Orkestrak Promenade Productions Arts Erevos Interview is up..

http://www.erevosblack.gr/

1. For those of us who are new to Erevos tell us a brief history of the band.

Erevos was formed at the end of 2004 by Growler, Tisiphoni and Kerveros. Until today we have 6 releases and the newly release is our full-length ‘Descensus Ad Inferos’, which mix and master made by Dan Swano (Bloodbath,Katatonia, Edge Of Sanity). We have played in Greece and aboard with many great names. Unfortunately, we ‘ve changed many members, due to the fact that it’s difficult to be in a metal band in Greece and the current line up is: Growler-Vocals-Bass, Tisiphoni-Keyboards, Tek-Guitar, Abraxas-Guitar, Simeth-Drums.

2. Your Album Descensus Ad Inferus-CD is a strong mix of Bal Sagoth, Dimmu Borgir and Old Mans Child. Where did this sound come from?

The truth is that we are not so influenced from those bands! We prefer Emperor, Limbonic Art and many thrash bands like Exodus or Kreator. But we try to have our own style. Perhaps keyboards are giving an impression of Dimmu Borgir, but we think that we are not similar to them.

3. I'm also very new to your label Orkestral Promenade Productions how did you come to work with them? How is the promotion going as well they seem to be pushing the band in North America well ..

Orkestral Promenade is a new Greek label and is doing very good job. We know the founder of the label, so we came quickly to a good deal. The promotion is being mainly done in Greece.

4. How did you come to work with Clawhammer Pr a brilliant Promotion company in North America was it through the label or did you seek them out.

We found them out, because we needed someone to promote us outside from Greece. We knew that they are cooperating with Ibex Moon and other important records. So it is a good opportunity.

5. I read the album was mixed and mastered by Dan Swano ( Edge of Sanity, Night in Gales) at his Unisound studio. That must have been an amazing moment to get Dan to work on the album with you the album is so full sounding.

Yes! Dan is a great person and we had cooperated with him back in 2009, for our EP ‘Adou Katavasis’. He is a great professional and we are satisfied with the result.

6. Your label calls you Raw Black metal I would say its much more Epic and symphonic Black metal with a heavy fantasy/sci fi element going on . How do the members of Erevos explain the sound of Descensus Ad Inferus?

Really? We haven’t realized that! Haha! Yes our sound is atmospheric with many aggressive influences (like thrash and death elements). That is also how the members are explaining the sound. I believe that our music sounds very good in live shows too.

7. Will Erevos be touring off the new album in North America or European shows only?

We wish too! We had some propositions to play in US, but we couldn’t afford it. But we are seeking an agency in Europe, because we need to do more live shows abroad.

8. Erevos being Greek you have a long history of Great metal Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh and Nightfall just to name a few. You must have had some great places to perform and get the band seasoned for your releases. What makes Greece such a great place for Black metal?

Yes! Our regards to Rotting Christ and Septic Flesh! Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a great place in Greece. There aren’t any opportunities in Greece due to the fact that many people who are involved with metal scene don’t take the scene seriously.

9. Your website seems to be a bit out of date http://www.erevosblack.gr/ Do you feel social media like  Facebook, Twitter , Myspace is more for band promotion these days then a need for a proper website?

We update the site as frequent as we can. It is difficult to have balance between the music and the hours in front of the PC. Of course the social networks are more accessible to the fans and it is easier to spread news.

10. Is there a running theme on Descensus Ad Inferus? or just  a collection of Majestic Blackened Death Metal?

Descensus Ad Inferus is a concept! It is narrating a story of a man who fell asleep and he is doing a trip into the underworld! He witnesses all the mythical creatures in there and he must survive.

11. Erevos hold on to the Corpsepaint as well do you feel this important for a Black metal band . To keep the mysteries of old in the image of the band as to this writing there seems to be a power to Corpsepaint that Black metal bands that don't use it are missing?

It is the easiest and cheapest show… we have many ideas about the show but unfortunately we can’t afford them right now. We don’t think that corpspaint is important for a black metal band but for sure a show is very important in order to catch the attention of the public.

12. Thank you for your time. Any closing thoughts here.

Thank you very much for your time!!! Any person who wants to learn more about Erevos can visit our web site www.erevosblack.gr or can find us through Clawhammer www.myspace.com/clawhammerpr .

