Absolute Zero Media 2012

Metalville Artist Opera Diabolicus Interview is up

2012-01-24T16:23:00.002-07:00

http://operadiabolicus.com/

1.Tell us a bit about Opera Diabolicus as with 1614this is the 1st

time I've heard of this Avant Prog Metal force..

Opera Diabolicus was formed as a concept in 2006. Itall began when I (David Grimoire) met Adrian (de Crow) during a stageplay of Umberto Eco’s “In the name of the Rose” in GothenburgSweden in 2006. We began to talk about music and theater and what itwould be like to combine those two things together. I’ve alwaysbeen into musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables andtheatrical metal bands so I was very pleased when I met Adrian whohad almost the same conceptual ideas.

2. With listening to 1614 a few times now actuallymany times I hear

elements of Goth, Prog, Symphonic Doom Metal and someDeath metal going

on. I get the same feelings form bands like DimmuBorgir, Arcturus and

Therion. These bands must play a role in the bandssounds.

In a matter of fact none of the mentioned bands isreally an influence because I’ve never really listened to them(I’ve never even heard of the band name Arcturus before). My maininfluences (when it comes to metal music) are King Diamond, MercyfulFate and Candlemass and perhaps a pinch of old school death and blackmetal from the early nineties. Old 70s stuff like old Alice Cooperand Uriah Heep is also an influence. The symphonic influences perhapscomes more from movies and stuff like that.

3. I read its says that Opera Diabolicus has beenaround since 2006 but

the 1st release is in 2012 . What have the last 6 yrsbeen setting up

this massive release?

Yes, we started this journey back in 2006. The mainreason that it has taken us so long spells “record label relatedproblems”. First back in 2006/2007 we were signed to a littleFrench label called Mourning Records. Unfortunately the owner of thelabel died in a car accident. After a year or so we signed to Dutchlabel Vic Records and after that everything stagnated. The label keptus on hold for almost 2 years before I pushed them until theyadmitted they didn’t have any money so they didn’t know when theywould be able to release the album. After some discussion we agreedto rip up the contract so we would find another label, and we did,Metalville Records.

4. I see your working with Snowy Shaw of King Diamondand Therion fame

is he a full time member or is the main band just theduo of David and

Adrian?

Opera Diabolicus is not a regular band in the sensethat it’s five guys standing in a rehearsal room practicing once aweek. Very early on we decided that for us to be able to do anythingthat we want and to be so creative as possible we shouldn’t berestricted by the normal band standard and the limitations andpitfalls that lie there in. It was a real aha experience when Irealized that I now could write any music that I wanted without theinterfering of others and I guess Adrian felt the same thingregarding the lyrics. Opera Diabolicus should more be seen as anact/ensemble with me and Adrian as the foundation.

5. Your video for "Blood Countess Bathory"is as visually stunning as

musically will be be seeing a long form DVD at allyour music fits it

so well?

That would have been awesome to do a long form DVD.We really liked to work with the visual elements and the guys thathelped us with the video production (11Frames Production) were great,but as for now we have to put that idea on hold because it would betoo expensive, but in the future with a good budget then who knows.Hopefully we could make that kind of thing happen.

6. I really wondering is Opera Diabolicus a full timetouring project

or most a grandious studio event?

We have intentions of taking this to the stage.Everything depends on demand and economy.

7. How did you come to work with Metalville ( A veryup and coming

label in Metal world)?

When we were signed to Vic Records Chris Bolthendal(front man in Grave Digger and former employee of Metalville)contacted me to see if we were interested in a deal with them, but wewere under contract with Vic Records at the time. After the break upwith Vic Records I remembered his proposal and so I contactedMetalville to see of they still were interested in collaboration, andluckily for us they were.

8. The mix of Clean and Harsh Male vocals andClassical Female vocals

works so well with the complexity of the music fromDelicate acoustics

to full on Symphonic black metal. Is this how theband has been since

2006 or have there been many changes?

The songs and the music has more or less been thesame since 2006.

9. Before 1614 album where there demos or smallerreleases for people

to hear?

We did a pre-production thing that we used whencontacting records labels and so on, but no official demos or anyother releases are available.

10. The artwork of the album 1614 is very impressivehow does it play

into the theme of the record?

Yes, the concept of the art work is related to thelyrical concept of the album, which is the story of CountessElisabeth Bathory. She’s the main figure on the cover and it’sAdrian and I standing beside her. The art work was made byGyula Havancsákand and we think he really captured the essenceof Opera Diabolicus and the album †1614.

11. Your website http://operadiabolicus.com/ seemsto be just a portal

to social media sites do you feel this is the bestway to promote music

in 2012?

We haven’t really given that any special thought. Iguess the social media is very important nowadays. The reason ourwebsite is like a portal is that we wanted be able to direct the fansin the right direction and make it easy for them to find the rightinformation.

12. You have a theatrical side many bands in thisgenre have used in

the past.. Do you feel image and sound need to gohand in hand to make

things more interesting?

It doesn’t have to be so, but I think that for thiskind of music it really helps.

13. What is the vision you see for Opera Diabolicusin future releases?

We’re working on material for a sequel at themoment, but we don’t want to give away anything so early on in theprocess, but I can assure you, it will be a killer.

14. Thank you for your time any closing thoughtshere..

Thanks for the interview and I would really recommendpeople to go to YouTube and look up the video clip for the song“Blood Countess Bathory”, put it on HD and with full screenbecause it’s a real thrill to watch. And of course if you like themusic, buy the album. That’s the best way to ensure that there willbe a sequel.

Opera Diabolicus - Blood Countess Bathory

2012-01-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

This band is really impressing me avant Black Doom with heavy prog elements.

New Reviews Jan 22nd 2012

2012-01-22T08:14:00.001-07:00

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

Earth has become a Post Rock/ Post Metal force where the band conveys emotion , power and passion in a way few bands do anymore. Yes at one time the were a crushing doom force but as the band found there direction over the last 20 yrs they have over I would say 4 releases gelled and become modern classical music. with lush strings, flowing guitars, simple percussion and the understanding that less can really be so much more in music. This is the 2nd part to an album that in no way could have been topped and with this its not its just added to the majestic nature of all things Dylan and his crew does. If you like bands like Silver Mt Zion, Polvo, Later Sonic Youth and American music then you will be drawn in with the Blues, Bluegrass and very avant tuning's that are used here. Earth is a band that will change the way you think about how music can be presented and created.

http://southernlord.com/

Monarch- Omen- CD (At A Loss)

THIS IS DOOM!! SOUL CRUSHING SLOW DRONING DOOM!!!!. I BOW DOWN TO THEE AND SIT AT THE ALTAR OF SONIC CREATION AND DESTRUCTION AT THE VERY SAME MOMENT... SLOW, PAINFUL, HOPELESS and TORTURED . WHAT MORE REALLY NEED TO BE SAID... YES THIS IS ALL IN CAPS BECAUSE THIS ALBUM IS THAT IMPORTANT TO DOOM/DEATH AND DRONE DOOM FANS. YOU LIKE KHANATE, SUNN00)), GNAW, ESOTERIC AND GRIEF THEN YOU MUST GET THIS AT ALL COST. MONARCH IS LIKE MOLASSES TO THE DOOMED SOULS OUT THERE WOW!!!! 3 SONGS OVER 30 MINS LONG YOU CAN NOT ASK FOR MORE OTHER THEN THE NEXT RELEASE ....

http://atalossrecordings.com/

Rising- To Solemn Ash-CD(Exile on Mainstream)

So what we have here is a mix of Mastodon, Crowbar and Celtic Frost thrown in for that Death/Thrash element that Frost is so known for. This is a massive sounding release that loves to add Thrash metal elements into Sludge Doom something that as said the two above bands have been doing for years. this is not something I expected from Exile on Mainstream a more Post Rock, Heavy Indie record label but you know what I going to say damn glad to hear it. Love the guitars they are so dirty and nasty in tone they work amazing with the throaty vocal yelling that the vocalist is working on. Rising at times makes me want to circle pit as well. This unit needs to tour with Mastodon as they are the perfect paring.

http://mainstreamrecords.de/

SYVEN-Aikaintaite-CD (Vendlus Records)

As I read about this my heathen side became very interested in this as its a new project from Nest member and as we dig into this is a very ethereal pagan journey with ritualistic and nature based elements running through out . What I hear at this time is a mix of Ruhr Hunter, Skepticism and Tenhi with moments of bands like Of the wand and the moon . I do not want to think its neo folk in anyway its more Ambient Heathen Folk Doom. The chants and innovations are so powerful to say the lease with the acoustic wind instruments , organs and doomy guitars, death vox and primal percussion. This is for the forgotten part of you memory of when the world look to the sky's and mother nature as the providers and parents of the children of this world. SYVEN gives me chills and it should do the very same to you if you have any kind of humanity left in you. Remember you roots as they will save you in the end.

http://vendlus.com/

Mondrian Oak- Aeon- CD (Eibon Records)

Its been far too long since I've heard from Eibon home to some brilliant release Canaan, Nothing, Gruntsplatter, Control, Esoteric etc. Well with this release we have a very dark Post Rock album with gothic and metallic overtone. You can feel the heaviness in this album and the layers and the time they took to create Aeon if your a fan of Earth or Russian Circles this is a must own as they are very much in the same Doomy Post Rock world that these artist have created or even the more aggressive side of Mogwai. Mondrian Oak have a talent that many do not in this day and age. They have a way to make the sounds of Isis and Neurosis mix the Post rock world and not sound clone like. Eibon is a label that cares about every release and clearly not in it for the fame or massive $$$$$$. I hope this becomes a classic like many of thier other releases.

http://www.eibonrecords.com/

Opera Diabolicus- + 1614-CD (Metalville)

Wow more Sci fi, Prog Death/Black metal I was not ready for this if you like bands like Oxiplegatz, Therion, Ayreon and Dimmu Borgir all mixed into one stew then Opera Diabolicus is for you a mix of Operatic Sung male and female vocals, death vox and prog elements all going to a symphonic death metal release that could have been created by Savatage or Yes at the same time. While this band is everywhere at once it all works so well. Its a play set to metallic /prog music. Opera Diabolic is going to take the world by storm with the right promotion. This could be the next big underground force. If you like bands like T.S.O and Nevermore and Older Iced Earth it will win you over as well Symphonic Black metal crowd. This is not a simple listen but its not suppose to be. You feel like you've been part of something greater after listening to this album. A must listen!!!

http://metalville.de/

Stop American Censorship — a campaign from Fight for the Future

2012-01-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

Stop American Censorship — a campaign from Fight for the Future

Season of Mist Artist Kells Interview is up

2012-01-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

http://kellsofficial.com/

For those of us new to Kells tell us how you came to be?

Virg : Kells really became a band when Fabrice (ex-keyboarder and co-founder) and I met Patrick (Guitar) in 2004. We composed the whole « Gaia » album together in nearly 6 months and it was released in November 2005. To be able to tour, Guillaume (drums) and Jérémie (bass) joined the band. In 2007, The line-up changed considerably : Jérémie was replaced by Laurent, Guillaume by Jano, and Fabrice left, each one because Kells was growing too fast and their personal lives couldn’t fit anymore.
For more than a year, while touring in the meantime, we composed the « Lueurs » album, which was released on February 2009. And for the same reasons as Guillaume, Fabrice and Jérémie, Jano happened to leave us in 2010. Julien Nicolas (Drums) joined and we began touring all around Europe with Tarja Turunen, Epica, Leave’s eyes and Revamp, but never ending to write the songs that are part of « Anachromie », out on January 20, 2012.

2. I know this is your 2nd album for Seasons of Mist how did you come to

work with them?

Virg : Season of Mist were already willing to distribute « Gaia » in 2007, but for some reasons (« Gaia » was already distributed by Adipocere Records), it was not possible… So when I offered Season of Mist to distribute « Lueurs », they accepted immediately, without even listenning to it. Then, « Lueurs » sold quite well and that’s why they accepted to add us fully to their artist roster ! And we are really proud of this !

3. Your song to my ears on Anachromie is a mix of Gothic, and doom and

prog metal with some very eastern elements. It's like mixing In this

moment, The Gathering and Third and the mortal together. Has the moved

to this song or has it always been this complex?

Pat : Actually, we do not limit ourselves in the writing process, and this allows us to explore various musical horizons. In the previous albums, I kind of restrained myself when I composed because in Kells, we have always mixed the ideas of each members and we were not all in the same musical direction before Julien Nicolas joined. That’s why « Anachromie » is stronger, because we’re all tending to the same direction, and creating a kind of unity. But that’s just the beginning, because the more we work together, the more we create a style that is just us.

4. Is there a running theme on Anachromie?

Virg : In this album, I deal with many different themes: mirages (“Illusion d’une aire”), conflicting relations (“Se taire”, “Nuances”, “Addictions”, “L’autre rive”), alcoholism (“Quelque part”), psychological confinement (“Bleu”), my car accident (“L’asphalte”, “L’heure que le temps va figer”), pedophilia (“Le manège déchanté”), unsolved disappearances (“Emmurés”), loss of dearest ones (“Cristal”, “L’écho”) … But what makes the coherence of ANACHROMIE is that everything is written in a disjointed way, the space-time notion is broken, the reality mixes up with the dream, as in the surrealist genre... Globally, the lyrics are anachronistic. Also, I use many adjectives of color (ochre, silver, gold, amaranth, blue, white, black, saffron, amber, sapphire, sandy…), which gives the lyrics a very pictorial aspect. It is the mixture of these 2 concepts, the chromia and the anachronism, that gave birth to ANACHROMIE.

5. What is a live show like for Kells is it very theatrical or more just

more raw rock show?

Ju: Because we have some symphonic orchestrations, people often think that we will be theatrical on stage, like other gothic bands. The thing is that we do not consider ourselves gothic, but a mixture of rock and metal. We are really energetic on stage, jumping and headbanging around !

The songs are always thought for the live, for the dynamics, it is very important for us!

6. What's the bands thoughts on the modern digital age. Do you feel it

hurts artists with social media, and digital audio and websites

everywhere? Do you miss demo and tape trading with print zines?

Virg : Sometimes, downloads can be considered as a good advertising. People may hear from you on the internet and will be curious enough to download it illegally and have a listen. If they like what they hear, sometimes they will be fair enough to buy it to help the underground scene survive. In this case, it can be considered helpful and a means to discover bands. But most of the times, people that will like what they hear won’t buy, because why would they pay for something they can have for free ? So, it is also something killing the artists, because sad but true, no more art is possible if artists can’t afford it anymore… Playing music has a cost and it must be able to cover expanses otherwise they won’t produce anything more.

7. The artwork on Anachromie is very unique how does it play into the

ideas of the Album?

Pat: The cover artwork has been made by Blackthorns Design. We appreciated what he had made for other bands, this mixture of surrealism and modernity, that’s why we decided to work with him.

