New Reviews 12/31/2010 end of year special..

Onslaught - Sounds of Violence-CD (AFM Records)

Yes late 80's inspired Power Metal/Thrash in the way I loved it so if your into bands Like Destruction, Atrophy and Exodus then this is going to kick you straight in the teeth with is power and guitar tones alone. The vocals are in the very throaty style in the way Jon Oliva of Savatage did this also as whole as an album reminds me " Hall of the Mountain King" is creation. Sometimes folks you just need a good classic sounding heavy thrash album with great melody and crushing riffs and guess who gave it to ya  Onslaught!!!

www.afm-records.de

 Weedeater- Jason... the dragon-CD (Southern Lord)

N.C.  Sludge, Drone , Crust Doom masters of the feedback and low end.. If you love bands like Eyehategod, Cavity, Buzzoven, Sourvein etc then this is the album to open 2011 with for you my friends. The buzzsaw guitars, low deep bass that is fuzzed out and the drums of a dammed souled Blues man.. The vocals are fractured and raspy and just booze soaked in all there glory. There is a slow building madness and grow to this at the above bands have added to the classic Sludge/ Nola Doom sound and Weedeater have it with perfection.  Jason ... the dragon make every part of you mind and body want to attack the person next to you just because they piss you off..  Ah the molasses like guitar and bass tones are just making me so happy . I miss this sound and when the bands that come out and do this Southern Fried Sludge is just magical... Weedeater next time not so long between releases please...

www.southernlord.com

Sacrarium-March to an Inviolable Death-CD ( De Tenebrarum Principio)

Black metal comes in so many varieties today that when you hear a just good old BM band cold, fast , raw and hateful you come to remember when BM was something to un nerve and creep the shit out of you while in the darkened nights of winter with some candle lit and your rituals being created. This is were the Swedish BM sound came to perfection  mix Marduk, Bathory, Gorgoroth and even Dark Funeral into a blender and you have something very close. Sacrarium are are that same path to take out all in their path with a war like battle cry and the blistering wall of sound . They do have some Satyricon / Motorhead element ie.. Punk sounds going on that all the better old school BM has always had sometimes just a bit more buried. The vocal cries are full of piss and venom and work to complete the tracks to a level few bands see today. Black metal is about not caring what other think and self worth to ones true vision and with this release job well done..
http://www.atmf.net/


THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIXBleeding The New Apocalypse (Cum Victriciis In Manibus Armis)-CD (Season of Mist)
I know very little about this band. From what I'm listening to this modern Black Death with a prog and orchestral element. There are sung female vocals and very hoarse Death vocals going on. If I could put it into word its like Gathering with Anneke then they were more aggressive (so early on) with elements of Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh and Samael in they way the songs are epic and massively set up and arranged. Love the electro and synth elements mixed with the symphonic metal layers. At times its sounds a lot like The Kovenant and Arcturus then is goes into the most bombastic eastern sounding and doom like band. If the earlier material sounds like I need to hear more for sure.  Complexity is not at a minimum here folks. The Dan Swano production is not lost on this band. Its Crisp and following and as full as came be. The Prog and Death elements really shine thanks to Mr Swano Knob turning. This band maybe over the top for some but  to others its just going to be holy shit.... Brilliant Brilliant release..
http://season-of-mist.com/

Ava Inferi-Onyx-CD (Season of Mist)
I don't know how Ava Inferi creates albums as fast as they do as they are all so stunning in sound and presentation. They mix elements of Doom, Goth, Neoclassic, Eastern and Ethereal music styles into something that is close to Therion but a mix more sided to Dead can dance or Katatonia in the view and scope of the music. Season of Mist as of late has really been hitting home runs with the bands on there roster. The Huge lungs of  Female vocalist   Carmen are the stellar point of this we all know how skillful Rune was with Mayhem on guitar so it is no surprise he has grown into a guitar mastering force. There are so many layers to this band from Delicate to Driving to Introspective and so much more. The cleaner sounding moments are more impressive the the full on assault of the metallic edge they have . I would love to see his band live as I'm sure its a life changing musical event to say the least.. Ava Inferi have really found there own nitch in sound and creativity on this release.  The soaring vocals are just so good I can stop thinking about them with the deep sung male vocals and the chorus like backgrounds ... Man this band would be a travesty if not having major success.
http://season-of-mist.com/

