Funeral Pile/Evoked In Flames/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Funeral  Pile  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Evoked  In  Flames".

  

  Clean  playing  which  also  returns  on  later  songs  starts  off  the  album before  adding  in  some  melodic  yet  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  most  of  the  vocals  are  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  elements  of  doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  mix  in  a  good  amount  of  death  and  thrash  metal  influences.  One  of  the  tracks  also  add  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  some  growls  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  One  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  finally  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  as  well  as  a  later  track  also  being  an  instrumental  as  the  album  progresses.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Funeral  Pile  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  doom,  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Funeral  Pile"  "King  Cockroach  Vs.  The  Lizard  Queen"  and  "Like  The  Oceans  Tide".  8  out  of  10.

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Rivers Ablaze/Devoid Dying Sun/Metal.hu/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Rivers  Ablaze  are  a  band  from  Hungary  that  plays  an  experimental  and  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Devoid  Dying  Sun"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Metal.hu.

  Tragic  sounding  keyboard  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  later  of  melody.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  and  experimental  sounding  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  all  of  the  album  also  being  instrumental,  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Rivers  Ablaze  plays  a  musical  style  that t akes  black  and  death  metal  and  mixes  it  with  some  progressive  and  experimental  elements  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  professional.    

  In  my  opinion  Rivers  Ablaze  are  a  very  great  sounding  experimental,  instrumental  and  progressive  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  "The  Manifestation  Of  Supreme  Darkness"  and  "When  Silence  Fades  To  Nothingness".  8  out  of  10.

 https://youtu.be/JVCO0w7bh38

https://www.facebook.com/riversablaze

https://www.instagram.com/rivers_ablaze  

Nerascesi/Self Titled/Iron, Blood And Death Corporation/2021 CD Review

 

    Nerascesi  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album w hich  was  released  by  Iron,  Blood  And  Death  Corporation.

  A  very  heavy  and  brutal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  guttural  death  metal  growls  along  with  some  black  metal  screams  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  Elements  of  grindcore  can  also  be  heard  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  tracks  along  with  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  all  of  the  music  also  sticking  to  a  heavier  direction,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.

  Nerascesi  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  dark  and  violent  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nerascesi  are a   very  great  sounding  brutal  mixture  of  black,  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Le  Sorgenti  Del  Vuoto"  "Vertigine  Assoluta"  "NVN"  and  "Come  In  Cielo  Cosi  In  Terra".  8  out  of  10.

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Drittmaskin/SVARTPØNK/Flue Plateproduksjon/2021 Full Length Review

 

    Drittmaskin  are  a  band  from  Norway  that h as  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  death,  thrash  metal,  crust,  d  beat  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "SVARTPØNK"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Flue  Plateproduksjon.

  Dark,  heavy  yet  melodic  riffing  starts  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams  along  with  the  mid  tempo  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  crust  punk  and  d  beat  elements  and  the  riffing  also  shows  an  influence  of  thrash  metal.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  Touches  of  death  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  more  angry  shouting  approach  at  times  as  well  as  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing.

 The  songs  also  add  in a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  synths  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  an  old  school  style  with  a  more  modern  day  agression.,  acoustic  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Norwegian  and  cover  death,  society,  nature,  enlightenment,  rebellion  and  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Drittmaskin  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  black, d eath, t hrash  metal,  crust,  d  beat  and  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Al -Namrood"  "Glattcelle"  "Takk,  Recovery"  and  "Limi".  8  out  of  10.

  BANDCAMP / https://drittmaskin.bandcamp.com/album/svartp-nk 

WEBSITE/SHOP / www.drittmask.in

FACEBOOK / https://www.facebook.com/drittmaskinband

INSTAGRAM / https://www.instagram.com/drittmaskin/

YOUTUBE / https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRRzCTQpkxx-OGBRBi4VrOg

NORDIC MUSIC MERCH / https://nordicmusicmerch.com/collections/drittmaskin

    

Evil Spell/Padre Vostro/Blasphemous Records/2021 Full Length Review

 

   Evil  Spell  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Padre  Vostro"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Blasphemous  Records.

