4 More reviews to keep ya going @ Absolute Zero Media

Heartless- Hell is other people-CD (Southern Lord)

Crust, Power Violence and Doom is what Heartless gives us with full force and vengence. If you like bands like Man in the Bastard, His Hero is Gone, Dead and Gone and Born Against you are very close to were Heartless comes from and continues the mission of the musical beating it wants to give to the world. There is the slow dirty hardcore sound that is full through out this release. Southern Lord has found a band as pissed off as the over all presence of the label the have. Heartless vocals are so just down right pissed off you can hear the disgust in every word and note that is created by the battle drumming and the low need bass assault. The guitars are what all great Punk/Hardcore guitarist want at times they even have that Black Flag meets Meatmen vibe going on. Heartless is a project you will love or hate the second you hear it and all I can say is more more more.....

http://southernlord.com/

Mournful Congregation - The Book of Kings-CD ( 20 Buck Spin)

If you look up Doom/Death in the Metal music encyclopedia you will see a picture of this band with  projects like Thergothon, Winter, Evoken, Skepticism and Morgion. There are few band that can instill Sorrow, Dispair and Hopelessness int here music and over all tone then Mournful Congregation . The Slow tempo and epic sounds that come from this band are things of legends. Was the earth comes to its final bands this will be what it sounds like as it slowly fades out of the universe to never be seen or heard again. The Book of Kings is the playbook of what Doom/Death sounds like.  Music like this cleanses ones soul with a level of magic and mystery you just havent gotten in 10 plus yrs. You can see why this band after 2 decades is still making ground breaking music. I can not wait to see them on there U.S. tour.  4 tracks all range from 12 to 30 + minutes you can not ask for more heavy guitars, organs, rumbling bass, primitive drumming and those wonderful guttural vocals. Thank you simply thank you for this album...

http://20buckspin.com/

Morne- Asylum-CD (Profound Lore)

This is yet another amazing doom release more in the melodic Doom side of things mixed with a lot of Post Hardcore sounds. Morne reminds me of Crowbar, Neurosis and Isis all mixed with some elements of Older Anathema in a sound that is as majesty and bombastic. The vocals are very much a cross between Crowbar and Neurosis in presentation. There are delicate and somber moments that explode in to a sonic wall of droning guitars and low end bass bleeding. Again another band I would say is complex in structure and more Thinking mans metal . Its not progressive or many time changes, Just layered in a way they more then one style is going on often. I have to say this band as a strong love of  albums Crowbar's "Odd Fellows Rest" and Anathema's " Silent Engima". Two albums I hold as genre defining releases. Morne is Doom through and through. Not an album to miss...

http://www.profoundlorerecords.com/

Marionette ID- Alluvion-CD (Fluttery Records)

Wow the beauty that comes from this Post Rock/ 90's Indie Rock  album is not something you get a lot its as rock and it is fragile in sound. If you like bands like Sunny Day Real estate, God is an Astronaut, Hum and June of 44.. All mixed into something a bit avant and prog but never losing the indie rock sound that is driving them in to a pop element. Love the way the music ebbs and flows with guitars, piano, slightly dissonant vocals and off time drums that gives it the drifting sound that made me remember the days of Touch and Go, Merge and Discord records. Marionette ID is from eastern europe and maybe someday we would be lucky enough to get them on US shores to perform as I'm sure the passion of this music comes across live even more so. Fluttery is a growing label with a roster of some powerful artists what are getting more and more respect with each release is promoted. Check this on an be the one to say I heard this band before they were on late night tv circuit. 

http://flutteryrecords.com/

Moribund Cult Artist Chasma Interview is up

www.chasmablack.tumblr.com

1. After just one Demo Chasma blazes forward to Moribund Cult. Tell us how Chasma came to be?

we wrote our first album in three days. we had studio time booked

with nanda devi but parted ways with our drummer before we could get
anything down. we used the time to write a set and used the studio
time we had to record it. Colin Marston from Krallice was on tour with
Dysrythmia and dropped in on that session. he was as stoked as we were
and we were inspired to continue to develop Chasma further.<<<

2. If Looks like Chasma was a Duo or is a Duo with a bassist helping
on live shows. Where did the Post Metal meet Avant Black metal sound
come from for Chasma I hear Influences of Wolves in Throne Room,
Agalloch, Alcest and Code going on in your music..

first and foremost we are not a duo, we don’t fuck around with studio musicians or “guests” . we are a family, a trinity, we live this experience together.  It’s a lot more than music that affects our sound. Its our past our future, our daily struggle. <<<

3. How did you come to sign with Moribund Cult and how are you feeling
the partnership is going . They seem to support there artist much more
then many in 2011..

