelevant and tedious to any individual who does not have their eyes and ears open to our direction, regardless of who they are. I have no concern as to the predisposition of the audiences that attend our live events; my only hope is that those who choose to attend enjoy our act for what it is.

Gentleman: id est, a shambling flim-flam from start to finish.

15. thank you for the interview any closing thoughts here.

Gentleman: Only to say thank you for your interest in our Club’s somewhat overly tedious activities and that we shall remain now and for evermore your humble and obedient servants.

New Reviews 8/9/2009

Encomaist/ The Copper Thieves 139 Nevada- 2 x CDR (Lens Records)

Both these recordings were recorded at a very haunted theater in Central City Colorado called The Belvidere Theatre....

1st up is Encomiast with a release entitled "Masked Mirror" is a dark and sinster journey down the minimalist dark ambient path with a good bit of musique konkret and creepy drifting and droning strings, wind sounds, Pianos and was sound like ethnic or american indian vibes going on here. I would not like to be left in the room where this was recorded at night alone with out my ghost hunting gear. What makes this is the avant and free form percussionary work going on as well. This reminds me of bands bands like Maeror Tri more and more as Encomaist grows into one of the best Dark Ambient projects in the scene today. Encomaist is down right nightmarish at times with these vocals that are ethereal , disjointed and very over effected in a way that fans of aghast will love. " Masked Mirror" is a stellar piece of work.

The 2nd CD is a collab project of Encomaist and Mandible Chatter called The Copper Thieves and this just reinforces how amazing these two projects are solo so when you combined them it is that X factor you always knew it could be. "Slam your Doors in Golden Silence" should be honoured so much more then a CDR release limited to 200 Copies. This is something a label like Hypnos or Soleilmoon should be jumping on to get out to the world. Epic Ambient work were it goes from Drift, to delicate guitars, drones and looped electronics in an almost rhythmic pattern. I like the music box effect going on in the musical arrangements. The Copper Thieves have a very much more Ethno / World music feeling about it as well. This is a journey of the mind and body to complete a full picture. There needs to me more Copper Thieves releases thats for sure. Love the odd animal and nature sounds mixed into all the very odd elements going on here. It almost want to get noise at times but the creators will not allow it and that is hard to do with such control.

http://lensrecords.com/




Infernal Stronghold- godless noise-CD (Forcefield Records)


So if you had a punk band start a fight with a Black metal band during a Crust/ Sludge show this is where Infernal stronghold would have been born. Way to Punk to be Black metal and the vocals are way to black metal to be punk and the anti tuning and total noise element of the feedback and muddy guitars is so much a crust nod to there style . If you want to call it a style or just musical mash up that makes it all the more fun to listen to. Infernal Stronghold are just making music the love without regaurds to anyone else. The best way to end this review would be if Dark Throne and Born Against became one band you would have Infernal Stronghold . THE END......

http://www.forcefieldrecords.org

LITURGY “RENIHILATION”-CD (20 Buck Spin)

More over the top Black Death this time from a Brooklyn NYC unit. There is a bit of grind thrown in for good measure I hear as well. The guitars seem to want to be very avant and prog at times too almost verging on what I would call Noise rock which is a good thing to these hears they remind me a lot of Hemlock which featured Dan from Nuclear Assault and Brutal Truth my friends. There is a strong nod to the early chaos of the Polish Black metal scene in the way this is almost layed out in a very barbaric manner. Though the madness works on this release the drums and bass are on a mission at time do just be a rumbling static tone and they come very close more then once. Liturgy does have that very under laying melody that all raw BM bands have from that time frame which is cold and bitting but still melodic. Its just the times my friends when the ecomony goes to shit and the world is in strife all the best music comes out of the underground to let the world release its hate and anger. Excellent work Liturgy...

http://www.20buckspin.com/

LAUDANUM “THE CORONATION” CD (20 Buck Spin)

MMMMMMMMMM Black Drone Doom with a very industrial feeling going on here . Laudanum are some of my favorite style of droning noise and aggression. If you like bands like MZ412, Nadja, Black Mayonaise, Melvins (in guitar tones alone), Khylst and Jesu well you get the picture as its layered not just full on doom . The female vocals are a mix of Damad, Crisis and Khylst in the best of manners. Then the male vocals are the best Brodrick (Godflesh) and Von Till (Neurosis) gutturals out there.. I do love the industrial neoclassic element thrown in with the horn and string to add the balance and layer I was talking about and when it comes to the atmospheric elements that what just takes " The Coronation" over the top in to jaw dropping. Laudanum is class A work going on here. I know its a limited market for this style but if any band could break some mainstream success this will be it. There is only one that stands in there way the mighty SUNNO))) and that is an honor I'm sure to say they will be that important to a scene...

http://www.20buckspin.com/




Dusted Angel- 7" (Corruption Recordings)

Man Earsplit Pr sent this to me just to see my reaction I swear and I fucking hate stoner music minus one band Monster Magnet and you all know that. This is everything I hate about the false doom scene grooves, 70's guitar and black sabbath (Ozzy worship)... The singer is what annoys me the most with that emotional voice like Orange Goblin and Sheavy have. Why not just be a St vitus/ Sabbath cover band.... Enough is Enough I could not make it through 2 songs. Just Shut up Shit the fuck up jesus we get it you like to get really high and jam.....

http://www.myspace.com/corruptionrecordings