Nucleus Torn-Travellers-CD (Prophecy Productions)

Beautiful and Classy Folk music of a very neoclassic and medieval nature.  The Acoustic guitar and flowing ambiance of it all is very soothing in the over all tone of the music. Nucleus Torn have a lot in coming with there label mates Tenhi in sound and in the Heathen elements that come through this album that seem to be a collection of older rare tracks and unreleased material. Love the primitive percussion that is being used as well. This really brings me back to a much simpler time when the world wasn't also so on the bring of demise.  About half way through the release the vocals tracks start come in that this where we have a kinship with the mellower moments of Antimatter or Anathema. The Folk rock is strong here as well and the strings and more aggressive guitars come in and add a whole new almost prog rock side to Nucleus Torn. This will be for the more somber moments in your left but still a very impressive journey to the more nature and acoustic friendly side of the musical realm. 

http://www.prophecyproductions.de

Helrunar-Sól-CD (Lupus Lounge/Prophecy Productions)

Ah more Black metal in the more epic raw style more to what bands line Negura Bunget and  Horna . With Helrunar we get the Nordic Myth/ Pagan element coming through very strong. There is a cold desolation to all that is going on with this release. The guitars are razor sharp with a very cool reverb effect on them to make them have that Mayhem like tone with work even better with a vocalist that is very similar in temper to Maniac vocals . Helrunar has an experimental Post Black metal  edge as well .   There is  ton of the post rock elements going on with Helrunar as well. If you like Shining or Bethlehem you may very well be into this band as at times they are coming across very much in that manner. Helrunar are very much a mixed band of many dark music styles and quite an adventure at that. I will be listening to this gem for weeks and months to come.

http://www.prophecyproductions.de/

INQUISITION - OMINOUS DOCTRINES OF THE PERPETUAL MYSTICAL MACROCOSM-CD (Hells Headbangers)

I don't even know where to begin with this Inquisition a black I have not heard much of before has just blown me away with a release that span many genres and blows all of them out of the water. This is a mix of Black, Folk, Death, Viking and Classic metal all at the same time and just layered with blackened guitars, acoustics , monster drumming and a vocalist that sounds like the throat is one step from the end of working which add a whole new level of pain and suffering to creation of this ground breaking release. They have taken what bands like Limbonic art, DHG and Darkthrone make there sound and have taken it to the very next level. There is almost a hypnotic element to all that is going on here. Inquisition is one of bands that will be in my top releases of the coming yr.

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

ACID Witch- Stoned-CD  (Hells Headbangers)

This band is an odd one to say the least. Its not just a Doom metal band with a heavy Cathedral influence. Acid Witch mixes in elements of Thrash , Classic Metal and Blackened vocals into something that is all its own and seems a bit thin in style and creativity. Acid Witch is just not my cup of tea I too much of the groove doom stuff for me. I'm sure some of you will love this but its just too Stoner by the name.. Just with vocals that are out of sorts.

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

 Honcho - Battle of Wits-CD (Honcho Records)

Its just came in the mail one day from the band I think. I never heard of Honcho but I'll tell you one thing for sure they are a kick ass rock unit with a strong melodic hard rock back drop. If you like bands like Badlands, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Clutch then this is the ticket for you my friends. The Southern Blues element is strong in this rock back and the vocalist is powerful and soulful as well. There are moments where I think sound like Blue Murder too. This is really a fantastic heavy rock release. The songs are so damn catchy and make you want to rock out. I would like to see if Honcho stay in this very monster magnet meets Clutch style as the more I listen to it , its a very fuzzed out hard rock/ doomy style to say the least. There is a Kyuss vibe that is very listenable as well. Honcho keep on rockin and will keep listening..

http://www.honcho.no/

New Reviews 12/18/2010

Moonreich-Loi Martiale-CD (De Tenebrarum Principio)
Atmospheric as all hell Black metal with a monstrous production and low end. This reminds me of the more powerfully recorded Swedish and Norwegian bands like Dark Funeral, Marduk, Dimmu Borgir and Old Mans Child. But with out the heavy orchestral moments of some of them. This is full on Battle metal though from the drums and guitars blasting in the front and the vocals a war cry to those to attack the foe with cold and heartless emotions. There are some very cool piano moments that give it a more classic feel. There is an amazing melody to all of this esp in the guitar and warm flowing bass lines. Moonreich are not joking around here. This is a black metal force to keep an eye on as they have the chops to keep you going for many many listens. This war machine is all aces for this reviewer ...
http://www.atmf.net/dtp/release.php