Virg: Anachronism and Achromia gave birth to "ANACHROMIE", so the frontcover and the booklet are an illustration of the lyrics… The girl with her bridal veil, with all her dreams, the tortured childhood, the nightmares, and the anachronism always there, with the hours of the clock, the tracklist in disorder … As in the surrealist universe, where nothing has any reasonable landmarks or points of reference…

8. Kells seem to mix modern sounds with old school metal. Do you find

your fan base very divide between metalheads, and nu metal and

experimental music fans?

Virg : It is true that our fans come from various musical horizons… Mostly Nu-Metal heads and Symphonic Metalheads… And we are glad our music reaches not only one kind of audience but gathers people of different tastes !

9. With there be any music videos coming from Kells for new album?

Lo: Actually, there’s already one that has been released on November ! The video exists

both in french and english, it is « Se taire » and « Furytale ». We are currently writing the

scenario for a second video extracted from « Anachromie » and the song is called

« Emmurés » (translation : immured).

10. The vocals a mix classically trained, death metal and melodic hard

rock all done by a powerful female voice. Do you feel that in 2012 that

gives the band a unique edge in extreme music scene?

Virg : I don’t think that my growls make Kells an extreme band because the clear voices are

too present, but yes, it gives the music a new agressive sound that fit Patrick’s guitar riffs

perfectly and highlight the soft passages.

11. Kells do have a slicker more commercial edge over all. Would you

ever want to move to a major label or is it much better on a larger

indie like S. O. M?

Virg : In France, Metal is not a music genre much appreciated. That’s why we do not interest major companies here. And indie record companies that sign metal bands, will rather sign an extreme metal band than Kells. So Season of Mist offered the perfect deal. They could promote us both in France and abroad. There were not many record companies ready to do that here in France, but THEY took the risk and I see no reasons why another record company should harvest the fruits now that they have done everything…

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

KELLS: We wish we’ll be able to tour in the USA in the near future !
Thank you for your interest, time and support !

New Reviews 1/7/2012

2012-01-07T15:41:00.001-07:00

Corrosion of Conformity-Corrosion ofConformity-CD (Candlelight USA)

Its been a while since Mike Dean as been the Captain of the COC ship and with their new self titled album the 1st for Candlelight the trio that created Animosity is back. Mixing elements of Stoner, Punk, Thrash and Hardcore that is something all to its own like every version of COC.. There is always a heavy blues element is all that this band does and that but add the such a Sabbath vibe to them. The crust and hardcore is playing a much larger role into there new self titled release without Pepper on vox and guitar . Not much more to say here other then if you like the older and new mixed in COC then this going to kick you in the ass. Candlelight you have something that the COC tribe of fans have been waiting for with baited breathe for years a true crossover record..

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Hate Squad- Katharsis-CD (Massacre Records)

What do get if you mix old school UK Death metal with a groove and a back beat you get HATE SQUAD... The best way to say there sound is if Dismember, Hypocrisy and Sepultura came together as one force. The vocals remind me so much of Dismember.. The groove comes from that Roots Period Sepultura arrangement and the guitars are straight of Hypocrisy in the tonal and structure. Hate Squad is a bit of the left field in metal world some will call them Metalcore but they are far more a Death metal force with some hardcore elements mixed into it all. Your Rotten Life is a total Bolt Thrower worship as well.. I really dig what Hate Squad is doing and I think you If you mix Jazz, Avant Rock and Prog Metal with a heavy dose of the just plain bizarre what do you get?? Well let me tell you Morkobot should be in that path.. If Voivod was more Avant/Prog and less metal then you would call them Morkobot as well. Morbo is another band without the need of a vocalist as the raw power of this band is in the low end of the massive riffs they supply to there fans. If Mastadon and Voivod had a love child I swear it would be Morkobot. Ok so if by now you don't get were this band is coming from you never will. Check them out or be a bit less complete in the new age of music.will as well let the Metal banner wave high with Katharsis...

http://massacre-records.com/

Morkobot-Morbo-CD (Supernatural Cat)

If you mix Jazz, Avant Rock and Prog Metal with a heavy dose of the just plain bizarre what do you get?? Well let me tell you Morkobot should be in that path.. If Voivod was more Avant/Prog and less metal then you would call them Morkobot as well. Morbo is another band without the need of a vocalist as the raw power of this band is in the low end of the massive riffs they supply to there fans. If Mastadon and Voivod had a love child I swear it would be Morkobot. Ok so if by now you don't get were this band is coming from you never will. Check them out or be a bit less complete in the new age of music.

http://supernaturalcat.com/

Hail Spirit Noir- Pneuma-CD ( Code666)

We all should be prepared by what were going to get from the fine folk at Code666 . With Hail Spirit Noir this is ever more the truth. Post Avant Black metal this is akin with bands like DHG, Sigh, Abyorm, Bal Sagoth , Oxiplegatz.. If you have not heard of this bands you are missing out. I know this is a limited market for music as you have to like unsettling music that is mixed with odd jazz organ, growls, prog rock and full on black metal feedback or low fi guitar sounds all mixed into Symphonic Black metal backdrops. The Words can not begin to tell you how fucking cool this album is to me I swear the love Bogus Blimp and John Zorn as much as Mayhem and Saytricon. This band is everywhere and no where at the same time. If you ever saw Emit Otters jugband christmas "The Nightmare Riverbottom band" song in that is all I need to say..

Get this and don't pass go !!!!!!!

http://code666.net/

Nothnegal- Decadence-CD (Season of Mist)

Progressive Death metal with a very modern sound and feel. If you like bands like Ihsahn, Dark Tranquility and Children of Bodom then you already know where we are going with this review before I even needed to start. The complexity on this is only matched by its brilliant production. Some with find the organs or the over all prog synth sounds to be a bit to much for me its a perfect mix. The Futuristic elements are what make this an album to listen to over and over again. Someone in this band love Prog metal very very much and Pain of Salvation even more .. The Death vocals work even better then I could ever imagine on a more up beat sound then I thought possible. Amorphis would be be great touring partner for this band just food for thought..

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

Kells- Anachromie-CD (Season of Mist)

Wow just wow this is one hell of a female fronted metallic force if you can mix elements of The Gathering, Third and the Mortal and Lana Lane then you have all you need and more. I know some of you are going to say Evanescence but that is just because they are a mix of all I just mentioned. I would say there are some nightwish moments going on too but this is more aggressive in the over all approach to what Kells do. The also have a sound comparison to In this Moment. Kells like to throw in a very oriental flavor to there mix that you would get from bands like Orphaned Land or Dead can Dance (some call it an eastern sound). As with most SOM releases this has a massive sound and the songs are so much more complex then I expected . The Female vocals are never just selling point as this women can sing and that is very clear. Kells with the right push in the US market could be a major force here. Great and Creative release here support them if you can..

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

Dodecahedron- S/T-CD (Season of Mist Underground Activitist)

Sci Fi Black metal with a very Occult leaning going on here. If you want Post Black metal that makes you think as music and listen to the musical adventure then your looking in the right place. This reminds me of bands like Wolves in the Throne room, Mayhem, Watian and the Mighty Virus.. The layers on this album lean toward the obscure and fractured chord progressions that almost go toward drones and sub harmonics. Dodecahedron is a band you will take many listens to fully say whether this is a band you Love , Hate or just can not wrap your head around. The Industrial element is very strong though out this self titled release as well. They have taken what the old Black metal guard has given them and what Post Black metal is doing now and made it all there own. Two major thumbs up on this release my friends..

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

Black Plagve/Malignant Artist Hypsiphrone Interview is up

2012-01-03T18:51:00.002-07:00

http://www.reverbnation.com/hypsiphrone

1. For most of my reader this will bethe 1st time they heard of Hypsiphrone . Tell how the project came tobe?

Hypsiphrone was conceivedalmost three years ago, when I felt the need to manifest into sound acertain concept I had in my mind, very abstract but intense. Itseemed that it was already there complete by itself, although Ididn't know that at the moment. Butas soonas I started recording everythingfell immediately into place and every new idea that sprang intomy mindharmonized perfectly with whatI hadalreadyrecorded.

2.Hypsiphroneseems to blur the lines of Black metal, Doom, Noise and Industrialmusic how did this sound come to happen?

As I already said the concept neededonly the suitable medium in order to be expressed properly and sinceI am quite acquainted with these genres, my ideas had to merge withthe suitable aspect of sound so as to evoke a certain feeling. I am afan of many diverse musical genres and I have no inhibitions inmerging one with the other if it helps me completethe puzzle of my vision. Theonly thing that worried me was whether theresult would be successful or not.

3. Your Currentrelease is on Black Plagve home to Sewer Goddess how did you sign tothis fantastic sub label of Malignant?

I was always a great fan of Malignantand that was why I got in touch with Jason through MySpace. When hetold me that he heard my project and asked me if I was interested inreleasing it through his label I felt more surprised than ever, sinceHypsiphrone was a completely unknown project, without even a singledemo! Needless to say I accepted immediately! Without his faith inHypsiphrone and his professional attitude none of this would havehappened. Our collaboration was flawless in every way and if itwasn't for him and Vitriol, who did the artwork and some of the vocalparts, Hypsiphrone would probably be almost nothing now...

4.So Hypsiphrone perform live being a solo project or do you leave itto studio for all you do?

That is something I have yet to decide.I have no objections in playing live but it surely won't be an easything for me to do, since I have to work a lot on the arrangement ofthe sound on stage and use some more musicians, so that I don't haveto rely only on prerecorded layers of music. But all depends on mydesire to do it. If I feel that it is neccesary for me and I get thechance to do it, it will be done.

5. Is there a themeor story line behind the release And The Void Shall Pierce TheirEyes?

Certainly. The whole project wascreated for this reason. From my personal point of view it refers toworship and ecstasy, though not to any particular deity, other thanwhat inspired me to manifest this sound. As Aleister Crowley puts it“That whichcauses us to create is our true father and mother; we create in ourown image, which is theirs”.And for me the means to feel this ecstasy was through thesesoundscapes and these particular themes. It had to do with plungingin the abyss of my own self, manifesting what I found there and usingit as explanatory to the actual abstract meaning of the soundscapes.It is obviously considered abhorrent or sick bysome, but if it was identical with the mundane none of us would havethe need to transmute it into sound or listen to it. On the otherhand the whole album deals with the acceptance that these things arearound us and in us, and their knowledge really turns one's worldupside down, eventhough mostpeople want to convince themselves otherwise.

6. What's yourthoughts on the current digital age for underground artists? Does ithelp or hurt with so many free download and social media outletsto over expose a new artist before they have time to develop?

On one hand it is something positive,since many bands and especially undeground oneshave the means to become known and spread their music. On theother hand when there are so many releases appearing everyday most ofthem go unnoticed, and some of them surelyhave to be very good. Also it hurts most of the labelsa lot, which are created by people who love this undergroundsound and try to keep it alive regardless of any financial profit.Now concerning the fact that artists are exposed before they havetime to develop, I believe it is mostly their own decision, no one isobligated to release anything if they don't want to. But apart fromall these, the most interesting thing in my opinion is that throughall the social network pages artists and audiencecan communicate directly and more easily than inthe past, when the only way to getin touch with someone was through regularpost.

7. Do you feel Myspace and Facebook areall bands need today to promote themselves or would you like tosomeday have a proper website and digital outlet just forHypsiphrone?

Surely these social networks help a lotfor promotion for all the obvious reasons, but I certainly want atsome point to create a proper website for Hypsiphrone, that expressesalso aesthetically what the project is all about and not just somewebpage with a common design for all users.

8. Wheredo you see Hypsiphrone heading in future releases?

I believe it is a little bit too earlyto comment on that. I don't know how the spirit will move me, but allthe key elements of the debut album will be there.

9.I like to ask to to all I interview. What music/ sounds outthere is impressing you currently?

I listen toa lot of music and many diverse genres as I've already said.These days I am listening to Rasalhauge by Malignant Records, some ofthe latest releases of Cyclic Law and Kalpamantra and a lot ofHermann Nitsch's music.

10 Your from Greece what is thescene for Extreme like in 2011 I know at one time there was a hugeBlack/ Death metal scene going on..

There are still many good bands around,some of them quite interesting and with fresh ideas. I don't know alot of people from the scene personally,since I am a bit of a recluse type myself. I was a huge fan of thewhole early 90's extreme scene in Greece, one of the contemporarybands that I enjoy listening tothese daysis "Sun of Nothing".

11. Doyou think Image and presentation are as important in Occult orBlackened themed music. I see Corpse paint, Blurred Images, Grimfeels etc if done right add so much to the final ideals?

Sure, image is very important, even theabsence of image is somehow a declaration of the theme surrounding aproject. But image as with everything else is there to enrich andaccompany the music, explain it in visual terms and help those whoresonate to your stigma get attracted to your work. But to focus moreon the presentation neglecting the music, falls to purecommercialism.

12. If you could sum up whatHypsiphrone sound was in 3 words what 3 words would you use?

Ecstasy – Blood –Annihilation.

13. Thank you for the time any closethoughts here..

Thank you very much for the interview,keep up the good work and support the underground.

Prophecy Productions Nucleus Torn Interview is up..

2012-01-01T11:25:00.004-07:00

http://www.nucleustorn.ch/

1. I knowthe project has been around for a while now but this is really the1st time I've had a full chance to listen. Tell us a bit about theproject and what you want people to take from it.

FS: I hopethat NT performs open music for open souls and minds. It's quiteobvious that we use elements from a wide range of musical stiles andalso many instruments, some think that this makes our music a littlechallenging. I guess it really takes some time for our music to sinkin; listeners also need to invest some energy trying to appreciateour music just as we do writing and performing it.

2. There isa strong mix of Prog, Doom metal, Post Rock and Neofolk . I hear alot of bands like The Gathering, 3rd and the mortal, In the Woods andAnathema going on. Was this sound grown over time or have allreleases been this diverse?

FS:In thepast tenyears, allour releaseshave beenquite diverse.After anall acousticphase inthe beginning(Kraehenkoenigin(1998,re-released onTravellers),we movedon tomore progressivesounds (Silver(2000),Submission(2002)(bothonTravellers)tosomethingItendtodescribeasunique(thetrilogyNihil,Knell,AndromedaAwaiting).GoldenAgesumsitallupinaway.IfIwantedtoshowsomeonealmostallplaceswe'vevisitedasartists,I'dintroducethemtoourmostrecentalbum.

By the way,I know all these bands, but only The Gathering and Anathema have beeninfluences, amongst a zillion others and more important ones.

3. There isa very Heathen/ Nature based element to all that Nucleus Torn Does.Do the old world elements values mean a lot to the band?

FS: NT hasno affiliation to Paganism. Quite a few in the group are Christians,some are agnostics, some couldn't care less. With some members I'venever talked about religion at all. As a collective, NT is secular.

