Dauðaro/Eyðimörkin/The Way of The Hermit/2024 Full Length Review

 

  Dauðaro  are  a  solo  project  form  Iceland  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  ritualistic  and  blackened  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2024  album  "Eyðimörkin"  which  will  be  released  in  April  by  The  Way  Of  The  Hermit.

  Clean  playing  and  dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  the  only  track  that  is  present  on  this  recording  is  over  31  minutes  in  length.  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  and  heavier  sections  of  the  track  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  synths  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  album.  The  track  also  has  its  ritualistic  moments  along  with  the  track  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  clear  chants can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  the  whole  recording  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  as  well  as  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  being  added  into  the  music  towards  the  end.

  On  this  recording  Dauðaro  brings  in  more  of  a  ritualistic,  atmospheric  and  blackened  style  of  funeral  doom/death  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  shamanism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dauðaro  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric,  ritualistic  and  blackened  funeral  doom/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/daudaro/  

Mourning Dawn/The Foam of Despair/Aesthetic Death/2024 Full Length Review

 

  France's  Mourning  Dawn  has  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  a  blackened  funeral  doom  metal  style  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "The  Foam  Of  Despair"  which  will  be  released  in  2024  by  Aesthetic  Death.

 

 Spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  going  into a  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  direction  while  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  a  lot  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilzied  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style  while  one  track  also  adds  in  the  brief  use  of  wind  instruments.  Clean  playing  is  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  death  metal  growls,  one  song  also  introduces  elements  of  industrial  onto  the  album  and  all  of  the  tracks  also  stick  to  a  slower  direction  as  well  as  some  synths  also  being  utilized  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Mourning  Dawn  expands  on  their  style  of  blackened  funeral  doom  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  depression,  loss  and  melancholy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mourning  Dawn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Blue  Pain"  "Apex"  and  Midnight  Sun".  8  out  of  10.

  http://mourningdawn.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MourningDawn

https://www.instagram.com/mourningdawnofficial/

  

    

Dauðaró/Nýir Heimar/ATMF/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Dauðaró  are  a  solo  project  from  Ireland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2023  album  "Nýir  Heimar"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  ATMF.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  funeral  doom  metal  direction.  Vocals  are  mostly  guttural  death  emtal  growls  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  Black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  synths  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  one  song  also  introducing  clean  playing  into  the  music  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

   Dauðaró  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  mixes  them together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Icelandic  and  cover  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.

  In  my  opinion  Dauðaró  is  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  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fyrstu  skrefin"  and  "Hogg".  8 out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/daudaro/    

  

Carma/Ossadas/Monumental Rex/2023 Full Length Review

 

  Carma  are  a  band  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2023  album  "Ossadas"  which  will b e  released  in  March  by  Monumental  Rex.

  Rain  sounds  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  ambient  style  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also b e  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music  and  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Clear  singing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  When  the  music  speeds  for  a  few  seconds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Some  of  the  songs  are  also  instrumentals  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  brief  of  whispered  vocals. The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Portuguese  and  is  a concept  album  inspired  by  the  Conchada  Cemetery.   

  In  my  opinion  Carma  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Jazigo"  "Paz"  "Saudade".  8  out  of  10.

http://carmadoom.bandcamp.com/album/ossadas

www.facebook.com/carma.doom

www.carmadoom.bandcamp.com      

Der Trauerschwan Interview

 

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

So, first of all it wasn't meant to be a one-man project, but things naturally developed this way and at some point, in the midst of experimenting I realized it was the best way to get things done, and so I continued on my own. Because of the pandemic there were also less distractions around, which gave me time to properly focus all of my energy into this. It became my anchor in the storm.

2.You have your first full length coming out in November, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Musically I think it's fair to call it a mix of black- and funeral doom metal. More ambient than technical and I've worked a lot with harmonies which is something that I learned during my education in musical theory. It's very bleak, being mostly written in minor keys. I ended up doing screams/growls as my voice isn't that low pitched and so I didn't see it fit with the rest of the music otherwise.

 

3.A lot of your lyrics are inspired by the Romantic era of English poets, which poets have had the most influence on your songwriting? 