Woebegone Obscured- Deathstination-CD ( I Voidhanger Recordings )

This is Crushingly slow Doom/Death and for one I could not have a bigger smile on my face. If you like Dusk, Thergothon, Mournful Congregation, Womb or the mighty Esoteric. This is the so ultra low and guttural in sound and style the guitars sound like bass guitars and the vocals are those of a bear taking its last dying breathes. Woebegone Obscured is more of a blackened metal name so I wonder if that is were they came from. This band has a lot in common with the slower Incantation material as well . There is a pain and bombastic element that doesnt always come across with other bands. I swear this band could cause earthquakes and tidal wides that how DOOM they are. I'm so pleased to see a band like this keeping this very sub genered style alive. 
http://www.i-voidhanger.com/


Demonic Ressurection-The Return To Darkness-CD (Candlelight)
So as I'm reading about this band they are from India not a common place for metal music at all and what they present is Black Death in the highest of order. If your a fan of bands like Hypocrisy, Nile and Later Emperor then this a band not to miss as the mix elements of Black, Doom, Prog and Symphonic elements into a thrash metal  back drop that would impress fans of Exodus and Testament fans as well. Then this album hits the Swedish Gothenburg sound as well were fans of Inflames and Soilwork would like them as well. Demonic Ressurection is all over the metal map but it makes it all the more interesting almost like what Devin Townsend or Opeth Do as well.  Candlelight has been hitting a lot of home runs as of late with releases I hope this continues.  The Return to Darkness is a massive undertaking in the metallic realm and sound get listens by all .. 
http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/



TO CAST A SHADOW-In Memory Of-CD (Kolony)
Wow I have not heard this style of Doom in yrs from a new band. This is Gothic Doom/ Death in the way bands like My Dying Bride, Tristania and Paradise Lost did so many years ago. This brings back a feeling of Majesty , Grace and Complex Epic song structures. Love those Dueling guitar harmonies tuned down and driving through those screaming amps. This would be very much home on Peaceville or Napalm as it fits that genre and style that both labels are so well know for. The female vocals are soaring to say the least. As we dig deeper into the release we have moments of Post Black metal in the Satyricon and Madder Mortem as well . To Cast A Shadow is more then the some of its parts by a long shot. They sound like early 3rd and the Mortal when Kari was in the band very much at times as well. This is just sweeping and delicate all at the same time. Kolony has a major winner in this band.
http://www.kolonyrecords.com/


SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY-Návaz-CD (Season of Mist)
Folk metal is something that can be more then Difficult to pass off as interesting to say the least. There is a very eastern European gypsy element going on with this long time   active force. The Czech tongue makes it all the more exotic in they way the songs are presented. love the violins and mix of female sung , the choir vocals and deep growled male vocals. This is for fans of bands like Tyr, Finntroll, Subway to Sally, Skyclad and Dorenreich .. Silent Stream has a doomy side as well but the folk metal of the heathen days of old are what really shines through on this album. Season of Mist has something of class and passion going on with Navaz. This is music full of emotion and history carved from the very stones of there forefathers from centuries past. Sometime just great music and melodies are all you need to inspire a fan of the band and this is what you get here. There is a very avant prog element at times with this as well. Orphange is another band that I would say that is a kind to what this project is going for. The lush string make this album for me. Check this out and you will be taken as well. 
http://season-of-mist.com/

Salome a Doom force to check out now

Sludge Doom Noise on Profound Lore NOW !!!!!!

http://www.myspace.com/salomedoom

Wolvserpent Check them out

Doom / Ambient Rituals  on 20 Buck Spin!!!

http://wolvserpent.com/

Doorway to Music Digital Music for Holiday Gifts

self promotion again with a week before christmas the digital gift of music for you or someone else would rule support my new digital only releases please...

http://thedoorwayto.com/The_Doorway_to_Music.html

Ajna Offensive Artist Weapon Interview is up 12/14/2010

http://www.weaponchakra.com/

1. I know very little about Weapon tell us a bit about this Blackened Death/Thrash force..

Weapon is a Satanic Black / Death metal band from Edmonton, Canada. I started the band in early 2003 and thus far we have released one Demo tape, two 7” EPs and two full-length albums.