Old worldvalues? That could mean a lot of things, some I could identify with,others probably not. Wolves evolve, you know.

4. Do youfind the band between two worlds? The Prog and Metal world? As someof the songs so like it could be two different bands?

FS: Prog andmetal are almost one in a way. After all, it was thanks to metalgroups that prog had its Renaissance sometimes in the 90es, andwithout Opeth and Tool, Porcupine Tree would never sound the way theydo now and certainly not enjoy the same success.

Backto NT:I honestlydon't thinkthat wehave “metalsongs” and“prog songs”– we haveNT-songs. Somefeature brutalelements, somenot, justas somefeature folk,classical, prog,whatever elementsand somedo not.GoldenAgehasadramaturgy,itfollowsaprocessofdisintegrationanddecline,ofasteadydownwardspiralintomadnessanddespair,hence,thebrutalelementscometotheforegroundinthesecondhalfoftherecord.

5. DoesNucleus Torn perform live? If so what is or would a live event belike??

FS: No, wedon't, unfortunately. We're working on it. If we manage to performlive, it will be in a small, most probably all acoustic line-up,focussing on the very essence of selected songs. Time will tell.

6. What areyour thoughts on the current digital age with ( Social media,webzines and digital audio) do you miss the days of old when bandssold albums got college or indie radio play? got to tape trade andand print zine? or is the new wave the new underground ?

FS: To behonest, I don't quite care. I'm a musician and don't think primarilyabout promoting our music. I made music before I released it and Iwill still make music long after I've stopped having it released.

Ishould alsonote thatNT grewdirectly intothe wholeinternetpromotion thing,because ourfirst realalbum appearedin 2006(Nihil),andneithercollegenorindieradioplayeverwasimportantoverhereinEurope.ThankstoProphecyProductions,we'vealsoalwayshadalotofsupportfromprintzines.

I hardly ever traded tapes, but quite a few mp3-files, so I'm notangry about having hard drives with many GB either. This way, I'vediscovered many gems that have since been been added to my recordcollection.

7. What arethe artists or bands that influenced you into the sound that NucleusTorn creates?

FS: Thereare too many to name them all, I'm also not too fond of namedropping. To cut a long story really short: The greatest in classicalmusic (medieval age to present), some in jazz, some in pop, many inrock, the most innovative in prog and metal – of course all verysubjective, no one else would or could completely agree with me. It'sa matter of taste.

8. Have youheard of Kayo Dot? as you remind me very much of what that to AvantProgressive music with a Metal edge though you are more Folk based.How do you create songs for Nucleus Torn.. Are they layers in studiois most done live?

FS: Kayo Dotare fantastic. I especially love their first album. I really must goand see them live when they come to Europe the next time.

Back to NT:We do layers in the studio, we hardly ever record more than oneinstrument at a time. We hope to be able to change that in thefuture, we'd love to have more real time interaction on our records.

9. You'veworked with Prophecy Productions for while now. Do you feel this ishome or do you want to try to grow to a larger label or more massivepromotion outside of Europe?

FS: No, weeither stay with Prophecy Productions or move to a smaller label orstop to release our music. I think NT is too small, nasty andunpredictable for bigger markets, and I am not ambitious enough.

10. IfNucleus Torn could collaborate with any artist or band just once whowould it be and why?

FS: I doquite a lot of guest appearances, e.g. with Eluveitie, Triptykon,Island, Klabautamann and many more, including dozens of ad hocensembles (mainly classical). Anna performs with Eluveitie, Blutmond,Fraekmuendt and several others. Our drummer Christoph performs withabout ten groups. You see, we are quite busy in several respects.

You probablyexpected a different kind of answer: To be honest, I simply don'tknow. Just because I like somebody else's music doesn't mean that wecould also collaborate successfully. I'm not the easiest guy to workwith either.

11. I know Isay this again but I hear such a kinship to Anathema/ Antimatter/Porcupine Tree. Did these bands inspire you very much ?

FS: Anathemaquite a bit, Antimatter not really (though I like some of theirstuff), Porcupine Tree a little bit. PT/Steven Wilson are/is quitegood at taking other peoples ideas and improving them. But they/heare not very original in my opinion.

12. Wouldyou call your music 21st century classical music? I would say yourmaterial is more composed then written or am I way off base?

FS:Yes, whynot, thatwould certainlybe fittingfor KnellandAndromedaAwaiting.Then again,GoldenAgeisprimarilyarockrecord.Whereastheformerwhere“composed”,thelatterwas“written”.IwrotemostofitinthefewdaysduringwhichIretreatedtoasmallhouseinthemountainswithmy12stringguitar.

13. Will wesee videos or a DVD from Nucleus Torn as your are made for the visualformat.

FS: I don'tthink so, unless a visual artist becomes interested in working withus and spending his/her time on a project based on what we do. I'dcertainly love to see that, but there's neither money nor prestige tobe gained with that. Personally, I have decided to stick to music anddo the best I can in this area. I perform so many instruments andstyles of music, I need to try and focus a bit or will eventually endup doing too many things badly.

14. Yourwebsite is very minimalist is done on purpose or just think Socialmedia is best outlet for Artist today?

FS: Thewebsite has more or less remained the same since 2004. There's noneed to change it. It remains beautiful and is frequently updated.Social media... yes, we do have a myspace site (vintage) and facebook(for your everyday needs). I prefer instruments made of wood andmetal, great microphones and decent sounding rooms. I'm a musician.

15. Thankyou for the time any closing thoughts here?

FS:Enjoy GoldenAgeanddon'tforgettolistentoNihil,KnellandAndromedaAwaiting.Theyareallworththeeffort.

5 new reviews for 2012....

2012-01-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Peter Bjargo- The Architecture Of Melancholy-CD (Cyclic Law)

1st off if you don't know who Peter is you have not listened to modern Neoclassic, Ambient or Industrial music in the last 15-20 yrs as his projects Arcana and Sophia are some of the best presentations of Neoclassical Ambience and Martial Industrial ever respectively. Now with what seems to be his 1st solo album on the the always wonderfully done label Cyclic law Peter is showing more a Spaghetti Western meets Post Industrial soundscape of the world it reminds me a lot of David Galas Release on Vendlus Records several yrs back or something that Dead Can Dance or Lycia would have created in that genre or style. The eastern influence is very strong in what is happening here. Peter has brought back the Darkwave sound in vengeance. The Strings, Hushed acoustic guitars, slightly buried vocals and simple but bombastic percussion is just soul aching to say the least. Peter is taking you on an emotional journey in a way that older Arcana did but this takes it on such a more personal journey. This will be a classic for the 21st century no question..

http://cycliclaw.com/

So is the Tongue- A Child of Divorce-CD ( Nefarious Industries)

A new Project a new label to me so here we go... So is the tongue are from my home state on New Jersey as are one of those oddball avant rockers that if your not a fan of labels like Touch and Go, Merge, SST or Constellation/ Matador then you will just be in complete disgust of the band at 1st listen. They mix low fi, Post rock, Avant jazz, Noise rock and Post punk in to a way that the mainstream listeners head would just turn this off in the 1st 30-50 seconds and if your a fan of bands like Sonic Youth, Slint, Rodan, Rein Sanction or Sunny Day Real Estate then you are going to love every moment of this . So glad to hear more music like this as they add elements of Bands like Kayo Dot and Isis in the very loose guitar and jazz elements that are going on. Again we are talking about music that is going to make you think and change your idea's on how music can really be arranged and created. Come into this with an open mind and you will be richer in the end by far..

http://nefariousindustries.com

Aspectee- Jour cinq-CD (Black Drone)

A Dark and Drifting journey into the bleakness of ones inner self with very unsettling results. This was the kind of things I would listen to at night while reading Sci fi or Fantasy books by candlelight in the winters of Rhode Island when I lived there alone. It really sets the mood. Aspectee is more about the layers of sounds and how the come together to make your mental state change then being a force for the darkness. Ambient music like this is more for the Industrial or Occult fan as this is where it takes the listener. Remember the days of Robert Rich, Vidna Obmana, Lustmord, Yen Pox and Raison D etre and this is all you need to know. Fantastic to hear more well done and well presented Dark Ambient.

http://blackdrone.com/

Black Skies- On the wings of time-CD ( Self Released)

Black Skies as a love affair of Swans, Prong andMastodon from what I hear there are some very strong punk elementsgoing on as well. To complete it all I hear the monster of CelticFrost entering into the picture as well. This is one of the mostpowerful unsigned forces I'm hear in a while Punky Black Doom seemsto be a sound that is making its way into major popularity in theunderground in 21st century as this is so bombastic its wonderful. Iknow I maybe insane but the stylings of bands like Mudhoney and Tadare very strong in this unit as well. If Black Skies are unsigned bychoice and don't want to just be independent for the freedom itcreates them in the modern scene then this is a crime for the ages.With proper promotion which them seem to have now the skies are thelimit. They clearly could be as big as Mastadon or Pantera..

http://blackskies.us/

Legions of Crows - Stab me - CD ( Funeral Rain)

What we have here is a fuzzed out organ filled black / doom band with experimental and some serious grandiose overtones. The spoken word passages are as impressive as the musical movements that flow through out. Legions of Crows was a strong kinship to bands like Agalloch, Dorenriech, Ihshan and DHG. The way the tracks are arranged it gives off a Gothic flavor but never over done. I've never heard of the label Funeral rain but with this introduction and the fantastic production values. This would very well be on Prophecy productions or Candlelight. The vocals are a mix of grim and clean with some very twisted effects. Legions of Crows are more impressive each time I listen and I think you will feel the same.

http://funeralrainrecords.com/

Sepulchral Productions Artist Neige et Noirceur Interview is up...

2011-12-21T20:17:00.002-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/neigeetnoirceur

1. This is the 1st time I remember hearing Neige et Noirceur on a full length how is the older material differfrom Hymnes de la Montagne Noire?

The older material is a bit more in the linear,ambiant blackmetal vein. This time around, I wanted to start thealbum with as much speed and hatred as ever, and to get away a littlefrom the Québec folklore aspect I’ve put at the forefront of the«La seigneurie des loups» album. I wanted to create something moredirect, darker and mightier!

2. Your working with sepulchral productions anup and coming underground metal label how has it been as I think thisis you 2nd or 3 release with them?

It’s my second album on the label. It’s apleasure working with them. With Sepulchral Productions, you knowthat your album will have a good visibility and be spread across theunderground black metal scene! I’d like to think I was able tocreate some sort of a cult with my music, and Sepulchral for sure ishelping with this!

3. Neige et Noirceur has a very other wordlyatmospheric sound in Black metal how did the sound come about?

Hard to say actually.. I guess it probably has to dowith the fact that I use some elements of drone and noise music, aswell as some delay and effects; you could say it makes the music more“actual-sounding”.

4. When I listen to your new album I hear bands likeWolves in the throne room, Burzum and Xasthur elements going on doyou feel your on the more experimental side of the blackened sound?

Well, as an artist, I try to create what we couldcall different tones of darkness. I like to introduce differentelements of dark music genres in general in the sound of Neige etNoirceur. I’m certainly not an “Orthodox Black metaller”, but,at the same time, I don’t really like stuff that is tooexperimental!

5. Does Neige et Noirceur perform live or is it justa studio assault?

Maybe if I was younger. Then I could build a band andstart playing live, going on tours, etc. But now, I really don’thave the time for it.

6. You build such an array of sounds and emotionswith Neige et Noirceur how are the songs created are they layersafter layers or more just a raw recording with a few effects addedin?

I always create and record the guitars with the drumsfirst. It’s almost an improvisation of sorts. After that process isover and done with, I add voices, bass lines and, of course, all theother various elements that make a song truly complete.

7. There is something about Canadian Black metal asof late that is just more original and interesting what is the scenelike in Canada now . I know the label your on just had a big 2day fest there?

I think there is something special here. Some wouldsay in Canada, as for myself, I’ll refer to Québec first. We cansee that a lot of Black Metal bands from Québec are playing live andtouring, some even going to other parts of the world! All this reallyhas a motivating effect on the scene as whole here. That aspect wasmissing when I was younger and had band…

8. If someone was to ask what Neige et Noirceur soundis? How would you explain it?

Cold and fast black metal from Québec... at leastyou can say that for the last 2 albums. The music I created beforewas not always like that (black metal perhaps flirting a bit morewith ambiant, drone, doom, noise)

9. is Neige et Noirceur fans of the digital age (Social Media, Digital audio, webzines) or do you miss the paperzines, radio and tape trading age?

I only miss playing live (with my old metal band). Ofcourse, the internet has changed the face of music as a whole, butI’m okay with that! Online or not, music will always be music ifyou can feel the vibe.

10. Were do you see Neige et Noirceur heading onfuture releases?

I would most certainly like to record future albumswith the sound that I feel the music deserves! And having the wholeNeige et Noirceur discography available on vinyl would nice!

11. Do you feel Solo or Bedroom Black metal as somecall it gets a bad vision . I think some of the best BM out there isdone solo...

Hard to say. Creating music alone is a fantasticexperience, but at the same time I must admit that I find a lot ofyoung solo projects are making annoying music. I hope I’m not ofthe latter group of course, but I like to think my experience andvarious influences help making Neige et Noirceur and interestingproject.

12. Thanks for the time any closing thoughts here

(was left blank..)

2011-12-19T22:18:00.002-07:00

my 4yrs of suffering project is on a free netlabel release .. check it out . Some cool bands on it

Download it here

http://www.archive.org/details/LaptopHooligansCubiculoNoiseRecordingsPresent

Nunfuckritual interview is up

2011-12-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

https://www.facebook.com/NFRITUAL

1. Give us a history on how Nunfuckritual came to be?

It started the moment I named a folder on my computerNunFuckRitual. I started putting riffs into it and invited Espen todo vocals on it. Suddenly we had songs for a album, this was in 2006.But it took some years before we actually got it recorded and weinvited the other members to join. Even after it was recorded it tooksome time to get it released.

2. Being members of tyrant,nuclear assault, nidingr .. Is this more a one time event or willthere be more releases?

This is not a one time event, as long as Im alivethere will be more releases from us. The next album is already in theworks.

3. Your sound is very much ofthe post black metal sound of bands like DHG, virus, code mixed witharcturus and borknagar where did this idea come from?

It started with a idea of making slow atmosphericmusic instead of what I usually would make.

4. Will Nunfuckritual beperforming live or is this just a studio project?

We are talking about live shows, but we have to planit well so that it will look nice. There is also some logistics to besolved since we are involved in so many bands and live far fromeach-other..

5. Where did the nameNunfuckritual come from?

Not sure, I woke up one morning after drinking. And Ifound some riffs in a folder named NunFuckRitual .

