Lantern/Below/Dark Descent Records/2013 CD Review

  Lantern  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Below"  which  was  released  by  Dark  Descent  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  and  dark  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  old  school  dark  death  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a great  amount  of  black  metal  influences  in  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  doom  elements  which  gives  the  music  a  more  atmospheric  sound,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  old  school  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  along  with  some  high  pitched  screams  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  ritualistic  chanting,  while  the  lyrics  cover  journeys  unto  death  and  undeath,    and  mysticism  of  existence  and  afterlife,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  heavy,  evil,  dark  and  old  school  sound  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  along  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.  

  In  my  opinion  Lantern  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  old  school  occult  blackened  death/doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rites  Of  Descent"  "Demons  In  My  Room"  and  "From  The  Ruins".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.lantern.ws

www.facebook.com/lantern666

Nocturne Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about this project for those that have never heard of you before?
1.) A:  Nocturne is my solo project that I have been whittling away at for the past 5 or 6 years.  I started off playing drums in a thrash band called Wartorn (Chicago) and in a death metal band called Deist (Chicago) but due to a foot injury I had to stop playing drums so I picked up a guitar and started writing songs.  Nocturne is essentially the result of that injury.  I'm not sure I ever would have started playing guitar and writing songs to the extent that I do if my foot had remained in tact.  I haven't really played in any active bands since my injury 7 or 8 years ago.  Just writing songs by myself for what is now Nocturne.  I had a full length worth of material about 5 years ago but it never really got recorded properly and by the time I had the means to do so I wasn't really interested in keeping any of those songs haha.  'Ave Noctem'  the debut Nocturne album is a collection of songs I have decided are worth keeping that I have written over the past 5 years.  I have another full length worth of material on deck for the 2nd album but have not started recording yet.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?
2.)  A:  Progressive black/death metal, I guess.  If 'progressive' means wandering among various styles and genres.  I draw influence from many different places as a drummer, guitar player and vocalist, each in their own respect.  There are elements of just about every metal sub-genre in Nocturne ranging from traditional Mercyful Fate type riffs to more modern, fast and 'brutal' type stuff.  Same goes for the drumming and vocals.  That type of sound can easily turn a lot of people off because the riffs aren't all 'brutal' or all 'heavy' or all 'grim and frostbitten' haha.  I think there are many different feelings and atmospheres that arise from Nocturne and that's what I try to create.  Life isn't all one feeling from birth until death; there is loss, gain, triumph, suffering, strength, weakness, etc.  I write based off all of the styles of music I love regardless of the genre.  You tell me what it sounds like! haha.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
3.)  A:  'Ave Noctem' has mostly 'dark' lyrics so to speak.  Pain, suffering, loss, regret, depression, etc.  There are some elements of strength, power and triumph like in track one: Pursuance of the Righteous Elucidation, but like I said, mostly dark themes on this record and the strength you can find within dark spaces of the mind.  There are some philosophical elements and words of existential advisory as well.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
4.)  A:  Well, the literal definition of the word is along the lines of 'a piece appropriate to the night or evening.'  Or 'a painting or poem of a night scene.'  It has also been defined as 'an instrumental composition of a dreamy or pensive character.'  Having said that, what Nocturne means to me is an ode to the night.  The time when the sun is no longer up in the sky, the world is dark and most people are asleep or at least not out and about.  Being a misanthrope for the most part I enjoy times when most people are nowhere to be seen or heard haha.  I actually almost instantly start to feel better when the sun goes down.  There is a certain comfort and inspiration I find within the night.  In a metaphorical sense it has meaning with the night being synonymous with solitude and darkness of the mind.  Nocturne…in a literal sense, musical composition based on these feelings.

5. Currently this project is solo, how would you compare being solo to working with other bands?
5.)  A:  I enjoy it for the most part because I don't have to rely on anyone but myself.  At the same time there is no one but myself to blame haha.  I would say I definitely find it more fulfilling taking on all musical duties on my own though.  There are no disagreements, no waiting around for other people to do whatever, no clashing of egos and I get to explore and build each element of the music as it comes together as a whole from no one else's mind but my own.  More work and discipline certainly but hearing the finished product knowing each sound was created by myself I think there is definitely more satisfaction to be had in that than in listening to a record that I only played drums on.  There are often uncertainties and insecurities as far as sound, material and writing but I am my own critic in that sense and I'd rather have that than have someone else tell me 'No, we're not gonna put that in the song..' when I think that it should be in the song.  Playing shows is obviously the main downfall of a solo project.  Yes, there is much satisfaction and other advantages to playing a good show but it is easier said than done to find a solid, like-minded, dedicated lineup.