2. I just received your album  " from the devils tomb" its bombastic, haunting and melodic all at the same time. Have you always had that strong Thrash element in your Black metal sound?

Personally I don’t hear a thrash element in our sound. If you’re referring to our usage of palm-muted, down picked riffs, that’s mostly derived from Florida DM bands. There is a strong sense of melody in our music, which mostly comes from our appreciation of bands like Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest etc.

3. How did Weapon come to work with the mighty Aina Offensive? A label that is very select on who or what they work with?

I had contact with Ajna back when we were signed to Full Moon Productions. They bought some EPs from me and that’s how our correspondence started. Indeed, Ajna is a highly selective label regarding what bands they work with. Such a work ethic is to be admired, indeed.

4. There is a strong eastern element to your music as well if I'm not mistaken. Is this an important part to the over all sound?

It’s one of those ‘unavoidable’ things due to my background and the band members’ collective appreciation for Eastern music. It is important in that we use that element in the right way without turning it into a gimmick. We are a Metal band, above all.

5. You worked with Full Moon Productions for while how was that. I've heard mix stories from bands with FMP. Is Ajna a better home for the more avant sound you create?

There is no comparison between the two. The Ajna Offensive is the epitome of a professional yet idealistic record label. Full Moon Productions were reputable at one time, but nowadays they have nothing going for them whatsoever; it’s their own fault for not being able to adapt to the business and not being professional when dealing with their bands.       

6. Does Weapon like to perform live? I just read you had to cancel a tour is all ok on the band front?

We really enjoy playing live but are selective about the gigs we play. As for what you are referring to, we had to cancel our headlining appearance at a festival in Texas, which was due to some visa issues.

7.  You have a very impressive website http://www.weaponchakra.com/  most just live with myspace. Tell us how it came to be and its very informative thank you for that.

A comprehensive website is important for Weapon. Myspace is fine for giving people a chance to listen to our music, but at the end of the day most people use it is a social networking site, and we aren’t interested in that and we certainly don’t use it for that purpose. Ultimately, all these things are mere tools to spread the word and attain more exposure. 

8. On " from the devils tomb" is there a theme or story line or is it just a collection of Dark Metal Hymns?

There’s no story line per se, but the overall theme in every single Weapon release is that of Satanism and various Left Hand Path traditions. We don’t make concept albums, yet our entire discography is part of the same concept – discussing, analyzing and dissection the tenets of our god and our religion.

9. Will there be any professional videos or Dvds made for Weapon as your atmosphere and themes would really fit that format as well?

When the time is right, yes. We are still a fairly young band so I think it would be a tad premature to plan a DVD release at this stage. Once we have a respectable amount of tours / gigs under our belts, we will definitely look into releasing a DVD. A video may happen sooner than that, though. Watch our website for news on this.

10. Do the members of Weapon create or work in any other projects (Metal or Non) just curious?

Every member of the band has very diverse musical interests but we don’t have any other projects going on at the moment. Weapon is our number one priority and it takes up a lot of time.

11. What are your thought on the digital music and media age? does it upset Weapon as band or do digtal audio, webzines and myspace just help get the band ideal and sounds out there?

Nothing in life is free, so on that basis alone I am strongly opposed to the free downloading of music. Digital formats are part of the paradigm right now, so I don’t have a problem if people are paying for the music that they secure digitally.  Personally I prefer to have the real thing in my hands, but adaptability is key in ‘making it’ in any industry. Regardless, we won’t compromise our beliefs and musical style to fit into anything.

12. Is there any thing musically Weapon would like to incorp into its sounds that just haven't had a chance to or maybe it didnt work?

Anything we have experimented with thus far has worked in our favor. I can’t give away any secrets regarding what we have planned for future releases, so you and everyone else will jut have to wait and see what we have in store.

13. The music it so layered on CD is it hard to match this live?

Only the parts that feature organ / keys and the vocal choir are missing from our live set; every thing else we are able to pull of live. Weapon is definitely a 2-guitar band; it would be near impossible to execute the music live with one guitarist.

14.Thanks for the time any closing thoughts here.

We are only getting started. Hail Satan. 

