9 New Reviews 7/31/2010

CONSTANTS TO RELEASE “IF TOMORROW THE WAR”- LP/CD (Science of Silence/ Radar Records)

MMMM a tasty slab of Post Rocking , Shoegazing metallic madness. This reminds me of all these great 90's indie bands like Catherine Wheel, Mogwai, Sunny day real estate, Swervedriver and Curve but with a metallic twist . This band could very easy be on Matador, Play it again sam or even Hydrahead . If you like like your bands full of emotion, harmony, electic post rock element and a strong hypnotic element in the production then you really can't miss with Constants .. At times Constants remind me of Rodan in the way the go so bombastic and mellow in the same track. What ever you do please don't miss out on Constants there an amazing band..

http://scienceofsilence.net/

MAR DE GRISES- Streams Inward-CD (Season of Mist)

This is a hard band to read for this reviewer as they mix elements of Black, Doom and Death but all in a very melodic and catchy way . With the synths seeming to play a major role in the over all sound of the band. I want to call them Dark metal but then they are not extreme or brutal enough to fit that style. If there is a such thing as Progressive Black/Doom then Mar De Grises are it if not then they are a new breed of bands that love Opeth and Katatonia as well as Mayhem and Emperor making a new genre as there as few others out that doing this. To me Mar De Grises have that Dan Swano sound if you like Mr Swano you know what I mean if not listen to Edge of Sanity, Nightingale or is Solo work and you will get it in no time at all. Some call it the Swedish Black/Death sound but its so much more then that. There is just a dark metallic harmonic element to it that draws in all the sorrow you have and give you this sense of possible change .. Mar De Grises is impressive as all can be another great line up addition to any already impressive SOM label..

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

OTARGOS- No God No Satan-CD (Season of Mist)

Season of mist to me over the years has gotten stronger and stronger on the modern Black metal sound where Listenable is getting that Sci Fi Death metal vibe. With Otargos this reminds me of what I would call Sci fi Black metal as is the tones and the arrangements come in at such a way that is sounds like something you would hear in a movies about the world several hundred if not thousand years in the future. They have that Ved Buen Ende/ Code sound to them with a good mix of Arcturus and And Oceans that make them so damn interesting to listen to. There is a Melody Dark metal side to them. Though Otargos for the most part are an ugly ugly Black metal force looking to reek havoc out to all that will listen. No God No Satan is one powerful sounding release...

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

Lustre- A Glimpse of Glory-CD (De Tenebrarum Principio)

Lustre was a band I wasn't ready for this is what I call ambient black metal there are a few bands that have really stunned me in this genre one of them being Profanum from Poland and I Shalt Become. Lustre again uses the synths and atmosphere to add the haunting and occult element to what they are trying to create. As may others have heard the strongest comparison I have to this band is Summoning. As there epic symphonic and hypnotic Black metal sound is where Lustre most closely appears. The music that is created is Breathtaking none the less. It feels like the world before it was spoiled and when there was a change for you to actually have a change to control you own destiny. Music like Lustre can clean your soul of the modern sickness that we are trapped in each and every day. This is an ethereal journey back to the early days of humanity when nature was most important and the God's still cared about the ones on this earth..

http://www.detenebrarumprincipio.eu/

These are they- Disposing of Betrayers-CD (The End Records)

So current and former members of Novembers Doom are back with a new album under the band name These are they. I like to call this the US assault of melodic European Death Metal as they remind me of bands like Dismember, Entombed and Bolt Thrower but with a Darker more american element that bands like Morbid Angel and Incantation added to that style. Paul's vocals are really perfect for a band of this Mid Tempo Death sound. Its not fucking grinding or blast core its solid and strong Old School Death metal the way it should be you can hear every crushing riff and punishing element of the band that it is trying to come across with. 80/90's Death metal head will not be more proud or happy to hear of a band or album like this coming back. Remember the Good olf Earache, Nuke blast or Roadrunner days this is where These are they shines...

http://theendrecords.com/

Blood Revolt- Indoctrine-CD (Profound Lore)

Blood Revolt is chaos profound and you know I would really just say that and end this review as they really sound like no one else they have elements used before but they vocals are so bizarre in nature with a Black Punk/Crust and Metallic overtone I don't really know where they are coming from at time they even sound like a Doom metal band . Blood revolt if anytime is a very interesting ride on the extreme metal highway. The have a very Cali Crust sound in a lot of this music especially in the drums and guitar arrangements. The vocals are more Black and Hardcore mixed .. Blood revolt are so spastic it brilliant there is a sickly melody to all of this as well. Other moments they sound like a Classic thrash or Power metal band. Profound Lore have gotten a band that crosses so many styles, genres and sounds , they are really beyond words. Blood Revolt are just something that needs to be heard to try an even understand. I give them a giant hell ya.....