Keats, Shelley, Byron, Blake and Wordsworth to mention a few. Their sublime way of expression through the English language is intriguing to me, and the masterful usage of rhymes creates a natural melody in their poems. Romantic yes, but also very philosophical and melancholic at times.

4.Lyrically you also cover vampirism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic? 

My fascination for vampirism probably began with Anne Rice's book series "The Vampire Chronicles" where she, in my eyes, successfully portrays the ideal 19th century vampire.

To me the vampire's tale is a somber one as a being who is self-aware and while knowing it is dead, it cannot truly achieve a conscious ending and is therefore condemned to damnation.

Humans may find life too short but can we even imagine the opposite; an endless (un)life?

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

It means "The mourning swan" and is the unique German word for the black swan. Often a symbol of grief but also a metaphor to unforeseen major events or when life make unexpected turns, if you will.

I came across this rare animal outside a castle when visiting Innsbruck and upon arriving at back home I began writing "Of Broken Vows and Sorrow".

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

The cover artwork is a photograph that was shot by me at the Cimitero Acattolico in Rome where both Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats lay buried.

While it adds another personal touch, the idea is to visualize the themes of the album by connecting them with the sources of influence - bringing them alive.

7.Previously you were a part of 'Hetroertzen', what was the decision behind leaving the band and forming your own solo project?

I never intended to part ways with Hetroertzen, it was simply impossible for me to continue with the band under the circumstances that occurred during this time.

Der Trauerschwan was formed simultaneously but had nothing to do with the split as far as I'm concerned. It did make me more decisive, however.

 

8.With this project you record everything by yourself but also have experience with full line ups, how would you compare the two? 

There are pros and cons to both. While on one hand, working alone gives you full artistic freedom where you're only limited by yourself as far as capabilities and inspiration goes.

On the other hand, you can more easily get tunnel vision this way, so I believe it's important to be able to bring in an outside opinion from time to time. This is normally a reason for people to work with a producer. Playing in a band is always a compromise (for better or for worse), but it is also less time consuming.

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

Well, the reviews judgement is still in the future to come, but people seem to appreciate the 90's style production and songwriting from what I've heard.

Reaching out on the market as a brand-new musical act can be a difficult thing today as well, and while building up an audience takes time, I'm very positive with the work that Soulseller Records has done for me so far.

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

Many have been asking me whether or not I'm to take this to the live stage and it's still unclear. While playing live is a true passion of mine, Der Trauerschwan came to be from an unconditional pool of creativity which I don't wish to discard. There is more to drain from there and I actually have a few new song ideas already.

 

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'm a big fan of the 90's doom metal acts and My Dying Bride in particular. It's a wide range of influence however, from Cliff Burton-era Metallica or anything Black Sabbath to classical music such as Bach. When it comes to black metal, I feel I get pickier with every passing year, but I've recently been listening to a Canadian band called Spectral Wound.

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

I'd like to encourage my listeners to also read the lyrics, in order to achieve the full experience, the way it is intended. Other than that, thank you for your time and I appreciate the interview.

https://youtu.be/Fje6rFeQ1zQ

https://www.instagram.com/trauerschwan

Der Trauerschwan/Sanguinare Vampiris/Soulseller Records/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Der  Trauerschwan  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  2022  album  "Sanguinare  Vampiris"  which  will b e  released  in  November  by  Soulseller  Records.

  Horror  movie  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with t he  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  elements  of  doom  metal a re  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.

  Vocals a re  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.  Clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  some  of  the  tracks  along  with  some  of  the  songs  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era  and  the  whole  recording  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction,  stringed  instruments  can  also be  heard  briefly  towards  the  end.

  Der  Trauerschwan  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  black  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  are  inspired  by  the  poets  of  the  Roman=tic  Age  as  well  as  covering  dome  vampirism  themes.      

  In  my  opinion  Der  Trauerschwan  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Broken  Vows  And  Sorrow"  and  "Cor  Codium".  8  out  of  10.

  https://youtu.be/Fje6rFeQ1zQ

https://www.facebook.com/trauerschwan  https://www.instagram.com/trauerschwan

Abyssic/Brought Forth In Iniquity/Osmose Productions/2022 Full Length Review

 

  Abyssic  are  a  band  from  Norway  and  on  this  recording  goes  for  more  of  a  symphonic  mixture  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2022  album  Brought  Forth  In  Iniquity"  which  will b e  released  in  October  by  Osmose  Productions.

