Blasphomet / Dark Metamorphosis - Graves Of The Damned Split (Review by D)

(I first of like to say you can check out their other reviews of this album on youtube and their interviews for both bands on the posts below on this page.)

Now here is a review of the cd I got from them entitled Graves Of The Damned... its been awhile so I hope I dont suck as much as usual at reviewing.

Blasphomet starts off the album with a very strong guitar intro that slowly picks itself up once the drums come into play and you can also here some keys and the vocals are a mix of death growls and raspy screeches. The first song Shit On Your Grave is the perfect opening for the album and is very guitar driven, and has a menacing, lost, and dark presence I like about it. Perfect song for opening a live show with it, if it ever happened. I really enjoyed it, and I think you will too.

Halls of The Damned opens with a dark ambient sound that slowly creeps up on you and then pushes the drums right into play and kick starts the track to get you ready for some more ear punishment. I really like how the Count pulled this off, and then the guitars come in with some very low and anguished vocal style. If I had to say anything about this track is that it is my favorite one of my favs on the DM part of the album because of the way it is orchestrated and how it presents itself. It is not too fast, not too loud, but has that perfect slow and "drawing you into the feel" sound to it. It has a lot of substance and character. The quality of the sound is also superb.

Blasphomet then comes back to try to one up the Count with his very intricate and intelligent guitar work on Abyss of Emptiness. I see splits as a competition, and I am liking this competition so far. The song has a ton of guitar stuff going on in it and thats why I really like it. The sound is almost war like, it is a vortex of empty thoughts and dark memories. If I had to compare this album so far to anything, it would be that it so far reminds me of 2nd wave black metal, but with a higher quality. The song Abyss of Emptiness treads on and on with its riff after riff and just amazes me. Fucking excellent!!!

Now the Count is back, with some fancy guitar poetry of his own. We all know the Count to not be a slouch on his guitar skills, and this is one of those songs, Home Sweet Home. The song reminds me of what it would it be like after a long days in the woods and finally going back to your cabin running on electricity by the solar panels and your able to jam all night. I get this imagine in my head of what the Count would be doing if he lived out in the middle of nowhere in such a dark and mysterious place. The song is one of those black metal songs that is so ethereal and atmospheric it takes a life all in its own. I would change one damn thing about it. That how much I like this song. The artists I believe with their songs must make us dwell in our own imaginations while we listen, and The Count has just done that to me. Then once the guitars stop, a majestic wave of ambient sounds and overwhelming theatrical sounds come in and closes the song into silence...

Blasphomet is now back with a vengeance!!! With his bone shattering vicious assault in pounding percussion and guitar interpretation in the song, All Too Human. It is very anti - human sounding, the longest song on the split, and is punishing from start to finish. If I had to think of a band that has sounded as blistering as this song it would be Mayhem, but better of course! Sorry if I am sounding like I am riding on Chads balls, but this song is very tense and powerful then his last, longer, and provides enough of a beating for any metal fan to get into to. Towards 6 mins and on the music comes completely overboard with power and is very inspiring to me. I really like how the sounds came out for the guitars on this one, I can drool in awe on my fretboard just listening to this. Very well constructed, very well played. The end of the song is pretty epic as well. A soft instrumental tune comes in to put you in a dark place, the song is now coming to a end and this is the end of Blasphomets part of the split. Damn I wanted to hear more.

The final and last track of the split goes to Dark Metamorphosis with a slow interlude to start things up, a slow drum beat with some excellent guitar sound with a deep ambience behind it. The song is entitled Thy Flesh Consumed... the guitars then comes in with more thrashy of a pace from the slow interlude that came in, to a very loud bellowing scream. Raspy vocals, lots of stops and fast parts, and also pacier drums. The song has very hellish features, and goes almost as long as the last Blasphomet track did. Some piano comes in from 6mins and on and completely sucks me in from start to finish. It comes back to some thrashy guitar driven sounds towards the end but has that great pick up that really is ominous from start to finish. I really like this song by DM and it proves to be a perfect closing to the split itself. I wonder what it would be like to listen to this album on stormy night outside. I should try it one of these days.

Overall, BLASPHOMET VS DARK METAMORPHOSIS on thee score card is 3 and 3. I would have to give this split a tie. Both bands equally are perfect together on a split in a musical sense. At times I got confused and thought one band was the other. They both made this split just completely out of the hell of it and it turned out it sounded more like a bands EP rather then a split to me. Not that both bands sound totally the same but I think at a musical level, as one man projects as well, are very identical but both have a lot to offer to the listener. I am glad to have this album in my collection and look forward to reviewing further material by both Blasphomet and Dark Metamorphosis.

May this album haunt you for the rest of your fucking existence. Buy it now!!! You have been warned... -Danny

http://www.pointdown.net/music.html
http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/graves-of-the-damned

Zebulon Kosted - S.O.D.D. Remixez ZK (review by Stephen Latimer)

Zebulon Kosted (S.O.D.D. remixes ZK)
So I think it’s pretty much a given by now I have some simple techniques when reviewing a release. I pretty much like giving a response based on first impressions. Now, as an avid fan of the entire family of Metal (and like any good fan) some things truly need a few listening’s before really appreciating something new. For me, Slipknot was truly the first band I listen to that had speed or double bass; however, they are far from being speed metal. They were easy to pick up as an avid young teenager who hears the pure aggression of their first “official” album. Picking up a magazine a few months later featuring my new found audio saviors, I seen an advertisement for both “Children of Bodom” and “Six Feet Under”. I instantly researched these bands on Napster and began my first freebasing experience of what is known as Extreme Metal!
While delving into the depths of the ebony cove of Metal’s vagina, I’d seen pictures of, and intimidated by, the depiction of black clocked hellions. Demonized, hellhound warriors riddles in leather and corpse paint. These juggernauts stared brimstone eyes into my fragile and weak soul, and charred it into the nocturnal beast that I am, sitting behind this computer today! Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir! Hail, the mighty Satanic Kings of Norway, and Scorched Gods of England.
Or so that’s what I thought after some time with them. I’ve never been a lyrical guy in that I didn’t care what was said, but I liked looking at what they were saying, and enjoyed what they were saying. It was like a horror movie with the thrills. But it wasn’t always so. Not so much with Dimmu Borgir, but way more prevalent with Filth was the vocal’s themselves. The first few times I heard their songs, Dani Filth’s voice annoyed the ever-living piss out of me! I couldn’t take it. But then I realized how interesting the music itself was, and how talented and dark it was. This would also prove true with the first time I heard Mayhem, Attila killed it for me (Now I recognize as a brilliant album). Transylvanian Hunger was by far the most atrocious thing my ears had ever heard, and by that time I was WELL into Black Metal. But still, that symphonic cheap advertisement Black Metal.
After eventually getting away from the fuzzy navels and wine coolers of Black Metal, and chugging head strong into the Porters and IPA’s, I began to realize even more what artistry and complexities were out there, and that things could be shaped from other things, and you eventually begin to realize you can actually take a (we’ll call) third wave black metal band and etch it’s lineage to the original Oslo scene (Because each band of their own didn’t sound exactly the same, but had that core element, and each exemplified something of their own “subgenre”). Even after chewing that nasty bitch for a while, you can pick backwards and you can see where the early 80’s bands actually used certain elements that would help craft the future scene. It truly is the first wave, but with all intent and purposes, I tend to call them “proto-black metal” simply for the fact neither scene has anything to do with each other, though the later claims much influence from the former.
And that leads up to this (yes, sorry for an entire page for this lead up)! With over 10 years of being a black metal addict, slicing and slurping anything and everything, you come to the point you can usually pick up a release and have a good feel for it. Even on some of these occasions you can tell it will have a lasting effect or never change your prospective. With this remix album I can without a doubt sum it in one sentence:

This is the quintessential album that captures what Black Metal is!!
I don’t say that light heartedly, but it is the sorcerer’s stone, the rosette stone, and the Holy Grail! I will not, however, say it is the best, the most defining, nor the undisputed champion; but, to date with listening to everything from Hellhammer, to the True Mayhem, to Burzum’s Fallen, I’ve never heard anything that actually sonically represents perfectly what Black Metal is. I’ve never heard the originals from ZK, nor have I listened to an extensive amount from Strings of Distorted Doom; however, knowing that the mastermind behind S.O.D.D. has an extensive knowledge in electronica music with his Grim Funeral Techno and his admiration of the experimental fields of ambient doom and ambient black metal, he’s helped capture everything there is. 

Many different people have many different meanings to black metal, as do I. Its mainly region based, and then its subgenre based. Passed that you have a more metaphysical side that is very anti established religion, yet within that some that are religious. You have some hipsters that have a manifesto that eludes that it is transcendental (which I will agree is partially true to a degree, but not always). What it really boils down to is that it is kind of like Magic: The Gathering. You have some very set defined rules that can not be broken, but you have those special abilities that totally go out and beyond the realm and make it the best fucking thing EVER! Even with the very Satanic/Anti-Christian mentality, you still have this nasty itching yeast infection called un-black metal (horse shit).
But what I see, beyond whatever one may label as the true definition, I think we can all agree to some degree Black is more relative to “Negative” or “Anti”; as in, Negative polarity or Anti-Matter! It’s not truly a bad thing, its just reality in an opposite realm of reality. In a world of rainbows and unicorns, rainclouds and ravishing lone wolves are signs of evil and hatred. But in this realm of dark waters, these are a sign of true freedom, rebellion, and aspiration for one self. It’s more beautiful. You need darkness to see the bullshit in the light.
This release does this. It gives the ambient feeling (a true characteristic of black metal derived from the emotional feel of music theory) of absence, void, abyss, hollowness. But in the world we delve in, this is truly a place whole and pure, true and proud! Anti-realism, meta-reality! It’s perfectly captured at its core. For the most part this album has a single instrumental track (or two) in the beginning of the album, and beyond that under the hypnotic drone, you occasionally hear a chug accompanied by a blast beat and growl. Superb excellence!

ORDER NOW AT : http://www.satanica.org (darkwave section)

Bethlehem - S.U.I.Z.I.D. (review by Stephen Latimer)

As of late, a review while listening seems to be a flavorful way of progress. This 1998 Blacken Doom effort was a kraftwurk by the Germanic metallers, Bethlehem. And, to be quite Frank I would be dumb to even try to pronounce, let alone translate the actual title of this album, it’s just been shorthanded to s.u.i.z.i.d., or suicide in German. This will also mark my first review, as well as first listen, of a true Doom Metal effort outside of Epic Doom (Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Beseech) or stoner/sludge doom (High on Fire, The Sword, Black Tusk). One slight confusing thing, there is the original album, and a redo with a newer vocalist in 2009, and sadly I’m unaware of which album I’m listening to.

The first thing I notice is the guttural howls of agony which actually remind me of Cathedral or Godflesh trying to belt out some Burzum. However, that’s totally only on the first track on this first go round. The second track kind of actually scared the shit out of me. As it is more of a death grunt the second track is almost a departure from the first track as it actually gets up into some galloping speeds, and actually sounds like some better Scandinavian black metal bands such as Darkthrone or early Emperor. Not to be fooled, as it did fool me at first, it totally rocks out in some slow paced doomy gooey goodness! Some harmonized guitars layered of a nice little bass solo, totally makes this unique in my eyes as a Black Metal enthusiast. But the utter shrill of terror exemplifies the harboring despair of self-tragedy. The loathsome existence would surely step someone over the edge; the sorrow that rings in my ear echo’s scoff mankind in its relevance. What the fuck am I listening to? Is this ecstasy through agony? It’s almost a sadistic pleasure to hear the pain in this melancholy rapture. And I love ever moment of this sickness!



The third track starts off in a swell groove of joy, punctuated with an abrupt sorrowful mid- high octave guitar lullaby. This feeds into the idea, that even those that are chronically depressed, they tend to mask it with smiles and laughter, making them even more dreadful inside. Gladly so, after a short pause in the beginning, it rocks into one of the most tear jerking riffs I’ve ever heard, in how truthful it sings out. This riff could be played by any high profiled virtuoso in any rock genre and have altering effects, but it belongs here, in this zeitgeist, a reminder that this sad shit can make crazy shit sound like brilliant shit! And it’s far from brilliant shit; it’s a masterpiece in the riff alone. It’s followed gracefully by an awesome slow chugging thrash riff, or what I’d call a thrash riff. It’s a grueling tune to endure at 2:30 in the morning, but I’m proud to take that kind of pressure, as this is some heavy shit, no pun intended.

A third of the following track is either a monolog or a Germanic spell casted upon the listener to give them strength to endure the sheer brutal awesomeness that is to follow for the rest of this track. If I were one to guess, these guys play some Symphony of the Night, or have much similar influences as the composure of that epic, as there are a lot of similarities in tones, notes, and compositions. Only a small segment beckons this thought, but it sticks with me well. The ending of the second third of this madness totally brings up some heathenistic folk tones as would any self-respecting black metaled would. Not to go farther and ruin something grand about this record, but I’ve realized the band does not want to be labeled black or doom, or even death. They’re strictly dark metal...regardless, I’ve always taken the term a well blend of most extreme metals. But a label doesn’t matter, or it shouldn’t. And with this album you really can’t. Even though it is rather depressive, it is face paced, and chugs in parts.