http://www.profoundlorerecords.com/

Black River- BlackNRoll-CD (Armoury Records)

So members of Behemoth & Dimmu Borgir get a love for Motorhead, Monster magnet and AC/DC as this is Dirty Classic heavy rock form 70/80's played loud and with no rules. Bands like Black River always seem to happy after yrs of playing extreme music. There are moments were the blackened or death vocals come out a bit but its never really black or death n roll by that means. Black River is very bluesy almost to the point of where the heavier Skid Row or Badlands material was and you know I love both those bands. I know its odd but if Rob Zombie was in Danzig as the front man I almost this that would we Black River. This is a solid as hell rock record ...

http://eaglerockent.com/

Votum- Metafiction-CD (Armoury Records)

Wow a Prog Metal band that from the 1st 30 seconds as just blown my mind wide open. If you like Styx, Dream Theater, Savatage (Zak Stevens vocal period) New Katatonia and Opeth then this going just take you down a trip that you may never want to come back from. The sonic majestic that comes from this band is so epic it tears from my very heart strings. You want a concept Album this the one not to miss. Think of all the great story bands rock albums and this puts them to shame.. I have no clue who Votum or Armoury Records are but holy shit this bands needs major airplay and videos to show the world that music can change the world... Votum you have made a desert Island disc for this reviewer. The vocals are so strong and the guitar. bass, synth and drums could not be more aligned to perfection. If there are more Votum albums I need them NOW!!!!!!!

http://eaglerockent.com/

Proghma-C- Bar - do Travel- CD (Armoury Records)

This Armoury label seems to like the Prog and Avant in the heavy music spectrum. With Proghma we have a mix of Tool, Anathema and Staind all into a stew of technical rock and metal with a very trippy over tone to all of it the bass and drums are doing some very avant jazz movements on " Bar- do Travel" . The music can goto that Meshuggah zone esp the more mellow and later period Meshuggah. Proghma-C are not an easy listen by any sort of the matter. You have to like this very odd beat style to get into it. They are very Math music types so I forewarn you early off. Though if you enjoy this style you will clearly be entertained and very impressed. All 3 Armoury titled sent to me are very good in there own right this is a label to be watched and supported.

http://eaglerockent.com/

Limited time sale

If any of you are interested I'm selling As All Die - Failure of Human spirit- digipack CD (Fractured Spaces) & Clint Listing- My Father My Keeper- Digipack CD (Autumn Wind) $10 US each or both for $18 US PPD in USA for ADD $3 US per order Outside USA . I have about 10 copies of each.

if interested order thru paypal to orders@​thedoorwayto.​com

KOZELJNIK Interview is up 7/22/2010

KOZELJNIK

Interview answered by L.G. (drums)

1. For those new to KOZELJNIK tell us about the band?

Kozeljnik as a band started out in 2006, but the thought of its formation found itself in the back of our heads years before that. In first running months, we already had our first EP recorded and got it released on tape. This led to a contract with the small US label Humanity’s Plague Prod. which had later released our debut album “Sigil Rust”. Even though not highly promoted it sure got into ears of some people who greeted our art with real passion. One of them was chief of Paragon Records from NY, whom we later signed a new contract with and one month ago released second full-length material “Deeper the Fall”. Be sure to check this one out.

2. The sound of the band is very Avant/Prog/Extreme Metal; I hear a lot of Voivod, Code and Ved Buens Ende in you. Are these bands influences at all?

Those are one of the favorites, along with thousands of other creations, that’s for sure, but I wouldn’t put much of it as an influence to our sound, nor Kozeljnik as a band of certain category in music. We could speak about the influences for hours, though I think it’s pointless and rather unnecessary. I believe this is our thing from the very start and we’re always in the ever-lasting search for our ‘definite’ sound. Others will tell if we have succeeded with that.

3. The vocals are very tormented in a Bethlehem or Deinonychus fashion. How did you get the vocals so tortured in sound?

Original plan didn’t hold Kozeljnik for a vocalist, but only a string operator, as he does this duty so fiercely in his other bands. We actually didn’t plan to continue as a two-piece band neither, but we found this way to be perfect for us. It took us some rehearsals before we realized K.’s vocal potential and enormous progress he had from the very beginning. Now I think he’s one of the very unique voices in the scene. Can’t really explain how it worked out for him and how exactly did he find that Devil inside his throat, but it’s one of those things that simply has to crawl out to the surface and embrace all. As we expand our sound he goes further with his vocal performance. One can easily realize that by comparing these two albums.

