Brvmak/In Nomine Patris/Sleaszy Rider Records/2018 CD Review

  Brvmak  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "In  Nomine  Patris"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Sleaszy  Rider  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  avant  garde  sounding  intro  starts  of  the  album  along  with  some  stringed  instruments  also  being  utilized  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  bringing  in  elements  of  doom  metal  and  clean  playing  and  clear  vocals  are  utilized  at  times  as  well.

 A  great  amount  of goth  elements  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  one  track  being  an  instrumental  and  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  closing  track. 

  Brvmak  plays  a  music  style  that  takes  black,  death  and  gothic  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  religion  and  esoteric  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  Brvmak  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death  and  gothic  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Genesis"  "Oblivion"  and  "Revelation".  8  out  of  10.

Ascarsis/The Raised Hand/2018 Full Length Review

  Ascarsis  are  a  band  from  The  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "The  Raised  Hand"  which  will  be  released  in  October.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast  beats  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  music  also  having  its  technical  moments  and  when  guitar  leads  are  used  briefly  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  as  the  album  progresses  atmospheric  sounding  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  the  background  briefly.

  Ascarsis  plays  a  style  of  blackened  death  metal  that  is  very  brutal  while  also  capturing  a  very  dark  atmosphere,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ascarsis  are  a  very  great  sounding  technical  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Incantation"  "Waiting  For  The  Whip"  and  "Eau  De  Nil".  8  out  of  10.  

Outrage/1985 Demo(n)s/Vic Records/2018 Compilation Album Review

  Outrage  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  compilation  album  "1985  Demo(N)s"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Vic  Records  and  consists  of  their  1985  demos  "Outrage  I  and  II".

  Drum  beats  start  off  the  compilation along  with  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  before  adding  in  some  heavy  riffing  while  the  vocals  are early  era  black  metal screams  along  with  some  blast  beats  also  being  utilized  when  the  music  speeds  up  and  the  riffs  also  use  melodies  at  times.

  A  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  compilation  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  first  wave  black  metal/thrash  style  and  the  fast  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  the  beginning  song  on  the  second  demo  also  introduces  synths,  spoken  words  and  clean  playing  into  the  music  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction.

  On  both  of  these  demo's  Outrage  played  a  style  of  black  metal  that  had  more  aggression  than  most  bands  of  the  era  while  still  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  thrash  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness,  demonology,  myths,  dreams  and  mankind  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  from  Outrage  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Go To  Hell"  "Into  The  Abyss  Of  Belial"  "War  Pain"  and  "Name  Your  Poison".  8  out  of  10.    

Lucifericon Interview

Lucifericon answers by Anton (guitarist) and Rob (bass/Vocx):

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Anton: We’ve finished the recordings of Al-Khem-Me end of spring 2018.
The layout job was taken care of from spring till summer and late july we delivered the complete production to Invictus,our label.
After the summer holiday’s we startend rehearsing the songs in the way we’ve recorded them and also start writing new material.
We always rehearse our live set and write new songs during the time when we are at home and when we don’t have to prepare ourselves for upcoming live abominations.

2.You have your first full length coming out in October, what are some of the things you have done different musically on this recording that you where not able to do with your previous releases?

Anton: Of course we wanted to improve everything we did previously on all fronts.
Therefore we spent more time on the arrangements of the songs.
The song structures and riffs are more open, which created more space for the vocals, solo’s and guitar melodies.
The quality of the guitarsolo’s en melodies also improved which made our songs stronger.
Knowing what to do with the melodies you can emphasize the dark atmosphere in the music, which is exactly what we aim for, making the songs as dark as we possibly can.
We’ve spent alot of time creating a natural old school sound which doesnt sound dated, but full bodied, agressive and in your face.
We are very pleased with the overall sound on the album and our producer Mersus did a tremendous job.

3.Your lyrics are very well reasearched into the occult, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the esoteric arts and the various paths of occultism that you bring into the lyrics?

Rob: Ive allways been interested in the dark side of existence. Already as a young teenager.
With existence i mean within us, spiritually/mentally, and outside us , the cosmos.
I am not a follower of any path per se, but I take from any path that appeals to me, the best content I see fit for me to enhance my being.
I believe its better to pave your own path rather then following any.
The darker sides of existence I don't see as portraying or glorifying the negative. Not at all.
I see it as the realms untravelled and as gateways to new insights.
So my interests vary from Cosmology , Philosophy , all sorts of Magic, you name it...a wide range really.
I don't like to limit myself to what I wanna write about.

4.In a previous interview you had meny studying Crowley, Levi, Spare and Grant, are there any other occultists that have had an influence on your world view?

Rob: The ones you mention are a great contribution indeed.
Others that have inspired me are Andrew Chumbley , Blavatsky , Michael Kelly , Peter Caroll , etc
But I take interest in historical figures like Einstein and that too...

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Lucifericon'?