6. Is the album " Inbondage to serpent " a running theme or just a collection ofdark grim songs?

Well, "In bondage" sounds like it sounds,the next one will sound different, but it will still sounds like NFR.

7. Will Nunfuckritual bereleasing any videos or a dvd for your music . I see a very visualside to the band..

I agree, if there ever is any money for it, we willrelease a video. That's something we wanted to do since day one.

8. How did the project comework with D.M.P. the label is on the cutting edge of extreme metal.

I took a round hunting for labels, the first time Iwent after the big labels, they didn't get what we where doing atall. So after a while I took the second round and contacted around 6labels, DMP was one of 4 labels that wanted to sign us. We chose DMPbecause of the quality they deliver on every release, both music andvisuals.

9. What's your thoughts on thecurrent digital age with underground music. Do you think webzines,digital audio, social networks and internet radio are the newpromotional tools or do you miss print media, cds and radio??

I like the printed stuff more, I like to hold thingsin my hand and smell it (haha) Nowadays one cant be a new band andnot do the internet promotion thing.

10. Where do you see theunderground metal scene going in 2011?

Have no idea, I don't follow that scene, or any otherscene... I have enough with dealing with myself.

11. Thank you for the time anyclosing thoughts please here.

Thanks for your support and interest in NunFuckRitual!

Teloch

-------------------------------------------------

Guitarist/Bassist/Composer in Mayhem,Nidingr,Umoral,The Konsortium, NunFuckRitual.

Free for all Review Edition 12/17/2011

2011-12-17T14:26:00.004-07:00

The Intersphere- Hold on, Liberty!-CD ( Long Branch/SPV)

Wow I was just floored by at band on the German power house SPV. The Intersphere is all things amazing in Indie rock my friends. Think of bands like Muse and Foo Fighters then add the melody of bands like Megacity 4, Husker Du and Soul Asylum all mixed into a stew of pure driving rock music with a hook that will not go away. I could hear this band on Epitaph, Matador, Exile on Mainstream or Victory .. It seems odd to be on SPV but this is one of those bands that could fill arenas with the songs they are presenting here. The vocals are so infectious with the guitars and bass making you want to head bang the whole time. There is a complexity to it all as well where I would say they love some prog rock and Post Hardcore as well but its all mixed into such a way that The Intersphere are there own band , own sound and a breathe of fresh air..

http://www.spv.de

Beyond the Bridge- The Old Man and the Spirit-CD ( Frontiers Records)

Prog and Hard rock have gone hand and hand for years and with Beyond the Bridge this is just another element of styles gone very right in a album that is uplifting, power and just that damn good. If you like bands like Rage, Rhapsody, King Crimson and Journey then this is going to be all for you and more. Beyond the Bridge is more of a Melodic Rock band with 70's prog rock elements. The vocals remind me of the very british prog element very clean sung and in classical style. The guitars are the things that become the most hard rock but never metal in full force. Beyond the Bridge have that Yes and Genesis thing going on too on the Pop side of arrangements. Really a surprising release to say the least. Would love to see this live as I'm sure its a band that would be even more impressive on a stage like Savatage or Dream Theater.. If you like Ayreon as well this will be a must own..

http://www.frontiers.it/

Heirs- Hunter-CD ( Denovali)

Yet another very odd combo that seems to work with Heirs. If you mixed Post Rock, Drone and Doom metal with Avantgarde music elements and you have a band that with just 3 tracks has created there very one genre. If Isis was more Doom or if Neurosis was more prog this is where Heirs is coming from and going to. The sound is massive here its a wall of thick pulsing sounds with a total Doom overtone. This band from the land of Oz is going where another band from there homeland did just in a more Post Rock elements and that would be Halo.. Heirs you have made an album that will stun most that get the chance to here hear it I hope the promotion is strong as this one of the best Post Doom bands I've ever heard. They may actually be the only band I've heard do music just like this. I would say this was a James Plotkin project if you didnt tell me different and its that creative and original.

http://www.denovali.com

Dies Irae- Secrets Veils of Passion-CD (Chaos)

I'm just going to say straight out the early material I've heard of this band was terrible . I had heard them 1st about 10 yrs ago as I thought we has gotten the Devil Doll album by the same name. They were a weak Goth Metal band at that time but this sounds nothing like that all. Dies Irae sound is more I would call Prog, Grunge and Shoegazing all mixed into a Post Metal band. If Alice in Chains added Prog elements I would say this is very close to what Dies Irae is presenting to the would now. There are goth overtone but in the same way bands like Katatonia or Tiamat present them not in your face just from the arrangements and riffs of old. I can say I actually like this its very off the wall the way the band is mixing elements. Its becomes Thrashy at times to but the dark melody always holds on to it. I hear Moonspell in what they are offering as well. Dies Irae is a creepy project and will not be for all but again very Avant metal / rock fans will need to check this out as its a powerful journey indeed.

http://chaos-records.com/

Dark Suns- Orange-CD (Prophecy Productions)

OK for most creative band to come out of Prophecy in while and that's something to say for that label its Dark Suns ( Jazz, Pop, Rock, Prog Metal and Blues) all in the same song. Organs, Horns, Death metal elements, Influences of Faith No More, Dog Disco Fashion, Yes and Dan Swano all at the same time. Orange is not an easy listen for one moment and this is what makes its all the more awesome by the moment. This isn't any genre it's all genres at once. Orange will take me 10 more listens just to fully understand all I'm hearing and absorb it all. Were to even go from here I'm lost to even say. Dark Suns is the future of Avantgarde music I thought for a while there were bands like Polkadot Cadaver and Mike Patton but this band as just trumped them both. Prophecy or Jester Records are really the only two places I could hear a release like this coming from. THIS IS THE CUTTING EDGE....

http://prophecyproduction.de/

Blackened Edition of AZM Reviews 12/16/2011

2011-12-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Azaghal -Nemesis- CD (Moribund Cult)

Finnish Black metal has always been a more interesting beast as awhole. Being that they rely more on old school thrash and punkelements of early Scandinvian Black metal feelings. This is about thecold and the grim more then about how avant or post black metal thencan be. This is what I call corpse paint black metal as its asmuch about the music as it about the image and overall tone of thethemes they create. There clearly is a distant and very hauntingmelody to all that Azaghal is creating . If you miss bands like DarkFuneral, Early Marduk, Mayhem and Early DarkThrone then thiswill make you all the more pleased to listen to what spews forth fromthis album. Moribund continues to have the vision and understandingon the underground extreme metal scene 30 yrs into its highs andlows. Azaghal after close to a 10 releases is still spitting in theface of all things mainstream and will till the day this projectsdescends into its glorious blackened abyss...

http://moribundcult.com/

Pact- The Dragon Lineage of Satan- CD (Moribund Cult)

Pact is from a side of Black metal that is as Noise and Industrialfilled and it is raw and blistering in its creating. Bands like Pactare a sickness growing on the lung of the world and slowing killingit from within. When I listen to an album like " The DragonLineage of Satan" I really feel the end of days are upon us asthis is no hope or light in a release like this. Justchaos, despair and a world were death is the final and onlysolution. The Drums are just a industrial wall of combative tones .The guitars are for destroying your ears once and for all. There is amassive sound to this Primitive Black Industrial is what I want tocall this and Pact you won me over on the 1st moments of thisrelease. Raise your flag for Destruction and your mission is close athand...

http://moribundcult.com/

Opera IX-Strix Maledictae in Aeternum-CD (Agonia)

Opera IX has gone through many line ups and style changes over theyears where they started out more as an Avant Black metal force movedinto Occult elements and now with there move to Agonia and I wouldsay that band is more Orchestral Pagan Black metal . The male vocalswork very well with project . Though I did love female vocals onearly works it did have a much more goth and occult feel. With thisrelease there is much more power in what Opera IX is doing and a lotmore aggressive in nature full with organs and war like movements.They really do sound like a cross between Old Mans Child and AncientWisdom now for what I hear. Agonia is another label that is growinginto a major underground music force with Opera IX its all the moreimpressive

http://www.agoniarecords.com/

Neige et Noirceur -Hymnes de la Montagne Noire-CD ( SepulchralProductions)

This album took me a bit by surprise. I hear 3 main elementscoming from this Black, Viking and Atmospheric metal all with astrong cold ambience to it all. The vocals are so tormented I don'tknow where to start with them. If you would mix Burzum, Bathory andFalkenbach into a project then add a bit of MZ412 into the meltingpot you would have Neige et Noirceur. There are bands that tryto be Avant or Post Black metal and then there are band that justare... I will be trying to talk to this band for an interview as thisone album alone makes me want to hear all that came before it. ABlack Masterpiece has been made. Its gives me the same chills bandslike Wolvhammer or Wolvserpent do right now. The Droning elementsreally work well on this release .. Do not miss this album I am veryclear on this.

http://www.sepulchralproductions.com/

4 New Reviews 12/10/2011

2011-12-10T15:39:00.001-07:00

Tenhi- Saivo-CD (Prophecy Productions)

Tenhi is one of those bands that always gives me the chills with the complexity that this unit can create with the simplest of Dark Folk and Heathen Post rock elements. The vocals are in such a poetic manner with the choir like backing vocals . It really is the lush acoustics (guitars, pianos, strings and cello/contrabass) that draws it all together. The percussion is that you would here in an orchestral setting just toned down a bit. Tenhi really is equal parts beauty, sorrow and hope . There are very few bands that even come close. I've heard it in Steve Von Till's solo material in some elements of Kim Larsen's " of the wand and the moon" also in Nick Cave's more mellow moments. Prophecy has a band that transcends the ages and trends of any generation. These gentlemen are story teller and Bards for the 21st century. Nothing but honor and respect to Tenhi always.

http://prophecyproductions.de/

Nucleus Torn- Golden Age- CD (Prophecy Productions)

I was not ready for this release at all .. Nucleus Torn is a strong mix of 70's Prog Rock and Delicate folk elements all intertwined with wonderful female vocal. Music like this is so amazing to just lay back to and soak in . Its a soundtrack to a simpler time when all was not so rush rush rush and you could develop your crafts to the levels truly needed. I love the swells of sounds from just vocals and minimal acoustic to a full on wall of sonic majestic. The interplay of male and female vocals as the album progresses is all the more interesting to say the least. Bands like Nucleus torn remind me of were Anathema and Porcupine Tree are heading were the folk and Pagan elements of the past mix and folding into the Post Rock sound. I have to say this is another major win for the Prophecy label.

http://prophecyproductions.de/

Svarti Loghin- Sea of Green-CD ( ATMF )

Svarti Loghin has moved from what I would call a Post Black metal project to a full on Avant Folk Rock band now. As all traces of the black metal is gone and in its place is Country, Blues, Folk and Prog Rock. I truly love this album it remind me of what Temple of the Dog did with Grunge and Noise rockers it made an album of such power and passion that to this day its still some of all the members of that supergroups best works. Svarti Loghin did just the same turned your ears on what Black metal can and would be if you like bands like Alcest or Old Sliver Key or even the quieter moments of Old Dead Tree this is an album to run to and not wait a moment to hear. "Sea of Green" is everything a good Americana Rock band has and more. This will open the minds of many and confuse many more..

http://atmf.net/

VISTHIA – IN AETERNUM DELETI -CD (ATMF)

Yet another release from the ATMF collective thistime out this more of what I expect from the label Post Black metalwith a strong industrial and progressive touch in all that is done.Visthia is not for the casual Black metal listener and there are manythings going on in many different genres but this is what makes itall the more interesting to listen to mix MZ412, DHG, Shining(Sweden) and Mayhem all into a stew then throw in some Bethlehem intothe mix just for the hell of it. This is something that is going toplay a mind fuck on you and its done all on purpose my friends. Powerelectronic Black metal is that even a combo well it is now folks.Check this out you will not be dissapointed.

http://atmf.net/

Southern Lord Artist Planks Interview up...

2011-12-08T16:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/walkingonplanks

1. For those of us that are newto Planks give us a history about the band..

Planks is a three-piece bandfrom southern Germany – Mannheim to be precise. The band is Bennyon drums, Frank on bass and myself handling guitar and vocals. Westarted in early 2007 after our old bands broke up. Tired of themusic our bands prior to Planks played we wanted to do somethingdifferent. Our interests lay with down-tuned, rather doom-ridden orchaotic bands like Mastodon, Botch, Lack, Cursed and Breather Resist.Due to our abilities we never made it to the point of sounding likethose bands, haha.

2. The bands sound is a mix ofcrust punk and sludgey doom. How did this sound come to be?

That actually doesn't describeour sound at all I think. Maybe the first record and the split withTombs, but not at all our new(er) songs. I actually dislike beingdescribed as Crust. We've been there with our old band, Benny isstill there with his other band “Gun Mob”(myspace.com/thegunmob).For me Crust and SludgeDoom are both genres I felt attracted to for awhile none of us in Planks wants to do this sound. Our influencesderive from dark pop bands, moody black metal and hardcore bands thatknow how to write dark and depressing songs that are not limited tosheer brutality. We shifted our musical approach after the firstrecord as we all got tired of playing this style and got better onour instruments.

3. How did you come to workwith Southern lord ?

We released our 2nd full-length“The Darkest Of Grays” on the classic German label “Per Koro”in late 2010. Earlier this year we released the 4-song EP “SolicitTo Fall” on “Institut Fuer Mentale Hygiene”. All the stuff weever recorded we offered as high-quality downloads for free prettyfast. This way our music spread around the web and people got to knowour name. Somehow Greg Anderson, the man behind SL, stumbled acrossone of those links, loaded it, liked it. He dropped us a line, Iwrite back...we kept in touch. Wrote a lot of mails about a lot oftopics. Then he asked us if we would like SL to put out the last tworecords on one CD. We loved the idea of working with him as he issuper nice and straight up guy. We like the label as well as theroster of bands working with it, so it is awesome for us being partof this now!

4. What is a Planks live showlike? Do you prefer to perform live or being in studio?

I think I speak for all of uswhen I say we love to play live more than time in the studio. Thattoo has its moments, but in general our songs are meant to be playedlive and loud. When you see us you will see three guys, two tinylights in the middle of the stage and a constant soundscape inbetweensongs. Mostly it will be loud and with a lot of bass.

5. Is there a runningtheme in your songs or albums or is it just angst filled music?

With “The Darkest Of Grays”there is. It's a concept record split in two parts dealing with theway a single soul stumbles through life so it can fail and failagain. The first part (starting with the first Log Lady intro) called“Passages” tells pathways which lead to the downfall ofeverything “human” in a soul. The opposite side entitled“Fatalities” (starting with the second Log Lady sample) tellsabout the stages you will go through until it's all done and you arestuck in “The Darkest Of Grays”, a state close to “black”which is death. So, little life left and only ruins to look at.Unfortunately we forgot to mark the chapters on the CD where on thevinyl you can see that. The four additional tracks form “Solicit ToFall” on the SL CD also deal with this topic, they just didn'tmatch as perfect into this concept plan. In general all my lyrics aredominated by own experiences of failure, solitude, fear, desire anddepression.