4. You're working with Paragon now. How did this alliance come to be?

Well, they were one of few labels out there we found to be really interesting. And we thought the release of our next material could be a nice deal for them, so we gave it a try. We sent out rehearsal with some new songs we had at the moment and it didn’t take much to make some deal with Mike, since he really liked our music from the very beginning. We’re signed for the release of “Deeper the Fall”, but are willing to stay if all the promotion goes well and really suits our needs.

5. You're in Serbia - what is the metal scene like in the former Eastern bloc nations in 2010? Is Black metal or extreme metal very popular there?

Yeah I think it’s very popular and there are lots of people who’d like to be involved with all this. Unfortunately, not many quality bands or true promoters of the crime emerge from dust these days, but that’s scenario in most parts of this world nowadays. On the other hand, this thing is strictly individual so therefore we still find souls who caress the spirit of this Black fashion in very dedicated manner.

6. “Sigil Rust” your last release was much more cold and black. Do you see the band moving into more avant sounds??

“Sigil Rust” dwells in one dimension and the structure of the album is far simpler than the one we have on “Deeper…”. All of it that came with time is natural to us, being avant-garde or however you’d like to put it, but we’re not avoiding it. We are Ourselves in this more than anywhere else and we got lot more to deliver.

7. Does KOZELJNIK perform live or is it just a studio action?

Sure, we perform live with Kozeljnik and so far we had few remarkable gigs, while sharing stage with some cults of the genre. We plan much more on that field as this needs to be xperienced on stage equally as listening of the album.

8. How does KOZELJNIK create its very ritualistic sounds in studio? Is it all written out or are there a lot of studio-created ideas?

It’s all studio-created sound, most of it came on studio sessions that we have very often during the week. It’s the way we work with this band, just let it go with the flow and tend to involve ourselves in it as soon as it appears to be a serious step in the making.

9. Will there be any video or DVD outputs for KOZELJNIK? Or is that just not possible with size, funds and labels you work with?

Of course we’d like this kind of opportunity and we do have some plans concerning that, but it stays untouched for now.

10. Do the members of the band have other projects they record or play in???

Yeah, both of us are involved with bands The Stone and May Result. These have been K.’s bands for over a decade and I joined them some years ago. Both groups have more than 4 albums in their career and many shows behind. The Stone has just returned from a great tour where we promoted our latest album “Umro”, released on Folter Records. On the side, I’m also working with this band called Dead Shell of Universe, having 1 EP behind, released on a label from UK. Next year, we’ll enter the studio to record our first full-length material.

11. What are your thoughts of Corpse paint? Is it needed to be a Black metal band or is it an ideal past its time?

Nothing’s needed or labeled as a ‘must have’ in order to achieve itself as the black metal entity, except for the true spirit Underneath, the Will stronger than all and enormous sense of creativity and exploring of yourself.

We use that in a way that suits us, but not relying on any currents where this might be a trademark or whatever. We may or we may not put that dirt on our faces in the future as well, it depends on the inner feeling in the very moment.

12. Where do you see underground music heading? More independent of labels or a new breed of Internet/Digital labels??

There’s always goin’ to be labels fairly independent and secure with their position in the underground of this music and I think it’s the right way to be after all. On the other hand, there’s a battle on the higher ground with richer labels, there’s only a question for how long will they truly be dedicated to the bands that dedicate their works to them and are they strong enough to withstand the “era of Downloading”.

13. Your website site seems to be out of date. Is myspace all bands really need today for internet presence?

True, our website is out of date and for unknown reasons not updated with all the news important for Kozeljnik, but we sure as hell are gonna make something worthy out of it in a very short time. I don’t think myspace is everything or even enough for bands to promote themselves, but it’s free, everybody’s using it and is constantly present.

14. Thanks for the time. Please place any closing thoughts here...

Thanks a lot for this great interview, our best regards to you. Keep up the good work!!

New Reviews 07/17/2010...