  A  very  fast  and  aggressive  thrash  metal  influenced  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  heavily  rooted  in  both  the  80's  and  early  90's  era.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  old  school  yet  chaotic  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  some  melodies  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

The  songs  also  mixing  in  a  good  amount  of  speed  metal  elements  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  evil  sounding  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  more  of  a  first  wave  black  metal  approach  at  times  and  as  the  album progresses  a  brief  use  of  horror  movie  style  organs  can  be  heard  before  returning  back  to a   heavier  direction,  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Occultism  and  Violence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Evil  Spell  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  ate  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Horrid"  "Masonic  Scum"  "Antisocial  Satan"  and  "Evil  Slaughter".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/EvilSpell666

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Evilspell/3540271767

https://www.youtube.com/user/SatansSadists      

Bonehunter/Dark Blood Reincarnation System/Hells Headbangers/2021 CD Review

 

  Bonehunter  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  thrash,  speed  metal  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Dark  Blood  Reincarnation  System"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Hells  Headbangers.

  A  very  dark  and  apocalyptic  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements.

  Vocals  ar e mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  captures  the  raw  energy  of  punk  rock.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  era  but  mixed  in  with  a  more  modern  day  brutality  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  remaining  very  true  to  an  old  school  style,  blast  beats  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  and  some  of  the  fast  riffing  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking.

  On  this  recording  Bonehunter  takes  first  and  second  wave  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  the  80's  era  of  thrash,  speed  metal  and  punk  as  well  as  making  a  retro  style  sound  more  modern.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Black  Magick,  Devil  Worship.  Darkness  and  Horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  form  Bonehunter  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  thrash,  speed  metal  and  punk,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  MagickM16"  "Devil  Power  Soldier"  "Virgin  Devil  Princess"  and  "Dark  Blood  Reincarnation  System".  8  out  of 1 0.

https://youtu.be/FrKxum0jnhM 

  

Emperor Of Myself/Tantrum/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Greece's  duo  Emperor  Of  Myself  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  their  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2021  album  "Tantrum".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodies  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Elements  of  doom  and  gothic  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences.  One  track  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  thunder  sounds  before  introducing  tragic  sounding  keyboards  onto  the  recording  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  fast  playing  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  On  this  recording  Emperor  Of  Myself  remains  true  to  the  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  gothic  metal  that  they  had  established  on  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Emperor  of  Myself  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  and  blackened  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "When  Memories  Hit"  "Meaningful  Words"  and  "The  Other  Side  Of  Fear".  8  out  of  10.     

https://emperorofmyself.bandcamp.com/album/tantrum     

Conquerors Interview

 

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

Not that much to be honest ahah. Since Covid is still an issue, gigs are still not a reliable thing, but we’re working to get some events as soon as possible to promote the new album. Also, we’re keeping the rehearsals, and beginning to write some stuff for the next album.

 2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

 Stormbringer is a bit more “thrashy” than the previous ones I guess. We’ve simplified the structure of the song to highlight some riffs, and kept a tempo way more high throughout the album. The production is less “harsh” too, a bit more professional but still the 80’s way. Stormbringer is just the step 2 of what we have begun on Dawn Of War : less riffs, shortest songs, highest tempo and aggressiveness .

 3.You also re-issued your 2019 album around the same time of the new release, what was the decision behind releasing a newer version? 

We were not satisfied by the first release. It was recorded in a garage, without really checking and adjusting all the instruments for the recording. Also, we changed the line-up like 2 month before the recording : Anfauglith had to switch from bass to drum and learn the parts quite quickly. Eventually, we judged that this try was a bit too rushed and not bringing justice to the songs we created, so we decided to record it again with a better production and mastered parts.

 4.From 2015 to 2019 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame? 

Those years were focused on only doing gigs once in a while and slowly writing new stuffs. The line up was a bit unstable, which didn’t help ahah. Ottar left the band, so we had no bassist, Anfauglith joined in 2018 to replace him, but shortly after the previous drummer left, so Anfauglith went on drums, and Ottar finally came back. Also, we are wankers in a way, so time fled way quickly ahah 

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

Still the same old shit : war, death, destruction, battlefield and violence. It didn’t change that much from the previous release, since we don’t really give a fuck about lyrics : Morty write them generally the day before the recording, since we are not here to give a deep meaningful message through the lyrics. 