6. What your thoughts asa band on the digital age are you fan or do you miss the days of oldwith print zines, tape trading and college radio indie support?

I miss paper zines. I stilltrade tapes and they are the only type of media I still purchase.Over here college radio indie support almost never took place, so Ican speak on that. What I do love is that once you hear of a bandthat might be interesting, it is only three clicks away. You canaccess info on bands, their music and whatnot so fast. It's easierfor unknown band to spread their music and get listeners all over theworld. I sold almost all my records and live of mp3s now. Sure,sometimes “the old days” strike a moment of sentimentality butactually I am pretty cool with the way it is now.

7. The release with southernlord is a collection of tracks will we see a proper new release withthem or was it just a one off?

We spoke to Greg about that. Hewants to hear demos first, which we can totally understand. But hesaid the chances are very high. We would love to work with SouthernLord for a new full release. I guess we will see about this latest inOctober, when we hit the studio to record new material which we arein the progress of writing right now.

8. Will Planks be performing inUSA soon ?

We did a small run of showswith our friends in Tombs about a year ago on the east coast and themiddle east of the US. We would love to come back as soon aspossible, but our life and work schedule does not allow this rightnow. Maybe there will be a chance in 2012. Greg said he would help usout with gear, we get tons of offers ever since the SL deal newsbroke and we have a couple of bands we are friends who offered to tagalong. It's a question of money for the tickets as well as ourschedule. As I said, we are working on that.

9. Where do you see indiemusic going is it going more underground or will there be a rebirthas there seems to be just too much pop music for this interviewer..

Popular music will always bethere. This scene of manufactured faces and images to create trendswill remain. And so is the independent culture, because as manypeople drift over to popular culture a comparable amount tries tostep away from that. It's an ongoing circle. It's just sad that notso many people try to question standardized routine in this spectrum.There are shitloads of bands that write true, honest and mostly waybetter songs than any producer of big-shots could ever write. It's anindustry and that sucks like every other industry does. So I guessthe shift won't be there...it will stay the same, just with moremoney to be made on the one side.

10. If your working onnew material .. what direction is the music heading similar or very

different?

The transition from the firstto the second record was pretty harsh. The transition now will be not

as “hard” but still therewill be things that might make people think “whoops”. When westarted writing, talking riffs and songs we agreed that the dynamic,dramatic and pop-song character should move even more to theforeground. This doesn't say we will sound like Coldplay, the songsare still pretty heavy, but the melodic aspect in heavy music bandssuch as Breach, Junius and Tombs capture beautifully. In the songs wehave completed by now there are black metal blast beats shaking handswith “joydivisonesque”dark pop parts. All the songs are prettydifferent from each other but they all still sound like Planks.

11. What are the members ofPlanks listening to currently always like to peek into what is makingthe band tick right now..

I almost exclusively listen tocontemporary and early 90's Black Metal alongside 80ies Dark Wave andGoth punk. All the newer bands I like share this feeling, this eeriemelodic drama. The best band right now when it comes to this isJunius. They pretty much nail everything I love about music.Die!Die!Die! from New Zealand are another band that is out of theordinary. Then there are the classics like Joy Division, The Cure,Killing Joke, Depeche Mode, Swans, My Bloody Valentine etc. are theones that really really define my life musicwise. Two newer bandsthat really make me feel good right now are: Kellermensch and A PlaceTo Bury Strangers. Benny listens to Baroness, Tool, Majority Rule,Refused and bands in this vein. Frank likes Drum&Bass, BruceSpringsteen and Mastodon. Both of them like Deathspell Omega andGlorior Belli, even though both of them aren't big fans of the BlackMetal scene. But yeah, I guess you could name those to as influencesnow, too.

12. Any closing thoughts placehere thank you.

Thanks for giving us this spotto “talk”. I would like to make clear that Greg Anderson is notan evil musical genius that wants to earn a golden nose withreleasing CDs with records already out by small but respected bands.He is a real fan and knows all the songs by heart of the bands heputs out. You could call him a “fanboy”, this means: he reallyknows and loves the bands he works with. He has a plan and it's ruledby a heartfelt love for extreme music. For the bands as well asSouthern Lord it's a win-win situation. Anyways, thanks for thisinterview and we really hope to be back in the states sooner thanlater. If you have questions or want to contact us:walkingonplanks(a)gmail.com.Cheers!

Industrial Review Edition @ AZM ...

2011-11-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

Vortex- ROCKDRILL-CD (Cyclic Law)

Dark Ambient/ Drift music is something you love the moment you hear it or its like watching wallpaper dry. I know to most of you its too minimal or more of a background music format. Though to this review I get the chill's and fully immerse myself into every ebb and flow of the layers and the percussive elements of bands or projects like Vortex. ROCKDRILL has such that Sephiroth vibe going through out its tracks. It's has such a massive sound to the way the songs are presented. The Martial or Primitive I would call War drums are what makes this a killer release with the wave after wave of thick dark synths and strings. Think of Vidna Obmana as well when I hear ROCKDRILL. The Voice moments remind me of Blood Axis as well . There really is something for all Dark Electronic music fans here. Cyclic Law is one of the few labels that still care about package as much as value and for one I'm glad there still around...

http://cycliclaw.com/

New Risen Throne- Loneliness of Hidden Structures-CD (Cyclic Law)

There is something just unsettling about all that is New Risen Throne. They come from the places that bands like Valefor, Sleep Research Facility and Schloss Tegal have entered and have never been able to leave. This is Black occult ambient with a leaning on heathen old world rituals. The more minimal moments of MZ412 or the more sinister side of Nordvargr is where I hear a kinship on this album. New Risen Throne is so empty and desperate in nature it's something that draws me to the elements at hand. Loneliness of the Hidden Structures is a forgotten art in the making of Dark ambient music. I can see why this project is held in such high regards. This album makes me want to listen to Yen Pox again and for me Yen Pox is the best at this style ever...

http://cycliclaw.com/

Hypsiphrone - And The Void Shall Pierce Their Eyes-CD (Black Plagve/ Malignant)

Oh my fucking word this is one of the most punishing releases I've heard from Malignant in while. Industrial Black Doom is what is going on and its done in a way that would make Godflesh, Khanate, PHOBOS and Big Black quiver in joy and disgust all in the same moment. Some on from Greece is on a mission to destroy all in their path and with Malignant's help they are on an amazing start with this debut. Being on the Same label as Sewer Goddess doesnt hurt a bit as most of the Black Plagve artist are about extreme sounds in the electronic and Blackened music arenas.. Hypsiphrone is not a band that needs more then a listen or two for you to either worship or loath them. This is so fucking extreme I want to make them the sound track to my new world order. Beforewarned............

http://malignantrecords.com/

Terra Sancta - Sunken|Buried|Forgotten-CDEP (Malignant)

20 plus minutes of Dark Droning ambiance in a way that will not allow you to have any kind of positive productive dreaming if trying to fall asleep to it unless your looking to unlock the primitive and sinster side to you unconscious. There are elements of Troum, Lustmord and Robert Rich (Darker Ambient side). Terra Sancta is as much about atonal and they are about the madness and emotions that they car cause. These 3 tracks are about a journey not a completion. As this is a trek that never ends it just continues till the realm grows dark and you are all alone the master of your own worse visions. Who knows maybe there is solace in these ideal's in the end. Terra Sancta is trying to help you see...

http://malignantrecords.com/

8 New Reviews @ Absolute Zero Media

2011-11-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Ecnephias- Inferno- CD (Scarlet Records)

This as a very Euro Dark metal feel with symphonicmoments if your a fan of Septic Flesh and Moonspell this will win youover very fast at times there are points where they sound likeNightfall as well. There is a goth element going on but never takesaway from the blackened symphonic meets power metal arrangements thatebb and flow through out the release . Clean deep male vocals and theblackened growls are the vocal styles that are presented here. Sometimes Ecnephias comes to that My Dying bride or the more electronicperiod on Samael.. Over all Scarlet records has a very solid releasewith a band with much promise for the future. Check it out.

http://www.scarletrecords.it/

Phase Reverse-S/T-CD (Aural Music)

Yes this is going to be an odd review with an odd combo of influences and Phase Reverse as they say in write up are not quite Metal, Rock, Prog or Punk they are a sum of the whole. If you can put your mind around this for a moment and really think and listen this is what Phase Reverse are mix Shinedown, Kings X, Devin Townsend and Monster Magnet all into a pot and and you will see and here the magic of this band. They are as catchy as powerful as heavy grooved there are even moments that Chris Cornell whether its Temple of the Dog or Soundgarden or Audioslave comes shining through. Phase Reverse more metal then hard rock and more prog then rock but the groove is always there. Aural music has a major album in the works is the push it to mainstream markets. Get this it will not disappoint.

http://www.auralmusic.com/

Forteresse- Crépuscule d'Octobre- CD( Sepulchral Productions)

Atmospheric Black metal of the very old schoolnorthern European vein. Forteresse is not an easy listen and Blackmetal is something that should never been. There is a melody on theverb filled halls that this band recorded the release. Bands likeForteresse are always on one mission play bleak, fast and let thenoise flow from the amps to let those from the black realms come anddance with them on their journey to the abyss. This project is notabout happiness in anyway. You can feel the sorrow and pain in analbum like this. Forteresse created this because they have to itswhat is heard in the heads of the members all the time. Its asickness that is only relieved with letting the madness out...

http://www.sepulchralproductions.com/

Heresiarch-Hammer of Intransigence-CD (DarkDescent)

Guttural Blistering Black Death almost a Black grindpresentation is what is going on here . This is just punching my soulfor every moment that is album is on its almost like Incantationmeets Marduk and Dark throne in a fight for musical supremacy. Idon't know what else to really say about this band its 20 + minutesof passion and brutality all in a very complex tonal shell.Heresiarch has taken another step to the extreme in there metalliconslaught..

http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/

Mr Death- Descending through ashes-CD (Agonia )

Oh wonderful old school death metal you bring us a new savior for the best sound extreme metal has ever presented. If your love Hypocrisy, Dismember, Entombed, Napalm Death and Carcass then my friends this is the album of 2011 for your as this is everything you can wish for and more the grinding bass, the full on melodic twin death metal guitars. The torn throat vocal and the drumming you only get is that late 80's/ 90's Death metal assault. Mr Death is that PURE DEATH METAL... You need no more and will want no more bow down now..

http://www.agoniarecords.com/

Fatum Elisum- Homo Nihilis-CD (Aesthetic Death)

I know I'm going to be attacked for this but Fatum is one of those bands that the music is great and doomy as all hell. Those Candlemass meets Clean Gothic vocals I just hate. When the growls come in then its amazing and reminds me of Early Novembers Doom or Cathedral which rules. The music and non clean vocals make me love this album it reminds me alot of Early Anathema too . They seem to love that early UK Doom/Death sound and with that it is just jaw dropping. Every time those clean vocals come into play is causing me pain and not in a good way. Fatum Elisum if a review can make one suggestion lose the clean gothic vocals and your band would be up there with the Doom/Death greats...

http://www.aestheticdeath.com/

NunfuckRitual- In Bondage to the serpent-CD (Debemur Morti)

So what do you get with members of Nidingr, Tyrant & Nuclear Assault all in one project . You get one of the Avant Post Black metal albums I've heard in yrs. The dissidence of the vocals the very progressive drum and bass work . The vocalist is one of those frontmen that mixing low spoken, grim screams, sickly moans and full on blackened growls all sometimes into the same song. NunfuckRitual is more like Devil Doll meets Aborym meets DHG all at the same time. They take a sound and mix in elements of Shining and Bethlehem to make this album something that many will talk about for years to come that get the chance to hear it. Do not miss out on this I've listened to three times just to get this review to a way it makes me happy. I hope we get more form them as this is truly on the forefront of metal music.

http://www.debemur-morti.com/

RIOTGOD- Invisible Empire- CD (Metalville)

I know I shouldn't like this being its total stoner metal but its the stoner side of music I like RIOTGOD hangs the banner high for bands like Trouble, Warrior Soul, Nudeswirl and of Course Monster Magnet being that 2 Members of The Magnet are in the band. There grooves are so heavy and sonic at times I almost want to call the The Stoner version of " The Cult" . Metalville has another winner. If you like Kings X and Galactic Cowboys too then this is a no brainer. Get this .... RIOTGOD is how heavy rock is suppose to sound . They are made for the Arena's and a wall of amps all too 11.....

http://www.metalville.de

Translation Loss Records Giant Squid Interview

2011-11-16T18:05:00.001-07:00

https://www.facebook.com/giantsquidband

1.Therehave been a few yrs between your Debut album on the 2nd your selfreleased 2nd album and now your new one Cenotes on Translation Loss.Tell us bit about band history I know its a turbulent one...

Well,honestly, the longer we continue to survive and thrive, the less Iwant to revisit the turbulent history of this band. It's packed witha lot of painful memories due mostly to a huge lack of respect andtrust in so many of the past members in the group over the years. Alot of wrong people were in this band, and things got fucking uglyaround the release of Metridium Fields. It's amazing that BryanBeeson, the other founding member and I, survived it to continue onso powerfully.

So, inwishing not to dwell much more on those dark ages, I tend to savorand really think of the band now as an entity that experienced a truerebirth with the addition of Jackie Perez Gratz. She's as much thelynch pin in this group now as I have ever been, and is a true Godsend. We were also very fortunate to acquire Scotty Sutton on drumsin Texas, who moved back to California with us to regroup. With thosetwo, we were able to beat the pavement on tour as just a four piece,and keep touring behind Metridium Fields which hadn't even been outfor three months when some serious sabotage was taking place behindmy back. There was a hard time later on when Scotty had to leave theband for a while, and we floundered trying to find a solid drummer,but that was resolved when we found Chris Lyman, who worked atAquarium of the Bay with me. Great oceanic spirit, and massive lovefor heavy music made him the ideal drummer for us, and enabled us towrite 'The Ichthyologist'. We also had a long time great friend, CoryTozer who is now the wife of Grayceon drummer, Zack Farwell, who camein and played second guitar on the road with us as we toured behindthat record. That line up was truly special and everyone from it ispure family. Currently though, we're back to our immediately postAustin, TX line up, with Scotty having moved to SF to play with usagain, and we are feeling rather fucking unstoppable.

2. Howdid you to work with Translation Loss A label I may add that reallyfits you well with your very Post Metal/ Post Rock sound?