The intro to the fifth track starts off in a bass solo that sounds rather, well, country western, but goes right into the same dark style as the previous track have. Again, the female who performs the spoken-word portion of the previous track appears again, making me believe an influence from neighboring Switzerlander’s Celtic Frost may play a keen part. Without further ado, there is nothing else much mentionable about this track, almost comes off as filler for a thus far stellar album. 

With my anticipation answered the intro of “Nexus” starts off promising. I would imagine it would be the start of a B-side. A dark ambient solo drifts into a nocturnal ethereal, and triumphs into what sounds like the marching orders of hells army, preparing for an eminent strike. Only it’s not a familiar fire razed hell, but a dark, bleak, azure hued cavern of despaired. “Cry Havoc and Release the Hound of War”

Following is a thunderous charge into a celestial domain with necro battlephants with obsidian tusks soaked in angelic blood. Sluggish is this charge, but the weight of these combatants charge unstoppable in their intent for desolation and destruction. Like a locomotive, it gains momentum until the end where it comes crashing down in epic galloping force until it crashes the golden gates of heaven and lets loose a tsunami of black molten abyss and floods its righteous hopefuls to their doom.


In this second to last track, this avenging army pummels the remaining occupants with shear hatred with nocturnal rage. An easy finish as this slows pace again. But soon declares its victory festivities of admiration. But this final track lays waste to the idea that all good things must come to an end, that without an enemy there’s no point to fight; if there’s no hope, no salvation; without darkness, no need for light! All that once was polarity shall eventually become singularity. And when it comes a time for no absolution, there is an only absence that leaks into the void.

In my final thoughts, I’ve learned something new. If doom is dread and despair, and black is all lack of substance and truly negativity of existence, Bethlehem is the cracking dusk before the end of nothingness, and a leap from null presence. Shrilling hatred followed by bombastic devastation, this master craft of Darkness! This is truly something I have yet to ever experience. To doom to be black, but to black to be doom, yet does not compare to blackened doom….it truly at an essence to declare this dark metal. Hail brethren of Deutschland, stay true and strong to your wicked wizardry, and steadfast into the oblivion of man!

Nekropsy / Spiritus "Death Arrival" Split (review for AEA Zine)

Well, its been quite awhile since I sat down and got a chance to review something. Been too damn long because this album I am listening to now is kicking my ass!!!

Nekropsy is a very loud, very determined one man project that hails from Chicago Illinois USA with a brash assault of wicked death metal vocals, guitar work and blistering drum/bass back up punishment. The quality is tight sounding, mind numbing, and retard strength inducing. The main man behind this project Frank Garcia tries to make it come off as a very flashy technical death metal band but it really is not and is more about the revival of old school death metal I personally think. A+ for the revival, B+ for the direction these songs are heading. The tracks are filled with very lively solos, growling vocals in the vain of Brutal Truth and also has some thrashier elements such as Nuclear Assault but the vocals are completely and only deathly to be found.

Relentless and grinding unstoppable riffs mixed with a very upfront and personal glimpse into what death metal represents and what he personally thinks of society in general, this is what the main concept of all the songs, is all about. All the negativity and bad aspects of this world are all mixed up into a big tsunami wave that is Nekropsy, instantly destroying all that is in its path. Did I say it has excellent production sound? By jolly freaking doo it sure does, and I love it. I cant wait to hear more from this mad man Frank Garcia (aka backing vox and guitar in Waking Chaos) and delve into more hideous sounds like Bed of Nails, and Dawn Of The Explosions. Deff a keeper in a death metal fans collection, as I am a huge one myself. Keep up the awesome and grinding work, Frank.

p.s. only 40 LIMITED copies of this Split have been pressed so I am pretty darn happy to have one!!!

Next up on the split album is a little unknown band from the UK called Spiritus that are also in the mists of making black metal total warfare, all over their own tunes. I am indeed a HUGE black metal man, and do play the music but it does not neccesarily label me as the death vs black metal type of guy. Both bands fit well with each other actually, and that is what split albums are all about, strutting your stuff to one another! But having a good time of course.

The first track is very old school sounding as well but in a black metal sense with vocals that sound a lot like old school celtic frost but with a megaphone in front of the singers mouth. The music overall is something to deff enjoy as it is another band with another revival of the sorts with the old edge sound but adding there own twist and turns within it. Once again, A+ for the revival, B+ for what direction their heading in. I am not totally sure if its a one man project, but not alot of info online is telling me different, so I shall consider it as so. Wait, looking at the artwork, and yes, another one man project. Now arent we full of surprises???

With the flesh torn and the bones bare, the sound is melancholy, serene, revealing, and riveting. The way black metal should be. The songs At War, and Angels Bidding is a circus of riffs and blackened melodies, all heavy and all pure evil. Frozen In Time is very focused, like Nekropsy in a way but very mysterious and comforting to me. I can just sit down and listen to it on repeat forever. The song is one of my favorites off the split next to Nekropsys Bed of Nails. The band has a lot going for them quality wise and have a lot of potential in the underground scene to become one of those next big bands to arrive, but I would prefer if they kept the underground alive opposed to working against it. The last tune DIE is a barrage of screams, whimpers, riffs and cries, the track is significant in a sense that its the last tune of the split cd and what you just heard is the equivalent of death itself. Keep up the good work Spiritus, you are a deff keeper in my black metal collection as well.

If you wish to purchase this album if their is copies still available, I suggest you contact Frank or Spiritus at these links please, every band needs help now and then and this is the best way to go about it, getting their cd and showing your support to the bands themselves. That is the golden ticket! Thanks for making this album guys and if any more new material arises, be sure to let me know about it and I ll make a exclusive about it.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nekropsy/51557640073
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiritus/169404613110827

Anachronaeon - The Ethernal Throne (Review by Stephen Latimer)

I was glad to find out about two tracks into this masterwork that Anachronaeon are in fact from Sweden. At the start of Mary, I was saying to myself this will be an epic American take on Scandinavian Metal, but in fact it truly is Scandinavian Metal, and is littered with several flavors of the scene. In just what I’ve been exposed to, I hear several of the following. Trial this simply as you would the back of a wine bottle, or if your American, the contents of a pint of Ben & Jerry’s:
Emperor:-Prometheus
Mayhem-Chimaira
Deicide- One Upon the Cross
Marduk- World Funeral & Panzer Division Marduk
Enslaved- Below the Lights
Opeth-….just pick one from the last 12 years…’nuff said!
Vocally styled like Amon Amarth

DISCLAIMER! IN NO WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM DOES THIS ALBUM SOUND LIKE, OR EVEN COMPARE TO ANY OF THE MENTION ALBUMS ABOVE! These are just flavorful notes that I, the author, can compare some similarities. This album can easily stand alone on its own merits of prestigious valor. This is a quick review based on a one time listen, while examining the lyrics (a must, to fully understand). At first I was afraid this was going to be a Christian Metal album, and slightly questioned the source of recommendation (Not that I care what an artists preferred faith is, just wasn’t expecting that caliber without fair warning). To my ecstatic surprise, it hit closer to home, and turns into an enticing psychological thriller. The protagonist of the story is on a schizophrenic trip under directions of the divine, franticly slaying with blessings above. In graphic detail, these events are painted in seaman and blood. This ends up in estrange fashion similar to the movie “Identity” without giving too much. It’s just something you must experience yourself. 