  Symphonic  sounds  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  throughout  the  recording.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  but  keeping  the  main  focus  on  the  slower  doomier  side.

  On  this  recording  Abyssic  takes  symphonic  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  funeral  doom  metal  to  create  an  album  that  sounds  very  different  from  their  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness  and  feelings.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Abyssic  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  symphonic  black  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Chronicle  Of  The  Dead"  and  "Brought  Forth  In  Iniquity".  8  out  of  10.

  - BANDCAMP: https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/album/brought-forth-in-iniquity

- All Digital Links: https://bfan.link/brought-forth-in-iniquity    

Vouna/Atropis/Profound Lore Records/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Vouna  are  a  solo  project  from  Olympia,  Washington  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  with  elements  of  dungeon  synth  and  darkwave  and  this  is  a  review  of  her  2021  album  "Atropis"  which  will  be  released  on  July  16th  by  Profound  Lore  Records. 

  Eclectic  lap  steel's  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  vocals  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  adds  in  touches  of  darkwave  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  the  heaviness  of  funeral  doom  metal.  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  while  the  synths  also  bring  elements  of  dungeon  synth  onto  the  recording.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffing.

  Orchestra  style  structures  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  album  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  harp's,  violins  and  touches  of  folk  music  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  onto  the  recording.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  mourning  and  suicidal  ideation  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Vouna  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE "Highest  Mountain"  and  "What  Once  Was".  8  out  of  10.

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Mourning Dawn/Dead End Euphoria/Aesthetic Death/2021 CD Review

 

  Mourning  Dawn  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  blackened  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Dead  End  Euphoria"  which  was  released  by  Aesthetic  Death.

  A  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  funeral  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  vocals  being  a  mixture  of  death  metal  growls  and  black  metal  screams.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  Elements  of  dark  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  introducing  clear  vocals  onto  the  album  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

One  of  the  later  tracks  also  brings  in  a  brief  use  of  acoustic  guitars  and  synths  as  well  as  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  album  along  with  most  of  the  music  also  focusing  mostly  on  a  slower  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  and  doom  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Mourning  Dawn  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Never  Too  Old  To  Die"  and  "The  Five  Steps  Of  Death".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/MourningDawn

https://mourningdawn.bandcamp.com/

Eyeless In Gaza/Act I: The Protagonist/Solitude Productions/2020 CD Review

 

  Eyeless  In  Gaza  are  a  solo  project  from  Armenia  that  plays  an  atmospheric  and  blackened  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Act  I:  The  Protagonist"  which  was  released  by  Solitude  Productions.

  Acoustic  and  classical  guitars  guitars  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  synths  and  stringed  instruments  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.  The  slow  and  heavy  riffs  are  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  and  the  vocals  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  death  metal.

   When  screams  are  utilized  they  also  bring  elements  of  black  metal  into  the  music  while  clear  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times.  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  synths  also  adding  in  touches  of  ambient  at  times.

  Choral  chants  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  as  well  as  the  whole  album  also  sticking  to  a  slower  direction,  the  last  two  tracks  are instrumentals  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  personal  experiences,  death,  solitude  and  existential  thoughts.  

  In  my  opinion  Eyeless  In  Gaza  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  blackened  funeral  doom  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Protagonist"  and  "Maelstrom".  8  out  of  10.

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Sequestered Doom Interview

 

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

Hello everyone and thanks for interviewing me. Sequestered Doom is just me, one - man project, music from the soul. Born as a project formally in 2007, but exists for ever as soon as I am alive.

2.Can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you have went for on the recordings so far?

It is dark, raw, spiritual music. The only style for this music is intended to be the darkness in all forms. So that is probably how the music on published records may fit into the frame of atmospheric black metal, funeral doom metal and dark ambient.

3.So far all of your music has been instrumental, are you open to using any vocals in the future?