Well,we were just about to sell out of the initial batch of self releasedcopies of 'The Ichthyologist', and so I started writing labels seeingif anyone was interested in receiving a copy of the album forconsideration. I had always been familiar with Translation Lossthrough their work with Mouth Of The Architect, and so I think theywere one of the first companies I wrote. They were also the first towrite back, and showed a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. Both Drewand Christian were fans already and were ready to work with us without even receiving the album yet. It's a great match for us, farbetter than our last label. Damn near every band on their roster Ithink is great, and they're down to earth, family guys, so theirexpectations of us were very realistic, rational, and respectufl.Super cool label who is no way, too hip or pretentious, which fits uslike a glove.

3. Isthere a story line to Cenotes looking at the cover I would say therewas and listening to the tracks its sounds like a story..

Absolutelya story going on, one that continues the mythos of 'TheIchthyologist' protagonist. But, I can't give too much away cause itall goes along with the accompanying comic book I'm producing myself,a mini promo of which will come out with the vinyl release in March.'Cenotes' takes place after occurrences in the album before, whichdealt heavily with the origin of the character, and how he deals withbecoming something entirely inhuman. 'Cenotes' finds that characterhaving a child, and both of them witnessing the end of everythingterrestrial, traveling through benthic rips in time, and eventuallybecoming an everlasting food source for something. So all and all insome real fucked up situations.

4. There is a strong mix of Strings/Folkish elements mixed withDoom and Prog rock where did this sound come from its very differentthen most?

It justcomes completely natural. We don't strive to do anything at all inparticular, other than just write rock music that works for us. I'msure our backgrounds reflect a lot of what transpires in our musicthough. Bryan and I, both founding members of the group who have beenplaying music in punk bands together since 1996, were obsessed askids over the Subhumans, Dead Kennedys, Bad Religion, Misfits, andMinor Threat. All the staples. Jackie has a far more metalbackground, and definitely brings that to the table in addition toher lifetime of being a classically trained musician. And Scotty grewup not only a punk, but also a metal head and product of the 90s likeboth Bryan and I. So, we share a big love of arena rock bands likePrimus and Deftones, but also old time Americana groups like DevilMakes Three and Old Crow Medicine show. In the last ten years, I'vebecome very much in love with any Middle Eastern sounding music, andhave always tried to give a bit of that flair where ever it feltright in our song writing.

5. Willthere be any videos off Cenotes or if were lucky a full DVD as yourmusic fits so well to this format.

Idefinitely plan on having a video or two made for 'Cenotes'. I thinkthey're really important in todays day in age with youtube and whatnot. They're just really hard to find funding for, and someone goodto produce it with in that budget. I've been really wanting to putout an open call though for newbie directors wanting to take a songon. As far as DVDs, we've talked with people really excited to do it,it's just no one understands how broke we are, and that everything wedo is out of pocket. We get excited if we have $250 bucks in ourpaypal cause we can make a new tiny batch of t-shirts. Finding twogrand to make a video or bigger yet, a DVD, is impossible for us. Ifsomeone is a huge enough fan to do it for next to nothing, then hellyeah. I have so much never seen before footage of the making of allof our albums, and ancient shows, and whatever. It'd be rad if itcould ever happen.

6. Does Giant Squid like live performances or being in the studiomore?? Or is there pleasure and pain in both?

We likeem both equally, and miss one always when we're doing so much of theother. There is so much frustration in both, and I feel we don't getan opportunity to do either enough to get, really, really good atthem. Because of funding, we always have to rush our recordings andwriting process. And because of life and it's logistics, playingshows and especially touring is hard to manage too as we get older.We're always trying to find a balance so we can do either as much aspossible, for this is what we live to do. Write music, record it,share it.

7. Ifyou were asked to explain your music to someone that has never heardit how would you do so?

Quotedstraight from our bio - "San Francisco post-metal, progressiverock, sludge scientists." If none of those terms meant anythingto the person, I'd say extremely loud rock music with lots of prettyparts.

8. Youhave a member of of Amber Asylum and Grayceon in Jackie as a fulltime Giant Squid member being that she has other projects aswell is it hard to get tours or recording times to work out . Sheadds such a layer of sound with her Cello and vocals that were notthere on early material?

Shedefinitely brought a whole new, mature, beautiful, organic, etherealpresence and vibe to our existing sound. I don't ever think of ushaving a cello as being strange, as I'm so used to it now. But whenwe play shows, I realize by peoples reaction how peculiar it is.

Grayceonand Squid always make it work. We're all super tight and family sovery supportive of each other. We've done two huge national tourswith them before which have been unforgettable. And when Jackie hasGrayceon practice, I stay at home and watch the kid. When I havepractice with my other band, HELL SHIP, she stays at home and watchesour daughter. When Squid practices, friends or family watch her so wecan both be away. If one band is offered a gig but can't do it,usually the other comes in and fills the slot. If anything, bothbands are a great help to each other and hardly ever a hindrance.

9.Being that its 2011 whats you thoughts on the DIgital age (Social Media. Mp3s, Android apps and internet media) Do you theday of old Tape trading and fanzines and radio and CDpromotion??? or is it a brave new age?

Everythingabout new technologies today is incredible and very freeing for thesmall time band like us. Everything except the theft. Some bands areOK with it, and have accepted that you just have to give away yourmusic now. I for one am not so easy to roll over. Technology enablesanyone to hear your music easily and quickly now streaming from yourwebsite so they can make an opinion whether it's worth supportingwith a purchase. There is no need to blatantly steal the music. But,the now common place tech that brings you streaming also brings youthe stealing. You can't have one with out the other. Sadly, it hasreduced bands to glorified t-shirt design companies, since physicaltextiles are one of the last things a band can still sell. Other thanthat, the internet is a priceless tool for bands. This band has beenaround long enough that there was a time when we were still sendingout physical postcards to our mailing list to let people know aboutshows. It's weird to think that we share the stage with other bandstoday that have never existed in an industry without myspace orfacebook. Man, we're old I guess.

10. Being that your song are complex and longer then mainstreamfans are use to . Do you have a more extreme fan base like Prog orJazz bands??? As I think your so much more then just a Metalband in those terms??

We'redefinitely not just a metal band, but we're way too heavy to besimply labeled a hard rock band. I never try to get too picky aboutgenre tags when it comes to us. I truly think we're prettyundefinable. Our crowds show that. We've got hippies and punks, metalhead heshers and even hipsters. We got middle aged fans just asexcited about us as those teens less than half their age. It's reallydiverse, and maybe that can be attributed to us being "extreme"in some small aspects, but I like to think it's just because we'repretty good at writing music.

11. IfI may ask if you don't want to answer that is fine what happened withThe End Records they seems to really push your Debut Full Length?

Fuckit, I'll tell you exactly what went down. It may sound bitter, butthis is exactly how it happened. Token big label, small band story.

The Endis a large business and signs bands based on their marketing andprofit potential. They are not really an indie label anymore, and Idon't think they ever wanted to be from the beginning. That wasn'talways the case, as when we were signed to them they still possesseda fairly cohesive progressive metal aesthetic, but their goal for bigsales has never been more apparent than it is today. One only needsto examine that roster.

They'veworked really hard to get where they are, and work equally as hardand put a lot of money in to each release. I guess they thought wetoo could be a high grossing band, and I really appreciate that andam grateful for that blind faith, whether it was being misplaced ornot, as they really kick started our musical career and exposed us tothe world. They were always very kind and supportive bothfinancially, and even emotionally when shit fell apart in 2006 andthey really encouraged us to keep pushing on and that they'd supportus all the way (ahem*), and so they started to feel like family whilewe were on the roster. We worked our asses off in every way we couldfor them. We toured with bands we never should have, headlined ourown grueling full national run, playing to no one on so many nightsall across the country - all the usual brutal band stuff to beexpected. We were doing exactly what they told us they wanted us todo. That's why it hurt so bad when literally after so much blood,sweat, and tears, what seemed like an amazing growing relationship,came to a sudden abrupt halt after we told them we were planning onhiring Matt Bayles - one of the most prestigious and sought afterproducers in heavy music - to record our next record. They felt westill hadn't done our time in touring behind Metridium Fields, anddidn't care that the majority of the people on that album were longsince gone. They insisted we focus only on touring, touring, touringbehind that recoord, and that we should not be thinking about writinganother. They actually said point blank that they didn't see GiantSquid doing anything to get our name out there. After four tours (oneof which nearly killed us, and certainly destroyed life longfriendships and more with in the group) and flying ourselves outtwice to play festivals while on their label for those quick two anda half years - we were shocked to say the least. But, we quicklyrealized It was just as good a thing that they dropped us as it wasthat they signed us. We may not sell a million records and wearcostumes, but we sure as fuck work our fingers to the bone makingincredible art and getting our name out there. Whatever, the nextyear we self released 'The Ichthyologist'. Enough said.

12. Fornew bands out there is there any words of advice for them now thatyour on your 3rd proper album and been around the scene for while?

Atfirst, just do it yourself. If you're worth a shit musically, you cando it yourself these days if you are computer savy at all. All youneed is a solid online presence like with Bandcamp and Facebook, abooking agent, and then hire a PR firm to promote your releases. Lookat the cottage industry bands and study how they do it. Don't wastemoney on bullshit like half ass managers or ridiculous websites. Manup, be a pirate, book some fucking basement tours with the rightbands, and your music will do the rest if it's relevant. Focus on themusic above and beyond anything. You're supposed to be a real artist,not an entertainer. Stop thinking your going to make a fucking livingat this.

If youfeel you have to sign to a label, read the answer to the questionbefore this again to get an idea of how utterly disappointing thatarrangement can be. Then choose carefully.

13. Youseem to not have a proper website Do you feel social media is enoughfor musicians in 2011?

We usedto, but found it wasn't needed or being visited a fraction as much asmyspace or later with facebook. Social media is a must. As I stateabove, a Bandcamp page and a well done Facebook page with a player,like Reverbnation, Root Music, or actually what Bandcamp now offersfor Facebook, is enough. Social media has the world engrossed, withever shortened attention spans. Everyone is on Facebook, so that'swhere you should hit him. That site is crack and people don't want toturn it off, so keep them there while they find out all about yourband. Facebook isn't perfect, but it's a must. When new fans areconvinced they want more and are ready to buy some stuff, send themto your Bandcamp from there. Elaborate websites are rad, butridiculously expensive. Unless someone in your band can make one,then use that money to buy a trailer and play every city in yourstate instead. Facebook markets itself. How are you going to marketyour own website outside of the social networks? Spend more money!Fuck that. Buy better tubes for your amp. Your tone sucks. Who caresabout flash intros.

14.Thank you for the time any closing thoughts here

Nah,I've said enough. Thanks!

New Black Depths Review for Blackened Heart CD

2011-11-10T16:49:00.001-07:00

Big Batch of New Reviews 11/6/2011

2011-11-06T19:30:00.003-07:00

Junius- Reports from the threshold of death-CD (Prosthetic Records)

You know when you get that chill from music the 1st time you hear it well this is just that. The mix Post Metal, Emo and Indie Rock in to a way that has not been hear much like this . If you could have members of Radiohead, Deftones and Neurosis create some kind of bastard metallic hybrid then you would 100% be listening and producing what Junius does. There is a hypontic trance like element that intermingle through out this release. The album is massive and heavy without being extreme metal in anyway too. I know this is all so confusing but you know what Junius is a confusing band and oh so good at the same time. I think that want to be Katatonia more then any other band I've heard in years. As that is as close to any one band they project. I need to see this band live as if they are half as great as there album they are one of the best touring bands ever... GET THIS ALBUM!!!!

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Hull- Beyond the Lightless Sky-CD (The End)

Hull is a band of as much fury as passion in the way thy create what they do. The have that NOLA sound think Down, Crowbar, COC mixed with Hardcore of Sick of it all and Madball mixed with a 90's Sludge rock sound all mix into one powerful force of guys here for one reason to rock your fucking faces off. The Triple guitar action really help with the powerful harmonies that come through it all. I feel a strong love for Today is the Day and Brutal Truth going through this band as well. Hull is much more than the parts of the whole. I swear there are even prog and math rock moments. This is were the End record use to go with bands like Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum, Made out of Babies etc I hope this is a direction that the label will return to .

http://theendrecords.com/

Brainstorm- On the Spur of the moment-CD (AFM)

Ah what we have here is brilliantly done German Power metal its just that nothing more. If you like your Metal Classic in the Dio, Iron Maiden , Savatage and The Pretty Maids then you have you need to fall to your knees and thank the metal gods above that have not forgotten this Genre. AFM is one of the best labels out there for this style with Inside Out and The Lasers Edge. The melody that is here fills the speakers in only a Metal band with talents like Brainstorm can do. The songs on " Sur of the moment" are beyond catchy and draw you in. Love the slight electronic elements all the modern Power metal bands use now as well. Check this out if you like your metal old school it will be one the years best...

http://www.afm-records.de

RUE- Thorn-CD (Shifty Records)

Can you actually mix Crusty Sludge with Indie Rock and Post Rock all into one band and make it a project that would impress most on 1st listen well folks RUE just did it and I'm unnerved as Disturbed by it. If you like bands like Polkadot Cadaver and Mike Patton creation then mix in bands like Deadhorse, Meatjack and Type O Negative in to that stew mix and you get something that would be in the range of RUE. This album is just plain crushing and madness to your ears. I don't really have words for how cool this album sounds and Doom for the 21st century is just lame because there are Hardcore, Noise, Thrash, Punk and Retro elements all going on at the same time in most of the tracks here. RUE is just RUE and do we need anything less. RUE kicks the ass of 10,000 mules.. Enough Said...

http://www.shiftyrecords.com

PTAHIL- For His Satanic Majesty's Glory-CD ( Wraith Productions)

So who wants there Black metal raw with massive does of Punk and Indie Movie soundtrack vibes well clearly PTAHIL does as they are like if Bathory, King Diamond, Venom and Marduk all got into a room at the same time listened to a lot of Dead Kennedy's, Black Flag and Meatmen. Then decided to make a record. PTAHIL is just crazy free will blackness put on to a record for the helpless masses to stumble upon and join there legions for the destruction of mankind. This will scar you mentally as well as aurally.. Horns up high for this one my readers this gives you those moments of when Black metal was new and a very hidden art form on the world. Well Done PTAHIL Well Done..

http://www.wraithproductions.net

Infernal Legion- The Spear of Longinus-CD (Moribund Cult)

Infernal Legion is a band that has been around a while and with this they have not changed there course this is Black Death with a very heavy does of thrash mixed in just because it makes the music the create all the better. This is for fans of bands like Immolation, Incantation, Bolt Thrower and Panzerchrist. Moribund seems to know have to let a band breathe and do what they do best as its the reason they got on the label to start. There is some real complexity to some of the tracks and this is what Death metal needs to do to evolve. Infernal Legion is keeping the Death Metal flame alive in the Blackest sense of it all. Any Album names after the Spear that killed Christ you know is going be be intense..

http://moribundcult.com/

TSJUDER- Legion Helevate-CD (Season of Mist)

TSJUDER is just one of those bands that waves the banner of Northern European Black metal so much that the members of the band must bleed BLACK.. Its Grim, Cold and Harmonic all at the same time just like the Forfathers of the 1st and 2nd waves of Black metal. This is no game people there on a mission . Play loud , fast and piss off as many as they can on there why to river Styx. TSJUDER is one of those mandatory Corpse Paint movement bands as without it they would be missing the whole picture. Sometime the past is a good place a very good place. Remember you Roots and Heritage or whats the point?