Rob: Well, I was listening to the old swedish band Grotesque one day, and they scream the words 'Ia Lucifericon'in the track 'Blood runs from the Altar'.
Considering my interests, and my fascination for the character of Lucifer and all the different forms,
thoughts and entities that he represents...it kinda stuck with me.
So basically I had to use it, there was no way back once that name got stuck in my brain.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

Rob: The word Alchemy represents a process of change. Literally its the transmutation/purification of metals.
Philosphically it represents a purification of the self, also a form of change. A journey basically.
And 'Khem' means 'black earth', so its about the journey through the dark sides of the self enhancing your being.
The four snakes represent the 4 members in the band. Them travelling through several dimensional spaces represents the journey.
Them reaching the symbols of Azoth represents the transmutation into the most high.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Anton: We are not a band that will be touring very much, not now or in the near future.
That’s nearly impossible coz of jobs and families and its difficult to organize to be away for a long period of time.
But we did some great gigs during the past years.
I think the gig with Demilich and Lantern in Kuopio,Finland in September 2017 was great.
The gig with In Aeternum and Venefixion in Deinze,Belgium February 2017 was killer,
and the gig at NRW Deathfest in Wermelskirchen,Germany 2016 was great.
Our stage performance is a dark, agressive and intense experience.
This isn’t something which will work out the best in every occasion.
Our music is very dark, so playing in full daylight won't give you the best Lucifericon experience.
But we understand that playing festivals sometimes theres no choice so we gotta take it as it comes.
Playing inside a venue is something we prefer and works out the best.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Anton: We're busy trying to plan some weekend tours and separate gigs during 2019.
There's a plan to do a 10 days european headline tour next year in may. Hopefully this will happen.
Also in May we perform at Graveland festival alongside Marduk , Entombed AD,  Dead Congregation , The Crown and more.
When the album is released there certainly will be some more gigs planned.
So just keep an eye on our Facebook page to see when we are around.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?

Rob: We have been getting amazing responses worldwide to what we're doing.
We are still a small band, which is fine, but people having asking for our stuff from across the globe.
And reactions to our liveshows were also pretty amazing.
If thats not very positive then we're all doomed.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Anton: Our drummer Tim also plays drums in an all round metal cover band (The Covering) and creates thrashing madness with a band called Razend.
Razend has almost finished recording their 2nd album.
I'm not sure when its supposed to be out, but if you like furious well played thrash metal, check em out.
Our other guitarist Alex is also playing the strings in Pentacle. They are also writing new material at the moment.
Me and Rob stick to Lucifericon as their main band at the moment.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Rob: The band had a certain style right from the get go.
We don't think that has changed at all, but we are better players now at what we do, and we aim to continue to do so.
Don't expect any wild style changes from us.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Anton: In general the main influence is Death/Thrash and black metal from the late 80’s - early 90’s.
But all the members listen to several styles of metal.
If we have to mention some of the most important bands that influenced us: Morbid Angel,Grotesque,Dismember,
Edge of Sanity,Grave,Possessed,Dissection,Death, Infernal Majesty, Slayer and so on...

We are listening al kinds of styles from obscure death metal to progressive rock.
Some great death metal acts from the last years are Vorum, Venenum, Morbus Chron (RIP), Alkaloid.


13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Rob: The release date for the new album is October 5 , so check out the album when it comes out.
We hope alot of the show plans will happen for next year to see all you maniacs out there.
We are busy updating our bandcamp page for ordering our merchandise.
New shirts are being up as we speak.
You can also visit our facebook page and send us a message there or email us.
So keep an eye on all that for information regarding all of it.

Thanks for the interview mate, and cheers to all you Nephilimnic offspring !!

Rob/Anton for Lucifericon

Contact/Info pages:
www.facebook.com/lucifericon
https://lucifericon.bandcamp.com
email: lucifericon@upcmail.nl

Exxxekutioner/Death Sentence/Ulthar Records/2018 CD Review

  Exxxekutioner  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  speed,  thrash  metal  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Death  Sentence"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Ulthar  Records.

  A  very  heavy  thrash  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in a   great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  riffs  also b ringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's.

  While t he  music  gets  very  retro  it  still  sounds  modern  at  the  same  time  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  style  while  the  tracks  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  dark  sounding  melodies  and  elements  of  punk  also  being  added  into  the  music  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.

  Exxxekutioner  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  mixture  of  black,  thrash,  speed  metal  and  punk,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Exxxekutioner  and  if  you  are a   fan  of  black,  thrash,  speed  metal  and  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Worship"  "Necromancy"  and  "Black  Witchery".  8  out  of  10.

A.c.o.D/The Divine Triumph/Jive Epic France/2018 Full length Review

  France's  A.c.o.D  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  their  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "The  Divine  Truimph"  which  was  released  by  Jive  Epic  France.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  epic  sounding  synths  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  thrash  influenced  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  as  well  as  the  vocals  bringing  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  synths  also  being  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  symphonic  feeling  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  their  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  the  closing  track  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  A.c.o.D  expand  on  their  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal by  adding  in  more  symphonic  elements,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  abyss,  occultism  and  ancient  god  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  A.c.o.D  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Omnes  Tenebre"  "Between  Worlds"  "The  Divine  Triumph"  and  "Sleeping  Shores".  8  out  of  10.

      

Arroganz/Erzketzer/F.D.A Records/2018 EP Review

  Germany's  Arroganz  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  that  continues  the  brutal  blackened  death  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  ep  "Erzketzer"  which  will  be  released  on  September  28th  by  F.D.A  Records.

  Drum  beats  start  off  the  ep  before  adding  in  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  while  the  heavy  riffs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  groove  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  some  black  metal  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  a  brief  use  of  atmospheric  elements  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  having  its  brutal  moments  as  well a s  some  clean  playing  being  added  onto  the  closing  track  which  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style.

  Arroganz  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  blackened  death  metal  style  of  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  satanism,  death,  possession,  chaos,  liberation  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Arroganz  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "As  Furious  Wings  Cast  Long  Shadows".  8  out  of  10.