Akelarre/Decade Of Desecration/PRC Music/2018 CD Review

  Akelarre  are  a  band  from  Mexico  that  plays  a  brutal  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Decade  Of  Desecration"  which  was  released  by  PRC  Music.

  A  very  heavy  and  brutal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  along  with  the  faster sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  vocals  are  deep  yet  guttural  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  a  few  black  metal screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  of  the  faster  riffs  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  pickin.

 One  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  decent  amount  of  both  old  school  and  modern  influences  along  with  a  later  song  also  bringing  in  melodic  yet  ritualistic  chanting  and  spoken  word  parts  and  they  close  the  album  with  an  instruemntal.

  Akelarre  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  brutal  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Luciferian,  Occultism  and  Anti  Christianity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Akelarre  are  a  very  great  sounding  brutal  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Satan  leads  Our  Aberrations"  "Spirit  of  Oppression"  "The  Devil  Is  Watching  You"  and  "Towards  Megiddo".  8  out  of  10.

https://prcmusic.bandcamp.com/album/akelarre-decade-of-desecration-cd

      

P.H.O.B.O.S/Phlogiston Catharsis/Transcending Obscurity Records/2018 CD Review

  P.H.O.B.O.S  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  industrial,  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Phlogiston  Catharsis"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  Industrial  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  also  mix  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  programmed  beats  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  lot  of  dark  sounding  melodies  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  doom  metal  elements  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  done  in  a  very  melodic  yet  dissonant  style  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  slower  direction  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  melodic  chants  and  spoken  word  aprts  can  also  be  heard.

  P.H.O.B.O.S  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  industrial,  black  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  P.H.O.B.O.S  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  industrial,  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Igneous  Tephrapotheosis"  "Neurasthen  Logorrh"  and  "Smothered  In  Scoria".  8  out  of  10.

P.H.O.B.O.S. Facebook

Dirt Is Destiny Interview

1) For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Dirt is Destiny is a project that in name has only recently taken form in 2017, though i have been working on material and fleshing out ideas of this kind since about 2011.
The project initially was going to be a solo affair, but veteran drummer of the Cypriot  Metal scene Danny Georgiou, offered his services. He added his own touch to the songs, and has performed on the self title EP.

The essence of what the band is working to achieve is to take elements of mainly Black/Death/ Doom Metal and carefully manipulate them to create musical stories that are powerful, dramatic, and memorable.

2) Recently you have released an ep, what was the musical sound you where hoping to achieve on this recording?

I should mention that the EP is best listened to as a whole, since the songs follow a narrative and are conceptualy related.

The musical sound we were hoping to achieve was for each song to be its own sonic entity, but at the same time for each song to have a relationship with the other in a subtle but connected way so that as whole there is a common defining sound to the band.

3) What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics are introspective and have an Esoteric quality to them, though I think it is best to explain what the lyrics are actually about on this EP.

To summarize - 'Marooned' is about the character being in a state of existence which can be described as an 'endless present', a Primordial and Archaic state.
Trying to make sense of the world, he observes the biting and grinding chatter within his mind and the patterns there in..finally confronting the chasm at his core, he realizes the nature of his being and actualizes himself from out out of the Chaos.
'I have come into Being' is about the character awakening the Spirit of Adversity within himself.. the song is a reference to the Ancient Egyptian Deity Set, the prototype of the Satanic figure, and the word XEPER which translates roughly to the name of the song.

'Echo' is about a buried subconscious 'memory' of an ancient cataclysm who's effects were so traumatic that they are still lingering deep in Human being's collective Psyche..

'You will Hang By the Noose' is about the character being tormented by his mortality, the crimes of his past, and the legions of voices gnawing at his sanity. Finally he decides to commits suicide.

4) What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dirt Is Detiny'?
The band name was taken from something a friend of mine 'Andreas Marouchos' had written..i thought it was quite catchy.. It means that ultimately and Inevitably everything will degrade and become like 'Dirt'...a pulverised matter lacking definition or form...

5) Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the ep cover?
The artwork was done by a local Artist, Asta Hagalaz. There was an image completed for each one of the songs, each one quite unique and fitting to the theme of each song.
 The front cover is the 'Hanged Man' motif, found in the Tarot, and alluded to in various Myths. The meaning behind it being that the Individual willingfully puts himself/herself through suffering and ordeal to gain deeper Knowledge, Wisdom, and Power. The upcoming Physical release will contain all of the images within it.

6) Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
I feel that for the time being it works for us being a Duo, as a band that does not perform live that is. In the future i would like to play a few shows with live members, however creatively i am a bit too possessive of this project to include additional permanent members..it is quite difficult to find people who are trully able to share the same vision and also musically be able to elevate the band.
Luckily Danny and I both like the same bands, and click musically.

7) Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Currently we are unsigned but i have received interest from a couple of independant labels.Having already pre-arranged for the production of CD's for this EP beforehand, i think it will suffice to remain independant for the time being.

For the next full length release though i think a Label is a must as i simply do not have the time or know how to deal with all the marketing and distribution side of things.
8) On a worldwide level how has the freaction been to your music by fans of black, doom and death metal?

With a few exceptions The reaction has been a bit underwhelming, and understandably so. We have only released the EP online, with our CD release still pending.
 From from huge number of emails i have sent to various magazines and blogs, not too many responded. I have gathered that there is such a massive amount of Demo/Promo/Digital music being sent out at the moment that most magazines or blogs simply are not able to go through all the material for a review, or coverage of any sort. Physical releases tend to take priority, so i am hoping that once i send out the physical copies the band will get more coverage.

locally though i have gotten quite a lot of good feedback.

9) What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that the drummer is a part of?
Danny is involved in a ton bands, but if there is one that deserves a mention it is Mirror. Old school Occult themed Metal band with Cypriot/Greek metal Legends Jimmy on vocals and Tassos on Bass.

10) When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I am currently writing new music for the full length'in the middle of it right now actually' and if everything goes according to plan, will hit the studio by very early next year. Musically, there will be more of everything, and a few new surprises..

11) What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
First thing that comes to mind and obviously, Primordial since they are my favorite band..Akercocke,Bathory,Destroyer 666,Morbid Angel,Emperor,Dissection,My Dying Bride..I can hear bits and pieces from those bands when i listen to the material, though since i started playing guitar i have always experimented and consciously worked to find my own distinct sound..
Lately i have been listening to a bunch of different bands like Omen, Manowar,80's Pantera, Zion's Abyss, Wasp, Venom, Ruins of Beverast, Gorgoroth.

12) What are some of your non musical interests?
Fitness,knowledge,work,the occasional outing or gig.

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

Thank you for the review and the interview! Keep The flame Burning!

Bandcamp

Tuscoma Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

 Well we are Tuscoma a very new duo from Wellington New Zealand. Putting out a debut album Called 'Arkhitecturenominus' in August. We used to be in Hollywoodfun Downstairs a trio that played more of a Post-punk noise vibe that toured a hek of a lot. Tuscoma will hopefully follow up this album with alot of touring.

2.You have an album coming out in August what are some of the things you feel you have accomplished musically on the recording?

On this record achieving a realistic sound as a two piece was the goal - not being over produced and sounding like 'uhh how will they pull that off live'. The sound is pretty huge for a duo, there is no bass guitar just a guitar through my normal amps. The drums are live which is very important for setting that' live feel and tone'. we are very happy with sound of this record. James Goldsmith done a great job on capturing who we are as a band and Jack Shirley added that awesome flavor you hear.

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

This album is all based around architecture - basically saying architecture is anonymous. Groma is talking about the roman way of using ancient string lines, for setting out buldings with a twist of dark emotive words to confuse the listener. The self titled track is all about studying to be a architect (graduate now PhD). Aerial Views over Barcelona, have you ever seen the birds eye view of the city? it also incorporates the Gothic Quaters from Roaman times. So there is astrong theme within this album.


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tuscoma'?

Tuscoma means a place that doesnt exist. Like the coolest little place on earth in your mind.


5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

I think we are full enough without adding something else to the band, itll seem greedy hahaha. We like it how it is.


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

Well we have only played a few shows as Tuscoma so a hard one to say but we have 65 shows lined up in UK/Europe/NZ to support the new album...But supporting Wiegedood from Belgium just as we changed into Tuscoma was awesome (great band-memebrs of Oathbreaker and Amenra)


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

Yes we do. Already planned is the ones mentioned in last question - but start of next year we would love to come in Canada and USA.



8.The album is going to be released on 'Antena Krzyku Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Antena is a Polish label run by Arek. What a primo dude Arek has been to us - very understanding of DIY bands in our situation. He has a very reputable name in Poland releasing some gteat noise rock and a local band Hanba who is pretty big there.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music and live shows by fans of underground metal?

To be honest this is the first time we have been in the metal scene - so far so good. The reaction to our first song has been great.

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

Hopefully more of the same. we have started writing some new material as we have found a formula that is appealing to us.


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

 Influences vcan be anything from dark dpressive music to happy vibrant stuff. At the moment im into Deafheavens new tracks and Wiegedoods albums. The DMAs from Australia are spinning on the turntable same with A Perfect Circles new gear.


12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Family/football/building and chilling with y daughter at her favourite cafe here in Wellington Midnight Esspresso (it has the original 1980 pacmac game)


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

Come to the shows and support us, thank you

https://www.facebook.com/Tuscomaofficial/

Cemetery Lust/Rotting In Piss/Hells Headbangers/2018 CD Review

  Cemetery  Lust  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Rotting  In  Piss"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Hells  Headbangers.