Sequestered Doom is a solely instrumental project, and should remain so, since it is trying to bring the listeners into a meditative, dreaming state of mind and soul, to let you to dive into the world of cold and darkness, to feel the spirits all around us and inside, to return to the fundamental state of the humans nature - no words are needed for this, no language can subscribe this inner journey of each of us.

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

The meaning would be something like "isolated fate". What I am trying to say is, that each of us will make its own journey through the music, each listener will be isolated from the humanity and remain only with himself.

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

All artworks represent the nature in its dark side - gloomy forest under the snow, mountains covered with woods, fog on the river. The nature is the only source of inspiration for Sequestered Doom, as it represents our origin and the only spiritual roots on the mankind.

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

For this project I am doing everything on my own and this should remain unchanged, since I am trying to “leave” the real world and place myself in the spiritual world, which is linked to me through the music that I am writing. That's why I have a lot of songs written, but rarely finished and released - they all will appear at the proper time.

7.You have also worked with a good amount of record labels on your album, can you tell us a little bit more about the labels you have worked with so far?

Depressive Illusions Records (TAPE edition) is an amazing label from Ukraine doing awesome job releasing truly dark art. Black Mystic Productions (CD edition) was a really great discovery for me, to find such an interesting label from Asia releasing so many creative and awesome underground bands. Kryrart Records (Digital edition) is a label that I have founded with some supporters. It is dedicated to support the honest and dark art coming from the worldwide underground music scene, mainly focusing on black and death metal.

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

The reaction was much better that I was expecting. The first recording (Hiems Symphonia) was done in 2008, and then after the short life time self-released on MySpace, it disappeared in the abyss. I decided to release this record again officially exactly 10 years later, as a try to proof, that there are enough people around that will like to hear something without super production, without super promotion, without super well known people involved. I wanted to show, that the underground is alive, that a homemade raw, unpolished, old, one-man and totally "anti-mainstream", but honest record can gain some attention as some piece of art. And really, I was surprised, how many people have supported me, spreading, buying and commenting this work. Other 2 short records of Sequestered Doom that I published subsequently have gain same attention as the first one.  

9.Can you tell us a little bit more about the other musical projects that you are a part of?

My main topic throughout the years has been dark ambient. You can feel it in Sequestered Doom, but other projects are more into it. The Proprius Project is my one-man dark ambient project dedicated solely to the Chernobyl Disaster and the catastrophic consequences of our industrialized civilization. Alchon is a collaborative project with a friend of mine, dedicated to nature - feel the rain, the thunder, the sky above us, the wind, see the field and the grass, touch the trees... Alchon is similar to Sequestered Doom by soul, but the production is less raw, purely ambient, and contains some vocals. Kaminnuu Xpect is another dark ambient project of mine, totally abstract music, containing some symphonic / neoclassical elements. Dance of Shadows is the only from my projects that has had a live line-up, but currently restored as an international project creating epic symphonic and atmospheric black metal. Legio Sergia is a melodic death metal project dedicated more to inner feelings and personal struggles - the last album released this year is based actually on my own life story, it is about the mental self-burning. The conceptual story is happening basically in the mind of the protagonist, who meets nevertheless the personification of death in the physical world.

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

I will be always creating honest and dark art, the music just as I feel it, without consideration of any industry trends.

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?

A short list would be : Pantheist, Colosseum, Katatonia, Ulver, Emperor, Dissection, Satirycon (early), Immortal, Opeth, Cynic, Jeremy Soul, If These Threes Could Talk, In Flames (early), Anathema, Cradle of Filth (early), Children of Bodom (early), Pink Floyd, Tenhi and a lot of others.

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

Stay yourself, listen to your inner spirits and save our mother nature.  

Thanks!

26.11.2020

Proprius / Sequestered Doom

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Sequestered Doom/Hiems Symphonia/Kryrart Records/Depressive Illusions/Black Mystic Productions/2018 Full Length Review

 

  Sequestered  Doom  are  a  solo  project  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "Hiems  Symphonia"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Kryrart,  Depressive  Illusions  Records  and  Black  Mystic  Productions.

  Dark  ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  while  also  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music  along  with  all  of  the  drum  beats  also  being  programmed  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  style.

