Eibon Artist act noir Interview is up 3/29/2010

http://www.actnoir.com/

1. You have just released your 2nd full length CD this time with Eibon how did this agreement come about?

During the summer of 2009 we started looking for a new record deal, considering the contractual agreement with My Kingdom Music expired with the release of our debut CD "Automatisme Psychique". We know Mauro Berchi and Eibon Records since a long time, due to our mutual friendship and occasional collaboration with his project Neronoia, so when he heard the new material he promptly offered to us a deal for releasing the new album.

2. Shape a new star has a much more Goth/Post Rock feel to it the last CD was more Electro and Ambient to my ears was this on purpose?

Yes, in a way it was on purpose. We wished to experiment with a more song based structure in this album, trying to reinvent our sound with a edgier and "in your face" feeling.

3. What happened with My Kingdom Music were you not happy with there output for the debut?

We were absolutely happy with Francesco Palumbo and his label My Kingdom Music. At the time of the release of "Automatisme Psychique" Francesco worked in a very professional and committed way, we just thought that for our second album Eibon Records was a more suitable label, considering My Kingdom Music is focusing more and more towards "metal" releases.

4. Does Actnoir like to play live?

Yes we do! By the way, on April the 9th we'll play live in Casalecchio di Reno/Bologna at club Blogos (www.ilblogos.it)... If you happen to be in Italy on that day you should definitely experience Act Noir live!

5. I hear a lot of Canaan in you music were they a big influence on Actnoir? or is that just accidental the sound of the 2 bands being so similar?

Can't really tell you... we like Canaan albums, and we deeply respect Mauro Berchi's commitment and enthusiasm for releasing new music. I think Canaan and Act Noir have a common musical background: both bands have been influenced by the same *alternative* music scene of the 80's.

6. Is there a story or theme behind Shape a new star?

The album is mainly based on the struggle to make amends of human beings. Each song represents the storyline of a person who strives to expiate his difficult past and aims for redemption.

7. Where do you see Actnoir heading in style and musical tastes?

To be perfectly honest we don't really know... It's a bit early to say where our music will head in the future. At the moment we are focused to promote live the new album and then we are going to take a break of few months. In the meantime I have several unfinished tracks that I wish to develop for a side-project, verging on electro/IDM sounds.

8. I think your music is very visual will there ever be a Dvd release?

Not for the time being. We are not that interested to spend time and money working on a DVD release.

9. The Italian experimental rock/ Electronic scene seems to be close knit is this why you have worked with to labels from Italy only so far?

Not really, the reason for working only with Italian labels has been accidental. We sent several promo/demo CDs to foreign record labels, but at the end of the day only Italian labels shown a real interest to invest money on a "physical release" of our music.

10. If there was one band you could collab with who would it be and why?

We would rather collaborate with a top producer/sound engineer rather than a band. We love the production skills of Steven Wilson, Flood, Brian Eno and Trent Reznor!

11. Whats Actnoir thoughts on the digital media age do you CD CD and Vinyl totally disappearing giving way to a full digital musical format only?

We believe that CD and vinyl releases will become more and more a niche market for collectors and true music lovers/audiophiles. It is unfortunate to see that the general trend of people is to illegally download music from the web, a "bad habit" that will cause several bands to stop making music for poor sales.

12. Is there any US distro or promotion happening on Shape a new star? As I feel it would do very well over here esp in a labels hands here like The End, Projekt or even Kranky...

I don't know about promotion, but The End Records should take care of the US distribution of "Shape a New Start". At beginning of April the album will be available through Amazon, CD Universe and few others US-online shops.

13. Do the members of Actnoir work in other projects outside of this band?

Yes, we do. Me (Sergio...) and Stefano did collaborate with Gianni Pedretti/Colloquio on his last effort "Si Muove e Ride", a very special CD released by Eibon Records, while Stefano and Michele play in a not-only-cover band called Plum Cake (www.myspace.com/italianplumcake).

14. You have a wonderful website tell us about that a bit..

We have to thank our guitarist Stefano for designing the website, he did everything by himself. We like the minimalistic look and feel of the site, moreover we have been praised by several web-designers for its browsing simplicity!

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

Thanks to you and to Absolute Zero Media for the precious support!