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

Enid- Munsalvaesche-CD (Code 666)

Medieval Metal is something very few have won me over on actually I think the closest that of this style to win me over has been Bal Sagoth which is what Enid most reminds me of with elements of Tenhi and Falkenbach all with moments of bands like Thyrfing and Subway to Sally. Enid also has much in bands like Dagaard and The Soil Bleeds Black in the arrangement and writing at time. This is more an event then an records as its almost a cinematic moment in the making that the music was just done 1st for. Code 666 is one of those Avantgarde label that will take the risks with a band like this and well done as this is a win across the board from the delicate pianos the choir like movements to the full on Dark metal that goes over all of it. At time Enid is just a brilliant Neoclassic force but then it becomes so much more. Enid should be so much more well known lets make it so ...

http://code666.net/

Clint Listing Signs with Dead Games Records for Solo Album

2011-11-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

Update 11/4/2011
Big news after working on this release since 2008 I have found a home.. I will only be there 2nd official release with full Radio/ Magazine Pr... Dead Games Records have inked distribution deals with Megaforce/ R.E.D (USA/ Canada) & PHD/Plastic Head (Europe). This is just the beginning..

New Upstart label from Tampa Florida

To Release on CD/ Digital Formats March 2010

Mark Deutrom (Ex Melvins/ Clown Alley) Interview is up

2011-11-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.markdeutrom.com/

1. As we know you perform andrecord with Clown Alley and The Melvins. How did the solo career cometo be and it has a very Melvins vibe to me esp this new releases "The Value of Decay"

I've always been writing,whether I was in a band or not. After a while a lot of materialbuilds up

that might not be suitable forwhatever band I might be in at the time. Doing solo projects givesthat material a platform.

As far as there being a Melvinsvibe to my solo stuff, it's not anything conscious, but I did

work with the band over fairlylong period of time. They covered a Clown Alley song at one point

so there's been some crosspollination for sure.

2. Your working with SouthernLord on Value album but only digitally why not have a proper releaseas well?

It's no surprise to me thatpeople still want conventional releases, despite the industry push toget everything on a server. This release was the only thing Ihave ever done that was completely digital, and I liked the idea thatit would never exist in reality. It gave the title an extra layer ofirony, since something has to exist to be able to decay.

So there was a conceptualaspect to it, as well as no money to manufacture it. It all workedout very

conveniently until a boutiquelabel from Austria called Rock is Hell offered to do vinyl of it. Nowit

has been dragged into reality,so there can actually be some Value in it's Decay. It is actuallynice to

see it in reality.

3. You have worked andperformed with SunnO))) as well how was that they seem to be a forceto reckon with.

If Sunn had to be defined in ascientific sense, I would say they are one of the finest examples

of Newtonian principles outthere. They're really loud also. They need to let me produce a recordfor them. I think we could make a killer record. A recordof 4 minute songs just like a Humble Pie record

or something ! Playing withthem was really cool and a great time. Provide bottom end for theheaviest band in the world ? I can cross that one off the list.

4. Do you prefer to make musicor record and produce music more. Or is is just two sides of thewhole?

I really enjoy doing both. It'svery satisfying to hear the potential in a band and realize that inthe studio. It's equally satisfying to hear something in my ownhead and make that happen also. I love the recording studio, andthe process involved in putting music together in there. There's akind of alchemical sensibility about it for me, since whatyou're working on only exists in time. I've always found that verymysterious and inspiring. It's probably why the process has sucha great appeal to me.

5. The Value of Decay seem tobe musically all over from Martial to Industrial to Punk to Heavyrock.. Was this just because it was recorded over a long period oftime?

It was actually recorded in areally short amount of time, probably 3 weeks total recording timeover 6 months. It only took that long since I did everythingmyself except the drums and a few overdubs. It was recorded in2006 but I didn't manage to mix it until around a year ago. Ihad twice that material to choose from and just had to getreally specific about the concept. The variety of material is just aresult of decisions made supporting the overall vision.

6. Do you like or want toperform live as a solo artist ?

I've done it, but I preferbeing part of a band right now than having the whole thing resting onme. We play some of my solo stuff right now, as well as thingswe've come up with together. It's a nice little batch of variedmaterial to pick from if we feel like it.

7. You have a new full badCounty Bucks as well tell us a bit about that and how it came to be?

I just felt like playing guitaragain, after not playing at all for a few years, so I called up acouple

of guys I knew and we startedplaying just for fun. We didn't have a plan other than to drink somewine

and have a good time. I justwanted to plug in, turn up, and get that feeling.

We're looking for a new drummerright now. If there's anyone out there who wants the job,

drop me a line. As soon aswe've got someone, we'll be right back out there on tour, and in thestudio.

8. Is this Solo release a oneoff with Southern Lord or is this going to be a longer partnership?

I've known Greg Anderson a longtime, and we've done a variety of things throughout that time. He's

always been supportive ofanything I've done and I'm sure we'll continue to work on anything ofmine

that might be suitable for thelabel in the future.

9. If the Melvins were to askyou to work with them again would you do so or is the past the past?

I really don't know how toanswer that, since I've never even thought about the possibility ofit.

I produced a couple of theirbest records, played at some of the biggest shows with them, and

also played on some of theirbest records, so I'm inclined to be satisfied with the quality of

the work we did together, andleave it at that.

10. What are some bands thatare currently influencing what your musical madness in compostion...

I can't say there's anyoneinfluencing me in particular at this point, but I am enjoying TomWaits new record. Also listening to Mahler symphonies, Beethovenstring quartets.

11. Whats you thoughts on thecurrent New Media... Digital Downloads, Webzine, Internet radio etc .Is it a blessing or a curse?

It is both. The good thing isthat record companies no longer have the monopoly on distributing andmanufacturing music. Now you can record in your house and havesomething online for the world to listen to the minute you finish it.The bad thing to me is that it has reduced music to data that isinfinitely disposable. People carry around 100,000 tunes in theirpocket. Cloud based systems will make virtually every recordingever made instantly available to anyone with a phone. The age ofinstant digital gratification renders it all meaningless like grainsof sand on a beach. It also sounds bad, and is usuallyreproduced through awful sounding systems and speakers. Ultimatelythe record companies have triumphed by figuring out a way to generaterevenue through the licensing of data.

They don't even have to sell aphysical object at all. Now they can sell an inferior version of thedata contained on a CD for the same amount as a CD, and have noone complain. The population rejoices...they have 100,000 songs intheir pocket.

Buy a record, even a CD. Youcan hold it. It also sounds good.

12. Thank you for the time anyclosing thoughts here

Read Jung. Listen to Mahler.

Black Plague/ Malignant Artist Sewer Goddess Interview is up

2011-11-02T22:07:00.001-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/sewergoddess187

1.For those not in the know give us a history of Sewer Goddess.

The project came intoexistence in 2006 with our first demo “Dirt Behind The Daydream”.The title was taken from a document written by Trev Ward of the GreyWolves. The band started with a pile of junk equipment and a Tascam4-track.

2.Your working with Black Plague/ Malignant for an amazing live releasethat has covers several yrs of the band. The tracks are so powerful Ican see why you wanted them released. Was it always planned to be alive album?

Thankyou for your kind words regarding “Disciples Of Shit”. Initially,a live album was not planned. In 2009, I began collecting ourrecordings as a way for us to go back and ingest what we had done.Black Plagve was our first choice to release the album.

3.SewerGoddess is a mix of Death industrial, Black metal and Doom to myears. Do you have Industrial and Metal fans or is it more just theextreme Industrial / Noise fans that seem to follow the band?

Hardto say who would appreciate what we do. We make horrible music andsome people can identify with that. Whether they are of a industrialor metal backround is irrelevant, we make extreme music and that’sit.

4.You seem to have just have Social media taking care of your webpresence.. Do you think bands in 2011 really don't need a proper siteis ( Myspace, Facebook, Soundcloud etc) the best way to present indieartists today?

Ifit makes it easier for anyone to hear our music then we fully supportit. Can’t speak on behalf of other bands/projects, but we havefound current media sites to be very beneficial.

5.I find it a bit of difference with female members I've been in fewwith female members to you feel you always have to prove yourselfreguardless of success level you achieve or does this mean nothing toSewer goddess?

Theneed to constantly prove oneself is a sign of an inflated ego. Whichis unbecoming regardless of gender.

6.What is the goal of Sewer Goddess .. Musical, Social, Theme and Idealwise??

Ourmain goal is to release what we consider quality material. Themesvary on each release, but all have their own consistency.

7.How does Earlier vs Current material differ from Sewer Goddess? Where do you see future releases heading?

Ourrecording process has been the biggest change. Josh Langberg joinedthe band in 09’. He is a professional sound engineer and has takenon most of this responsibility. I see our future releases soundingheavier than ever.

8.Your releases seem to have been more limited media CDR's Tapes. Youhave 2 Cds one live now on Black Plague... If you could work with anyother label for a major or vinyl release who would it be and why? Orare you happy with progression of the band As is?

SewerGoddess has released a one-sided s/t 12’ lp and a 7’ record“Verdigris”, both put out by a very small label named baseborn. Asplit 10’ is due out soon on Apop Records. http://apoprecords.com

Weare content with where we are.

9.Whats your thoughts being in the trenches of the indie scenerecording writing and touring.. Of the Digital age ( Social Media,Digital media, Internet Radio and Webzines) do you miss the push of Physical releases, Print media, College Radio etc.. Or is thisjust the new underground and better for all in it?

Idon’t pay attention to the indie scene, so I really don’t haveany thoughts on what they are doing. I personally enjoy thefetishistic value of owning a collection.

10.If Sewer Goddess could collab with any project whom would it be andwhy?

SewerGoddess recently finished collaborating on track with John Gelso ofProfanatica, which will be released as a split 7’ with his otherband The Royal Arch Blaspheme. Other than that we have nothingplanned.

11.Being from New England you are part of a very vibrant Industrial/Noise scene do you feel that has help you get the exposure out to theworld?. I lived in Rhode Island for yrs and I feel it help myprojects ...

RRRecordsbeing local was one of our early introductions to industrial/noise.We do indeed have a very rich environment.

12.Will there ever be a Dvd collection for Sewer Goddess as I feel youwould add amazing visuals to your musical madness.

Ido not see a Sewer Goddess dvd release happening anytime soon, butit’s hard to say what the future holds.

13.Thank you for the time and please any closing thought here...

You’re welcome and thank youfor the interview.

SewerGoddess contact: imperiadead@gmail.com

4 More reviews to keep ya going @ Absolute Zero Media

2011-10-22T21:45:00.001-07:00

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

2011-10-17T19:43:00.001-07:00

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...)

2011-10-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-15T13:05:00.003-07:00

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)

2011-10-12T19:34:00.003-07:00

CD SALE
ONLY 5Copies 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....

2011-10-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.legioneocculta.com/

1.I know Abhor has been active for yrs in the European underground butto 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’vebeen on the scene since 1995 and released many albums withdifferent Italian labels. That’s why our distribution has beenunfortunately poor and rather limited. Every full-length we releasedis a different chapter on our history but at the same time they’reall deeply marked by our sharp and broad style.

Theline-up has changed through the years. On the first period of ourexistence some members of historical Italian black metal acts hascontributed to record our albums. However we’ve become astable triad on the last years.

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

Thebase of our music has always been black metal carved with esotericthemes. During the years, we’ve evolved a personal taste for horrormusic and the insertion of prog/rock elements emerged as naturallyconsequence! As you probably know, Italy claims a strong tradition ofprogressive rock, and we’ve all grown up listening to Goblin, LeOrme, PFM and such bands... in addition to this we find interestingusing “doom” parts on our songs, with sample of good old horrormovies.

3.Abhor seem to like to mix the old german and polish Black metal soundwith A soundtrack/Prog rock element with "AbLuna Lucenti, Ab Noctua Protecti" Isthere a running theme with the album o r just a collection ofchilling and haunting songs?

Thewhole album has been written by Saevum and Kvasir, we workcomfortable together. One of us come out with a guitar line and thenwe start the arrangement of the other instruments. The result is whatyou listen to the cd…we’re just inspired by tons of bands both ofthe black metal scene and other genres.
Thisis anyway the most mature and intelligent album we’ve done so far.We can’t get tired of listening to it!
Concerningthe lyrics I can say that the lyrical concept of the album is theWitchcraft. An argument that surely has already been used by otherbands, but not for this banal or uninteresting. It has been quite along process writing the lyrics, we went for a long research in theregion where we live, looking for ancient books, manuscripts andwitness 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 oris it something all more and expanding all the time?

BlackMetal for us is more about the essence and the way of being then themusic itself. It’s a form of esoteric art available to the few whocan perceive the refinement…we’re gonna praise the Black Metalverb forever.

5.How did you come to work with Moribund . One of the finestUnderground metal labels around . Their release consistently are acut above the rest..

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

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

Wewould personally have avoided the website. The putting on line of ithas almost been an obligation, because folk asked it continuously.It’s a little bit outdated but we’ll revisit it soonish with anew and even more minimalist and essential version. We don’tsupport the so-called nowadays social-network, so everymyspace/facebook or whatever account is a fake. Here you got one morereason why we put up a website, so that people can have the officialconnection and way of communication with the band.

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

Asactors do, so we bow to compliment…thanks. We wish thelistener to remind such band listening to our music and apparently itworks. Honestly we don’t copy their music but I can say theyinfluenced us strongly both with their works and theirlive-performances.
Abouta Video we have some projects going on, but I can’t really say howlong they’re gonna take.

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

Currentlywe’re just a studio band. Our living situation and the distancebetween each other doesn’t allow us to performance live easily.Anyway we used to make gigs often till 2006. The visual side hasalways been important for Abhor, as our art is global. By that I meanboth musical, literal and visual. We used costumes, candelabrums,webs, fire-breathing etc to get a theatric and unearthlyatmosphere…yes we took care a lot about the visual side.
Futurein uncertain…and we do not want to exclude to came back on stage…

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

I’manswering to a web-zine interview, so I’d be hypocritical to cursethe internet-phenomena..even if I should do it! Lots of thingschanged from the first ’90. Back there were tape-trading and snailmail that ruled..I guess I am a nostalgic and I guess those time werebetter. The negative aspects of the web is that Black Metal hasbecome available to the masses and wide-spread. Times ago it wasreally eliterian. Faith, Coherence, Purity on Black Metal are nomore, we’re not breathing the same insane air of the ’90. Thebroadcasting has broked the scene.