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

Well nothing much to tell too ahah. This artwork was done by Kinglizard, a friend of ours, and represents the same skeleton shown on Dawn Of War. No specifical story, just as long as Stormbringer was the direct continuity to Dawn Of War, it has to be on the cover too, end of the story.

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? 

We had several good shows, but I think the one at MCP Apache in Belgium was one of the best. We shared the stage with Slaughter Messiah and Hexecutor, there was a nice affluence, public reception and good stage conditions. Our stage performance are mainly based on energy and aggressivity. We give everything we have in our guts while performing, which means playing faster, louder and more violently than the rehearsal. A good gig is when we are exhausted at the end, with blood on our hands ahah . It may not be as tight all the time (fuck the metronom on stage condition), but it strikes to be authentic and just real energy. Usually, the public feel it and give us back nicely. 

8.The new album was released on Music-Records, how did you get in contact with this label? 

We simply searched some labels on our side of the country, and they were one of the few who responded to us, so let’s go 

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and thrash metal? Generally quite positive : even though the records, they can feel the burning energy of our playing, and they’re pleased to listen something similar to the old school bands. The perpetual fast mayhem displayed is also something they really like. On the others hands, you have some whiners who want to see us do a more “intelligent” et “innovant” Black Thrash, to step away from all they already heard, but I assume that they didn’t understand what’s the purpose of Conquerors ahah 

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

We will keep the style we took on Dawn Of War and Stormbringer, trying to stick to this Brutal Black Thrash we like so much. Of course we will works on some negative points that came out, but next album shouldn’t be very far from the last one. No surprise.

 11.What are you currently listening to nowadays? 

The same good old stuff. We’re not very into the new way metal is taking and stick to what forged us as metal fan and musicians. Just look at our T-shirt and you’ll get a clue ahah 

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

Thanks for your work and your will to keep the underground real ! Also, for the listeners if you like our stuff, buy it fuckers, and if you don’t, piss off 

https://www.facebook.com/TrueConquerors

Cultum Interitum Interview

 

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

  There were many things that were happening in that period but from my point it is only worth to mention that the III album is almost ready in terms of mixing and mastering and that the registration process of IV album has just begun.

2. Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

 It is for sure much more thought out release in every aspect : instrumentals, lyrics, artworks , sound and general concept that lies behind this album.

 With every release it should be natural for everyone to aim higher with their art. V.O.T.N.D. has more of that cavernous black/death metal sound comparing to the previous releases. 

3. .What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Death, Annihilation and Blasphemy. All the lyrics and subject are mostly reffered to these 3 topics,  V.O.T.N.D. brings a vision of madness, mass death and annihilation as an omen of upcoming Judgement Day.

Basicly the lyrics corelate very much with the artwork that is presented on the cover.. 

There is no need from CI's entity to share the "progress" of individual people behind CI. It is the people who should judge if the band is making progress or not.

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

It means cult of annihilation, destruction. The name was chosen carefully to corellate with the general lyrical aspect and the message that is delivered with our music.  I wanted to choose the name  that is universal so I am able to present more than one lyrical concept upon our music.

The inspiration to choose this name was a refference how I personally see this dark side of religion like Christianity and other monotheistic religions who kill other "heathens" in the name of "god" . These religions are simply total cult of mass death , anihilation, madness and making you live in fear that if you do not follow their rules you will be condemned and your soul will suffer eternally.

 

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

The artwork was done by Juraj Bolf who already made an artwork for the tshirt that was released with our first album "Poison of Being". 

He showed me this artwork at least like one year before official release date of V.O.T.N.D. and I felt instantly that this artwork is the right choice for II album.

WS Artworks also put some adds into the artwork which made it in 100 % capturing the essence of whole opus.

Both of them did really great job and I am proud that I had opportunity to collaborate with such fantastic artists.