Please visit our website to know more about Act Noir: http://www.actnoir.com

New Reviews 3/27/2010 @ AZM

Visions- Summoning the Void-CD (Cyclic Law)

So the owner of Cyclic Law has created another dark, noisy journey under the name Visions again and you know what . Its really good and well worth many listens many times label owners just release there on material as a vanity on there label . Well with Visions this is one of the labels best projects. Summoning the void to my ears is the most layered and expansive of all the visions titles and the most noisy to date. It verges on harsh noise at times but always comes back in to the more Dark Industrial feel I have come to know and love with this project. Visions is bombastic as it is industrial as it is orchestral and with each release gets stronger in what it creates.

http://cycliclaw.com/






TAPHEPHOBIA - Black city skyline-CDR (Reverse Alignment)

Do you remember when Dark Ambient music gave you chills and hope all at the same time? Welcome to the world of TAPHEPHOBIA. This is straight from the world of Robert Rich, Raison D Etre, Sephiroth etc... The dream like state the sounds drift and lull you into are almost hypnotic is style. The vocals are very much on releases Ive heard from Hypnos or Cold Spring Ambient releases... There was an amazing label call Amphos from Italy I think that has stellar releases of this caliber as well. The mastery of synth and string work are just so strong here it a damn shame its just a CDR release. This should be a much wider available title. At times this reminds me of the more subdued moments of Devil Doll . TAPHEPHOBIA is a jaw dropping Dark Ambient project that any fan of the genre should without fail check out. Fantastic!!!

http://www.myspace.com/reversealignment

Bring Me The Head Of Orion - Courting Leviathan-CDR (Black Drone)

So are you a fan of the Drone Doom scene if so this will be brilliant to you if not this may be mind numbing terror. If you like bands like Black Mayonnaise, Sunn O)), Earth and Phobos then run to find this. The guitars and bass crawl out of the speakers with a pain and torment not heard by many projects. There is a melody going on here as well that is almost relaxing and then the harsh guitar tones come in from time to time to remind you that this is not going to be a happy journey. I really respect projects like this as this is much more a close your eyes and let the sounds take you to another realm music. As there is no vocals or percussion going on its is all sonic tones in the lower spectrum that take you there and lets face it 2- 20 + min tracks just simply kick ass in this format!

http://blackdrone.com/

Mister Vapor - Light And Vapor-CDR (Black Drone)

So here is another release from the Black drone label this time its an Ambient Drone release something that is experimental and drifting all at the same time. Where is almost becomes a noise release but will never cross the time . This is very much for Arecibo and Schloss Tegal Fans. With Mister Vapor the madness level becomes high with the oscillating tones and just oddity to it all. This is experimental music to the highest of orders. Though I will say the water sounds are a bit out of place as a whole I do get what they are trying to do with them. Thomas Park is better know for his Mystified project I would assume. This also has a very Dense Vision Shrine vibe going on Karsten I think you have influenced someone greatly here.

http://blackdrone.com/

CrepusculaR - Deep Slow Majesty-CDR- (Black Drone)

Holy shit is this a creepy sounding release CrepuscalaR to me has that total MZ412/Valefor/ Endura Occult Dark Ambient sound going on. They are trying to awaken something or someone that clearly needs to be left alone. CrepusulaR will give you nightmares if you not use to listening to this style of Black Ambient release. They have a lot in common with Kervonian on Cold Spring as well. Material like this is made for the old pagan world and is not here for modern needs. If you pray to the darker more aggressive Gods of old then this can be you ritual music for sure. There is an underlying layer of despair going on here. Black Drone have one of the best releases I've ever heard in this sub genre hands down. CrepusculaR is a must own...

http://blackdrone.com/

Haken - Aquarius-CD (Sensory Records)

Haken are more then words can mention they are Symphonic, prog, metal, avant and blues all at the same time. They remind a lot of a mix of The Gathering, Ayreon, Ulver , Polka Dot Cadaver and Kayo Dot ... There is so much going on here is just hard to begin. The Prog and Symphonic elements really are the key components to Haken the vocals and strings are just simply amazing with the lush guitars and warm full bass and percussion explosions . There are times they have TSO or Savatage or Circle to Circle sounds going on as well. There is a Mike Patton love going here at times as well. If you want to you the Post Metal banner this band is 100% in that style mixed with many many more. Sensory Records always get these brilliant projects I just think its time for a band like this to break out to the mainstream more and Haken could very well be the one. I feel a Sci Fi soundtrack in the making for this band... Then they go to the next track and swear they sound like Styx or Kansas ..... Haken you have just blown my mind musically its that plain and simple...

http://www.lasercd.com/

New Kayo Dot Release do not miss out on this!

* Kayo Dot's new album, Coyote, is out everywhere April 20th on Hydra Head.

Tracklist for Coyote
I. Calonyction Girl
II. Whisper Ineffable
III. Abyss Hinge 1: Sleeping Birds Sighing In Roscolux
IV. Abyss Hinge 2: The Shrinking Armature
V. Cartogram Out Of Phase

Get it from Hydra Head

http://hydrahead.com/

Daniel Lioneye Interview is up 3/24/2010

http://www.myspace.com/daniellioneyeofficial

1. For us new to Daniel Lioneye how did the band come to be ?


- The band actually started about 10 years ago. It was a completely different band back then. The line up was Ville Valo (HIM) on drums, Mige (HIM) on bass and myself on guitar and vocals. We just started to jam together and realized that we might actually have something worth while here. We released an album called "The King Of Rock n Roll" in 2001. It was a tongue in cheek psychedelic stoner rock album that was written, recorded and mixed in 5 days while being completely wasted. We did a few festival shows in Finland that summer and after that the band has been on a hiatus.