As for the sonic assault, I’ve already mention some flavorful notes. But as a little better detail, this is a cacophony of complexity. There are everything from 70’s arena rock solos, to bombastic black metal of the 80’s, to the shrilling riffs of 90’s black metal. But bar none, the saturation of death metal is practically homage to most of the history of the genre. The riffage of the Florida scene shines alongside the Swedish melodic forefathers. Technicality blisters along with brutality, and all is blended progressively along in a vocal style compared to Amon Amarth. The music is a jet and onyx in value and beauty. The story is fabulous, as is the vocals. A must have album for anyone that’s into Death, or Black….or Prog, or Technical…or even some Doom. Honestly, only those strictly into punk or grindcore may have a problem with this album, but if most metalhead’s are like this author, they’re willing to venture out. Also, some may have a hard time to get into another melodic Swedish band, but should be given a try with is heavy notes of black.

https://www.facebook.com/Anachronaeon

Hoyland-Dreams within a Dream (Review by Stephen Latimer)

So this is a different way I’m doing a review. I’m listening and commenting as I go. This E.P. starts off with a track called “Celestial”. Clocks in just under 4 minutes, and is a promising instermental intro that is filled with long, deep (and clean/clear production) layered with some female Gregorian chants that is nothing short of a Tolkien ecstasy; all ambient and ethereal.
Staring on the longer “Journeyman”, a repetitive pattern scales back and forth across a few octaves melodically eases in the nocturnalscape. A vivid image of gliding through the cosmos shines beyond hope, like nebular facades surrounded by rays of darkness. A violin is heard midway through the intro, and loops back to the “octavated” lullaby. Bringing in the long stretch, another lute (a cello, perhaps?) adds something almost cliché, however deeper emotion. This track seriously glistens the beauty of the night and of darkness as a whole. Through the darkness, it illuminates the bullshit shadows of the light.
A more haunting intro transcends in the first few seconds of the title track, suggestive that something extraterrestrial is lingering in the dark hopes of man. Something that is desired, yet feared; similar to the meaning of these velvety dreams that we dream. Scarcely exotic is the somber tune, culminating the idea that possibly dreams are no more than an outer body, even an outer dimensional, experience. This bravado interpretation through this babbled audio language is only my deepest conclusions, but surely considering the subject matter, muse to author are probably on probable terms .
A deathly organ fills the aura with dank audacity mid song, that is followed closely to the end with evermore chants and slow bass plucks until the end. After only a split moment to breath, its on to the next track “Season of the Fall” beckons an awakening in heathen fodder. Almost a melancholy experience to leave this realm of enjoyment, but cannot ignore the shattering beauty of sunrays through thicken woods to truly arouse the stark realities of a dreadful world; like the wrath and lust of a woman, joy and sorrow of labors, treasures and debts of comradery.
I want to say, or I should hope, the ending track “Cthulhu Rising”, is a sense that when we face the Reaper and pay the Piper, it will be a never-ending dream. A queue of dread and frightfulness is hinted in the melody, almost a juxtaposition of the previous song (A fear of dying as opposed to a fright to awaken). However, I’m doubtful that is the intent of this track. Though the format is similar to other parts of this album, and blends well with the others…a part of this actually seems to resonate to a different idea almost all together, perhaps a concept to be dealt with a future release. Regardless, the damnation of the intro is breath taking to say the least, as it resembled those tones of what entering the first few realms of hell may sound like.
Overall, this album starts out in a mode where everything is fantastical and mythical, and turns to the truths of mankind in an equal amazement; however ends up in sheer gloom as the realization the nothing is forever. A startling album, that literally only took less that an hour to venture through, that lead through some emotions I though only possible through archaic orchestration. A fine diamond hidden in a heap of coal! This is a journey I wish to visit again, hopefully with my head rested on a well fluffed pillow with a cool breeze to wash me away in lucidity!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoyland/279760546182

Dark Metamorphisis - In A Heartbeat (Review by Stephen)

Dark Metamorphosis - 
In A Heartbeat
by Stephen Latimer


On a personal level, this album has struck so much to my soul, it’s almost perverse to actually talk about this on a public format. The Count must be a bastard step-brother of mine, or quite possibly my doomed enrage doppelganger (40). I’ve never met anyone that was quite obsessed with the video game series that Dark Metamorphosis is name-sake from, let alone the song titles. For those who have no clue to what this may be, figure it out on your own, or perish in your ignorant bliss. To the Count: L,UL,U,UR,R+ATT or DEF.

Down to the brass tax, this soundscape journey is veiled in that hunting tone we all hope to expect from black metal, but only are reminded how Dimmu Borgir single handedly destroyed that endeavor. At the heart of what’s “true”, there is fowled remnants of what the 80’s scene actually conjured into a favorable style, yet forgotten itself by glazes of synthesizers and classical orientations. Somehow, bewildered upon me, Count Draclacarde manages to blend swiftly into the night the majesties of classical tones, hallowed terror, and buzz sawed guitars of yesteryear into an incantation worthy to sit alongside Burzum’s “Det Som Engang Var”, Craft’s “Terror Propaganda”, and Horna’s “Envaatnags Eflos Solf Esgantaavne”. “In A Heartbeat” honestly sounds as if Nocturno Occulto decided to remake Satyricon’s “Dark Medieval Times” singlehandedly after listening to Bathory’s “Blood Fire Death” (song), and “Enter the Eternal Fire”.

It’s fascinating that the title of the album is actually the name of the favored song of John Murphy’s composed title featured in the film “28 Weeks Later”. As for myself, I actually thought this song, along with the score of the film, was actually very ambient in black metal form. So it’s actually a hellish coincidence to me that my favorite game and favorite musical score are actually blended into an album of my favored genre. This daunting composition of dire hope can actually be heard by the Count’s strapping ode, at the tail end of “Avert Not Thine Eyes”. This track is also infused with a brilliant rhythmic riff that’s one part groove, one part requiem; followed heavily by a simple chugging solo that is full blown nocturnal fucking hated.