6. On the new album you worked mostly as a duo, are you open to expanding the line up again in the future?

Duo lineup is no more. Some releases were/are/will be with this old duo lineup. K.M. is no longer part of CI's entity but it was decided that we will still release the stuff that was composed when he still was the member.

Since 2019 CI is a trio and the effects of trio collaboration will be presented on the IV album

7. On the new album you also had some session  from members of  'Summon' and 'Austre', can you tell us a little bit more about their contributions to the recording?

These people know the music of CI and were chosen because it was certain that the energy they will put with their guest apperance will give more character to the album.

N from Summon had already proved on our first album that his guest voices correlate with our music really well so it was obvious to ask him to perform the guest voices again.

Regarding S and his contribution in Veneration IV track : he is more of vocalist who operates the higher screams better than I do and I needed this kind of more shrieky vocals for this track. I just knew that combining my lower vocals with his high ones will give really good contrast.

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

What I can only say is that for sure we have more support from foreign black/death metal listeners than Polish ones.

Most of the people who buy our stuff are from abroad. I do not know why it is the people from abroad that support CI more but to be honest it is not my problem to think over such matters.

What we present is typical underground black/death metal music for really narrow group of people. If someone likes our music, I am ok with this, same if someone does not like our music.

There has to be balance and it is not a way to create music that will be satisfying people on the first place and not you as artist.

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

What can be shared right now to the public is that CI will probably move more into black metal direction and nivelate or drastically minimalize the death metal vibes that are in our music.

10. What are you listening to nowadays?

 I have been really into new Beyond Man and Ifrinn that were released from The Sinister Flame label. Both of the bands have presented really high level in terms of compositions and the essence that their materials include.

11. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

    Both of the aformentioned are partially something that I can relate to however I do not see myself as Satanist or Occultist. 

    I do not like to speak in public about my private beliefs and views, this is something really personal and I preffer that it remains in that way.

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

     Always be consistent in what you do, say and represent.

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Hellcrash/Krvcifix Invertor/Dying Victims Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Hellcrash  are  a  band  from  italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  first  wave  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Krvcifix  Invertor"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Dying  Victims  Productions.

  A  very  apocalyptic  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  before  going  into  a  heavier  first  wave  black  metal  influenced  direction.  Most  of  the  music  is  also  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  while  the  vocals  bring  back  the  style  of  early  Venom  and  Bathory  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  remain  very  true  to  an  old  school  extreme  metal  style.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  speed  metal  elements  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  some  songs  also  showing  an  influence  of  punk  rock,  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction,  as  the  recording  progresses  a  brief  use  of  back  up  shouts  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Demons.  Anti  Christianity,  Evilness  and  Alcohol  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Hellcrash  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  first  wave  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "War  Against  Christ  -  Satan  Or  Die"  "Hordes  of  Satan"  "Raped  By  Satan"  and  "Mephistopheles".  8  out  of  10.

"Promo Medley":
Youtube:
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Bandcamp:
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Nocturnal/Serpent Death/Dying Victims Productions/2021 CD Review

 

    Nocturnal  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Serpent  Death"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Dying  Victims  Productions.

  Melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  start  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  lot  of  blast b eats  and  the  vocals  are  done  in  a  first  wave  black  metal  style.

  Elements  of  German  style  80's  thrash  are  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  old  school  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Nocturnal  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  first  wave  black  metal  style  mixed  in  with  the  classic  80's  German  thrash  metal  era  but  mixed  in  with  a  more  modern  take  on  the  genre,  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Evilness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nocturnal  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  "Black  Ritual  Tower"  "Damnator's  Hand"  "Void  Dweller"  and  "The  Iron  Throne".  8  out  of  10.

"Damnator's Hand":
Youtube:
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Bandcamp:
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 350px; height: 470px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3603050817/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/nocturnal-serpent-death">Nocturnal - Serpent Death by Dying Victims Productions</a></iframe>

    

Urtiden/Iron Age Nomad Axe/2021 Demo Review

 

  Urtiden  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  heavy  metal  and  punk  an d this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2021  demo  "Iron  Age  Nomad  Axe".