New Reviews Feb 19th 2012 @ AZM

Towards Darkness- Barren- CD (Avantgarde Music)

So where to begin with this is to remind you of time when Peaceville and Avantgarde were kings of the Doom/Death world as it looks like Avantgarde are back at this . Towards Darkness is a mix of Anathema, Morgion, Unholy and Deinonychus all mixed in a shroud of post metal elements and having the mellow slow creepy edge bands like  Monumentum and Shining (Sweden) have. This is Doom like I want it to be and how it needs to be . Towards Darkness builds into it every so slowly and when it get to the point you think you can bare no more its makes you want it all the more. You can feel every bleeding moment in a band like this and the organs just make it all the more power. Towards Darkness are madness only few will ever understand and respect. Take the time to listen and your rewards will be great with " Barren"..

http://avantgardemusic.com/

Les Discrets- Ariettes Oubliees- CD (Prophecy Productions)

Prophecy is one of those labels that have a feeling or sound where they like to mix a level of Post Rock, Gothic Elegance with Shoegazing Black metal and Experimental Metal. This band is no difference. There is a regal feeling to all that going on here. Les Discrets has most in common with bands like Alcest or Dornenreich on there label with moments of Antimatter. But you get where I'm going with this. When I listen to this I feel like I'm in an 19th Century thriller Jack the ripper as it gives you this old world vibe. Love the hypnotic way the vocals and guitars come through as well. Yes its all clean sung and it works so well for what is going on. Les Discrets comes from the Black metal world you can hear it in the way the arrangements are presented but they always have a that strong Shoegazing effect on there music. Prophecy Productions is Thinking mans metal and if you like what you hear with this the label has many bands that will make you spend more of your hard earned money as well.

http://www.prophecy.de/

Ribozyme- Presenting the Problem-CD (Indie Recordings)

There have been many mashing of sounds and styles over the yrs that have both worked an failed but with Ribozyme this one seems to work very well. I hear the Heavy Alt Rock sound of bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Tool then mixed with the Post Industrial sounds of bands like NIN, Jesu, Ministry and God lives underwater. The Heavy electronic works so well with thins Industrial Rock is something that really can be very cookie cutter but Ribozyme know how to keep it driving and interesting to say the least. I could hear this on heavy rock stations all over North America.  With " Presenting the Problem" we have some prog rock moment or at least complex rock elements going on that is not your just 4 cords and screamo vocals. Its impressive to say the least how it goes from mellow to power driven all in the same song.  Check them out you will not be disappointed.

http://www.indierecordings.net

Germ - Wish- CD (Eisenwald)

Electro Black Goth is what I'm getting from this I don't know if I like or hate this. The clean vocals are so out of key I think that is what is making me turn away from this. If Skinny puppy or Laibach were a black metal band this is what it would sound like.  I like the music going on its like Electro Black metal as I said the choir vocals in the back are amazing as well. Then there are times I swear this is the missing Vast album I've been waiting for  and the vocals and music are brilliant combine. The blackened screams seem a bit out of place. I just wish the music wasn't so similar on many of the tracks.  Germ is warming up on me but still not something I would listen to a lot .  Maybe as I give it more time that will change. Took me years to love Cop Shoot Cop and Swans but when it happened it became diehard with them. 

http://www.eisenton.de

Fluttery Records Delay's Release of In the minds of Madness ...

MAJOR UPDATE 2/18/2012The album on Fluttery records has been delayed sorry folks I was just told. I will give you info when I know.

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 Murder of Angels)- We've Been Forgotten

6-Clint Listing & Dana Duffey (Demonic Christ/ Mythic)- Passion Through Conflict

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

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

Strix Artist Hollow Branches Interview is up

Hollow Branches

1. So its been a few years since Anchored in Sleep and the new album in 2012. The last was in 2009... What has Hollow Branches been doing?

Anchored in Sleep came out around December 2009, and Okanagana Waves came out just over two years later in January 2012. It's been longer than we would have liked, but that's how it goes when you're an independent artist footing all expenses. For our part, Marius and I finished tracking the music and vocals by July 2010 at his studio in Norway. Unfortunately it took some time to find a replacement for Jason, which we eventually did in Mathew Kennedy from Phideaux. He finished tracking bass around mid-2011 at which point Marius started the mixing process. The CDs should be arriving from press any day now.

2. I see you have a new bassist and are no longer working with Jason from Agalloch/Nothing. Was Jason never a full time member?

No, Jason was never a full time member. He has a lot of commitments, and we were lucky to have him help us out on four Strix Records releases between Hollow Branches and Indelible.

3. The new album Okanagana Waves seems to have much in common with the sounds Ulver and Tenhi are creating. This album has a more Post Rock/ Folk element then the last as well. Where did the new sound come from?

On Anchored in Sleep and Words are Fire the writing was shared 50/50. This time Marius wrote all of the music, so I've asked him to answer this question.