Tub Ring- Secret Handshakes-CD (The End Records)

Theater/ Avant Rock and Wierdos Tub Ring are back with there 5th release and the 2nd for The End Records. Tub Ring go through so many genres on this release like last I put them next to bands like Mr Bungle, When, Dog Fashion Disco etc. Tub Ring mix electronic, drum and bass, Alt Rock, Post Hardcore , Industrial and commercial hard rock into a sound all there own. The multi layers of vocals , guitars, synths and electro and real drumming with a bassist clearly on mood altering drugs.. Tub Rug are not just weird and wonderful they are clearly a band way ahead of the current musical curve. Its like Carnival music gone very of the rails and I could not be more happy that " Secret Handshakes" is in front of me now to review. If Trent Reznor and Mike Patton sat in a room and just starting making music and for the hell of it thought of making a rock band out of it Tub Ring still would be the odder unit... The End Records has magic with this band maybe theyll try to push them this time... I understand Danzig and a Slipknot side project are in your roster now...

http://theendrecords.com/




City of Fire- City of Fire-CD (Candlelight Records)

So what we have here is a powerful force of Fear Factory Vocalist Burton C Bell with member of Strapping young lad and Econoline Crush making a band that hold Industrial, Metal, Rock and Post Metal elements. City of Fire is hypnotic, groovy , heavy and slick as all can be. The band is very impressive. City of Fire is much more focused on Heavy bass grooves and the Melodies of the sounds. They remind me a lot of Soundgarden and Shinedown in the way the add that blues backbone to all of there tracks. City of Fire is not brutal at all this is not what there about. Their all about making memorable songs you can here the Strapping Young lads in the arrangements as well. They have a lot in common with bands like Katatonia and Opeth after listening to a few tracks as well esp musically. I'm really loving this release.. Hats off to Candlelight for this gem....

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Blood of Kingu- Sun In the House of the Scorpion-CD (Candlelight Records)

Black metal comes in all shapes and sizes and with Blood of Kingu we have a group out of some other well known Black metal forces. Drudkh, Hate Forest.. Blood of Kingu good more for the no frill full in your face Blackened Death metal sound with some pagan / eastern heathen percussive moments . Otherwise this is more a chainsaw of metallic fury throwing everything that have at you , So you clearly know who and what Blood of Kingu are about. Sun in the house of the Scorpion is massive in sound the vocals are ultra low and guttural in the presentation they are giving us. The drumming sounds so full and the bass rumbles from the headphones right now. There is more to do with melodic Death metal at time then Black metal. Its the Guitars that keep the real raw BM sound through out the release.. Really dig the eastern elements between the tracks they work so well. I swear Blood of Kingu are the Blackened Brothers to Nile in many ways...

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Yaotl Mictlan - Dentro del Manto Gris de Chaac-CD (Candlelight Records)

Salt Lake City in Utah is not a common place for a Black metal band like this to come from at least not to my knowledge. Yaotl Miclan are taking Black metal and adding a Central and South American flavor to it and making it all there own. Bombastic is an understatement for them as they sound like ancient warrior in mortal combat with moments of there lives left before the one common destruction of all around them. The vocals are very powerful and a bit up front in the mix but work so very well with the icy cold style the guitar and bass play. It's almost dis-harmonic is all its wonder.. Yaotl Mictlan are Black metal warriors for sure on this release the melodies and brutality just play off each other so well. Blackened war metal is a rare thing done with this passion so horns up to this one..

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Divinity- The Singularity-CD (Candlelight Records)

Techinical , Progressive 21st Century Death metal is what I hear here in no short term or manner. They remind me of Meshuggah with strong elements of Strapping Young lad and many of what I call the Listenable bands. There is a very futuristic / Sci fi element to this band . Divinity is like Clockwork in there riffing and arrangements. This band using the Synths as a layer more then a tool.. The prog music is heavy in this band as well. I wasn't ready for a band like this from the Candlelight roster. You here this more from Nuke Blast, Sensory, Season of Mist or Listenable as I said.. Divinity has made a strong war cry in the metallic scene with The Singularity without question.

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

ARMAGEDDA I Am-CD ( Eisenwald/Nordvis)

Low fi , raw and hateful Black metal that I remember from the early days of Scandinavian Black metal. This has a lot in common with early Darkthrone, Mayhem ,Emperor and early Satyricon.. Sound like it has that am radio sound to the production and that always works very well with the more grim cult BM . A band like Armagedda needs to embrace the pagan/black arts as much as the music they create. This is corpse paint music my friends. It's a shame to find out this is an Ep release from a long defunct project as they are very very impressive at the BM sound they create. Armagedda is the real deal nothing more needs to be said.

http://www.eisenton.de/



Shadowgarden-Ashen-CD (Napalm Records)