  Synths  start  off  the  demo  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  which  also  mixes  in  elements  of  early  80's  metal.  Vocals  are  mostly  blackened  metal  screams  while  the  music  also  captures  the  raw  energy  of  punk  rock.    When  guitar  solos  and  leads  ar e utilized  they  also  remain true  to  an  old  school  style  of  metal 

    Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  most  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  mid  tempo  direction  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  melodic  chants  being  added  on  the  closing  track.

  Urtiden  plays  a  musical  style  that t akes  black,  heavy  metal  and  punk  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  violent  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  Urtiden  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  heavy  metal  and  punk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Die  By  The  Slayer".  8  out  of  10.

https://urtiden.bandcamp.com/releases

Kade Storm Interview

 

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

Sure. As of right now, it's all about promoting the album, Ascension, which you have kindly reviewed. Also to set the stage for its CD release via Narcoleptica Productions.

2.You have a new album coming out in August, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

In the simplest of terms, it's the true first album for this project in terms of its central vision and aims. The previous effort, I was never satisfied with and have grown to reject.

3.You have been working with this musical project since 2003 but so far have only put out 2 albums, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait in between releases?

Given the time span, this is a long story, but it's also a very uneventful one. Essentially, I created a lot of music during this time that never saw the light of day, so to speak. Intentionally so, because it wasn't up to the standard I required. In 2014, I released Beyond Blood & Ashes, which I was also also not satisfied with as a concept because it lacked focus and direction, but made the mistake of releasing it anyway. That aside, I already had another thirty tracks, which I don't ever see myself releasing, but only keep for personal reference and future ideas. So, if I hadn't made the error in judgement that I did in 2014, Ascension would be my first album despite this project being around for almost twenty years.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored on both of the releases and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years?

In general, it's the standard Black Metal aesthetic and thematic; Luciferian concepts driven by dark wording and references to occultist notions, but even beyond that, there are secondary layers of meaning and allegories, some very personal. On the latter point, I prefer that individuals draw their own meaning from the music.

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

It's artwork that truly speaks for itself. It's centred around Luciferian and Gnostic themes and done so by Swedish artist and Extreme Metal enthusiast, Dalila Belazi, who has also done some great art work for other Black and Death Metal bands, including Profane Burial. I'm extremely honoured to have her support and her work as the album cover.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, do you have any experience working with other bands or musicians?

I have worked with other session musicians and done work for others in a similar capacity. Even though I compose almost everything myself, I prefer the session experience because it can help add to the studio atmosphere.

7.The new album is going to be released on 'Narcoleptica Productions', how did you get in contact with  this label?

With this album, it was only about getting the work done and a digital copy released. I didn't plan any promotion or consultation with any labels for a potential CD release. As such, I was very grateful when Andrey Koslov from Narcoleptica Productions, who happened upon the album, offered to do a physical CD release. The credit goes to him for that initiative.

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

I still think that it's a bit early to tell, but so far, I have received great response from those who've bought the music and supported it further. There have even been some solid reviews from your publication as well as the Metal Crypt, and also some prominent mentions on social media from groups like Doom Hearts, Midlands Metal Mayhem and Stahlradio Webradio, just to name a few. I'm honoured.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

To remain focussed and keep creating.

10.What are you listening to nowadays?

I'm always listening to a lot of music, but the key ones in rotation these days – among many others – tend to be the works Necrophobic, From The Vastland, Cloak, Solitary, From The Void, Mgla, Haimad, Amygdolor, Dev Gohil, Ends Emrbace, Under The Pledge Of Secrecy, Watain, Morbid Angel, Triptykon, Kampfar and Grá.  

11.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

It's a domain that goes well beyond the inversion and subversion of conventional religious, spiritual and political order as well as their symbolic influence. It also serves as a fitting allegory for broader curiosities that belie individual existence. It speaks to a distinct darkness within the depths of untethered thought.

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

My thanks to you for the excellent review, the support and this opportunity. If your readers are into dark, atmospheric and heavy music, they should give Ascension a listen. All links have been provided below.