2. With members of Him and Enochian Crescent I was not expecting such an avant post black metal sound. You have a lot in common with bands like Code, Virus and Borknagar to my ears..

- This album will probably sound odd and unexpected to a lot of people and thats kind of what we were looking for. We didn't intentionally try to sound like any of those bands but I'll take that as a complement for sure!




3. Is Vol II very different from your 1st full release?

- Yes it is completely different! Daniel Lioneye has always been about breaking boundaries. This is the way we felt like this time. Vol II is very heavy, aggressive but still melodic and groovy. I think its important to listen to the little voice inside you and be honest with your music...




4. I love the mix of Death, Clean and Black vocals all in same song did that come about over time or was it from begining?

- Thank you! I'm pretty pleased with them myself. I had an idea in my head of how the vocals should sound like and this is the closest I could get. The vocals on the first album are VERY different. This album is a reflection of very difficult times in my personal life and thats where the aggression in the vocals and in the songs in general comes from.




5. I love the odd synths and horns in the music even though there buried that add so much?

- I wanted this album to sound massive and I wanted it to be full of little details. I think we succeeded quite well. You hear something new every time you listen to it. Especially with good headphones. And Burton, the keyboard player is a genius. That helps too...





6. Where did the name Daniel Lioneye come from?

- The name Daniel Lioneye is a result of some hazy pot smoking session over ten years ago. I don't really know what it has to do with anything except that my horoscope sign is Leo and I'm kind of stuck with it now. Its pretty random and thats why I love it!





7. How did you come to work with The End Records for Vol II?

- We finished the album ourselves first and then started to look for someone to put it out cause we didn't want to compromise anything. Andreas Katsambas from The End Records got his hands on the album and I guess he liked it a lot. I have heard only good things about him and he seemed very enthusiastic from the beginning. I much rather prefer working with people like that than some narrow minded major label people. And its an honor to be on the same label as Ulver.




8. TO Most of us in the USA Daniel Lioneye is known for the them to Via la bam how did that happen?

- Bam is a good friend of us and when he asked for a permission to use the title track as the theme song for his show, I had to say yes! I think it fits the show perfectly! Bam is cool!




9. Why did you not sign with Bam's label Filthy Note as they seem to have major label distro?

- I don't know how well that label is doing or if they are even looking for anything new to sign at the moment. Anyway, Andreas got there first...




10. Will Daniel Lioneye be performing in North America in 2010 for Vol II?

- I really do hope so! I'm just very busy touring with HIM at the moment. We are trying to squeeze in at least a few shows here and there. If and when we get the chance to do it, I promise you it will be a spectacle unseen before!




11. Are there any new or unknown projects that impress Daniel Lioneye right now?

- Our drummer, Bolton's band Enochian Crescent is putting out some new stuff soonish. That sounds very exciting! Also there is a finnish/english band called HALO that are yet unsigned but not for long! You should definitely check them out! They are also fronted by a very hot girl!




12. Was Vol II more a studio collab or did you go in as a full band and record the album?

- First I went to the HIPstudios in Helsinki with the producer Hiili and the drummer Bolton to do the basic drum and guitar tracks. Then I recorded the bass, some additional guitars and the vocals at my home "studio". Then I sent all the files to Burton and he did the keys at his home studio. And then we sent all the files back to Hiili and he mixed it all at his home studio. The wonders of modern technology! You can record good quality stuff anywhere these days!




13. Whats you thoughts on the current indie music scene do you see the CD dying for the digital format and DVD and Digital media the future to keep music alive?

- I haven't really thought about that too much to be honest. I guess the CD as a format is slowly but surely dying. Music is definitely not dying or going anywhere. The world is changing all the time and thats nothing to be scared of, I think.




14. Thanks for the time any closing thoughts here?

- No, thank you, its been a pleasure!

Take care of yourselves and each other. And go buy the fucking album! ;-)

Napalm Records Ereb Altor Interview is up @ AZM 3/17/2010

http://www.myspace.com/erebaltor

1. Tell us on how Ereb Altor came to be?

Ereb Altor is a child of underground Doom band Forlorn which later changed the name to Isole. The more Bathory influenced material became Ereb Altor 2003 when we decided that some of these songs were too good to fall into oblivion.

2. Ereb Altor is a duo correct does Ereb Altor perform live at all?

Yes, we do live shows with different session musicians. We have only done festival shows thus far and probably we will continue doing that. We are not planning to do extended tours, not at this point.