  A  very  fast  and  aggressive  thrash  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  first  wave  style  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  music  also  mixing  in  elements  of  80's  era  speed,  thrash  and  death  metal  but  modern  at  the  same  time.

  A  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  an  old  school  extreme  metal  style  along  with  some  growls  also  being  used  at  times  as  well  as  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  of  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  horror  movie  style  keyboards  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Cemetery  Lust  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  earlier  days  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Necrophilia,  Satanism  and  Violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cemetery  Lust  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Midnight  Invasion"  "Funeral  Home  Massacre"  "Hideous  Nature"  and  "Awaiting  Execution".  8  out  of  10.

http://cemeterylust.bandcamp.com/album/rotting-in-piss

Woes/The Coldest Place Is Within Myself/Godbox Records/2018 Full Length Review

  Woes  are  a  band  from  Denmark  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  neo  crust  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "The  Coldest  Place  is  Within  Myself"  which  was  released  by  Godbox  Records.

  Synths  along  with  some  classical  guitars  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  a  very  fast  crust  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  black  metal  screams  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  some  elements  of  post  hardcore  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  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  most  of  the  tracks  being  short  in  length  and  synths  also  make  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  also  add  in  elements  of  ambient,  growls  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  hardcore  style  shouts  as  well  as  a  couple  of  songs  also  introducing  clean  playing  and  rain  sounds  onto  the  recording.

  Woes  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal,  neo  crust  and  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics are  a  concept  album  dealing  with  depression,  love  and  self  doubt.

  In  my  opinion  Woes  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal,  neo  crust  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Cold  Wind  Whispers  Your  Name"  "Grey  Skies"  and  "Neverending  Nights".  8  out  of  10.

https://woescph.bandcamp.com/album/the-coldest-place-is-within-myself

Dirt Is Destiny/Self Titled/2018 EP Review

  Dirt  Is  Destiny  are  a  band  from  Cyprus  that  plays  an  experimental  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  and  self  released  2018  ep.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  clean  vocals  a  few  seconds  alter  while  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  at  times  along  with  a  brief  use  of  whispered  vocals  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  both  slow  and  mid  paced  parts  and  death  metal  growls  are  also  utilized  at  times  and  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Dirt  Is  Destiny  takes  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  with  some  experimental  elements  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Dirt  Is  Destiny  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental  mixture  of  black,  doom,  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Marooned"  and  "You  Will  Hang  By  The  Noose".  8  out  of  10.

https://dirtisdestiny.bandcamp .com/releases

  

Osserp/Al meu pas s'alca la mort/Godbox Records/2018 CD Review

  Osserp  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death  metal,  grind,  crust  and  hardcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Al meu pas s'alca la mort"  which  was  released  by  Godbox  Records.

  Dark  yet  melodic  guitar  leads  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in a   great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  grindcore  elements  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  death  metal  growls.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also add  in  a  great  amount  of  hardcore  elements  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  black  metal  screams  are  also  used  at  times  and  that  influence  can  also  be  heard  in  the  fast  tremolo  picking.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while shouting  vocals  and  along  with  some  elements  of  crust  are  also  utilized  at  times,  one  of  the  later  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  starts  evoking  more  of  a  sci-fi  atmosphere  and  on  the  closing  track  harsh  noises  are  added  nto  the  recording.

  Osserp  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  death  metal,  grind,  crust  and  hardcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  constellations  and  mythological  creature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Osserp  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  death  metal,  grind,  crust  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Entre  Regnes"  "La  falc  de  Saturn"  and  "De  dalt  del  campaner".  8  out  of  10.

https://osserp.bandcamp.com/album/al-meu-pas-sal-a-la-mort

  

Tuscoma/Arkhitecturenominus/Antena Krzyku Records/2018 CD Review

  Tuscoma  are  a  band  from  New  Zealand  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  metal,  noise  and  hardcore  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Arkhitecturenominus"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Antena  Krzyku  Records.

  A  very  fast  sound  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  angry  hardcore  style  screams  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  punk  elements  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  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  some  tracks  also  mixing  in  noise  elements  and  you  can  also  hear  the  influence  of  post  hardcore  on  some  of  the  tracks  and  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Tuscoma  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  violent  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Tuscoma  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  if  you  are a   fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Aerial  Views  Over  Barcelona"  "Crooked  Flames"  "Laser  Lines"  and  "Post -Reflective-Mind  Games".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy73ss98Ebg&feature=youtu.be

Hellish/The Spectre Of Lonely Souls/Unspeakable Axe Records/2018 CD Review

  Hellish  are  a  band  from  Chile  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "The  Spectre  Of  Lonely  Souls"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Unspeakable  Axe  Records.

  Horror  movie  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  musical  direction  which  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while t he  vocals  are  mostly  angry  black  metal  screams.

