Scorched Earth Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Since the recording, we've had a significant lineup change.  The new lineup is: Terry McCorriston (Vocals/guitar/the guy answering these questions), Matt Fields (Guitar), Zach Palmer (Bass), and Blaeden Charette (Drums).  We just completed a West Coast tour a few weeks ago.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

It's a single, not an album.  Originally we were recording for a new album, but Matt and I decided that not all the tracks were as good as they could have been, but the ones that were really good we didn't want to go to waste, so we got ahold of Bill (NoVisibleScars head honcho) and he agreed to put it out as a single.  Musically, it's indicative of our Thrash side, and doesn't differ from previous releases. 

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

"Marauders" is pretty self-explanatory and "Harken To Your Allfather" is based on the comic "Preacher".  Hail Allfather Starr!!!

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Just liked the name.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Best show we've ever played was in Mexico City at the Metal In The Forest show.  Complete fucking maniacs, complete fucking insanity!  That whole Mexican trip had awesome shows.  We've played some cool local (Seattle) shows, in our 15+ years of existence we've played with countless cool bands all over the States and in Canada as well. 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

We just toured, so we'll have to get back to you on that one.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of extreme metal?

The tape hasn't come out yet, so we'll have to get back to you on that one, too!

8. Are there any current side projects?

Matt has a band called Divinorum. http://www.facebook.com/#!/DivinorumBand?fref=ts

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I want the next one to sound like Metal Church meets Angelcorpse.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

None.  Irish music, mainly.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

None.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Not really.  Thanks for the interview and look at our Facebook page if you wish.http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Scorched-Earth/131544593549910

Berkowitz Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?


Well, I would hardly call BERKOWITZ a band. It is merely a studio project that came into being when I was writing music for a black metal band that split just months after its launch in 2008. I was without a band and with a lot of song ideas and so, you know, one thing led to another.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

According to the label the music on "Sent To Dominate" is a mixture of death metal, black metal and grindcore. But the first album sounded mostly like black metal and a third album might be something different again. I would describe BERKOWITZ as being extreme music without giving a shit about genre categories.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

On "Sent To Dominate" the lyrics mostly deal with political and social problems - stuff like collateral damage in war, the Berlin wall, the Arab spring and so on. On the other hand, there are songs which are very personal and show my individual point of view. The most recurring message is: "Never let people put you down".

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The idea was to find a name that doesn't determine the style of music. Names like "dark + noun" are getting old. I liked having a family name and so I looked for one that could be connected with as different people as possible. Look it up, you'll see what I mean.

5. Currently the band is solo, are you planning on adding a line up in the future or do you choose to remain solo?

Right now I am busy with a full-line-up band and my job. There is nothing planned, but you should never say never. But it seems very possible to share the songwriting process in the future. We'll see.

6. Currently you are signed to Gravity Entertainment, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far.

I accidentally met one of the Gravity dudes in Berlin when I was looking for a label to publish "Sent To Dominate". I didn't know that the guy was working for a record label but somehow we talked about it. Their marketing was surprisingly professional so I would say I am satisfied.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal.

So far, reactions by listeners and reviewers have been positive.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Haha, I really don't know how to respond to that. But in case you mean my other involvements: I am playing drums in a grindcore/crust band which is very fun. Much more spontaneous than the longer BERKOWITZ compositions.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I actually have enough material for one more album in a similar style. But for some reason I don't want to record it as being the third BERKOWITZ LP. I think it is boring to record the same album again and again so the next one is going to be a lot different.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I think every band you like has influence on your output. Important bands for "Sent To Dominate" were ROTTEN SOUND, NASUM and NAPALM DEATH. The last CD I bought was DYING FETUS' "Reign Supreme" but the record I was listening to the most during the last time is DUNDERBEISTs "Black Arts & Crooked Tails".

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I like to draw and illustrate - that's my job. The BERKOWITZ logo and both cover artworks have been created by me. Check out facebook.com/thisisillustrious for more information!

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Yes, thank you for your time and for your interest!