3. Your mix of Doom and viking elements is very interesting how did the sound happen?

Bathory is our housegod, and we have doom metal in our blood so the sound comes natural. We are also interested in our native folk music and therefore we get a Swedish sound in the melodies.

4. Ereb Altor released there debut on I hate label and now are working with Napalm a much larger label how did this come about?

This was not a choice at all because we’re bound to Napalm through our signing with Isole and we must present all music we create to Napalm before going to other labels. It’s a big difference between IHR and Napalm when it comes to distribution and promotion of course. I must add that we have nothing against IHR and we enjoyed working with them too, IHR is very dedicated to this kind of music. We are happy to be on the Napalm rooster, our co-operation has been really good.

4. Is there a bit difference in sound and or style from " by honor" to "the end"?

In fact our debut album „By Honour“ was meant to be a double album therefore some of the songs that exists on „The End“ has a connection musicwise to our debut and both albums have the same atmosphere. But of course I can mention the things that I think differs between the albums. „The End“ has a slightly faster pace, more Scandinavian melodies and the vocals are more varied, the lyrics were a bit shattered on our debut and on the new album the lyrics follows more or less the same path with „Myrding“ and the title track which is strongly connected to our inheritance. I also think that the compostitions are more complex on „The End“

6. Is this a side project of Isole ( as your both in that) or do you see Ereb Altor,as a full time band as well?

I put my soul to everything I do musically so every band I’ve ever played in I’m devoted to. Isole steals more of my time of course.

7. This there a story or theme behind " The End"

The title track that stretches over three songs is about Ragnarök, the end of the Nordic gods. And when I started record this album it felt like this was going to be the last effort of Ereb Altor so the title had two meanings to me. The theme behind Ereb Altor is to deal with our inheritance and try to sound and write about things that have a connection to our homeland.

8. Where did the name Ereb Altor come from?

Ereb Altor is the name of the world where an old Swedish RPG „Drakar och Demoner“ take place. It’s a fantasy world similar to the world Tolkien created. We played this game in our youths and at first we planned to write lyrics with fantasy themes, but later on I decided to write lyrics about our inheritance, I want all lyrics to have a connection from where we come from. Nordic myths, legends and mythology. We decided to keep the name anyway, a remembrance from our youths.

9. The Sounds and production on The End is so massive and the clean and death vocals are so epic in sound . Was it hard to layer it so and get such a big sound?

It’s the work of Jonas Lindström behind the mixing table along, he did a good job and he helped out a lot with his inputs.

10. Where do you see the sound of Ereb Altor over the next few releases?

It’s impossible to say at this point but I think I want to get a darker more aggressive sound in the future, maybe pay some homage to the earlier work of Quorthon with an Ereb Altor touch.

11. Is the doom scene very big in Sweden I have always seen in as more a death metal area?

The doom scene is not big anywhere and Sweden is not an exception. Besides Candlemass there is a few small bands struggling.

12. Are there any lesser known or newer bands out there that really impress you?

Soundbyte from Norway that released an album 2005 I think called “rivers of broken glass” that’s a favourite of mine.

13. Do you feel that Myspace is all the a band really needs in this day and age as it exposes the band best to the world?

No, myspace is only good promotion. In my opinion metal music still needs the CD’s, maybe I’m old fashioned but I like printed magazines and I like albums, I buy every album I like still and I want my CD and vinyl collection to grow.

14. Thank you for the time any closing thoughts here?

Hails to Quorthon R.I.P

Be well

Clint

Thanks and the same goes to you!

/Mats

New Reviews 3/14/2010 @ AZM

Actnoir- Shape a new star-CD (Eibon Records)

Actnoir has gone into a Radiohead meets Canaan mix I can see why Mauro who owns Eibon likes them so much as he is in Canaan. Electronic Rock with a heavy Goth/Prog rock element going on too. They remind me a lot of early Genesis , Cure and Tool all mix into one. Actnoir has become very catchy in the style of this release but "Shape a new star" was recorded over 2008/2009 so I'm not sure where they lye now. On a few tracks they sound like Six Finger Satellite (if you remember them). I really like the textures and guitars and bass sounds that happy with the very solemn vocal style. They like electronic music but in the say way more Post rock bands like Sigor Ros or Mogwai do as an accent and atmosphere nothing more. This is very cool sounding release and will impress most that hear it . This is much more a Rock album them I remembering them being. Going to make me take out my Sunny Day Real estate albums as there is something very close to this band as well now as I finish listening up to this Gem...

http://eibonrecords.com/

Devar- Alternate Endings-CD (Eibon Records)