We respect moribund to the utmost, we sent the album to them and they loved it. So far it’s been a harmonious partnership<<<

4. Will Chasma be touring the USA at all to support the album or more
just one off shows?

We plan on extensive touring to support this and future albums. We'll be going down the west coast in march for sxsw in Texas, followed by a full US tour over the summer. We look forward to Canada, Europe, Japan, etc.<<<

5. The Artwork for "Declarations of the Grand Artificer"  is very
interesting to say the least . Is there a meaning behind it at all???
Does it follow the theme of the tracks?

We felt like it coupled really well with our inspiration for the album. We felt like the illuminated doorway in a crumbling wall represented our idea that music has been a gateway to existence and understanding beyond our crude physical beings<<<

6. Being the Album is 3 very long tracks do you feel that helps or
hurts an artist in 2011 were every thing is a  2-3 minute soundbyte??

There is no such thing as time<<<

7. There are so many layers going on in Jazz, Post Rock, Black and
Doom metal all with a very prog over tone. Was it hard to create this
sound on an album and is it more difficult to project properly on a
stage in performance?

we don’t really know how to play anything other than what we feel. We sound exactly the same live as we do recorded, other than the short audio samples.  It wasn’t hard to create our sound, it’s the most natural and organic thing we’ve ever done.<<<

8. What's a band like Chasma thoughts on the modern age for Musician
where Digital Downloads, Social Networks, Blogs and  Internet radio
has taken the place of fanzines, College radio and Cd's . Do you feel
this is a help or do many bands just come out to the world way to
early and show weaker material because of it?

we feel like people will show what they want to show.  Whether that material is developed, thought out, or well executed is highly questionable when looking at bands who depend on blasting online social networks.  We’re not stoked with where technology is going in general, but we are going to make it work for us.<<<

9. With Chasma I hear a strong Crust/ Hardcore element in what your
creating is this something that influenced the band or am I every
mistaken. You have that Nola/ San Fran Post Hardcore elements going on
mix with the extreme metal..

was this a question? it's true though, we all came from a punk/crust/hardcore background.

10. Does Chasma Consider themselves a Black metal band or is that just
a sum of the parts?

We are certainly a black metal band, it's not chainsaw gutsfuck, but yeah it’s black metal. we've been using the tag Noir Nouveau as well<<<

11. Your from the American Northwest a very Vibrant extreme metal
scene has this help shape the bands complexity and unusual sound?

As far as musically, that’s a no. But living in Portland? Yes for sure, life here can be pretty intense but we feel our experience here shines through our music.<<<

12. Does the earlier material sound similar to   Declarations of the
Grand Artificer or has the change in sound been grand with your debut
album on Moribund Cult?

Every record we have ever made, including with old bands, has progressed from the prior. We will always continue to grow and evolve.<<<

13. You seem to just have a myspace page again do you feel social
networks are all bands need today to exposure on the WWW?

We can’t really afford the money or time to maintain a website. We do use an online media outlet, but we don't try and force feed it to anyone by invading their personal space.<<<

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

Drop out of college, listen to black metal.<<

New Reviews 10/15/2011 (4 is all you deserve...)

Nachtblut- Antik-CD (Napalm Records)

I don't think I get whats going on here. Its like Rammstein , Cradle of Filth and some goth rock band got together and made the most pop sounding black metal record ever. Its almost like what  The Kovenant did years ago only half as good. Wow this is really total shit.. 3 songs in and I want to cause myself physical harm. Ok I've reviewed this more then I ever had to. Avoid this Napalm is moving back into that Goth metal side that is so very hit or miss. This one is a major miss.

http://napalmrecords.com/

Funerus- Reduced to Sludge-CD (Ibex Moon)

Now this is what I'm talking about passionate slow low end Death metal that comes from members of Incantation , Mortician and Morpheus Descends. This is so think and brutal I love it. Reminds me of Bolt Thrower and early Carcass in they way the present the tones and sound. Though as I said there is a groove to all of it that just causes instant pit like vibes going on.  This is were bands like The Chasm and Immolation were heading in the late 90's... Man  Funerus makes me love Death metal again and that is high praise coming from me. If you like Bloodsoaked at well this is coming from the same cycle of influence.  Remember that Death metal doesn't have to be fast just heavy, dark and powerful and Funerus is all this and more.

http://ibexmoonrecords.com/

Illdisposed- There is light (but its not for me)-CD (Massacre)