I haven't really listened much to Tenhi, so that must be coincidental, or we might have the same inspirational sources? As for Ulver, we are both fans of their music, but I prefer the newer material, especially Shadows of the Sun, which is pretty far from Okanagana Waves musically, but pretty close thematically. Although I feel the themes on Okanagana Waves are taken down to a more direct and personal level.

While writing for Okanagana Waves much of the inspiration came from various Neofolk acts. I was also listening a lot to Änglagård and other prog bands at the time which can explain why the album at times mix up the two genres, and also why there are some hints of Scandinavian folk there.

4. Will Hollow Branches be performing or touring for Okanagana Waves?

Not at this time. Marius lives in Norway, I live on the west coast of the US, while Mathew lives on the east coast. We'd need a drummer, and about a years worth of rehearsal before we got anywhere near the stage.

5. You seem to be very into the digital age with the use of Last.fm, Bandcamp , Facebook etc. Do you feel the physical format for album is close to over?

I think for some people it certainly is (and in some cases never existed.) Many of the people I work with, for example, have never purchased a CD, record, cassette, etc. The idea is completely foreign to them because they were born at a different time.

I still purchase albums that I enjoy, but I nearly always preview a record before doing so. I completely respect other people's desire to do the same. Stream or download our album, and if you like it, throw a couple of dollars our way. For the collectors, we also have CDs. If you want high quality MP3s of Okanagana Waves and for one reason or another don't have any money to spend on music, send me an email and I'll give you a link to download our album. Music should be shared.

6. How did you come to create Strix Records which seems to be a digital label with limited physical album releases? http://www.strixrecords.com

Creating Strix Records has allowed us to release our music on our own timeline, without having to worry about a labels release dates. To give you an example, Marius' first band, Formloff, recently recorded their second album. When I say recently, I mean well over a year ago. The album was mixed, mastered, and the artwork was complete when Eisenwald agreed to release it. Unfortunately there were several releases scheduled to come out beforehand. It's not the fault of the label or the band, but as you know, labels rarely have just one artist to promote.

7.Robert you were working in few other projects are they still going on or is Hollow Branches the main focus these days?

Marius and I are both working on the next Hollow Branches album at this time. It's still early in the writing process, but I can tell you the next album will have a bit more rock. We're also finishing the recording of the next Indelible album, which Marius will begin mixing soon.

We also have the Self Spiller album coming out soon on Vendlus Records. Self Spiller is Jason's new(ish) side project which evolved out of Especially Likely Sloth. The band is made up of Jason, Marius and myself, along with Mirai and Dr. Mikannibal from Sigh, Andy Winter, Rob Kleiner, Zweizz, Don Anderson, and a bunch of other contributors. Outside of all of that, Marius is also involved in the black metal band, Formloff, and creates experimental ambient sounds under the Sjøli monicker.

8. Will we be seeing any videos for the new album again? Okanagana Waves seems to work very well for video formats?

We have talked about it, but we don't have the time or money to create a video at this time. Personally, I have an even greater desire to score a short film instead of creating a video for a song. We both have experience scoring, whether it be for software, which I have done, or commercials and student films, as Marius has done. Putting music to pictures is a lot more fun than putting images to sound.

9. What are your thoughts on the indie music scene in 2012? Do you see digital music as the new tape trading and webzines the new mouthpiece for the underground?

There are many great bands, both independent and on bigger labels. I don't like to focus on indie vs. major, but on what pleases me.

Similarities exist between digital culture and tape trading, but there was a permanence with tape trading and physical zines that just doesn't exist in the digital era. There is essentially no effort in downloading an album, so if you listen to 20 seconds and don't like what you're hearing it's pretty easy to just delete it from your computer/iPod. Our albums are for people that can get past their initial reactions and invest a bit of time listening, looking at the artwork, and reading through the lyrics. That's why every release since "Anchored in Sleep" has come with a digital booklet; to lend a little bit of permanence to a format that is easily discarded.

10. Are there any running themes on Okanagana Waves?

There are a lot of references to nature, skepticism, anxiety, and memory on Okanagana Waves. Because I have a terrible time sleeping through the night, my relationship with the morning is complicated, so many of my references to the sun and sleep are not very cheerful. The first, fourth, and final tracks on the album are about time, and the impermanence of life, the universe and everything.