Devar is the meaning of Post Black metal where in which you mix Ethereal, Post Rock, Avant Black metal and a healthy does on Heavy rock music put it all into a blender and hope for the best . Some times this turns out to be a total cluster fuck but then you have Devar which is Doom meets post black metal in the best of the sense of the world. There is a very 70's Prog rock vibe to . The best way to express what I'm trying to get across here is imagine Marylin Mansion, Pink Floyd , DHG and Dolorian wrapped up into one very mysterious and down right excellent musical journey. The mix of Delicate, Dark, Odd ball and Aggressive all all here and most time all in one track... Devar is not for the casual listener I will warn that right out but for the more adventurous then this is right where you will need to be....

http://eibonrecords.com/




Daniel Lioneye- Vol II-CD ( The End Records)

So what do we get from members of Goth Metallers (Him) and Black metallers ( Enochian Crescent) ???? Symphonic Electro Black Death is what it is. Imagine Strapping young lad or Mr Bungle gone Black metal and you will very soon understand where my words and thoughts lead you too. Daniel Lioneye is a very complex and weirdo journey to begin with and just gets much more odd as we go along. Sometimes I swear they want to Amorphis or Paradise Lost them they go back to what I spoke about. If you like that freak out Scandinavian Electro Black metal sound you can not miss. This is for fans of Solefald, Borknagar, Virus, Code etc... Daniel Lioneye is going to get a shit load of airplay from this reviewer and I would very much like to interview these freaks be on the look out for this. The really like to mix Eastern, Electron Black & Death metal into Indie wacko avant rock sounds.... Beyond words really. This is a band for The End 100%

http://theendrecords.com/


Laethora- The light in which we all burn-CD (The End Records)

Members of Dark Tranquility and The Provenance come back for round two on the end records this is a mix of Progressive Death Metal and Grind music that is actually more Impressive by a long shot then the new Dark Tranquility album called "Void". There is a heart and soul to this release where it sounds like there was a dark melody but to this and time was taken to craft the new Laethora.. Even with the last release there was such an epic style to what they do and the complex nature of the music and and the layers of different tones on the guitars really comes through. The vocals are very much in the heavy throat death metal style but work so well over the course. I'm very pleased to see that Laethora haven't gone off course with the first album just a progression and sometimes that all that is really needed. Swedish Death metal lives with Laethora!!!!


http://theendrecords.com/



UMBAH- Trilobeth-CD (I, Voidhanger Records)

This is a very cool avant sci fi / post black metal journey you don't hear these two mixes of sounds very much . Mix Thorn. Satyricon and Immortal with Voivod, Ayreon and Oxiplegatz for good measure and you have UMBAH. There are very Industrial moments where bands like Fear Factory or Blut Aus Nord. This is a very difficult listen if you do not like this very over the top style . It will sound like electronic noise or musical overload. I really love the chaos and almost all lost of control and letting the sounds just over wash and rule the day... There is something very Samael about this band at times to esp the mid period Samael stuff. Umbah does going into some KMFDM, SWANS, SKINNY PUPPY moments as well and it all works so well. I know that I Voidhanger label is part of AMTF and you know how much I love what there doing this one if not the most interesting indie label out there today... Hydrahead, Southernlord and Moribund as right up there as well. This is just a mind numbingly powerful release and will keep me on my toes for weeks if not months to come...

http://www.i-voidhanger.com



Wormrot-Abuse-CD (Earache Records)

GRINDCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HARDCORE !!!!!!!!!! BRILLIANCE!!!!!!!!! Do you remember the days of 1 min songs of blistering Punk, Noise, Metallic Maddness we'll here we are again with this band from Singapore. Do you like SOD, ASSUCK, ANAL CUNT, IMPALED, BRUTAL TRUTH and EARLY NAPALM DEATH then you need to get this release at all cost... Earache this is a big win in my eyes. There isn't ever enough great Punkish Grindcore ever. Ever since Slap a Ham and Bovine records disappeared... Your back you your roots as a label and found one hell of a band to bring back your style and sound in 2010... Wormrot is bad-ass over and out!

http://earache.com/





Gamma Ray- To the metal!-CD (DisManic Distribution and Knife Fight Media )

It's Gamma Ray and if after 10 albums you don't know who they are then you just never will I guess. If you love melodic and soaring Power / Classic Metal then this is the band as Gamma Ray just wave the Metal Flag as high as bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Blind Guardian and Iced Earth!. Guitars Guitars, Sweeping Synths and Pianos, Massive Bass and Drums and then the voice that 10,000 metal front men could only wish they had. What always makes Gamma Ray a bit more interesting love of Moog and Prog sounds or just the mix of 70's area rock into there metallic sound. As you all know Kai was a member of the amazing Helloween as well but this band has masterfully surpassed all they have ever done and in Europe and Asia this band is on a God like status just never took the USA by storm like they did oversea's and its a shame as this is the kind of band you want to see in a huge US arena..Long Live Gamma Ray as it just doesn't get better for straight Classic metal sound...

http://www.knifefightmedia.com

Rotting Christ CD/DVD and Luggage Tag Giveaway from Season of Mist... 3/13/2010

Season of Mist/ Absolute Zero Media Exclusive Giveaway for March 2010




I'm going to Pick a name in random for this valid only to people in USA/Canada I have 1 copy of Rotting Christ " Aealo" digipak CD/DVD combo and a metal luggage tag. Answer this question right and be entered into the contest.