Another ominous praise to those once forgotten, is Ludwig Von Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”; again a lullaby that has haunted me in lustful serenade for ages since first hearing it, oddly, in another video game of the same era. This is actually preceded by a small piano composition that I am actually unfamiliar with, however gives off that nostalgic feeling of the score of the “name sake” game, but am sure is actually an original. All of this can be found in “Welcome to My Humble Tomb”. Oddly, probably the oddest yet greatest ode of all the covers in the history of covers is the bonus track Dan added. Its a cover of Ted Nugent’s “Cat Scratch Fever”. Here, you can hear the Counts precise execution on the guitar, displaying he can actually play beyond the tremolo, however, can craft a unique rendering. At first, you ask “is this fucking real, am I actually hearing a Black Metal version of Ted Nugent”, and then after hearing it you find yourself saying “That’s an honorable metal salute to a Rock icon”, and feel yourself throwing the horns out of respect as well.

A ravishing intro to “Person of Lordly Caliber” is highlighted with high octave, full notes very favorable to some metal bands pre 80’s, maybe “Judian” or “Maidenesck”. Either way, it’s not a usual commodity you’d expect out of your everyday BM project. This rumbles off into a hopelessness of a night shade shrieking in the fog, to a succulent solo. This beauty is pulverized by a groovy riff similar to the one in” Avert Not Thine Eyes” that is laced with electric wizardry that is truly spellbinding. It comes full circle with the gloomy intro only to leave me heartbroken for more.

All these examples are honestly just an emotional explanation what happens within these glorious audio hexcrafts, and are only interpreted by an individual that is drastically moved by the outwardly vibrations. It’s these emotions that are triggered, like in “Symphonic” compositions, which are hidden in plain sight. In these triumphant occultic raptures, that makes me tear with joy. These sonicscapes that are sorrow in nature, that bleed the hope of possibility “truly” leave me breathless. On an ending note, let us go out this evening for pleasure. The night is still young!

https://www.facebook.com/DarkMetamorphosis
http://www.youtube.com/darkmofficial
http://soundcloud.com/darkmetamorphosis

Appalachian Winter - S/T (review by Stephen Latimer)

This is a new review by a new member of the tf zine! His name is Stephen Latimer and I welcome him to the underground writing club! Check out his new review on Appalachian Winters latest s/t album! -Danny

‘Appalachian Winter’ was (but wasn’t) what I was expecting, to be a Doom record. And in some aspects, it has some traits what I’d expect to be on a Doom record: melancholy, slight sense of hopelessness, covered greatly in haunting second tack, “Night”. Great sense of valor and victory, and triumphant gleam is also on this record, displayed on the third track “Winter”. In fact, on this song, after a trumpet and piano intro, the guitar bursts in to a marching battle anthem that can only be characterized as riding Falkor the luck dragon into a Narnia sized battle, marching into a frozen Mordor.

The composure of this record is riddled with fantastical audio sensations, which could in fact be shelved right alongside Immortal’s ‘At The Heart of Winter” with its sonic imagery. At times, parts do reflect some black metal sounds, like the frostbitten track “Ice”. In fact, this album feels more frostbitten than probably 80% of the Norwegian albums I’ve heard. Though, it would be farfetched to actually claim Appalachian Winter as a sole black metal project. It does seem too broad in certain portions to say solidly it’s a black metal project, regardless of how umbrella that term can be (Also has some amazing pagan metal flavors, with a Pan style flute on the song “Wolfghosts”). Case in point, in the starting track “Solstice”, smack dab in the middle of the song is a delectable Blind Guardian vocal play, underlined by a soprano falsetto, Tim “Ripper” Owens style; too much power metal for a solid black metal album. With an eclectic juxtaposition, this is definitely a progressive effort to blend several different metal traits in to a lethal injection of serendipity.

On a few objections that certainly do not take away from the album, are as follows. Firstly, some of the synth work is too noticeable, mainly in some of the drum works. On a high note, it adds to the surrealism to the speedy bits. Secondly, I’m never too fond of recycled material within an album. I feel that has been downfalls to Metallica (ReLoad), Slayer (90’s portion of career), and Judas Priest (who’s actually guilty of recycling their entire career on Angel of Retribution). After a good portion of each song, “Solstice” and “Solitude”, actually sounds like they’re the exact same song. On a high note they’re the first and last tracks, and actually make a story come complete circle, which in my opinion makes the best ending to any story regardless of media. Also, a few arrangements almost seem cut and paste, however deliver the exact same emotion every time to give the same joyous feeling to deliver the story to its fullest.

As a full set this album is a total package. It starts off majestically, and sways its crystalized and nocturne magic into a spellbinding wonder. Its climax or what I’d figure to be the start of the B-side, “Mountain”, is a wonderful ode to some great classical and romantic composers. I was greatly expecting it to be followed up by the heaviest and fastest song, but tragically goes into probably my least favorite track “Winds”, which gets way to folky, and not the heathenish style…well then again, I’ve only heard European styles, and “Winds” is very American folky. That could actually be deemed as American Heathen Metal. Regardless of what you may want to call this true genuine masterwork, I would never want to call Appalachian Winter a virtuoso act. It’s not about the “what I can do”, but “what I can imagine”. And there’s a great deal of self-respect in that, playing a marionette to tell a life story. Virtuoso is like looking a realism art, whereas what Appalachian Winter does is “Spider-Man issue #1”.

1. Solstice 10:41
2. Night 08:23
3. Winter 07:35
4. Wolfghosts 06:33
5. Ice 06:33
6. Mountain 04:32 instrumental
7. Wind 05:47
8. Forever 04:05
9. Solitude 06:33
01:00:42

https://www.facebook.com/appalachianwinter
Free downloads at of entire discography at http://www.mediafire.com/?qwvfnuv62641n
http://appalachianwinter.bandcamp.com/

Azordon - Ascension (Review)

Well, its me again, here to tell ya I have not quit TF zine just yet and maybe if I stop procrasina-tiiing it will be here to stay ok? Anywho, I am gunna start off with a new review by the wonderful man that is Alexion "Makumba" Azordon that hails from Planet Fata Morgana! yay!!!!! aka Cleveland Ohio.

Alex's new album Ascension is his 10th full length album (Not is 18th or 11th) drenched in madness, ohmazing riffs and space station cosmic chaos! The songs list was played in ABC order when I heard it so Ascension kicked on loud and boily into my ears. This is very atmospheric / black metal oriented offering a more progressive riff filled / shrieking / light singing techniques. It is a very well thought out tune indeed. My socks flew to Mars by the time it was over!