  At  times  the  music  also  captures  the  more  atmospheric  side  of  black  metal  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  All  of  the  music  is  also  instrumental    along  with  one  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  Sequestered  Doom  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dark  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Sequestered  Doom  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  The  Shade  Of  The  Great  Forest"  and  "On  The  Hills  Foldet  in  Mist".  8  out  of  10.

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Ardormort Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
Ardormort: Definitely, thanks for speaking with me today.  The project began in 2018, when I was going through a couple of difficult situations all at once.  I had always been an obsessive lover of music and especially metal, but had never taken the step towards creating something uniquely mine.  I needed an outlet and it felt like it was time for me to take that step.  Ardormort will always be an expression of whatever emotions I'm experiencing when writing and where I am in life.  It will also always remain outside the confines of any one genre.  I love and consume an eclectic range of music and they all play a part in shaping what Ardormort's sound has become.   I essentially just call it atmospheric metal.  Synths, guitars, and atmosphere. 

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Ardormort: The new album is the most free and confident I've felt writing music to date.  My love and involvement in dungeon synth also played a slightly larger role in terms of influences.  It can also be heard that I have become more proficient in recording my own guitar and mixing more effectively.  Overall, I consider it the most well-rounded Ardormort record.  When you are allowing total freedom of style and influence, it can be a task to have eight tracks all sound like they belong together.  These very much do however, so I am quite pleased with it in that way.
3.The first release had a little bit of vocals while the later releases have been all instrumental, what was the decision on going into this direction and also are you open to using vocals again in the future?
Ardormort: When I decided to give music a shot, I wanted to challenge myself on all levels.  This inevitably included vocals and the result was...okay.  The problem is that I'm not a great vocalist and I don't enjoy doing them.  I'm never going to dedicate myself to becoming a great vocalist, so that would mean bringing in someone else, which is an entirely different topic itself.  In short, I imagine vocals will happen again someday, but when and by who, I have no idea.  In the present, I prefer to remain instrumental.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ardormort'?
Ardormort:   As I was in a dark place in life at the time the project began, I wanted something dark.  The mort is simply a reference to the latin root word for death.  Ardor is enthusiasm.  Ardormort is the death of enthusiasm.  A hopeless state of living. 

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Ardormort: Indeed.  I have worked with specific artists for covers in the past, both for Ardormort and other projects, however for this one, when scanning various online collections for inspiration, I came across a stunning piece of work in the Met Museum's open access files.  It spoke to me and it lent itself to the feeling I was after.  There is actually a short fictional story I have written for the album, making it a bit of a concept piece.  It is currently only available with the deluxe edition of the album released through Pacific Threnodies.  But I simply fell in love with the painting, which is entitled "In the Woods", by Asher Brown Durand (1855).  In The Woods... are also an influence on the Ardormort sound, so it all seemed like a natural and ideal fit. 


6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
Ardormort: Only as recently as this year, have I become open to the idea.  In the past, I've been steadfast that I prefer an end result that I can say is a pure expression from myself alone.  That's what I needed when Ardormort was started.  There's no question however, that working with a vocalist for example, or an actual drummer, could really take the music to a level I cannot achieve on my own.  I have never played in a band or even jammed with someone.  Music playing and creating, for someone as chronically anxious as I, has always been something I've done alone.  As I've grown and worked on myself, I've become more open to such things however.  I can see it happening in the future. 


7.Since 2018 you have released a decent amount of music with both of your projects, do you spend a great amount of time writing and creating music?
Ardormort: I do.  When I get started on am album, I become extremely focused on it.  It's all I do.  I don't like to work on multiple albums at the same time, nor do I like to take breaks in between working on songs.  I think an album should carry a vibe that goes beyond a collection of songs.  When I get into a place in my mind where I am locked into a certain album, I don't want to break from it.  I think this helps me keep the creative ideas flowing and helps me keep a vision in mind.  I also don't play live or tour in any way, so there is never that downtime as there is in the cycle of a traditional band.  With the exception of an online performance or two, Writing and recording are how I express my creative yearnings, so I try to keep them active and sharp. 