Before Rotting Christ signed with Unisound Records what legendary label wanted to work with them? Though it never happened...

send emails to contest@thedoorwayto.com

Entry ends March 31st 2010

GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Clint/ AZM

OOMPH Interview is up 3/12/2010

http://www.oomph.de/




All answers by: FLUX of OOMPH!

1. Looks like OOMPH has been around for a close to a dozen albums and 20 yrs now why a move to the US market now?

Of course we want to reach with our music as many people around the world as it's possible .We've always loved to explore new dimensions and to discover new countries. The lyrics are a very big part of our songs and for a lot of our fans especially the lyrics (in combination with the music) are the reason why the follow us for so many years and feel so deeply connected to us. English is the international language no.1, so to let more and more people get into our world of thoughts we had to record our best songs in english. We have already played some shows in the beginning of our career in New York City and all over europe and we know from our my space site and from our guestbook entries that we have fans all over the world since we started...so the german language was never disturbing to get new fans, but there are a lot of people around the world who do not understand german, so we recorded the best songs in english.

2. Your working with The End Records how did that come about?

In Germany we are signed to Sony Records Columbia. Sony Records USA doesn't want to release Truth or Dare so we started to look for another strong and capable partner to relase this album and we found that in The End Records.

3. Your music I could call catchy Industrial Rock. How is that seen in Europe do you see yourself the 1st wave of bands that help Inspire bands like Nine Inch nails, Stabbing Westward, Filter, Rammstein etc???

We started in 1989 with OOMPH! to combine metal rock music with synthesizers, samples, loops and electronic industrial elements. Our Influences are DAF, Einstürzende Neubauten, Depeche Mode, The Cure, AC/DC, Motörhead and many more...Rammstein never denied that we have been a big influence for their music and we often met them at our concerts in Berlin in the early years...so, if we inspiered the other bands that you mentioned that will make me feel proud, becouse I also like the music of NIN, Stabbing Westward and Filter very much! :-)

4. What is a Live show like for OOMPH?

First of all: no explosion and no fireworks :-) But you can expect a very powerful and energetic, rocking Live performance of all of us. Live we are supported by a bass player and a drummer, so we can offer the total industral rock power from stage with a big light show. We concentrate on an authentic rock performance and we always try to create a big rock'n'roll party TOGETHER with our fans. There are no frontiers between us and our fans during our performance.

5. Truth or Dare seems to be a compilation release from several albums is there a reason to not just release a full new album for the American debut?

We thought as a start it can help to release only hits and the best songs on one powerful record. If this is successfull we will record the next full new album in german and in english right away.

6. Are the German versions of the songs on Truth or Dare very different from the english reworkings?

No, we wanted to keep the exact meaning of nearly every sentence in the translation to english and that really worked out very well! The goal was to keep the spirit of the original lyrical german idea and to transform it into the english language without losing the rhyme-, metrical-, rhythmical- and phonetical basement of each song. it was a challenge but i think we made a pretty proper job.

7. For us in USA tell us how the early material differs from the later material? + 10. Your older material seems to have a lot in common with the EBM/ Electro Industrial sounds of Wax trax and Reconstruction Records ?

The earlier material is much more influenced by DAF and Nitzer Ebb combine with rock guitars inspired from AC/DC and Motörhead...this was a big influence in the beginnig of OOMPH! and over the years we developed more and more our musical style and tried to have always a progression in it. We allowed all of the music that we like from all kind of styles to inspire our writing and so we developed from EBM to how you called it "catchy industrial Rock.

8. Will OOMPH becoming to perform in the USA at all?

We are working on that right now and we hope to perform soon in North America. This is a big goal of ourselves!

9. Whats your thoughts on the current Industrial scene what never bands impress you right now?

I try not to listen so much to music from the same genre that we do...I'm afraid of in-breeding effect if you listen always to the same kind of music. So I try to get influences from all kind of (good) music.


11. What your thoughts of the modern digital promotion machine of web zines, internet radio and myspace. Do you miss the promotion of old?

No, it's perfect to reach a lot of people all over the world very fast and to keep easily contact to your supporters. You got to be open for new technologies and try to use them for yourself or they will kill you!

12. I know you have a Dvd release will there ever be an North American release for this I think it would be very popular item here..