New Reviews 12/11/2010 (Experimental Edition)

Parhelion- Midnight Sun- CD (Cyclic Law)

Drone music can be very very grueling on some as I have heard. I don't understand this but some tell me its very unnerving. The Icy cold feel of the drifts and tones that go on with Parhelion is just what you want in Dark Ambient. Midnight Sun pulls you in the same way band like Sleep Research Facility and Nordvargr releases have done so. With a build up and layers of sounds getting more and more oppressive and powerful and then washing over you almost enveloping you in audio landscapes and then coming back around to a more somber dark minimalist approach. It's almost trance like in the way Parhelion does it. At time I feel this is about to become as full on Noise release but it always just stops short of this. With Midnight Sun there is a creep out factor going on but it works so well with the non western sounds and effects that are used. If you miss Raison D Etre or like what Karl Sanders of Nile does on a solo basis then Parhelion  is a release not to miss. Midnight sun is so well done. Just another reason Cyclic Law is the mysterious and wonderful label and has really taken the leadership role in premiere Dark Ambient sounds that Cold Meat Industries use to hold.

http://cycliclaw.com/

Sophia- The Collective Works 2000-2003-4 CD (Cyclic Law)

If you don't know Sophia why??? that would be my 1st question. This is Peter of Arcana fame creating some of the most powerful and majestic Martial Industrial/ Neo Folk/ War theme Orchestral Hymns  that has ever been seen on this planet. Think Der Blutharsch, Puissance, Arditi, Von Thronstahl and Boyd Rice all mixed, filtered and masterfully arranged into a beautiful of all at once. The massive percussion, the spoken war chants and stories of long ago in the old world conflicts. The strings, horns and musical elements make you feel you are very much in the middle of this period right before the monumental battle comes. If also gives you the fear of waiting for what can be your demise or the sadness of that lose of a loved one by war.. Having all these amazing titles all on one collect that 3 albums and 3 eps the full collection of Sophia's moment in time. Music like this is just not what you get often and to miss out is really going to make your like a little less full filled at the end of days..

http://cycliclaw.com/

Earth- Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1- CD (Southern Lord)

Jazz, Bluegrass and Old School Country has been seeping into Dylan's playing of Post Rock and Drone music over the last several yrs and with this release Earth has become a band that is nothing like its former self of Noise , power and sloth like aggression.  This in no way means I like the band any less . I actually think I like them all the more. Mix  bands like Rachels, Mogwai, Mazzy Star, BOHREN UND DER CLUB OF GORE and you have a close Idea of what Earth is trying to do now. The syrup like guitars with the reverb and twangy chorus. The laid back percussion and more bass lines and those wonderful classical cello and contrabass elements in the back drop make for a wonderful haunting soundtrack to a dark Spaghetti western or to an art house film in the making. If Johnny Cash was to play post rock I really feel it would sound like what Earth is creating today. You can hear the passion in " Angels of Darkness" pouring out into the speakers. Southern Lord has been been branching in to Noise and Post rock for years now and with each Earth release come a more personal and special sonic story from them.  I almost feel that Earth would be more at home on PIAS , Matador, 1/4 stick or even Kranky as they have become a groundbreaking band in what is stylistically coming from this release..  Hats off to Southern Lord for letting Dylan and his crew release the music they want rather then making them live off past legends...

http://southernlord.com/

Control- Deadly Sins- CD (Malignant )

Mr Garrison is back with the sonic assault know as Control. This is Power electronic and noise that will punch you in the face as well as destroy your mind and body. The power and aggression is that of the highest order. Control is the sound of cold steel and machines on a war path to kill and eliminate all in its way. Control is what I call the real Death Industrial . If you like Slogun, Sickness, MZ412, Grunt then this is a chosen path for you and all around you.  I don't really know what else to say about a project that over the years as just gotten more and more extreme as the releases come to you. Noise something is just suppose to be be loud, painful and a kick in the teeth sonically. Thomas you have done all this and more with 7 tracks/ 7 minutes long each.. all as brilliant and expansive. More thats all just More don't ever stop...

http://malignantrecords.com/

False Mirror-Derelict World-CD (Malignant)