More modern Death metal with industrial and electronic thrown in for good measure if you like bands like Inflames, Dark Tranquility, Orphange, Gojira then you know what your getting here. Futuristic , Crunchy, Melodic Death with a heavy synth element and some fantastic gutteral vocals. I almost want to call it Symphonic death metal but its not fully there. Illdisposed is getting better with each release I have heard from them.  It's just fantastic to see this Danish force still going and making some of the best music they have ever made 20 years into the bands career. At times I think that Dan Swano and Edge of Sanity had a lot to do with this sound and Illdisposed has just mastered it as well with " This is light" !!!!

http://www.massacre-records.com/ 

Craft- Void-CD (Southern Lord)

Sweden is the home for some of the most grim and sickened Black metal to ever be presented to the world and Craft is just that in many ways and more. Raw, Dirty, Punk Influenced Black metal with that cold melody that just takes you over when you hear them. What comes to mind is Marduk and Graveland when you hear this band with heavy layers of Bathory in the mix for all of those out there that know. Real Black metal is not there to make fans but to draw of those of us that have lived and been in a dark path for all our lives. Craft is not going win you over if you sleep with a night light on folks. You must want to be in the woods with a ceremonial fire and altar ready to begin the new reign of mankind. Craft is black metal its just that plan and simple..

http://southernlord.com/

Clint Listing signs with Fluttery Records

Clint Listing- http://clintlisting.thedoorwayto.com/

I can officially announce that I have signed with Fluttery Records for the Collaborative Release " In the Minds of Madness" for Physical and Digital formats. Taner @ Fluttery has been very supportive and truly and wants to promote what I create to world. They have good promotion and distribution and focus on Digital music too which I feel is much needed in 2011. Look for release in early 2012... 

http://flutteryrecords.com/

(Not Finalised Cover)

Clint Listing - In the minds of madness

1. Clint Listing & Stephen Petrus (Murderous Visions) -  The Dawn of Sorrow

2- Clint Listing  & Lopeholt (From Scotland)- Love is Pain

3. Clint Listing & John Stillings (Steel Hook Prostheses)- Under the Frozen Moon of  Tomorrow

4. 4yrs of Suffering (Clint Listing and Aries  both ex As All Die)-  Your God is so proud

5-Clint Listing & Derek Rush ( Dream into Dust/ A Murderer of Angels)- We've Been Forgotten

6- Clint Listing & Ben / DJ Hell Raver (Terrorfakt)- Riders of the Final Dawn

7- Clint Listing & Ross Hagen (Encomiast)-  Peace Breeds War

2 Tracks still being worked on

Clint Listing & Dana Duffey (Demonic Christ/ Mythic)

Clint Listing & Greg Lambert (Arbeit)

CD SALE
ONLY 5 Copies of each (Email 1st about order to confirm copies)
$11 US or $14 World Each PPD
$30 US or $38 World for 3 pack PPD

paypal address  (orders@thedoorwayto.com)

Moribund Cult Artist Abhor interview is up....

http://www.legioneocculta.com/

1. I know Abhor has been active for yrs in the European underground but to your North American folk you are a band that is very underground. Tell us a bit about the band and what your past has been like?

We’ve been on the scene since 1995 and released  many albums with different Italian labels. That’s why our distribution has been unfortunately poor and rather limited. Every full-length we released is a different chapter on our history but at the same time they’re all deeply marked by our sharp and broad style.

The line-up has changed through the years. On the first period of our existence some members of historical Italian black metal acts has contributed to record  our albums. However we’ve become a stable triad on the last years.

2. With Abhor Moribund is the 1st connection I have with band . Has the sound always been a mix of 70's Horror Soundtracks, Prog Rock and Black metal as it a very interesting sound indeed. Where did this inspiration come from?

The base of our music has always been black metal carved with esoteric themes. During the years, we’ve evolved a personal taste for horror music and the insertion of prog/rock elements emerged as naturally consequence! As you probably know, Italy claims a strong tradition of progressive rock, and we’ve all grown up listening to Goblin, Le Orme, PFM and such bands... in addition to this we find interesting using “doom” parts on our songs, with sample of good old horror movies.

3. Abhor seem to like to mix the old german and polish Black metal sound with A soundtrack/Prog rock element with  "Ab Luna Lucenti, Ab Noctua Protecti"  Is there a running theme with the album o r just a collection of chilling and haunting songs?

The whole album has been written by Saevum and Kvasir, we work comfortable together. One of us come out with a guitar line and then we start the arrangement of the other instruments. The result is what you listen to the cd…we’re just inspired by tons of bands both of the black metal scene and other genres.