I will pass your request to The End Records :-) As far as we are concerned we could imagine to release every Album and DVDs that we ever made in North America as long as it is wanted!

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

We hope to see you, our fans and supporters in North America, pretty soon live on tour. Thanks for supporting us trough all the years in your country!

Svarti Loghin Interview 3/8/2010

http://www.myspace.com/svartiloghin


1. Tell us how Svarti Loghin came to be?

It was started by S.L (guitars) and Emil (drums) as S.L had some music that did not fit his other band, Faustus. They rehearsed some and then I (Raymond N, bass) joined and we recorded a rehearsal session with a tape recorder. We traded some with the tape and gave it to friends, and made it available at myspace. After that we started record the debut album and got contacted by ATMF..


2. Your sound on Drifting Through the void is so original a mix of Black metal, Post Rock, Country and Alt Rock. how did it come to be?


It's a mix of what music we are inspired by. Originally we started playing quite ordinary depressive black metal (the song Cold Void is the first song ever) but soon we started mix in other influences as we listen to lots of psychedelic rock from the 60's, country and such.


3. I know this maybe crazy but I want to say your a mix of Pearl Jam and Black metal are you fan of Eddie Vedder vocals at all as when the clean vocals are done they sound so much like them.

Your spot on there, we really like his vocals, and we though that style could really fit our music. Limpan who does the clean vocals is S.L's brother and have sung in other metal bands before and we knew that he could sing in a way that would take the music to another level, and we are really satisfied with the results.


4. How did you come to work with ATMF label?

We had a rough mix from Empty World at our myspace, and had contact with a few labels. Then they contacted us and they gave us an offer which we where satisfied with. We knew them from the Forgotten Woods release, a band that inspired us in the past.

5. Does Svarti Loghin Perform Live or just a studio project?

We have performed once live, at a minifestival called Kvarnriten, a minifestival hosted by Kim. He did vocals for us at that gig, and another friend of us played rythm guitar.
If we get an offer to perform again under circumstances that we find appropriate we will do it again, as the response was good.


6. How would you say Svarti Loghin- Drifting Through the void differs from Empty World release?

The first thing that would strike the listener is that the production is much better now. The sound really fits the music this time, dreamy and atmospheric. I think we also have paid more attention to details now, with some keyboards and clean vocals. Overall it's less harsh, and a further development from Empty World.


7. Do you think extreme metal fans will be put off by the sounds on Drifting Through the void?

It depends on how narrow minded they are. With Empty World some called it too happy, and some called it depressive, the different reviews where quite amusing to read. I really like one review where they described us as "happy happy joy joy popsong".

Anyway, the general feeling of the music is quite similar compared to Empty World, and if you liked that you really should like Drifting Through the Void. But it is not a vision for us to limit ourselves to a certain genre, and we don't really care if people call us black metal or not.

8. Ive read there an EP coming as well? Is this in the same style and New Full Length CD or very different again?

It's a development similar to the step between Empty World and Drifting Through the Void. There is one song available at our myspace for those interested.


9. Do the members of Svarti Loghin work in other projects or is this all your lifes blood?

S.L also plays in Faustus which was his first band. Emil and I play in Oferd, but we have not rehearsed anything for over a year now. Emil also plays/have played with a few local bands, different genres.


10. I know Drifting Through the void is brand new but what as been the response to the album so far?

We have not seen any official reviews, but we have only received positive comments from people who have listened and from the zines that have interviewed us so far...


11. Do you feel Myspace is the only need for bands these days as proper websites for bands seems to be disapearing greatly these days? Are you fans of the digital age (downloads, internet promotion and digital press)

I can say that I don't see a reason to have a website for Svarti Loghin anyway. I like the idea with myspace, so listen to a few songs and if you like it to buy the album. I don't like to download, I want a physical release personally. To download feels a bit like stealing to me.


12. Are they any new projects out there that really impress you we not know about if so talk about them please?

I'm not so aware of new projects I'm afraid, but I can mention that I like Neiges different projects. It's not anything that we are inspired by as a band but personally I really like it. The Angelic Process is a band I just found out about, but it's not new, and sadly the main person behind it have passed away.

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

Thank you!