Bandcamp

Facebook

Xul/Malignance/2012 CD Review

  Xul are a band from Vernon, British Columbia that plays a very heavy  and  brutal  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Malignance".



Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording., as for the synths which are only utilized  briefly  they  bring  an  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  music



  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  blackened  death  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy  and  brutal  sounding  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  technical  sounding  blackened  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  blackened  death  metal  screams  to  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  are  only  utilized  on  the  last  song  briefly  and  they  use  full  chords  and  full  chords  to  enhance  some  darkness  in  the  music

  In  my  opinion  Xul  are  a  very  great  sounding  heavy  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Battlestorm"  "Winter's  Reign"  and  "Tomb  Of  The  Tyrants".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

(http://xulmetal.bandcamp.com/album/malignance)

Scorched Earth/Marauders/No Visible Scars/2012 EP Review

  Scorched  Earth  are  a  band  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  ep  "Marauders"  which  was  released  by  No  Visible  Scars.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  some  punk  influences,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  old  school  sounding  heavy  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  growls  and  screams  that  have  an  early  black  metal  and  thrash  feeling  to  them  while  having  somewhat  of  a  punk  edge  to  them,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  metal  themes, as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  raw  sound  to  it  while  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Scorched  Earth  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Harken  To  Your  Allfather".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://novisiblescars.bandcamp.com/album/marauders

Haiduk Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?

Haiduk is a manifestation of a pissed off and determined guitarist trying to forge a unique style of modern extreme metal.


2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Relentless, pummeling, fast...


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Haiduk lyrical themes focus on stories and ideas relating to a fictional fantasy world I’ve been developing for some time. “Spellbook” deals with elements of magic within that world: fire, lightning, necromancy, curses, etc. It relates music to magic. Music can be a powerful force and manipulating it can give its master powers similar to those wielded by mages conceived in fantasy books and games which I draw inspiration from.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

A “hajduk” is a resistance warrior who retreats to the hills and forests during a time of invasion in order to continue fighting off enemy occupation. My background is Serbian and it’s a common word in south-east Europe. I was partly inspired by Scandinavian viking metal bands who incorporate pagan and historical themes into their music so I chose a name which reflects my own European roots.


5. Currently the project is solo are you planning on expanding the line up or do you choose to remain solo?

I choose to remain solo and have no desire to work with anyone else.


6. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so, what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music?

I dislike any outside interference in my work and have no interest in working with a label. I walk a solitary path and control my own destiny. I’m no slave to the ways of the industry nor do I function the same way as most bands do. It’s an advantage and a disadvantage.


7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Overall the feedback has been really good, which is important because it’s always a gamble when you compose an album on your own with no outside input along the way. It’s easy to lose perspective and you never know what the reaction will be. I just write music that sounds good to me.


8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

I choose to focus all my energy on Haiduk.


9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I haven’t decided if I’ll make another album yet. If there’s another release it will continue in the same direction of speed and push for more complexity and technical guitarwork.


10. What are some band or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Early 90’s thrash is what I grew up with: Sepultura, Slayer, Testament, old Megadeth & Metallica.... Nowadays I lean towards a variety of fast thrash/death bands like Dew-Scented, Carnal Forge, Old Man’s Child, Vomit the Soul....


11. How would you describe your views on Occultism?

Most of it is complete bullshit. Aside from using symbolism to convey a message, believing “occult” magic is as stupid as believing in god, fairy tales or fortune tellers. The theme of this album is 100% fantasy-based and escapist. Knowledge is the closest thing to magic. Through experience and learning one can begin to use their knowledge to create extraordinary effects which can come to resemble something similar to magic to those who don’t possess it.


12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I keep up with world news and international relations, paying close attention to scientific progress, wars, revolutions, strife, ethnic unrest and generally where the human species is going. But I also love to escape from it all and retreat into alternate realities through various means.


13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Myspace

Official website

YouTube

Haiduk/Spellbook/2012 CD Review

  Haiduk  are  a  1  man  band  from  Canada  that  plays  an occult  form  of  black/death/thrash  metal  and this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Spellbook".