Gothic Metal is something Napalm as a label has perfected for there bands and with Shadowgarden there is nothing less. This is a few Draconian member making a style change here this is not doom in anyway it reminds me of bands like Tiamat and Mid Period Paradise Lost and even touches of Sisters of Mercy going on with Shadowgarden. Ashen is a very catchy album . At times they sound a lot like the more rock moments of The Gathering or Nightwish... I'm very hit or miss with bands like this and with Shadowgarden its all thumbs up for this very emotional metallic release.

http://napalmrecords.com/

Tristania- Rubicon-CD (Napalm Records)

Beautiful and Lush is what Tristania has always reminded me of when listening to there now classic releases to my ears. This is Gothic Doom like no other since the days of Theatre of Tragedy & Within Temptation. They production is second to none and the musicial arrangements move the very soul of anyone that is listening . Tristania vocals are so powerful and brilliantly sung . Love the Female/Male interplay of the vocals styles.. Yes they have gotten more goth and melodic over the years but this doesn't make Tristania any less majestic or wonderful to listen to is any way or fashion. This is the new Arena rock for the 21st century. They could fill stadiums with there awesome songs, themes and albums. Tristania are one step from greatness and with albums like this the world will know them all the more. Europe has already caught on now its North America's turn...


http://napalmrecords.com/

Clint Listing Ancient Gods mCD out now on 0bpm Records

Order my new mCD

Clint Listing - Ancient Gods release

@

http://www.myspace.com/fsbpm

Chaossworn Interview is up ...

Chaossworn

http://www.myspace.com/chaossworn

1, Tell us a bit about Chaossworn and how the band came to be?

-Chaossworn is a band from Haparanda, northern Sweden, and we play a kind of music that most would describe as melodic death/black metal. We ourselves don't care much about categories and genres, but that distinction usually gives people a good hint of our sound. Historywise, the earliest traces of Chaossworn can be found as early as in 2004, when a band called Cryptic Death was put together by Anton Johansson (vocals, guitar) and Niklas Pelli (drums.) CD made some demos, played gigs and had some major line-up changes, before, in 2008, the two founding members were joined by Andreas Pelli (bass) and Janne Posti (lead guitar.) This new line-up proceeded to record a self-financed MCD and write more songs, but the destiny of the Cryptic Death moniker was to fade away and die as the slight change in musical style from the early years along with a need for a mightier alias demanded a name change. And so, in the fall of 2009, Chaossworn was born.

2. I have to ask why release a 3 song MCD are your 1st major release??

-Why not? The three tracks are pure gold and worth more than 300 albums by mediocre bands, who infest the scene as of today. Quality before quantity. Also, with a three-song release we can get the word out there, build a buzz and hopefully create some demand for a full-length. And, according to what we've heard from all kinds of people and read in reviews, it seems to be working.

3. Your working with Abyss records a new label to me. How did you come to work with them.

-We had the legendary Dan Swanö do the mastering for the record, and he tipped off his namesake, Dan Ferguson/Abyss Records, about us. Obviously he then liked our stuff as he approached us, and we agreed to a deal to release this MCD.

4. Sweden is a major metal kingdom what sets you apart from the rest there??

-Our blend of bleak and haunting melodies, harsh crunchy pounding and black atmosphere is pretty diverse, and I can not think of any band that sounds just like us. Our goal has never been to be unique or different, though; we don't care what other bands sound like, we just make the music we love and it turns out this way. You get to hear us, fair and square, and it's honest and pure fucken metal. Also, if you've got quality, that'll set you apart from the rest as well. And that we do have, no question about it.

5. Your sound to me is very much melodic Black /Death with a progressive element is this what the demo was like or have you grown to this sound?

-What we sound like now is roughly what we've sounded for a couple of years now, since the line-up stabilized in its current form. How we'll sound in the future, no one knows; we don't set any barriers or such for ourselves so we might go in whichever direction. We strive to channel the darkness within ourselves into the song-writing and execution, and as long as we feel the atmosphere and spirit is strong in the music, there's no need to change what we're doing.

6.Does Chaossworn like to perform live or do you prefer to be in the studio creating your metallic sounds?

-We love both parts. Unleashing the energy in our songs and ourselves, on stage, is a cathartic experience to say the least; and we always put on a furious, headbanging, show. The studio is also a much loved place: the possibility of refining and honing every detail to perfection, thus pushing the full picture towards its full potential, is a most rewarding experience.