This is anyway the most mature and intelligent album we’ve done so far. We can’t get tired of listening to it!

Concerning the lyrics I can say that the lyrical concept of the album is the Witchcraft. An argument that surely has already been used by other bands, but not for this banal or uninteresting. It has been quite a long process writing the lyrics, we went for a long research in the region where we live, looking for ancient books, manuscripts and witness from elderly. For this reason lyrics are both in English, Latin and Venetian Dialect.

 4. Do you think a band like Abhor is really a black metal force now or is it something all more and expanding all the time?

Black Metal for us is more about the essence and the way of being then the music itself. It’s a form of esoteric art available to the few who can perceive the refinement…we’re gonna praise the Black Metal verb forever.

5. How did you come to work with Moribund . One of the finest Underground metal labels around . Their release consistently are a cut above the rest..

Simply sending the promo to the Old Goat and he got back with a deal. Personally we’re satisfied on how things are going and that’s important for us to have a solid label behind. It’s gonna be a killer-release!

 6.  Your website zine  http://www.legioneocculta.com/ is very minimalist and distant was this on purpose as I like the feeling of what Abhor presents in art, music and themes.

We would personally have avoided the website. The putting on line of it has almost been an obligation, because folk asked it continuously. It’s a little bit outdated but we’ll revisit it soonish with a new and even more minimalist and essential version. We don’t support the so-called nowadays social-network, so every myspace/facebook or whatever account is a fake. Here you got one more reason why we put up a website, so that people can have the official connection and way of communication with the band.

7. Will Abhor be working on any Videos or DVDs as the music really fits this. I would like to say you are the Goblin of the Black metal world. Its just what I hear..

As actors do, so we bow to compliment…thanks.  We wish the listener to remind such band listening to our music and apparently it works. Honestly we don’t copy their music but I can say they influenced us strongly both with their works and their live-performances.

About a Video we have some projects going on, but I can’t really say how long they’re gonna take.

8. Will Abhor be performing live in 2011 at all . I was wondering what a live show is like at I know they have been done. Are they very visual?

Currently we’re just a studio band. Our living situation and the distance between each other doesn’t allow us to performance live easily. Anyway we used to make gigs often till 2006. The visual side has always been important for Abhor, as our art is global. By that I mean both musical, literal and visual. We used costumes, candelabrums, webs, fire-breathing etc to get a theatric and unearthly atmosphere…yes we took care a lot about the visual side.

Future in uncertain…and we do not want to exclude to came back on stage…

 9. Whats your collective thoughts on the Current Underground music scene. Are Webzine, digital releases,social networking, internet radio and Internet a blessing or curse to what you create?

I’m answering to a web-zine interview, so I’d be hypocritical to curse the internet-phenomena..even if I should do it! Lots of things changed from the first ’90. Back there were tape-trading and snail mail that ruled..I guess I am a nostalgic and I guess those time were better. The negative aspects of the web is that Black Metal has become available to the masses and wide-spread. Times ago it was really eliterian. Faith, Coherence, Purity on Black Metal are no more, we’re not breathing the same insane air of the ’90. The broadcasting has broked the scene.

 10.The vocals with mixing Grim Black metal, Sung Female and spoke word moments make it all the more interesting. has just happened over time or was this always the way?

We always tried to get a mystical atmosphere by a unique sound.  Then the using of different vocals, the sudden variation of theme, and the composition with different musical instrument makes it more interesting…as you said…

11. If someone was to ask the members of Abhor what style you play and what is the overall meaning of the band how would you tell them ?

ABHOR’s music stands for the unmistakable mystical atmosphere that makes personal and unique the

sound of the band. The concepts concern Occultism, Esoterism, Alchemy, Witchcraft, Satanism and Folklore..

12. You have working with many labels is this just the way for a band that is more cutting edge as labels normally have a hard time promoting more experimental bands?

Man, honestly we’ve seen bad times. We’re always been on the edge, got poor contracts, and shitty distributions. After 15 years we’re still alive, stronger than ever and finally getting a good promotion and distribution by Moribund Cult. That’s a good reward for never having giving up.

13. If you have any closing thoughts please place them here..

Check out our new album, 27^th september. You’ll be surprised to find such a mature and intelligent album. Very unlike almost every black metal act nowadays.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Mr. Clint and thank to Absolute Zero Media...see ya in hell!