Kade Storm – Band Camp: https://kadestorm.bandcamp.com/

Kade Storm – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadestormmusic

Narcoleptica Productions – Band Camp: https://narcolepticaprod.bandcamp.com/album/ascension

The Cauldron Of Darkness Interview

 

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

-The Cauldron of Darkness was formed at a fairly difficult time in a lot of people’s lives-mid 2020. I personally was experiencing some pretty extreme lows, a lot of loss at that point in my life. The writing process for GENESIS was hugely therapeutic for me, as well as a major creative/expressive outlet. A learning experience, to say the least.

2.A Few months back you had released a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

- To be totally honest, I didn’t have any certain style or genre that I was aiming for. Heavy, being the only stipulation. As we all know, heavy is a subjective term. Bottom line, I wanted to make an album that meant something to ME and would push my creative boundaries-do something that I’ve never done or really ever thought about before.

3.So far all of your music has been instrumental, are you open to adding vocals on future releases?

-This is a tough one, easiest answer is yes. Initially, GENESIS was intended to have vocals, as time went on, things didn’t happen that way and I decided I move forward completely solo and instrumental. 

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Cauldron of Darkness'?

-The Cauldron of Darkness, to me, symbolizes a pretty vast culmination of thoughts and experiences-and in all honesty, came from a pretty dark place-one that exists within us all. Some will never peer into it, others will embrace and understand it’s importance.

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

-As some people may know, GENESIS is a concept album centering around a main character called 'The Traveller'. The album art depicts the the main character on his home turf; adrift in the cosmos, observing, seeking the answers to all of the unanswered questions: Existence, origins, purpose, and meaning.

6.On both the bandcamp and facebook page you have an esoteric looking symbol, can you tell us a little bit more about what this represents to you?

-This symbol is called the Metatron's Cube-sacred geometry that is said to hold all of the building blocks of creation/existence. To me, the Cube symbolizes the connection that is shared within every form of life down to the atomic level.

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

-I am not opposed to working alongside other musicians. That being said, in my experience, it has been extremely hard to find musicians who are dedicated, like minded, and are willing to keep a good practice regimen. In the future, if I were to find musicians who met that criteria, I would be stoked to make The Cauldron of Darkness a team effort.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

-Correct. I am not ACTIVELY looking to get signed, and that is not a primary goal for The Cauldron of Darkness. Obviously, if that were to happen, I would be stoked as long as it was a mutually beneficial agreement. As for label interest, I think it is going to take a special ear, as I feel my music is fairly niché-not exactly fitting into the genre molds of most well known bands/labels. 

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

-I feel like I have gotten the best response from folks in Europe and parts of the globe other than the United States. As for fans of black and doom metal, I personally feel that The Cauldron of Darkness touches on those genres, but is a little abstract to be narrowed down enough to fully please the die hard fanbases of Black and Doom.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

-As a musician, heading into the future, I will be going wherever the universe takes me. As for the nuts and bolts of this operation, I am aiming to continue writing and releasing music on a regular basis. I am currently wrapping up the writing process for a follow-up e.p. that will expand the timeline of GENESIS. The new songs will take place between the events of the songs Deprivation and The Pale Rider. Until the e.p. is released, I will continue to promote GENESIS by way of playthrough videos and such via my YouTube and social media outlets.

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?

-I couldn’t exactly pinpoint any specific bands that I feel have really influenced my music, I purposely have not listened to music during my writing process for fear that my process would be tainted in a way. I wanted these songs to be as genuine as possible, all from the same palette. However, some bands/artists that I feel have made an impact on me personally-or my train of thought are: Rivers of Nihil, Palm Reader, Landscapes, Feed the Rhino, and Keith Merrow.

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

-I would like to say that I hope GENESIS and The Cauldron of Darkness finds its way into the hands of individuals that it will really speak to-to offer some form of relief or change a person’s mood, perhaps their entire way of thinking. I can’t express the immense gratitude that I have for my wife, who has been the most unbreakable pillar of support throughout this entire process and journey.