7. Where did the name Chaossworn come from ???

-At the time of the band's rebirth, we needed a moniker that would define what we stand for as a band, as well as outline and complete our musical and lyrical expression. The conformity of Law stands for stagnation, whereas Chaos is a never-ending source for progression and creativity. Considering our disregard for genre boundaries, or any boundaries whatsoever, the name is not only fitting - it is the only name good enough to represent us.

8. Are you working on a full length for Abyss or was this just a one Ep offer??

-We made a deal for the release of this MCD, but we haven't decided yet what the future holds in her hands. So far we've been quite happy with what Dan/Abyss has done for us, so we're content for the moment. A full-length is in the plans, and we've got quite a lot of material ready for it so it shouldn't take long before we hit the studio.

9. Whats the Bands thoughts on the current underground metal scene has it lost its way?

-Changed? Yes. Lost its way? Nah. Instead of tape trading and snail mail we've got MySpace sites and e-mail. It's just another way of getting out there. It's much easier to contact people now, and it's much easier to record stuff. Of course there are more and more bands trying to get noticed, but there were shitloads of bands before as well - quality will always prevail, no matter if you promote yourself via TDK D90's or mp3's. At least here, in Scandinavia, there are thousands of bands and supporters in the underground metal scene pressing forward and keeping the scene alive so I don't believe we've lost our way at all, actually. What is more alarming is the trend of more and more record labels having to trim their rosters or even close business, as record sales dwindle. The underground supporters still buy records, but the others, the pack, the herd, who aren't as devoted to getting the whole package with cover designs, lyric sheets and whatnot that heighten the listening experience, and therefore don't care as much, are betraying us. Fucken sheep.

10. If you were asked what Chaossworn sounds like what would the band say and don't tell me Rock or Metal Describe the band...

Our foundation lies in the feeling and atmosphere. Without those there is nothing. Darkness, chaos, death, despair...all of these and similar things infest our minds and must therefore enrich our music. Somber melodies, catchy riffs, tempo changes, growling, screaming, choirs, epic arrangements...we like diversity and details. As said before, we could be labelled as melodic death/black metal of the mid-1990's Swedish kind. Albums from those years by bands like Decameron, Dissection, Unanimated, Opeth etc. could fall in the same category. All of us listen to all kinds of music though, and all of that influences us. The main motivation and inspiration comes from within us, though, and that is what drives us forward.

11. Thanks for the time any closing thoughts here

Thank you. Hail the black flame.

Sorgeldom Interview up...

http://www.myspace.com/sorgeldom


1. Tell us about Sorgeldom as most of us have never heard of you before?

Jodöden: Well, I had another band in another town before but it fell apart and

I felt that a project of my own was the right thing to do at that time.

Mostley acoustic stuff. Later on I found two people that had the same

visions as I and that also had the musical skills needed. So thats a small

version of the past and now it is our future, I dont know what to say really, I

think we need some more years.

2. Your sound is a mix of Black metal, Post Rock and Jazz has Sorgeldom always has this sound or have you come to it over time?

Jodöden: We all like different kinds of music and as a result the music gets more widen.

Also we feel that we want do do something new but ofcourse it is very hard these days.

So yes, it went from acoustic stuff to a blend of alot of genres.

3. From listening to Inner Receivings I hear a very occult over tone. Does the occult play a role in your music?

Jodöden: The occult is a very interesting aspect of our music and lyrics but we are not

a religous band in any form, we simply write about the inner demons, and the occult lands

of our minds.

4. Nordvis is a label that is new to me how did you come to work with them?

Jodöden: Nordvis has some bands of their own and they needed a local drummer for one

of those bands, so they contacted us and one thing lead to another.

5. Does your debut sound similar to Inner Recievings?

Jodöden: Well it depends on how you define them, in my opinion there is alot of

similar things going on on both of them, both lyrics-wise and music-wise.

But I guess that people that dont play any instruments themselfs might say that

the both albums differ alot, wich they do but not as much as other might say.

6. Sorgeldom being from Sweden a major home for extreme metal and the blackened arts. What are the bands that influenced the band ?

Jodöden: The first black metal band from sweden that influenced me was Armagedda.

And after that I listen to more and more of the bands sweden has to offer but I must say

that we are not influenced by Opeth as many reviewers think and say. For now

we are influenced by everything and nothing at the same time. We try not to listen

to any music when we are in the creating process beacuse we want to get influenced by ourselfs.

7. Is the live performances of Sorgeldom very different from the albums?

Dr Sundén: As we have not yet performed any live show we can't answer that question more than that we would like to do something more special when we start perform live shows.