6 New Reviews from Absolute Zero Media 10/8/2011

Root- heritage of Satan-CD ( Agonia Records)

Root opens with something I would say would have fit MZ412 best a Black Ambient Invocation. As we move in to the songs of the album this is more mid tempo melodic cold black thrash metal very in common with bands like Slayer or Celtic frost in presentation and arrangement.  So as we dig deeper into this Czech unit there eastern influence is most visible with there Punk and Rock elements that come through in the guitar and drumming. There are moments of Industrial feels and movements as well Root is one of those Black and Roll artist that you can hear came from the classic Bathory sound and grew from that point.  If you looking for something a bit different then the norm Root is it for sure..

http://www.agoniarecords.com/

Johan Wolfgang Pozoj- Escape of Pozoj-CD (Code666)

Ambient Post Metal with elements of Black, Doom, Prog and Thrash metal all in the same moments. If Opeth or Katatonia  were mixed with Immortal, Emperor and Arcturus all at the same time you would have a good Idea of this bizarre and twisted musical force. I can see why the home for this release is Code666 there is only one other label I could see having so much interest in them and that would be Prophecy productions. Escape of Pozoj is very much on the fringe of the very metal world itself . This is a very difficult listen indeed and not for the beginner listener of extreme metal by any means. You music love complex jazz, prog and avant elements mix it with very dissident metal. Though if you know were I'm coming from then you will love this think  Negura Bunget, Manes, A Forest of Stars etc. I will be listening to this in the weeks and months to come and just dig into every element and layer it has . Simply fantastic...

http://code666.net/

Chasma- Declarations of the Grand Artificer-CD (Moribund Cult)

Chasma has that song that has just won me over in the last for yrs bands like Wolves in the Throne room, Dornenreich, Alcest, Deathspell Omega, Azrael, Wolvserpent, Agalloch etc. The mix of Post Rock, Epic Black metal and and Dark/Doom metal mixed with Acoustics and Ambience. Its Something that once you hear it you know . Its haunting, hopeful, sorrowful and nightmarish all in the same song. With just 3 songs this 30 plus minute event shows me just how much talent again is in the American Northwest  being this unit is from Oregon. These songs are soundtracks for the those of us suffering in the mental anguish of an age were we can spread our word but need the those out there who need to here it to gravitate towards it. The Beauty and Bleakness is what makes releases like this so just down right magicial. A must listen from the New Age of Moribund Cult...

http://moribundcult.com/

Alternative4- The Brink-CD (Avantgarde Music)

So Duncan Patterson of Anathema, Antimatter and Ion comes back to his Anathema work with a Gothic Doom Rock record with Symphonic and Ethereal elements that sound similar to  The Anathema  album with the same name. So We can see where he started on on this releases but it moves into so many different directions . To me it has elements of the more experimental Devil Doll and Ulver material at time with with Anathema for sure. Duncan is never one to stay with one style to long. He likes most to mix many genres into one release and make the listener understand its about the music and the art not the tag or scene. If you are a fan of Duncan with will impress you that 15 yrs later the man can still rock as hard as anyone or make the most delicate/fragile music all in the same song or track. There are few modern composers in 21st Century he is truly one of them. Avantgarde you have something very special here..

http://avantgardemusic.com/

Saligia- Sic Transit Gloria Mundi-CD (Bargest Records)

MMMM  more Avant Blackened sickness from another band I have not heard of but will take notice to now for sure. This looks to be a Vinyl only pressing so if you like your wax of the very sonic and noisy Satanic tone this will wake you in the proper direction for sure. Saligia are a duo that like to layer there cold and bitter toned black metal with vocals that are shouted, cried and shriek with power and majesty most will never understand. This reminds me most of DHG and Shining in the presentation of the songs. I will hope someone will be wise enough to release on CD or as digital release for the masses as this is something most Nordic, USBM or Swedish black metal fans would love.

http://www.barghest.co.uk/

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WELL-How Little Can Be The Orchestra-CD (Fluttery Records)

Wow this takes me back to a time in the late 90's early 21st century when my world was dominated by Neoclassic, Dark Ambient, Dark Industrial and Post Rock elements of bands on labels like Cold Meat Industries, Dark Vinyl, Constellation, Fluttering Dragon, Matador , Kranky, Manifold and Holy records etc. This is a mix up of all that  and more. Think of Sanctum, Ranja, Dead can dance, Elend, Rachels and Arcana all mixed up into something so simple yet wonderful to make you see the humanity and  delicate emotions we all have to work and struggle to maintain each and every day of this existence. The strings and Piano are just breathe taking with the loops and soundscapes that work with it all in the background. It reminds me a lot of a band called Mandible Chatter if you have not heard of them its a much check them out too. Fluttery makes some of the best Post .... Music in the world right now do not miss out on this as well.

http://flutteryrecords.com/