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

Thanks for reading. You can stream and purchase Strix Records releases at http://hollowbranches.bandcamp.com/ orhttp://indeliblenor.bandcamp.com/

New Reviews 2/11/2012

Dimesland- Creepmoon- CD (Vendlus )

This band is truly all over the place. If you could mix Voivod with Testament and Strapping young lad all being influenced by Mike Patton and John Zorn then you have a close idea of whats going on crazy jazzy, scifi thrashing avant metal with a strong does of the punk way of making music. Dimesland is something when you hear it will know the band sounds similar but is doing something all their own. If you like Melvins or  Polkadot Cadaver this will get your blood racing with the very creative way the noisy and blur of sounds and layers are presented. Vendlus you have impressed me again with Creepmoon I hope to hear more from this band soon.

http://vendlus.com/

I Exist- II The Broken Passage-CD (Lost Shepard/ Prosthetic)

Mmmmm  Dirty Crusty Sludge Doom punk from these merchants of sound. If your into Crowbar, Eyehategod, Cavity and Buzzoven then this is going to knock you ass on the floor. The Hardcore vocals, Bluesy sludge and low end attack is just what the doctor ordered for this reviewer. All that is missing for me is the walls of feedback before and at the end of the songs. They good for more a punk rock element in the way the songs are recorded.  This would have been a Bacteria Sour or  Pesimester release for sure. Turn your amp to 11 and circle pit my friends....

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Stormcrow- Enslaved in Darkness-CD ( Self Made God)

Self Made God has been so very hit or miss with me over the years I never know if this is a love or hate moment. Well for the luck of  Self Made God " WE HAVE A WINNER!!".. This is full of  Grindcore, Doomy Death metal and a Crusty edge that makes me think of  Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower and Incantation melding into a sound that is massive and crushing at the same time. I may even have to throw a band like The Chasm into where I hear a band like Stormcrow getting inspiration from. There is a strong hardcore backdrop going on with this band but its just a part of the whole. The full on grindcore vocals the deep kind are what we have here. Check them out as live I would have to say if they sound anything like the album that is going to be there true power...

http://selfmadegod.com/

Enthroned- Obsidium-CD ( Agonia )

This Belgium based force is what I call Epic Black metal. Over to close to 20 years now they have been making  the Blackened sound that bands like Dimmu Borgir, Old mans child, Emperor, Marduk, Dark Funeral etc have done but the one main difference is that Enthroned add Heathen, Viking and Thrash elements into there sound. Don't be fooled for a minute this is Black metal there is just an added layer to it all. Enthroned never dissapoint they are a great band I could never understand why they have gone through so many different labels. The production on Obisidium is a shining moment. Agonia is becoming a major force for the Blackened arts of metal I think this is a great pairing for label and artist.

http://www.agoniarecords.com/

Lord Mantis- Pervertor-CD (Candlelight)

This interested me from the 1st riff .. Its Sludgy Black metal not something you hear everyday its almost like Black Cobra and Celtic Frost got together and had a slimey hateful little bastard to rule the underground airwaves. I just saw that there are members of Indian and  Nachtmystium in the band as well. Lord Mantis is a wall of nails in the face of all that are not ready. Pervertor has elements of Thrash and Doom metal in the low end it presents as well. There is a odd off key melody going on through out this album as well. Love the late 80/90's Bathory vibe the flows in and out of the album too. Though this is never what I would call a retro album the love the past and add to it in their own way of the bizarre. Check out Lord Mantis is going to be a powerful ride none the least.

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Erevos- Descensus Ad Inferus-CD (Orkestral Promenade Productions)

Wow I never thought these two bands would come to my mind when I reviewed a band  but if you put  Bal Sagoth and Limbonic art together as one band you would have 100% on what Erevos is creating here. Symphonic, Industrial , Alt  Black metal. This album is as massive as its complex and refreshing. I was not ready for this . I know some say its not fully Black metal they are very wrong this is just the next phase where Black metal can go to be original and interesting again. We will always need the raw, low fi and hatred for all things towards the light. This is not that its so much more . Mere words can not explain this band. You will need several listens to even get where this band is going. Wow Erevos Wow. This reviewer is more then pleased.

http://www.orkestral.gr/

Shroud of Despondency-Pine-CD/Digital (Self Released)

Every time I hear a new release from Rory and crew I never know to what level of insanity will come next this time out its Prog Black metal with Folk elements who thought that you could mix  Slough Feg with Bathory and Tenhi to make an album that is not only a blast to listen to but also something I think we will see other emulate into a genre.. SoD is best set as a self released band as its not something a label would have the resources to promote and its knows how the underground will react to a band like this. They are not about selling 100,000 records and the band is very clear on that. with Pine they are about the true essence of what the underground music world is. Independent thought, ideals and making music you have to as its the way to leave your legacy on this realm and maybe others..

https://www.facebook.com/shroudofdespondency