6. The new album came out on Do Or Die Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
6.)  A:  Do or Die is a local (Chicago) label just starting up.  A fledgeling label.  The label is owned and run by Tim Pearson of Deathcult (Chicago) and Relentless (Chicago).  Those two bands are two of the first three full length releases the label is to put out.  Nocturne being the third.  I actually played drums on the Relentless record (doom metal) and am going to start playing shows with that band as the drummer before too long.  Relentless is the band Tim and I are both trying to run with so to speak at the moment.  That record will be out on Do or Die in the very near future and is worth picking up for any fans of doomy, heavy metal type stuff.  Like I said, the label is just getting started but I think it's off to a good start!

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and black metal?
7.)  A:  Well, I've gotten a few good reviews, gotten on a few compilation discs from other countries, a handful of international fans from internet exposure.  But like I said earlier, the 'progressive' stuff does turn a lot of people off.  Having said that though 'Ave Noctem' hasn't officially been released and distributed by the label yet so I guess the shit hasn't officially hit the fan yet haha.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
8.)  A:  If by that you mean what is going on with MY other musical projects…I already mentioned Relentless earlier, I play drums for a band called Boulderhead too.  We have a 5 song EP that has not been officially released in any capacity.  Gotten a lot of good feedback from people who have heard it so far but no disc or shows.  If I had to name bands to compare it to and bands that we draw influence from I would say it sounds like Opeth/Immortal/Gorgoroth/Cobalt to name a few.  Good stuff that I would like to play shows with eventually.  I have also been involved with a band called Cryptic Fog for the past few years.  I produced their first record and played session drums on their latest 4 song EP.  Cryptic Fog is black/death metal.  It can be very brutal but also very melodic at times.  Think Hate Eternal/Dissection/Necrophobic.  There are some old school death metal elements in there as well.  I plan on playing drums and recording a few new tunes with Cryptic Fog over the summer.  I played session drums for another band/project called Impuritan, created by Rob Knopf (ex-Ezurate guitar player).  That stuff is just ripping, brutal black/death metal.  Pulverizing speeds and crushing riffs in the vein of Dark Funeral/Angelcorpse.  We did a 3 song demo, didn't get much attention.  I love that stuff but I'm not sure what more will come of it.  I would love to do more with Impuritan some day.  Bit of a long winded answer but that's what I have done over the past two years as far as other projects.  Didn't play shows with any of them so far.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
9.)  A:  Hard to say.  I would say I already lean more towards black metal sounds than anything else.  That's what seems to be happening haha.  There will always be 'progressive' elements in Nocturne though and I don't think it will ever be pegged into one genre.  Up and Up is the plan though, better song writing, better production and hopefully a live lineup some day.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10.)  A:  As far as influences go some of the main ones are definitely Enslaved, Opeth, Akercocke, Bathory, older to mid-career Behemoth, Immortal, Absu, Mercyful Fate, Destroyer 666, Hate Eternal, Morbid Angel, The Chasm, Drudkh, Cobalt,  too many to name haha.  What am I listening to these days?  Phazm, Negura Bunget, Bible of the Devil, Blut Aus Nord, Acid Witch, Dawnbringer, Necrovation, Grand Belial's Key, and of course constantly revisiting all the classics.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?
11.)  A:  No, not really.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
12.)  A:  I actually have no interests outside of music…Just kidding haha.  Good food, good movies and shows, nature, spiritually awakening substances, drinking, engagements in idiocy, being silly, and of course the company of a beautiful and intelligent woman.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
13.)  A:  Thank you for your time and interest, try not to carry a chip on your shoulder, keep and open mind, and support true artists of all forms.  Nocturne debut album 'Ave Noctem' OUT NOW on Do or Die records!  Get yours through the Nocturne or Do or Die page!  Check out my studio page Arcane Audio too if you are in need of any aural services.
http://www.facebook.com/NocturneChicago
http://www.facebook.com/DoOrDieRecords?fref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/ArcaneAudioChicago

Earthling Interview

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

Brently- Earthling is our interpretation of what we love; Rock 'n' Roll, Heavy Metal.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Alan- Dark, primitive, raw, and deeply rooted in influences from across the board of Heavy metal, Punk, Crust, and Hard rock

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

Alan- Destruction, society, nature, freedom, death, resent.

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

Alan- you could interpret it in a lot of ways, but it was meant to reflect the primitive, down to earth style we intend for our music to convey.

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

Brently- The funnest shows I have played are house shows. House shows are almost always energetic and carefree, but in reference to big shows, I thoroughly enjoyed playing with Possessed, Vektor and Absu.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Alan- We will be on the road with Inter Arma, April 19th-28th. mostly north-eastern US. There is another tour in the works for late may, but im waiting to anounce until all dates are confirmed. Beyond that we hope to be on the road as much as possible in the near future.