New Reviews 3/6/2010 @ Absolute Zero Media

OOMPH- TRUTH OR DARE-CD (THE END RECORDS)

There is something about the Germany Industrial Rock scene and they all have a similar sound. OOMPH though rather unknown in the USA they seems to have well known base in Europe over a dozen or so releases. OOMPH reminds me a mix of Rammstein, NIN and Stabbing Westward. I ready like the heavy guitars mix with male and female vocals and the NIN/Stabbing Westard electro piano/ synthwork. There is a feeling of Later Theatre of Tragedy and Tiamat and The The ( band some of you may not know but should) . OOMPH will fit well on a roster with such fringe bands as Tubring , Sleepytime gorilla museum, made out of babies and Ulver ... OOMPH sound is really infectious if you give it some time. Metal, Rock and Industrial fans will all find something interesting here.. The more I go through Truth or Dare there are sounds that reminds me of KMFDM, Marylin Manson and others too long to mention. This can be The End's 1st out right Commercial success if the get it to the right channels I can hear these songs on Radio, TV shows and Movies very easy... Win Win album here I will be listening it to often right now. OOMPH as won me over for sure...

http://theendrecords.com/



Morphine Killer- Nightmares-CD (Final Breath)

So this is a duo from Calif of Belle and Eski. Can you use the term Thrash Industrial metal??? As this band vocals mixes The male vocals of Obituary and DRI and the Female vocals remind of something you would hear in a Gothic metal force of maybe The Gathering ... Music is very rooting in the 90's thrash movement with a help of Industrial synths and drummer as its clearly programed drums but this doesn't make it sound cheap or lo fi at all. The Production on this what is clearly self released is still very strong and the songs while they could use a bit of polishing are better then 85% of the DEMOS I GET!!!. As Morphine Killers grow as a band I think they will be come even more creative and inventive. This is a very well done self release for sure.

http://www.myspace.com/finalbreathrecords




Heathen - The Evolution of Chaos-CD (Mascot Records)

THHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAASHHHHHHHH METALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. Is there really more that needs to be said about the legendary band called Heathen. If you like bands like Death Angel, Forbidden, Exodus, Destruction and Testament then this band should be burned within the ears of all you have ever listened to. This is Thrash metal ... Heathen have not failed at all with this release. Now be thankful there still around and get the fucking album already......

http://www.mascotrecords.com/



SALEM-Playing God and other short stories-CD (Pulverised Records)

This is one of the few Death/Black metal/Ethno metal bands out there to begin with and being from the trebulent area of world know as Israel is just another original factor of this band. Salem have long been under rated for what they do. Salem like to add a groove to there death metal the same way a band called Orphanage did and Septultura did as well. I love the very guttural metal vocals mixed with the eastern sounding female vocals going on here. Maybe with this label Salem with get the respect they so rightfully deserve. With Orphaned Land being just as inventive as this band just in a more Doom/Eastern Progressive Metal sound. I should really check out more bands from Israel. Salem even has there Martial moments here and there. Salem is one the better more interesting Death metal bands out there and with this release should take there name even further to the metal world and beyond.

http://www.pulverised.net/



Heidevolk- Uit oude grond-CD (Napalm Records)

Napalm is in well known lands with a band like Heidevolk. This is Heathen/Viking Metal in the highest of orders. For fans of Falkenbach, Korpiklaani, Skyclad and Tyr. Full of sing along songs, crisp acoustic guitars, string and woodwind sounds mixed with Power metal guitars, drums of doom and black metal elements that are so traditional for this style and ideal. These kind of bands take you back to a time when the world was much more simple and man and his God and nature really meant something. I really love the powerful clean vocals here they work very well . They really have a kinship with Falkenbach in this. Other then that in closing another fine Pagan metal release I really don't grow tired of these unless the vocals or guitars are thin. Neither can be further from the truth here...

http://napalmrecords.com/



Varg- Blutaar-CD (Noise Art/Napalm Records)

This is Black Viking art tride and true. The bleak and gut wretching Blackened/death vocals. The catchy traditional Black riffed in a sea of Manowar and Blind Guardianish guitar arrangements. I just awoken I think to how much viking and power metal are sisters eternal in sound and style. Varg is another one of those bands that make me want to raise my ale horn and toast to them to the kingdom of Asgard... The solo are just so stellar on Blutaar they almost make me weep. This is for our forgotten forefather in honor of them. Varg is one of those bands very similar to Manegarm or Suidakra once you hear them you know who they are instantly. Black pagan folk metal is a style I hope will never disappear long live Varg and there musical visions..

http://napalmrecords.com/



Ereb Altor- The End-CD (Napalm Records)

Epic this album is epic, crushing and depressive all in the same song. Viking metal mixed with Doom/death. There are touches of Gothic overtones here as well. Both members of this band are is Doom metal force Isole so its very clear where the My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost elements come from but there is so much more going on here the vocals are massive and flawlessly sung at times. Ereb Alter have a very Gothenburg Melodic Death metal sound going on as well with the Viking themes all in tact... The End is a spiritual journey in the most personal of levels. Ereb Altor is almost hypnotic in the approach to the way the songs are presented to us. The synths sweep and blanket the over all song to make the songs even that much more EPIC!!!. I truly feel if you miss out on this album your life will be that less rich... Brilliant album and Legendary in the making of a band...

http://napalmrecords.com/