8. Whats your thoughts on Corpse paint vs non corpse paint in Black metal?

Dr Sundén: Nowdays I dislike corpse paint within the Black Metal scene, I can't see any real meaning with it anymore. But back in the 90s it was different when it was more mystique and less bands in the scene.

9. Do you think the digital age of mp3s, internet radio/ webzine are a good or bad thing for underground music?

Dr Sundén: Both good and bad. Good in the way that you more easy can discover new bands. But a bad thing with digital music files for me personally is that special feeling you get by posses a record on fyscial format gets lost.

10. I'm asking some of the bands as of late whats your thoughts on bands like Burzum making black metal after getting out of prison do you feel the same magic is there?

Dr Sundén: Maybe not the same magic as before. But Burzum did a great combeack record comapring to other bands that dissapered from the scene and later made a comeback.

11. You seem to only have a myspace page do you feel bands really on need these in this day and age?

Jodöden: Yes, I dont know really, maybe not but we are not planning on leaving the myspace

community.

12. Does the art work on Inner Receivings hold a special meaning to the music and lyrics on the release?

Jodöden: It sure does, it is well connected. Understandable or not, the art is a part

of our visions.

Dr Sundén: The lyrics on Inner Receivings are mainly about schizophrenia, dreams, illusion, and other physoloigcal subjects.

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

Jodöden: Thanks! Well stay tuned for upcoming albums!

Decibel Magazine Premieres Song From OCTOBER TIDE’s Forthcoming Album

Decibel Magazine Premieres Song From OCTOBER TIDE’s Forthcoming Album;
A Thin Shell In Stores September 28

Decibel Magazine today has premiered the first song from OCTOBER TIDE's new album, A Thin Shell, scheduled for release on September 28. “Blackness Devours” can now be heard by visiting: http://decibelmagazine.com/Content.aspx?ncid=378527.

A Thin Shell is the first new album from Sweden’s OCTOBER TIDE in over ten years. Mixed/mastered at Black Lounge Studios in Sweden and featuring artwork from American photographer/graphic designer Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia, Testament, Death etc.) the album delivers what fans have anxiously awaited from this treasured band. Guitarist/founder Fredrik Norrman recently commented, "I have wanted to get OCTOBER TIDE back together for some time. When we decided the time was right, ideas for new songs surprisingly came together nicely. Many sleepless nights were involved, with lots of coffee of course, but the songs were written in flow one after another."

Formed in 1995 by then Katatonia guitarist Norrman and Katatonia/Bloodbath vocalist Jonas Renkse, OCTOBER TIDE quickly made a mark with two albums recorded and released during the years 1997 and 1999 (Rain Without End and Grey Dawn, respectively). Much of the band's music was written during a short break up of Katatonia which later proved only temporary as the band would reform and continues today; their latest album, Night Of The New Day, features work by Norrman. OCTOBER TIDE would not perform live during this short period of activity and few interviews with the members were granted despite praise from both media and fans. The band, until reforming in late 2009, would maintain a cult status throughout the doom/metal community.

OCTOBER TIDE currently features vocalist Tobias Netzell, drummer Robin Bergh, session bassist Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry, Carnal Forge) with Norrman.

# # #

http://www.myspace.com/octobertideband

http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com

NOCTURNAL FEAR studio report!

Michigan thrash institution NOCTURNAL FEAR check in with the following studio report for forthcoming album Excessive Cruelty: "We look forward to recording our next assault this winter,” according to NF mastermind Chris Slavehunter. "This new shit will be our heaviest yet. I've begun a relationship with Engl amps outta Germany and received two prototype Powerball heads with my custom Vektor mod done to them by my guitar tech, and as always, I'll be playing my USA BC Rich Bich guitars custom modded to play extreme WAR METAL! As the number-one band supporting the US Armed Forces, I promise our new album, Excessive Cruelty, will cause massive collateral damage on a genocidal scale!"

As previously reported, NOCTURNAL FEAR recently added new member Warmonger on bass. The band is rounded out by Devastator on vocals, Rev. Chris Slavehunter PhD on all guitars, and Aggressor on drums. A release date for NOCTURNAL FEAR’s Excessive Cruelty will be announced later this year. In the meantime,

consult www.myspace.com/nocturnalfear and www.moribundcult.com.