Now Azordoom gives a crunchy spark to it instead, with some steady drum programed beat to it. It stays constant through out with its pile driving guitar prowess. The finesse of Azzys guitar being played while against his Makumba tummy is unbelievable. Only pizza rolls and sugary powders can bring this type of zaniness all together in a big bowl of doomy riffs and make it sound like something that makes complete sense other then complete nonsense... but who cares! Its a great tune and I LIKE it.

Lets get to the next track called Baked Potato Metal, now this track was the preview track of the album Ascension, and is dedicated to a few friends. Also Alexion is speaking in a rappish type style but is very freaking boiling cool and jive about it. The song bubbles its way up slowly into my nose and shows how much more insane Azzy can get with his high pitched screams about being a dork and I think Will Smith can even appreciate that. Solar Thighs and DBZ, you gotta be kidding me, this is awesome!!!!! Really good lyrics, and this guy here, you might think he become a star like the next Cinderalla, or Winger but I think this piece here is number one on the charts every day in my book even though its in league with master satan and not about 17 yr old girls and ballad 80s baldness.... I am boiling on my couch in its awesomeness at the moment.

Boiling in Eternity is one of those songs that Alexion made that REALLY surprised me, that I did a back flip somersault, landed on a box and realized I crushed Grim's twinkies, he got real mad and ran away home for awhile and cried like a lil girl, but other then that, I like how the track presents itself in the beginning with its soft mellowness and great harmonies. It puts a smile on my face... :) Then it gets heavier and completely throws you off into the black hole with your soul!!! You cant even escape, and I do not mean the album Escape by Azordon but not even light can escape it. The track treads on with more black metal filled darkness ala Ascension track, but is a little more melodic with some toasty buttery goodness I like about it. The song has a lot of toppings and salsa within its crunching and atmospheric microwaved burnt meanings of something greater then my ham and cheese pickled sandwiches. Some cookie monster growls, some riffing greatness, I really appreciate its togetherness, especially the opening of the song. Little Bill loves it.

Day Of Reckoning is a boiling solo filled song with a timeless feel, with the song just taking you to a place that is scarier then going into the mind of Walter Barringer and finally finding out how much he really likes the band Nsync. Oh how wonderful it was... really good tune! Sounds very thrashy and YOU!!! no YOU!!!

Farewell my Friends! sounds like something from Wolfenstein 3D to me whenever I hear it I fill like I am shooting Nazis and going through doors. The song then transforms into a completely different tune with different elements... very smart way to go from this to that... I really like how he does it, wish I did that more often, but the song transforms into a very melancholy filled song with a resonance of a winter wind flying up my skirt and showing everyone whats underneath! Oh how dare you! XD My thighs where at least shaved and drooled on this morning. I like it so much I ll fall asleep listening to it on repeat till I get up and chop up some bagels with my hands and finally go back to bed with cream cheese on my toeeeesssss.
The song is a farewell till Azordon is back to making music I think, but not for long! (Cant wait to hear new Kvasta by the way)

Makumba is a bass oriented track, sounds a bit like the bassist of Faith No More around the time they did the album We Care Alot. No Chuck Mosley here but maybe Tito I guess. Its another song that strays back and forth to heavy, to soft, and is another ohmazing track to top things off with what I heard so far. Dende you can really get into it while watching DBZ Abridged, its just that freaking AWESOME!!1 Clean my couch!!!!

Quake III is the next track on my players list and opens up with a growl that sounds like a monster you kill after he is shot! Oh yes, I like the series, but this is just frigging magical, riffs upon riffs upon riffs upon more riffs!!!!1111!!! Then jumps right into a voice that sounds like he is telling you a secret to where he hides the pc game Diablo III!!! The grooves and riffs mashing my brain as I continue to type... I was playing Quake II just yesterday! :D

The next track on my list is Silver Goblin, opens up with a sample that says I am Alive not sure what that is from but probably from some ohmazing game or movie I need to play or see. The riffs pump me up and get the energy kicked up with a notch of proof as to why Alexion has evolved as a guitarist with the proof in the pudding. The pudding is in the proof here folks. Very strong guitar playing and screechy vocals here. Another favorable and enjoyable song to listen to while running around in the forest with a stick yelling *does fart noise with my tongue and lips*.

Now we get into something completely different, a Morke cover which I very much enjoy, it is just awesome and is a got to be a pretty good representation of the track itself. The drums are pounding the guitar is boiling, the hairs are going up on my skin! If you can manage that you done something right in my book and this is a great cover tune. Did I tell you my socks flew off? I know Walter would not like it but who cares! Morke is Morke! /ff/ Great cover, very interesting stuff. The guitar at the end is the outro I believe to the song but I must hear the actual song before I know for sure. Otherwise, good cover, very tight!

The Gatekeeper on my list is a track that is a acoustic track with The Gatekeeper doing vocals and is very awesome!!! I freaking love it, but he will throw me in the BLACK HOLE if he finds out!!! I will punished!!!! oh no... answer him you maggots!!! Then the song jumps right into some crunchy riffs more of the Gatekeepers style, he likes to put people in the black hole while Alexion plays I think then likes to jump out of the computer screen and scare you half to death! He is a cosmic creature with many powers and is pissed that I am even typing about him at the moment... he sees everything!!! AHHHH!!!!!!!! I think I seen him jump out of my screen... I hide under the covers for the past 5 minutes... He is gone now... I am safe, now I can continue my review.

The last song on my list is Unorthodox Existence, and is a song that touches many feelings with me and is very cool, the intro just sounds like something completely new and fresh, other then Titos underwear. The heaviness then comes in on this one and the boiling just got a little more technical and more powerful.... The braincells are melting away in my head, the skin is flying off my bones and I just been sucked into the black hole!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111111111........

NOW, I know how it feels to listen to Azordon, I finally understand it, its not about how the music is compared to the image per-say, the image is just a magical thing you either look past or appreciate and enjoy, the music overall is just as stunning and glorious and not alot of people can get their heads around to how great Ascension is. It will always stand the test of time... as Alexions 10th, not 11th!!! but one of his most ohmazing ablums to date. Download it now before I make a blog on how much you like to walk around wearing hot topic pants and how you listen to Hootie and the Blowfish and cover your body in lacerations while watching Dr.Phil baking a zuccuni bread. (I will steal the bread and kick you in the head)

To sum up this review... I really like Ascension and I think it is one of Alexion's best albums to date, and so were the other 17 or so albums before it! But this one really stands out and is something you can not overlook... now beat it!!!! I got some tar bubbling to do.

p.s. Tell me or try to convince me to quit TF zine now! I dare YOU! NO YOU!!!! yeah I ll be back...