8.So far you have worked with 'Pacific Threnodies' and 'Akashic Envoy Records' on your physical releases, do you feel these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out their heard?
Ardormort: Without question.  Akashic Envoy Records gave me my first ever physical release, with "To Live and To Die".  Within months prior, at the age of 34, I had only just decided to try writing and recording.  I had no reason to believe I'd experience success, and getting a physical release at the beginning was a bit of a distant dream.  To have someone express that level of support and confidence in my work was a huge deal and instrumental in me taking things to the next level with the most recent album, "The Desolation Letters".  Working with Pacific Threnodies on this album has been a tremendous experience.  They share my dedication to artistic integrity and we worked together to release a truly beautiful box set edition of the album.  I couldn't be more proud of it.  Their support has helped the Ardormort FB page grow exponentially.  New fans come in every single day and I couldn't be more thrilled and appreciative of every single one.  I've been very fortunate in those I've been able to work with, both with Ardormort and my other projects Shrouded Gate and Polar Keep.


9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and doom metal?
Ardormort: I try not to perpetuate the idea that the project is 'black metal' or actively promote to that crowd.  Surely there are those influences, and the albums have done well on predominately black metal youtube channels in fact, but overall it is not a black metal project and reaction from those fans will always be mixed.  Doom, I think is slightly closer to the nature and sound of Ardormort and fans of the genre might have a wider range of tolerance for deviation, but I can't point towards any one community supporting the music more than the other.  This is one of my favorite things about the music I make however.  It's unique and attracts individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. 


10.Can you tell us a little bit more about your other musical project 'Shrouded gate'?
Ardormort: Shrouded Gate is my dark ambient / dungeon synth / fantasy project.  It is not a side project to Ardormort.  I consider it equal in importance and quality and under that banner, I have experienced some of my greatest success.  The only actual live performance I've done for any project, in my life, has been as Shrouded Gate this past March.  My last album "Old Paths to the Sleeping Throne" sold out in two days after that performance and the reception was more than I could have ever hoped for.  I have the follow up completed and it can be expected this Fall.  Fans of Ardormort will likely find something to like with Shrouded Gate as well. 


11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
Ardormort:  I don't look very far into the future with my music, but I definitely have the goal of being a better player and performer.  Dungeon synth, and the friends I've made through it, has really been the biggest factor in my growth as a musician.  It's got me thinking about goals and what I can actually achieve.  It's given me the confidence to perform live and helped me find my confidence as a song writer.  It's where my greatest focus is...yet when I'm ready to write for Ardormort, those things all carry over.


12.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?
Ardormort:  I would say the biggest influences are Katatonia, more specifically early works up through Tonight's Decision (I love subsequent works, but don't draw much influence from them), Virgin Black, Shape of Despair, Moonsorrow, Depressive Silence, etc.  As for current listens, Ulver's "Flowers of Evil", Haukruunu's "Uinuos Syömein Sota", Khand's "The Sage of Witherhorn", a lot of Mortiis past and present, and Oranssi Pazuzu.  They are currently the best band on the planet in my opinion. 
"

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Ardormort:
 Thank you for taking to time to speak with me and I also pass my sincere thanks to all the new fans Ardormort has received since the release of "The Desolation Letters".  If you follow Shrouded Gate as well, you might catch some moments where the two projects collide...perhaps even in a live setting.  The set I am currently preparing for Shrouded Gate has an surprise or two thrown in.  Thanks again!

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Ardormort/The Desolation Letters/Pacific Threnodies/2020 Cassette Review

  Ardormort  are  a  solo  project  from  Rhode  Island  that  plays  a  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom/death  metal,  ambient  and  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "The  Desolation  Letters"  which  will  be  released  on  cassette  on  September  29th  by  Pacific  Threnodies.

  A  very  atmospheric  dungeon  synth  orientated  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  also  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  a   fantasy  movie  soundtrack  before  going  into  a  heavier  musical  direction.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  they  also  mix  both  the  heavy  and  atmospheric  parts  together.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  while  the  synths  also  mix  in  some  elements  of  dark ambient  at  times.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal.