  A  great  amount  of  80's  era  death  and  thrash  metal  influences  can  be  heard  in  the  music  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  bring  in  even  more  of  an  old  school  and  retro  extreme  metal  style  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  at  times  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Hellish  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  80's  era  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Ancient  Belief  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellish  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Night"  "Souls  Of  Desolation"  and  "Bloody  Tales".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Hellishchile/ 

Void Eater/II/Duplicate Records/2018 EP Review

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Void  Eater  which  also  continues  the  blackened  death  metal  style  of  the  previous  release  and  the  ep  is  called  "II"  and  will  be  released  on  June  29th  by  Duplicate  Records.

  A  very  fast,  dissonant  and  cavernous  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  the  music  also  mixes  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements.

  Melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  atmospheric  drones  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  a  few of  the  tracks  being  an  instrumental  as  well  as  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  guitar  leads  also  give  the  songs  a  more  technical  edge  when  they  are  utilized,  when  synths  are  utilized  they  bring  in  elements  of  ambient  and  both  the  opening  and  closing  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  On  this  recording  Void  Eater  takes  his  blackened  death  metal  style  in  more  of  a  dissonant  and  experimental  direction,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Void  Eater  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Receive"  and  "False  Seed".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

Void Eater/I/Duplicate Records/2018 EP Review

  Void  Eater  are  a  solo  project  from  Norway  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  ep  "I"  which  will  be  released  on  June  29th  by  Duplicate  Records.

  Clean  playinh  start  off  the  ep  before  adding  in  some  clean  playing  and  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Vocals  are  mostly  grim  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal  elements   along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  a  couple  of  the  tracks  being  instrumentals  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  distorted  drones

  Void  Eater  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  scientific  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Void  Eater  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Glyph".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

    

Malsanctum/Self Titled/Iron Bonehead Productions/2018 CD Review

  Malsanctum  are  a  band  from  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2018  album  which  will be  released  in  July  by  Iron  Bonehead  Productions.

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  direction  which  also  introduces  death  metal  growls  onto  the  recording  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  dark  sounding  melodies  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  In  some  parts  of  the  songs  the  drums  gt  very  aggressive  along  with  the  music  sounding  very  ritualistic  at  times  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  and  some  of  the  more  demented  vocals  are  very  heavily  influenced  by  black metal  as  well  as  all  of  the  music  sticking  to  a  slower  direction  and  acoustic  guitars  are  also  used  briefly  on  the  closing  track.

  Malsanctum  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  sound,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  lo-fi  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  metaphysical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Malsanctum  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are a   fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "The  Shattered  Spirit".  8  out  of  10.

http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/malsanctum-the-father/s-17Ydl      

Altars Of Grief/This Shameful Burden/Hypnotic Dirge Records/2018 CD Re-Issue Review

  Altars  Of  Grief  are  a  band  from  Regina,  Saskatchewan,  Canada  that  has  recently  been  featured  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "This  Shameful  Burden"  which will  be  re-issued  on  June  15th  by  Hypnotic  Dirge  Records.

  Clean  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  atmospheric  synths  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  the  slow  guitar  riffs  being  very  heavily  influenced  by  funeral  doom  metal  as  well as  the  vocals  being  a  mixture  grim  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them   as  well a s  one  track  also  introducing  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  recording  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  clean  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  utilized  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Altars  Of  Grief  showed  their  early  mixture  of  atmospheric  black  metal  and  funeral  doom  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  depression,  failure,  death  and  emptiness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from Altars  Of  Grief  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Only  Our  Scars"  "Her  Shadow  Is  The  Night"  and  "Your  Heaven".  8  out  of  10. 

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage

SoundCloud

Spotify

    

Second To Sun/The Black/2018 Full Length Review

  Russia's  Second  To  Sun  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  with  the  music  mixing  black,  groove  metal  and  djent  together  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  relesed  2018  album  "The  Black"  which  is  also  a  re-recorded  version  of t heir  2016  album  "Blackbound"  but  done  with  vocals  this  time  around.

  Classic  movie  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking and  blast  beats  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  mixing  in  elements  of  djent  and  groove  metal.

  Folk  music  elements  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as w ell  as  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  and  at  times  the  music  gets  very  atmospheric  and  progressive  sounding  and  as  the  album  progresses  nature  sounds,  acoustic  guitars,  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  on  of  the  later  tracks  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length. 

  On  this  recording  Second  To  Sun  continue  their  mixture  of  black,  groove  metal,  djent  and  Finno  Uragic  music  while  also  adding  in  vocals  this  time  around,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Russian  and  English and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Second  To  Sun  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  groove  metal  and  djent,  you  should c heck  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ladoga  Monster"  "Vasilla"  and  "The  Fool".  8out  of  10. 

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage

Instagram

VKontakte

YouTube