Dark Ambient music from the front lines of Germany this time out. I know this project are an album on the Thonar label a few yrs back. Grandious and Theatrical in presentation is what False Mirror is. From the 6 panel digi pack to the 20 page full color booklet with it. False Mirror is about stories and tales and how they work all with the electronic/ aural experimental music world. Orchestral and Minimalist all in the same track at times. Drifting and flowing Dark Ambient that was so popular in the experimental scene in the mid to late 90's is what False mirror is presenting. I remember seeing Robert Rich and  Vidna Obmana live and just getting chills from the show one man with film projectors, laptops and electronic could show me . Well False mirror is giving me the same chills on this CD. Malignant really do have a way of finding some the better Dark Experimental bands out there. I'm sure they come to Jason and the label as Malignant is just a great label seem to care about the art it creates. False Mirror is a project not to miss if you like material from labels like Hypnos, Early CMI, Eibon and Cyclic Law. This is our new journey into an older dark age of experimentation and occult arts.

http://malignantrecords.com/

Jester/ Vendlus Artist NIDINGR Interview is up

http://www.nidingr.no/

1.After 5 long yrs want brought the Idea of NIDINGR back into you mind?

Well, we had a leftover song from "Sorrow Infinite & Darkness" and it we made some songs on rehearsals that we wanted to record. None of them fitted very well in the Enochian theme we got going on, so we choose to make a new concept album for them.

 2. Teloch you have been with 1349, Orctstus, Gorgoroth and Ov Hell. What do you find the big different with NIDINGR as a project?

The bands mentioned above was as a hired gun for me, Nidingr is my main band.

3. Your working with Jester records a label owned by Kris/ Garm of Ulver fame now, Not a label known for metal how did that come to be?

Kris is a friend of mine and he wanted to work with Nidingr after listening to "Sorrow Infinite & Darkness". The time was right now to work with him.

4. I see this was presented to me through Vendlus an amazing label in North America do you have anything to do with Joseph or did Jester do this?

Mr.Vendlus had already released the Umoral 7" for us on his label, and we talked about doing something together after that. 

 5. Will NIDINGR Be touring at all I see the recording line up was impressive with Hellhammer on the Drums and Blargh or DHG?

Yes, we will start up doing live gigs next year, got some festivals booked here in Norway. 

 6. Your Website http://www.nidingr.no/ seems to just be portal to labels and myspace right now. will it grow or is this all that needed?

I have no idea, right now i feel that Myspace is doing the job for us. But who knows, maybe one day we need something else than Myspace. 

 7. On this topic what is your thought on the modern digital age ( Myspace, Facebook, Digital Audio, Webzines etc) Do you feel its watering down the music and artists are hurting, or is it a new exciting time were Artist can be truly independent?

I never been in a band that actually has sold a lot of cds, so I have no idea. But when it comes to the digital age with downloading shit, I am all in. 

 8. Is there a theme or story line on " Wolf- Father"?

Yes there is, its based on Old Norse Edda, story's about the old Viking Gods.

 9. Kris/ Garm made a excellent appearance on the album . That part had a very Arcturus vibe was that done on purpose or just how it came to be?

I have never listened much to Arcturus so I haven't got a clue. I liked Kris's voice and I wanted him to sing on a riff, that's it.

 10.  Will there be any Video or DVD work for NIDINGR . I feel a very visual over tone to the music if a close my eyes and listen?

Hopefully there will be a video, but it cost money, money that we don't have. I'm thinking of making one myself, if I get the time for it I will. 

 11. Are more extreme metal artists in Norway and Sweden tired of the term Post Black metal as Bands like yourself DHG, CODE, VIRUS etc really fit this ideal?

I never heard the Nidingr been used with the term "Post Black Metal" before, that said I rarely talk to people in the so called scene, so i wouldn't know. 

12. With  NIDINGR you seem to have shed the corpse paint and BM Imagery. Is NIDINGR more about the Journey then the Image?

We are more about the music rather than the theatrical image.

 13.  Teloch if there was a style of music you could perform that you haven't what would it be and why ( Be it Jazz, Blues, Pop etc) just wondering ?

Right now it is all Metal for this guy. But I made some Electronic songs in the past, hope to pick up that again sometime in the future. 

14. I'm interested what you thoughts on so may line up changes and stylistic reworking in so many BM or Post BM bands do yo feel its growth or just frustration on a sound and ideal that really can not be reached for long term without madness?

I don't care at all about that. People are free to do whatever they want with their bands. 

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

Thanks for the interview. 