10.Thevocals with mixing Grim Black metal, Sung Female and spoke wordmoments make it all the more interesting. has just happened over timeor was this always the way?

Wealways tried to get a mystical atmosphere by a unique sound. Thenthe using of different vocals, the sudden variation of theme, and thecomposition with different musical instrument makes it moreinteresting…as you said…

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

ABHOR’smusic stands for the unmistakable mystical atmosphere that makespersonal and unique the
soundof 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 bandthat is more cutting edge as labels normally have a hard timepromoting more experimental bands?

Man,honestly we’ve seen bad times. We’re always been on the edge, gotpoor contracts, and shitty distributions. After 15 years we’restill alive, stronger than ever and finally getting a good promotionand distribution by Moribund Cult. That’s a good reward for neverhaving giving up.

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

Checkout our new album, 27^th september.You’ll be surprised to find such amature and intelligent album. Very unlike almost every black metalact nowadays.
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts Mr. Clint and thank to Absolute ZeroMedia...see ya in hell!

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

2011-10-08T15:16:00.003-07:00

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/

6 New Reviews Oct 1st 2011

2011-10-01T11:36:00.004-07:00

Thy Catafalque- Rengeteg-CD (Season of Mist)

I so tired of using Avant Metal but this is really where Thy Catafalque fit. If you like bands like Solefald, Fleurety mixed with a does of bands like Amorphis and Dimmu Borgir them you have a very close direction where this band is coming . Proggish synth, Orchestral Black/Death metal with a good dose of Swedish Death metal to mix it all together and never make it boring but if your not into that Fantasy Metal sound that bands like Bal Sagoth and Amorphis have mastered then its going to make you walk away. Season of mist is really the biggest label of its kind taking these fringe bands and embracing them and for that I thank them greatly. The End Records and Candlelight did but there moving into other directions now. Check out Thy Catafalque they are not your run of the mill Avant Metal band..

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

The Widest Smiling Faces- Rituals-CD (Fluttery Records)

So this Brooklyn NYC artist I not ever heard of has found a home on one of the most interesting labels I've come to know in 5 yrs called Fluttery. This is mellow dream like Shoe gazing meets Ambient rock with a vocalist that is even more delicate. Acoustic guitars, buried effects, lullaby bass and simple percussion and synths. Reminds me a lot of the softer moments of bands like Rodan, Rachels, Anathema etc. Duncan Petterson of Anathema, Antimatter must have been a big influence on this project. that as well at many of the 1/4 stick records artist of the 90's . This brings me back to the true Indie alt right bands of Merge, Touch and Go, Constellation and when Matador was small. This is very look within music. There is a very Sebadoh vibe going on too. Check it out I think it will surprise you..

http://flutteryrecords.com/

Throne of Katarsis-Ved Graven-CD ( Candlelight)

Blistering Raw and reverb filled black metal in the ways the bands of the 90's presented there haunting and sickened black metal voice to the world. This about the Antichrist and the destruction of the Christian thoughts in the world plain and simple. Treble filled guitars and the cries of a tortured vocalist. The drums are those of a polka band at triple speed and the rumble of a bass line is all that is needed to complete their Unholy task of showing the world of its new dark age that is approaching. There are cool chanting moments with the vocals that almost sound like he is channeling the demonic forces around him. This is for old school Black metal fans and those that don't want all the orchestral side of things. Well done indeed.

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

STIELAS STORHETT-Expluse-CD (CODE 666)

If there was ever a Post Black Metal/ Post Metal band that holds all the things that make them eriee , dark and different then Stielas Storhett would be it. This one name assault from Russia is jaw dropping in talent. If your fan of bands like Borknagar, Solefald, DHG and Azrael then this is for you. He even adds elements of Bethlehem and Ishahn into the project . I love the mix of Jazz, Blues, Prog, Post rock and Black metal into almost what is like Theatrical moments. Yes many of you are going to say this is Shining (Sweden) 2.0 but you need to dig deeper then that as there is so much more going on. Doom, Prog and Black metal all mixed in to fury that few can match. I hope Code666 can get this out to more then just the cult fan base that have grown over the yrs. Expluse is unique in a very good way.

http://code666.net/

Landmine Marathon- Gallows-CD (Prosthetic Records)

So this Phoenix AZ (were I've been living for last several yrs) Comes the next release of this Female fronted Grind/Crust/Doom war machine. If you like Older Carcass, Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, The Red Cord etc then you know what your getting. Landmine Marathon are face smashing in the power, speed and talent in the way to present Grinding metal with a catchy element only really Napalm Death before them as done it for me. I hold this band very close to the Bolt thrower/ Napalm Death style and sound with making it modern and all there own. The vocals are just so massive the make me want to cause violence to those around me. Stellar release all around..

http://prostheticrecords.com/

Giant Squid- Cenotes-CD (Translation Loss)

Over the last several albums and band struggles Giant Squid has become a Post Doom/ Post Hardcore force up there with bands like Neurosis, Isis, Mastodon, Earth and Melvins. Words can not explain how majestic and power a band like Giant Squid are, The are at most a Doom band with string arrangements and then move into the Post Rock element bands like Russian Circles and Silver Mt Zion. I want to call them bombastic as well as this band is all that and more. Jackie of Amber Asylum and Grayecon is this band as well with were violin magic. At time there are moments that Kayo Dot and Giant Squid would be force to just up as well as they have a similar lineage as that band as well. Yes this is what I would again call Thinking man metal and that tag should hold them well. Giant Squid is so good and they are really on the perfect label for them. I could see them on Profound Lore or Neurot . So you know what type of elite force you getting here. Giant Squid are storytellers in the way the present their craft.. Never forget that. Stunning release ...

http://translationloss.com/

10 New Reviews 9/24/2011

2011-09-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

Sewer Goddess- Disciples of Shit - CD ( Black Plague/Malignant)

So what is going on here is terror, nightmares and pain all in a power electronic/ harsh noise background. You get what I mean if you've heard the term Death Industrial that is were we are with a Black Industrial overtone. Sewer Goddess is a female fronted wall of sonic bad karma thrown at you all at one. With Disciples of shit these are all live track and having seen them live a few times this is not a let down by any means. If you like projects like Control, Slogun, Sickness, Grunt and Folkstorm then my friends you have come to the right place. Maligant scores high marks with this . Not to forget the production is great for live album and the digipak it comes in is amazing to look at..

http://malignantrecords.com/

RasalHague- Rage Inside the Window-CD (Malignant)

This is haunting in ways only one alone in the dark at the very middle of the night can understand. The Cold Distant feeling Rasalhague gives you is something you don't get often in Dark Ambient sounds. Its Spacial, Ritualistic, Soundscape, Drift, Drone, Atonal all in one. Rage inside the window sounds like what you would hear in the most haunted of homes right at the time of your death. The arrangement are just chilling and jarring in the way they are presented. There is nothing over the top going on just a collection of simple tones, sounds and loops mixed with the right effects to un nerve the best of us. If youe a fan of Kerovnian on Cold Spring or Schloss Tegal " Black Static Transmissions" then you will be all over this. RasalHague is not for the casual Industrial or Dark Ambient listener. This is for those out there that like too feel the fear in the music... On an end not this comes in an amazing A5 digipak in tones and shades of very disturbing Reds..

http://malignantrecords.com/

Rwake- Rest- CD (Relapse)

Wow this starts out so delicate and acoustic folk like with female vocals and then out of no where it goes to a mix of Devin Townsend and Neurosis with touches of Black Cobra and His Hero is gone. This is one hell of a mindfuck it mixed so many elements into one stew of fury and power.. Just in the 1st 2 tracks I've Post Hardcore, Grind, Jazz, Blues and Death metal . Rwake is one of those band live that will just come face to face with you to make you remember there in control. Rest is so heavy and Doomy but in that dirty sludge and crusty way. They just have such a talent of way to arrange it they seem so much more elegant and majestic at times. What else is there really t say other then get this one of the best bands on the Relapse roster right now with Unearthly Trance, Howl and Tombs..

http://relapse.com/

Brutal Truth- End time- CD (Relapse)

So if I need to tell you who Brutal truth are then something is wrong these Grind/Death/Jazzcore legends have been creating there madness for over 20 yrs and its great to see Dan Kevin and Rich back at the controlled chaos as I call it. Brutal truth is a band about the sounds and way they effect the listener as much as the wall of audio carnage that comes from what they create. Brutal truth with Napalm Death and AC are what I think of for this off the wall and amazing style all at the same time. Brutal Truth are over the last few releases adding a heavy Industrial element to all they do as well and it works so well as the sounds seems to go together is theory and tracks.

When a band can create a 15 minute or 30 second track that has the same power and emotion in it. You know you can not lose. Bands like Brutal Truth I hope are still doing this into the 60's as we need 20 more yes of this....

http://relapse.com/

Taake- Noregs Vaapen- CD (Candlelight)

Every time I hear Taake they are more influenced by Satyricon and Khold and even Motorhead. I love the Icy cold Black and Roll sound and Taake are taking it all in with Industrial and Punk elements to a new direction all there own. At times I swear they are becoming what Marduk were doing around the the time of Panzerdivison album. Noregs Vaapen has this other worldly element going on with the way the synth work with a more black/death guitar sound that you would hear coming from band like Dissection and Hypocrisy. Black metal from Norway is moving into more a Post Rock meets Black Death sound with heavy atmospheres over the yrs were they were add more orchestral and jazz elements lets say 5 -7 yrs ago. Taake has become a force all their (HIS) own. The Darkness is all here and so much more..

http://candlelightrecordsusa.com/

Noothgrush-Live for Nothing-CD (Southern Lord)

Very rarely do I review live albums but in this one we have two of them and both are better then most of there studio recordings. I mean simply Noothgrush was a band that the world never fully got to hear as they were on tiny labels with mostly 7" vinyl singles or very limited pressings. You have to be into the Sludge, Crust, Doom scene to know of them. Well Southern lord has put to amazing live radio shows they did with some of there best tracks ever on one CD for the world to understand the power and majesty of these masters of Doom, Feedback, war cries and pure hate for the world around them. Though I have nothing in common with there Eco Political rants. Is the music and passion in what they present that has always won me over this Bay area band should have been as well know as Neurosis, Eyehategod, Cavity, Buzzoven, His hero is gone etc. All I can hope is with is amazingly well done live album this band will have a 2nd life. Come on people this a female drummer crushing the skins like this . This is were bands like Wolvserpent and Earth got the ideas that women and crush on drums!!!!!

http://southernlord.com/

Esoteric- Paragon of Dissonance-CD (Season of Mist)

I can tell you this will not be a long review and it doesn't need to be as Esoteric is Doom/Death perfection on all fronts. Slow, Punishing, Atmospheric, Ambient and Ethereal all at the same time and on average 10 + minute songs that ever grow boring. If you have a love for bands like Thergothon, Dolorian, Disembowlment, Dusk (USA), Shapes of Dispair, Draconian and Early Anathema then run don't walk to get this ... With every release the get more and more epic in there sounds and scope of it all. There is just something that strikes at you instantly if you a Doom/Death fan with Esoteric. Season of Mist has one of best rosters of Doom bands to being with only compared by Southern Lord and Napalm in my ears.. Here is a band that should be on next years Power of the Riff fest...

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

Isole- Born in Shadows-CD (Napalm)

So more Doom metal this time from the Swedish force known as Isole. This is more of the Gothic Doom/Death style . I hear a lot of My Dying Bride, Novembers Doom and While Heaven Wept in this band with some other elements of bands that seem to work in and out of the doom metal world as there is a prog element to all that going on here . The vocals for most part are very clean in nature but the acoustics and more flanged out doomed guitars work to envelope the feelings that Isole are presenting. The Bass is so low and massive with that heavy laid back drumming style it all comes together as a complete picture rather then one song and were on to the next. Born in shadows seems to be very story driven in that way. There is also almost an eastern element to the way all the tones and tracks are layered . The give me an Orphaned Land or Orphanaged taste from time to time. Isole is just simply impressive...

http://napalmrecords.com/

Old Silver Key- Tales of Wandering-CD (Season of Mist)

So what we have is a meeting of the minds members of Drukdh and Alcest come together to create a project and we get Old Silver key. Just to start off this is not a metal release in the way it black, doom or death. If you can use a term Shoegazing Post Metal have we just jumped to the point of no return with that much of a sub genre??? Well that what this is to a T... Its very airy and avant with many jazzy elements mixed in with Black and Doom metal elements . There are male and female vocals both very lushly sung and effected. There is a strong heathen and nature based them going on here. The Gods of the past would love this. If you like Antimatter or the last Anathema album you will fall to your knees for this. As that is the biggest vibe I get from all of this. Old Silver key is as Delicate and it is full of dissonent layers and triphop passages. I think they are very influenced by bands like Slowdive, Lush as well as the others mentioned. I really impressed with this but for some it will just be too much down the non metal path...

http://season-of-mist.com

The House of Capricorn-CD (The Swamps of one tree hill)

So here's a band that took me by total surprise and I mean this in a great way. The House of Capricorn is one of those bands that mixed 90's Post Hardcore, Metal and Punk in a way that is catchy , dark and powerful all its own. The remember of if you could mix Killing Joke, The God Machine , Helmet and Kyuss into one mighty project and left them to there own crazy song writing and just see what happens. I even hear elements of Jesu and Crowbar going on in this very interesting and refreshing band. I guess being from New Zealand has let them grow into a project all there own as the population is so small you can cultivate your sound. See this is the point I always make it takes time to really see the vision of a band. Maybe I'm coming out of left field but I can see this band on the Nuerot roster as they would fit well with there mix of dark and doomy sounds. The more I listen to this is very akin to Alaric so this maybe why its so to my liking. I guess Deathrock and Post Metal are really coming to the forefront of the 21st century indie music scene.

http://www.myspace.com/thehouseofcapricorn

Distro Outlets for Black Depths Grey Waves CD as of 9/22/2011

2011-09-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

Order the CD from the Following Outlets

Aesthetic Death (UK) http://aestheticdeath.com

Crucial Blast (USA) http://crucialblast.net/

Redstream (USA) http://redstream.org/

Masterpiece Distribution (Italy)

http://www.masterpiecedistribution.com/

Firebox (Finland) http://www.firebox.fi/store/

Rage in Eden (Poland) http://rageineden.org/

Heart and Crossbone (Israel) http://hcbrecords.com/

Black Depths Grey Waves
Nightmare Of The Blackened Heart
digi CD

Cat #: ADCD 022

Recorded: Aug 2010

Released: September 2011

Tracks:

The Hunt For Greater Truth
3rd Candle For The Fallen
Final Key To Pure Thought

Duration: 44 mins