New Reviews 7/4/2010

Thulcandra- Fallen Angel’s Dominion-CD (Napalm Records)

Full on Balls out Black Death this is something I haven't heard for a while on Napalm they like to go with the more Gothic edged or Doom soaked bands this more a come back to Dismal Euphony and Marduk sound and style I remember for these kind of bands. Thulcandra are one pissed off force of power and position on the Napalm roster. The only think I will say is the production is a bit muddy on this. Thulcandra do sound like early Dimmu Borgir in the arrangement vocal style. I just wish there was a bit more diverse sounds on each track Thulcandra do sound a be samey at times I think it will just take time to grow as a band to remove this one element of the band that will make them from good to great. They are well worth checking out and I'm sure the next will be even better..

http://napalmrecords.com/

CHAOSSWORN- Chalice of Black Flames-CD (Abyss Records)

Oh my dear brilliant sounds in all of metal. Why does this just have to be 3 tracks long this reminds me of all the amazing melodic Black Death that came from Sweden and Germany over the years. Hypocrisy, Dissection, Naglfar, Unanimated and Edge of Sanity.. The guitars are almost perfection to my ears people the vocals are death mixed with that blackened cry.. The bass and drums are just massive and fill the room with sound.. The songs are epic and apocalyptic all at the same time. Chaossworn are masters of there craft. I really miss this sound and am so glad to have a band like this do material on this level. With Chaossworn there is a darkness that is back to the odd tones and ice feel to the rhythms. Abyss Records we need a full length from this band ASAP....

http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/

WAN- Wolves of the North-CD (Abyss Records)

Remember the Birth of what the modern age calls black metal this is were Wan takes you mix elements of Bathory, Venom and Celtic Frost and you have a very good Idea of whats going on the vocals are just grim but clear and understood. The thrash elements are there there are fast moments but never to the point of just noise. The guitar have the cold nordic vibe and you can hear the disgust in every moment this band performs there rituals. Wan is the some of all its pieces to make an amazing look back on what made the Black metal sound come to be. Love the huge big open sound that early euro BM bands had and this here in full form.. There are times I think I'm listening to early Polish BM too as there is a strong love of Graveland here too.

http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/

Through The Eyes of the Dead-Skepsis-CD (Prosthetic Records)

Death metal is making a move to the more progressive and clearer productions as of late to my ears. With Bands like Through the eyes of the dead. They are reminding me more of what you heard on Roadrunner, Relapse and Century Media in the late 90's . Yes the guttural and brutality is still all there but there is a new found love for the complexity slowed down a bit so it can really be heard and the melodic down tuned tones to be expressed as well. I know some with will call this NU Death metal or Melodic Swedish Death influences but I this this comes more from the Post Hardcore element you can hear in the band. There is a challenging sound going on through out bands like this that actually make you listen and experience the whole album its not 9 tracks of burp metal and this is what I'm looking for in a Death metal release. Nice work Through The Eyes of the Dead.

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Early Man- Death Potion-CD (The End Records)

So I'm going to start off with a disclaimer ... Early Man is a band your going to love or hate within the 1st 30 seconds of listening to them. There an old school Thrash/Metal band on the truest of all manners. If you loved the days of late 80's Cali Technical Thrash then this going to kick you in the face and you'll be hooked and this Bay area metal 1989 my friends there really not a lot so say here. The vocals are sung with a bit of an edge, Catchy as hell twin guitars going on here a warm and full bass/ drum connection. Band's like Early man want to make me get my denim vest with the patchs on my high top Nikes and bullet belt on and start up an dirty old school pit before the kicking and hardcore moves came into play. Raise the horns high for the classic sound done to amazing talent. I will point out there is a good strong love of Voivod and Exciter too but they had that sound in them as well.

Http://theendrecords.com/

Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire - Songs of Ill Hope and Desperation-CD (Prosthetic Records)

This was not what I was expecting at all.. If Brutal Truth and Coalesce had a child that was set to destroy the earth with blistering and grinding metallic hardcore then this would be the motherfucker to watch out for. As this one of those sentence bands as all them . That is Brutal, Experimental and Post everything. Clinging to the Trees of a forest fire are as heavy as a jack hammer ripping open the streets of NYC at 2am. Leaving nothing but Chaos and Destruction in its path. The band really shows its talents when they slow down and play there disjointed Virus meets DHG styled alt metal sounds. The vocals are always in the Post Hardcore screamo utterly pained style but it works so well . Welcome to Deadguy or Kiss it goodbye 2.0 . Prosthetic Records has another nightmare force behind them. This band could be massive if given time to grow and expand into what there going to be which should be brilliant...

http://prostheticrecords.com/