7. Currently you are signed to Forcefield Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

Alan- We have known Tim for years and generally party with him whenever we play Richmond. Right around the time we were thinking about recording Dark Path, Our buddy Steven, from Inter Arma had the same idea and got the wheels turning for the forcefeild release. Forcefeild has been great so far, all we expected and more!

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

Brently- The feedback has been very positive so far; lots of kind words, good reviews and support on a monetary level through social networking sites. Merchandise sales and a crowd on the roadobviously help keep gas in the van and help with band morale, but a good review keeps spirits high at home. A personal drive and work ethic will only take you so far if you are consistently getting kicked in the pants by everyone around you.

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

Brently- I play in a Crust band called Thrones Of Deceit and I'm currently working on another project called Eso. Thrones should be recording in the next few months and there isn't much on the plate as faras touring. Eso is in its infancy.

Alan- I play bass in a heavy metal / hard rock band called Valkyrie. We just did a few shows this winter celebrating the bands 10th year of activity. Were currently writing material for a 3rd album in the not so distant future. Praveen plays guitar in a black/death metal band called Orthrus. They just recorded an album last year that should be out soon. Keep an eye out for that for sure, Deffinitly worth a listen!

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

Alan- We are currently writing new material, pretty much in the same vain as the old. Fast raw and aggressive with a lot of shredding guitars. Brently just bought a double bass pedal, so that is probably the most notable difference, Dark path is all single kick.

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

Praveen- Budgie, Budgie, Budgie, Budgie!

Brently- Recently I've been listening to a lot of Willie Nelson, Andy the Doorbum, Captain Beefheart,Craft, Omnizide, TST and Dead Congregation.

Jordan- The past couple weeks I've been blasting Inter Arma, Iron Maiden, Craft, Morbid Angel and Carcass.

Alan- Cianide, Darkthrone, The Cro-Mags, older Scorpions, & Judas Priest.

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

Brently- A large portion of my time and money goes towards restoring old drums; mainly Ludwigsnares. If I'm not fixing gear I enjoy a 12 pack and a sleezy B Horror flick.

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

Alan- Thanks for your time and interest. Come catch us on tour!

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The Amenta/Flesh Is Heir/Listenable Records/2013 CD Review

  The  Amenta  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical style  that  combines  industrial,  black,  and  brutal  death  metal  together  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Flesh  Is  Heir"  which  was  released  by  Listenable  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  along  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  programming  and  samples  bring  a  very  dark  industrial  noise  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the b ass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  industrial,  black  and  brutal  death  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  and  there  are  little  to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls,  industrial style  vocals  and  some  spoken  word  samples  in  addition  there  is  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Terror,  Mythology  and  Philosophy,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  brutal  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Amenta  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Flesh  Is  Heir"  "A  Womb  Tone"  "Cell"  and  "Tabula  Rosa".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

www.theamenta.com

https://www.facebook.com/theamenta  

Tsic Let Ad Raje/Trees/1996 Demo Review

  Tsic  Let  Ad  Rage  are  a  band  from  the  Chezch  Republic  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  black/doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  1996  demo  "Trees".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  not  much of  blast  beats,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  gothic  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  black  and  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  good amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  little  to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  all  high  pitched  black metal  screams,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Chezch  and  English  and  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Tsic  Let  Ad  Rage  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black/doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Return"  and  "Gone".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.          

Genuine Relief/Shreds Of Sanity/2011 Demo Review

  Genuine  Relief   are  a  band  from  Chezch  Republic  that  plays  a  blackened  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  demo  "Shreds  Of  Sanity".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  present  on  this recording,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  progressive  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  blackened  death  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  black/death  metal  guitar  solos   and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  heavy  soound  for  being  a  self  released  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Genuine  Relief  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  blackened  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Caress  For  Soul".  RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Extinction Protocol/Aeonic Obliteration/P2/2013 CD Review

  Extinction  Protocol  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  form  of  blackened  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Aeonic  Obliteration"  which  was  released  by  P2.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  along  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  blackened  death  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy,  dark  and  brutal  sounding  with  some  slam  elements  as  well  as  melody  being  thrown  into  the riffing  at  times  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  guttural  death  metal  growls  with  some  deathcore  style  vocals  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  some  blackened  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  greed  and  corruption  of  mankind,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Extinction  Protocol  are  a  very  great  sounding  heavy  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Merging  Of  Titans"  "Chained  To  Oblivion"  "Arrival  Of  The  Black  Sun"  and  "Unraveling  The  Human  Aether".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Extinction-Protocol/490898727623887