1. Baked Potato Metal 02:59
2. Day ov Reckoning 02:40
3. Unorthodox Existence 04:02
4. The Curse of the Solitary Warrior (Morke Cover) 03:01
5. Quake III 04:59
6. Silver Goblin 03:04
7. Ascension 04:27
8. Makumba 05:51
9. The Gatekeeper 03:56
10. Aphids 07:07
11. Azordoom 01:47
12. Boiling through Eternity 04:54
13. Farewell, my Friends! (Bonus track) 02:51 instrumental
51:38

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Azordon/129695047130372

http://www.azordon.blogspot.com

http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Azordon/3540272620

http://www.reverbnation.com/azordon

NECRONOS ZINE #2 review (by D for AEA zine)

This zine here comes in a yellow colored easy to make style zine with a very old looking font and has some pretty neat references to thrash metal bands from all over, or so I read online because I can not read a lick of spanish. The name of the zine actually is the same name of the singer of Fimbulwinter which I think is pretty cool. Anyway 24 page booklet with lots of metal bands, interviews and reviews to offer. You see names of bands mentioned such as April Morning, Ungod, Old Throne, Chaoswolf, Zemial, and the almighty Rotting Christ. The next issue will be renamed and will now be the Niggurath zine, some changes will be made but I think the style and the underground following will continue to move forward as this small time zine grows. You can contact this man here for a copy I think. Check it out if you can read it and it is your style of zine. Thrash till Death.... niggurathmexico@gmail.com

Prayer Of The Dying - In Silence and Grief We Decay (Review)

This band is from Iklin/Malta, solo musician, and Martin does all instruments/ vocals. This is a cunning and very wicked BM band to be reckoned with! This album is called In Silence and Grief We Decay. Its a far cry from its earlier and rawer material I read, but I guess that depends on what kind of black metal fan you are. I really like the rawness, but I do like higher quality albums as well. This is one of those higher quality ones from this man here, but still has that mischevious raw presence about it.

Its has alot of things going on it that keep it out of the norm of mainstream black metal but with good production sound with something new to offer on each of its tracks. I really like the demented vocals on The Strength Of The Sufferer, the rain, church bells, bone crunching guitars, and is very well thought out. I like how it is constructed, and the way it was done. Very fucking good. King of Terrors, and Wastelands are also very dark and moody as well and this album sure gets my blood flowing. Dead Embers also has a symphonic side to it in the background, and I just love the guitars on this track as well. 3 mins to 4:30secs is just amazing. All I can really say is wow when I listen to this album when I heard it for the very first time. Very smart black metal music here, with feeling behind it of course. Some dissonance can only go so far with some black/doom or black/death bands but this album sure does go a long way... very well executed guitars, very strong diabolic shrieks. I cant pin point a place on this album I do not like... I just like the whole thing through out and will give it a thorough listen over and over again most likely till I move onto the next album I want to enjoy listening to. When I find something I like, I play it for sometime. Not too harsh, very listenable, and is great from start to finish.

BM finesse at its finest! I salute you!

The album was released on Nekrogoat Heresy Productions in 500 copy limited edition, I suggest you get a copy while you can. Totally worth it, and only if I had the chance to sit down and listen to this album earlier. I am kicking my ass for not doing so till now. This album promises alot for the new age of underground BM, and more bands come and go but I think Prayer of The Dying is here to stay. Other then Martins band Prayer of the Dying he is a drummer in some other bands as well, Sarratum's,Lustre's and Black Vulture. I reviewed the Lustre tape some time back. Still have that too. Great sounds found here, if there is any new BM you should look out for or pick up, it is in my book, definetly Prayer Of The Dyings album "In Silence and Grief we Decay". If your into dark, atmospheric, empty, and relentless music, you should get it. The sounds of phantoms, dark forces and cult like power is found in the eternal realm of Prayer Of The Dying...

To sum up this review if you like Black Metal give this a listen, its all 666% cold, eerie and fucking dark!!!





Tracklist:
1. Intro 01:28
2. Memento Of Decay 04:33
3. King Of Terrors 06:19
4. Destitue Throne 05:34
5. Dead Embers 06:07
6. Sheltering Cliffs 02:40
7. Wastelands 05:23
8. Destructive Minds 04:57
9. Drippping Woods 02:43
10. Slain In The Name Of God 06:42
11. The Strength Of The Sufferer 05:22
12. Drifting Mist 06:35

Total Playing Time 58:23

http://www.myspace.com/prayerofthedying
http://www.nghproductions.net/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayer-of-the-Dying/206096002734228?sk=info
New Prayer of the Dying Album Out Now!

You can order your copy from:
www.nghproductions.net or directly from the Band martinciappara@gmail.com , http://www.myspace.com/prayerofthedying , facebook etc

ASTRAL WINTER - Winter Enthroned (Review)

Finally got the chance to sit down and listen to this album and review it. I should have done it earlier! This is by far Astral Winters best album to date featuring stunning audio production, and the "perfect" guitar sound you can find out there in the bowels of underground metal music today. From Tasmania, Australia this Epic Black Metal band is full of surprises. With fierce, aggressive and shriek/shouting vocals, steady drumming, and intense speed, you cant go wrong blasting this album in your friends faces! And not expect them to shake in fear and amazement all at once afterwards.

This album has a timeless feel to go with it so its not neccesarily full blown intensity, but does have that feel through out. Reminds me of Evergrey and Emperor if they were mashed together on a icy planet like Europa. It has a stellar sound, lots going on each track and keeps the listener wanting more after each track. It is just that good as it can get for anyone who is looking for a album to be completely be sucked into. Pure spectacle of metal theatrics!

I really like how the theme of the band is about winter, and that the sound also reminds me of the epic prowess of Bathory's Nordland I and II, just constant epic-ness the whole album through out. You must hear it too believe it. The lyrics are also well thought out, like Through Timeless Aeons of Frost for example...*clears throat*

"And so it is written
In the sacred tome of wrath,
The merciless embodiement of suffering,
The relentless destruction of the worlds
As the stars began falling from the sky
And the night becoming a pale reflection
That despair found within all of humanity
As their world lay frozen in time
The hymn of the faithful
Is now forever sung in silence
The timeless aeons of frost"

Meaningful lyrics for thoughtful music is always a plus in my book!

The album is a span of 9 tracks, and you can also find ambience and serene melancholy in tracks like The Gates Of Prophecy. Longing for Winters End is also a big track with big sounds I know everyone likes it and is one of my personal favorites. Their is no bad or wrong I see in this album and should be listened to throughout without pausing to get the whole feel and presence of the album. Maybe a walk in the moonlight winter nights this season can give you time to do so? Their is only knowledge found in music, and Astral Winter contains such knowledge. A freaking temple of knowledge I say! Symphonic black metal madness at its peak!