  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  showing  some  black  metal  style  tremolo  picking.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  instrumentals  along  with  the  music  also  showing  an  influence  of  death  metal  at  times  and  the  production  also  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Ardormort  are  a  very  great  sounding  instrumental  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom/death  metal.dark  ambient  and  dungeon  synth and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "A  Study  Of  Death"  "As  The  Smoke  Dances"  and  "Torn  Riker".  8  out  of  10.

https://pacificthrenodies.bandcamp.com/album/the-desolation-letters



  

Ea/Ea Taesse/Solitude Productions/2020 Album Re-Issue Review

  Ea  are  a  band  with  embers  from  Russia  and  the  United  States  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  and  blackened  form  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  20006  album  "Ea  Taesse"  which  will  be  re-issued  in  July,  2020  by  Solitude  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  riffing  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark,  depressive  and  melodic  style,  Death  metal  growls  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  along  with  some  female  vocals  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  some  elements  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  one  of  the  tracks  is  also  an  instrumental  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  direction

  Ea  plays  a  style  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  that  is  very  atmospheric  sounding  along  with  some  elements  of  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Ancient  Sacred  Texts  in  A  Dead  Language.

  In  my  opinion  Ea  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  blackened  funeral  doom/death  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Laeleia".  8  out  of  10.

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Noctu/Gelidae Mortis Imago/Transcending Obscurity Records/2020 CD Review

  Noctu  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  black  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Gelidae  Mortis  Imago"  which  was  released  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  Water  drops  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  a  couple  of  minutes  later  that  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  as  well  as  mixing  in  with  the  heavier sections  of  the  music.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  and  heavier  sections  of  the  music  while  the  vocals are  mostly high  pitched  black  metal  screams.  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  every  track  having  a  brief  intro  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  an  avant  garde  feeling  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  slower  musical  direction  and  on  the  closing  track  melodic  chants  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Noctu  mixes  atmospheric  black  metal  into  his  style  of  funeral  doom  metal  to  take  his  sound  to  a  new  level.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover   sorrow,  negativity,  suicidal  feelings,  self  harm  and  darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Noctu  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Fitte  Tenebre  (le  Radici  Dell'  Inferno)"  and  "Isolato  Da  Un  Mondo  Senza  Speranza".  8  out  of  10.


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Treurwilg/An End To Rumination/2020 Full Length Review

  Treurwilg  are  a  band  from  the  Netherlands  that  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  funeral  doom  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "An  End  To  Rumination"  which  will  be  released  on  February  22nd.

  Clean  playing  starts  of  the  album  and  are  also  used  on  the  other  tracks  while   spoken  word  parts  are  also  utilized  at  times,  Elements  of  funeral  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  the  riffs  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  bring  in  a  mixture  of  black  metal  screams  and  guttural  death  metal  growls.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  post  metal  elements.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized   they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  style,  keyboards  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  slower  direction.

  Treurwilg  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom  and  post  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  and  tells  the  tale   of  a  man  and  its  fears.

  In  my  opinion  Treurwilg  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  atmospheric  black,  funeral  doom  and  post  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Ruin  And  Misery"  and  "Shallow  Pools  Of  Grief".  8  out  of  10.

https://treurwilg.bandcamp.com/track/shallow-pools-of-grief 

 

 

   

Epitaphe/I/Aesthetic Death/2019 CD Review

  Epitaphe  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  black,  funeral  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  album  "I"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Aesthetic  Death.

  Dark  souundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.   Distorted  amp  noise  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  more  of  an  atmospheric  and  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  direction  and  grim  black  metal  screams  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  demonic  sounding  death  metal  growls.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  on  one  of  the  tracks

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  some  of  the  fast  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  tremolo  picking  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  more  of  a  cavernous  death  metal  style.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Dark  sounding  melodies  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  music  also  has a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences  but  done  in  a  more  modern  style.  Synths  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  and  as  the  album  progresses  an  acoustic  instrumental  is  added  onto the  recording  before  returning  back  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  following  tracks.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  negativity,  darkness,  despair  and  a  reflection  about death  and  the  futility  of  our  doomed  existences.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Epitaphe  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  black,  funeral  doom  and  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Embers"  and  "Downward  Stream".  8/5 out  of  10.

https://epitaphe.bandcamp.com/