  Drums  range  from slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  thrown   into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  good  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  black/death metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  classical  guitars  which  are  only  used  briefly  they  use  finger  picking  to  add  more  darkness  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  all  deep  blackened  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  occult  themes, as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Haiduk  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  hybrid  of  black,  death,  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Wind"  "Forcefield"  "Lightning"  and  "Stormcall".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqSkd726XU8

A Band Of Orcs Interview

1.     Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Gogog: Brought many storms with our epic tales of Gzoroth, raided many eardrums with new metal music, added many heads to the pile with new album “Adding Heads to the Pile.”

Gronk!: Shared battlefield with Slayer…and…Slipknot…and Anthrax…and Motorhead…and Cannibal Corpse…and Nekrogoblikon…many, many others…Hail Gzoroth!!!!

2.     How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Gogog: Let the slaves describe it!

Gronk!:  Gogog, you leader, you describe.

Gogog:  Okay.  You know how you take head and add to pile and it makes squishy noise and look down and see puddle at bottom…it like that puddle.  It just float right down to the bottom and stays there until Gzoroth rises to the top.

Gronk!: Hail Gzoroth!!!

3.     What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

Gronk!:  Killing giants.  Spells, Geas, War, adding heads to the pile, Domination, winter wonderlands of ice wyrms and wolves and snow… elemental realms, and…rebellion.

4.     What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

Gogog: It mean what it mean.  Us A Band of Orcs.

Gronk!: Us rolled on random encounter table in game, but us really come and destroy table, but svae Jed, cuz him show us how play Slayer.

5.     What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Gogog: Mayhem, Summer Slaughter, Orc CD release show, Pumpkin chunkin’ glory!!!

6.     Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Gogog: No.  But us make plans when humans want pay us to play.  Battle wagon need gold and black gold to run.

Gronk!: Hail Gzoroth!!!  Orcs not make plans, orcs seize plans.

7.     The new album came out on IME Entertainment, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Gronk!: Us tell slave give us label number and slave do.  I\M/E give us many allies and try forge new battle plan for music industry.  Us forge with them cuz it so chaotic and untried orcs have to be part of that.  Them submit us be considered for Grammy, ahahhahahahhaha!!!!  That funny, but we shall see, we shall see….  Hail, Ed!  Hail Gzoroth!!!!

8.     On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of extreme metal?

Gogog: Devastating, every human want but us not have enough to supply world wide Domination.  It like humans starving for us fill their ear-hole with brutal metal.

9.     What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Gronk!: “Into the Maelstrom and beyond into a deeper evil, ahahhaha!!!”

10.  What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Gogog: Inspired by me, LEEEEEDEEEEER!

Gronk!: Behemoth, Sabbath, Maiden, Slayer, Bad Religion.  Filthgrinder him like Metallica, Megadeth, Suffocation for album.  But also us inspired by Michael Moorecock, Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, and other prophets of Domination with written word.

Gogog:  Gogog listen to Obituary and Thomas Dolby now.

Gronk!: Me listen to Kreator and punk rock…Bad Religion, DC Fallout, hail Gzoroth!!!!

11.  Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Gogog: Inside of music, unicorn poaching, day-glo stuffs; whipping the slaves, flogging the grunts, killing ice wyrms, adding heads to pile

Gronk!: drop things from high places watch them go splat.

12.  Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Gogog: Demand A Band of Orcs in your cities, in your record stores, at your schools on your radio stations, ask your lunch lady, the bus driver, the slave that pumps your gas, cry it from the deepest caves of evil, proclaim it on the bloody hills, and add your head to the pile, Hail Gzoroth!!!  Be a part of that puddle, peddle our music and be spared, sell it at flea markets.

Gronk!: Listen “Adding Heads to the Pile.”  Buy our shit!  Hail Gzoroth!!!!

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage

Last.fm

Myspace

ReverbNation

Spotify

Twitter

YouTube