New Reviews 12/5/2010

The Order of Apollyon- The Flesh-CD (Listenable Records)

Listenable over the years have become well known for Modern sounding Black Death with a heavy Prog or experimental element to what is going on here we have The Order of Apollyon. Mixing all those elements into a stew of talent, passion and pain. The music comes on the more Death metal side where the vocals are the Blackened part of the release. If your a fan on more modern bands like  Saytricon, Khold, Disiplin and Marduk this will make you all the more happy. There is an industrial element to the album as a whole but it never becomes the major focus. The more Tech Death metal sound comes across in in the guitars and drumming esp.  There is a groove and catchy factor to all of this .. As this album move along there is a very Samael and Celtic Frost vibe to all of the madness here . Again The Order of Apollyon is all parts of the whole . One without the other could not exist..

http://listenable.net/

The Very End- Mercy & Misery-CD (SPV)

Horns up suckers .. What we have here is massive German Thrash in the highest of order. The vocals are graveled and the music is fast, catchy and balls out .. Love the galloping bass and guitar work. If your a fan of Sodom or Kreater this is going punch you square in the face. The for the suprising part is they have a love for american bands like Nevermore, DRI and Testament just to mix the more power metal and hardcore elements in to a record that has actually made me smile over the 1st 4 songs. I really glad great metal is coming back not about trends or focus groups. The Very End is metal and do you really need more I think not...
http://www.myspace.com/spvmusic

NIDINGR-Wolf Father-CD (Vendlus/ Jester Records)
Avant Black metal from member of 1349, Mayhem, DHG and Gorgoroth a few bands. It's been 5 yrs since Teloch has gotten the band in force again and this time Garm / Kris of Ulver makes a guest appearance. Nidingr is everything you expect it to be fast, chaotic, progressive, industrial and production to the hilt to make this sound as an army is coming to get you. There is a lot in coming with bands like Code and DHG going on here as you would expect. I would say the most magical part of Nidingr is the much more raw quality that the band takes on with all the very technicial moments. It reminds me a lot of a band called Enochian Cresent. Nidingr has a lot in common with Virus to in the structure and arrangements of the music. This i what I love the most in occult metal.. THE POST BLACK METAL SOUND!!!!. 
http://vendlus.com/


Cold Snap- Perfection-CD ( MIG)

Someone went and bought a ton of Korn and Early SlipKnot Albums and said hey lets start a band.. Why would you want to be such a cover band in the making  .. As this another band this band sound like. I can not get past 3 songs of this Rap/Groove  Nu Metal BS..  Done...

http://www.migmusic.de/





Cavus- Fester and Puterify-CD (Listenable Records)


The Black Metal War machine comes at us with all barrels loaded with Cavus. This band has one single mission to be the most brutal and bombastic Blackened Death Force in the world. The mix elements of Immortal, Bolt Thrower, Marduk, Panzerchrist and Gorgoroth all into a pool of blood, hate and torment to make this gem of a release. I don't ever remember hearing Cavus before but I will soon not forget them. Listenable has one on of the most impressive " War Metal" I will call it ever..  Really impressed by this band and the corpse paint make them all the more threatening in person...  Just remember a few year from now when this band is on the cover of every important extreme metal mag.. AZM told you about them and get this release A.S.A.P without fail...

http://listenable.net/

Weapon-From the Devils Tomb-CD (Anja Offensive/ Agonia)

Blackened Thrash with some strong Death Metal touches.  This band really has it all for extreme metal fans. Mix Slayer, Carcass, Bathory and to my ears there is a lot of Morbid Angel going on in Weapon.. The Black metal and that weapon most remind me of are Watain and Mayhem.. This is a complex listen to say the least. The vocals are commanding and deep with out going total guttural in nature.. The guitar and bass go from Blistering to Mid tempo and melodic. The drums go all over the place but are never over played and that is crucial to the sound that weapon creates. Weapon are Occult in themes and style there is no mistaking this but with Weapon as I said there are so many layers going I don't think this will ever be the same listen twice.  Weapon have a proggish eastern element going on as well that comes out from time to time. Haunting, Grueling, Hypnotic and Massive these are all things that come to mind when ripping through the band known as Weapon..

http://www.theajnaoffensive.com/

RIP MYSPACE Welcome Reverbnation....

 With Myspace turning to Crap now ....New Home for Music related to The Doorway to Music/ Absolute Zero Media

Just Started  Black Depths Grey Waves and Clint Listing  More Coming in the days ahead