And thank YOU for the time and effort you’ve put into this review and interview, your time is highly appreciated!

https://www.facebook.com/TheCauldronOfDarkness
https://www.instagram.com/thecauldronofdarkness/

Lvcifyre/The Broken Seal/Dark Descent Records/Norma Evangelium Diaboli/2021 CD Review

 

  United  Kingdom's  Lvcifyre  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  blackened  death  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "The  Broken  Seal"  which  will  be  released  in  September  as  a  joint  effort  between  Dark  Descent  Records  and  Norma  Evangelium  Diaboli.

  A  very  dark  yet  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  direction  which  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  black  metal  screams  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  chaotic  style.

  The  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  a  lot  of  the  faster  riffing  along  with  some  ritualistic  soundscapes  also  making  a  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  as  well  as  a  later  song  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  chants  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  can  also be  heard.

  On  this  recording  Lvcifyre  remains  true  to  the  blackened  style  of  death  metal  from  previous  releases.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Left  hand  Path  themes  and  the  haunted  recesses  of  the  mortal  mind.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lvcifyre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tribe  Of  Khem"  "The  Broken  Seal"  "The  First  Archon"  and  "Black  mass".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Lvcifyre

https://lvcifyre.bandcamp.com/    

  

Cultum Interitum/Veneration Of The New Dawn/Godz Of War Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Cultum  Interitum  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  an  blackened form  of  death metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Veneration  Of  The  New  Dawn"  which  will  be  released  on  July  26th  by  Godz  of  War  Productions.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  demonic  voices  also  being  utilized  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  Evil  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.  

  Black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  is  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffing  while  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

 Whispered  voices  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  a  couple  of  the  songs also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  the  recording  progresses  a  brief  use  of  high  pitched  screams  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  dark  soundscapes  aleo  returning  on  a  couple  of  later  tracks,  when  spoken  word  parts  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  atmosphere.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  worship,  annihilation  and  blasphemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Cultum  Interitum  are  a  very  great  sounding  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Veneration  I'  and  "Veneration  V".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

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Serpentrance/Akra Tapeinosis/Godz Of War Productions/2021 CD Review

 

  Serpentrance  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Akra  Tapeinosis"  which  will  be  released  on  July  26th  by  Godz  Of  War  Productions.

  Gregorian  chants  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  musical  direction  which  also  uses  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  ar e utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  chaotic  direction  while  the  vocals  also  bring  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  emtal  screams.  

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and fast  parts.  Elements  of doom  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the music  along  with  some  tremolo  picking  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  faster  riffing  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  ritualistic  sounds  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  and  most  of  the  album  also  shows  a  great  amount  of  90's  influences.  

  Serpentrance  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black,  doom  and  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Serpentrance  are  a  very  great  sounding  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  "Cloathed  In  Abomination"  and  "The  Black  Dawn  of  Sophia".  8  out  of  10.

  

Bandcamp

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The Necrosexual/Seeds Of Seduction/Folkvangr Records/2021 EP Review

 

  Pennsylvania's  The  Necrosexual  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  more  of  a  mixture  of  black  and  speed  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  ep  "Seeds  of  Seduction"  which  will  be  released  in  September  by  Folkvangr  Records.

  Drum  beats  and  heavy  80's  influenced  riffing  starts  off  the  ep  while  evil  sounding  laughter  and  melodic  screams  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast b eats  can  be  heard  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  elements  of  thrash,  speed  and  first  wave  black  metal.

  Vocals  are  done  in  mostly  a  melodic  yet  aggressive  80's  thrash  metal  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  also  remain  true  to  an  old  school  era  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also being  utilized  briefly  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction,  touches  of  grindcore  and  punk  can  also b e  heard  at  times  and  synths  are  also  added  on  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  The  Necrosexual  takes  the  80's  styles  of  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal  and  mixes  them  in  with  a  more  modern  sound.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sex  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Necrosexual  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  thrash  and  speed  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Chaos  Command".  8  out  of  10.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Grimmestofalltime/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecrosexual/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thenecrosexual

Bandcamp: https://necrosexual.bandcamp.com/