Now if you like to get this album I suggest you contact Josh Young at his bands facebook page here or buy it through IMMORTAL FROST PRODUCTIONS if its still there and available. Here is the link. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Astral-Winter/135283222458

To sum up this review, this is a killer album and I could not imagine it not being liked by anyone who plays and listens to Black Metal or even Progressive Metal music. This music is fucking smart, and if you do not like it, your the obvious opposite of smart... DURR HURR!!!

Josh's band is also working up to a second album titled "Forest Of Silence" so stay tuned for that but until then get Winter Enthroned while you still can on CD now! It is a must have and must hear. Thanks for this masterpiece Josh, keep up the good fucking work! Cheers and beers \m/

Tracklist:
1. Prologue (1:42)
2. Illustrations of Death (6:35)
3. Through Timeless Aeons of Frost (8:39)
4. Defenders of the Astral Kingdom (10:44)
5. At the Gates of Forgotten Prophecy (1:32)
6. Longing For Winter's End (6:23)
7. Beyond These Frozen Castle Walls (8:28)
8. Past the Realms of Eternal Ice (9:32)
9. Epilogue (1:47)

Total: (55:25)

Comes with a 12 page booklet and full artwork in a clear jewel case.

Item will be shipped from Belgium, Europe, for 15 euro (approx $20 USD, worldwide shipping included)


BUY CD HERE : https://astralwinter.bigcartel.com/

http://www.myspace.com/astralwinter0
http://www.last.fm/music/Astral+Winter
http://www.youtube.com/user/AstralWinter
http://www.myspace.com/immortalfrostproductions
http://immortalfrostproductions.com

Barad-Dur - I Descend (Review)

This is a review of the one man band Barad-Dur, and I dont mean the BM from Germany, but anyway I got this tape not too long ago from the UK, a very promising band indeed. Thanks for the tape Nathan. Been listening to the tape constantly on my bike rides around town, and just is the perfect atmosphere for the weather we got here at the moment. It was released by Frozen Tendril Records. It is said to be "...feral buzz-saw and dry snare battery...acres of swampy spaciously paced sludge" by the founder of Barad-Dur and I could not agree anymore, this demo radiates just that.

The opening track of The Self Destructive Mindset is more mellow and serene then you would think from the title name itself, but offers a deep, and moody aspect to it, with some classical piano passages and guitar in sync within the track which gives it a lot of life with the drums perfectly keeping the beat steady and then opening up with the vocals of someone who sounds like they are in a deep amount of pain. Sounds kind of like a powerful hardcore band in a way, but not to say that is bad thing, I think its pretty versatile in its musical presence. Before the music kicks in, the vocals are screamed out in a very saddened sort of way, and the music takes over with the guitars/drums pounding away into a sludgey breakdown. The way it was recorded sounds very tight overall, and the song takes life of its own once the music starts to dominate, even though it comes back to its soft tones and trance like ominous.

Alcholic Mess is a mess of noisey, and gut wrenching sounds and offers a feel like the last track but is more a straight forward, heavy tune, and is basically about alchol and rage it seems. Pretty good tune to mosh too, and also im not sure if this band does gigs yet, but this could be a big crowd pleaser. Some softer passages like the last but pumps up the energy with those heavier riffs, and alcholic spewed vocals which shred through my ears everytime I hear them. Could head bang for hours listening to this, and I dont mean banging it on a wall either lol. Strong track here.

Final is the final track, obviously, and is the longest of the 2 and is a complete instrumental masterpiece. Every time I was out and heard this, it was cranked up, just staring at the grey skies, and going down the road loosing myself in the music. I like loosing myself in music more then anything, especially when I am out, and this is one of those tracks that keep you in tune with everything around you, nature, the skies, the streams, the everything is just magnified x100 while listening to this song as if your on some sort of hallucinating drug.

Good song to listen to while sleeping because by the time you hear half of it, your passed out already, but your brain still processes shit as you sleep and the music makes your body become completely numb but comforting in a way till you are awake. Great music for those deep thinkers out there I think.

To sum up the demo, I think you should get it now on tape before they are all out because you wont ever hear a demo as good as this for a long time... or not till Barad-Dur makes a new one :) Trust me on this, get it! Its also on CD if you are not as fucking old as me.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barad-Dur/31572717598?sk=info
http://frozentendril.bigcartel.com/
http://barad-dur.bandcamp.com/
LIKE THE PAGE, SPREAD THE LINK AROUND.
Also, can anyone make any youtube videos for Barad-Dur? I been looking and cant find any.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11263682
RELEASED BY Wulfrune Worxxx Records

D.H.C. - Die Hating Capitalists (review)

Its been awhile since I done a review on here! Lets get started...

Powerviolence on the crispy outside, and crusty to the core on the inside. This is a unreleased EP by the defunct Cali powerviolent band Drunken Hardcore from West Oakland. Recorded February 2011 at Lennon Studios in San Francisco, CA with Jef Leppard, this band consists of Tony on drum assault, Eric on bloody vokills, Cole on the maniacal 6 stringer, and Henry on the 4 strings of magic... the sound is a cross between bands such as Siege, Discharge and Infest to name a few. The songs are loud, in your face, and are short in length, like a fat mans phallus. Beware of their intensity!!!

The main theme of the album is about drinking, fucked up society, more drinking, and rising up against authority. The song titles say it all pretty much, Paper Thin Mentality, Born Prejudice, Drunk, Fast and Loud, you get the point. The absolute definition of a rebel band and the true essence of rock n rolla. It cant get any more harsh and fast then this.

Since their becoming, Eric and I known each other for a long time, and we have passed demos around back and forth, and the songs were much rawer compared to the sound of this Ep. This has a better quality production wise, and is a perfect follow up to everything they done so far I personally think, and what I consider a official first album from these dudes. Great live shows, and filled with beer and tunes to keep your pulse racing through out their sets the whole time. If your in their area, or want to buy the album offline, do not hesitate.

To sum up this short and very meaningful review, I really like this Ep, its a total non stop assault on the ears and is one of my favorites of Eric's great bands/projects so far. Maximum Volume = Maximum Results. \m/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/DHC/163099307074535

LATEST UPDATE FROM DHC
Here's some DHC current events for you thrash starved hc freaks: DHC's unreleased EP recorded with Jef Leppard in February is now available streaming for free on To Live A Live's online label via bandcamp: http://tlal-net.bandcamp.com/album/d-h-c-die-hating-capitalists. 10 songs in 6 minutes!! (TASTY)

As well, we're working on a proper last show since we never had one, and getting back together for a tentative December 9th show. We have a venue and bands in mind but just need to make confirmations. Rest assured it'll be at your favorite spot with some of your favorite hella fast Bay bands.

STEEL FOR AN AGE FANZINE/COMPILATION CD REVIEW (For AEA zine)

This is a full color, glossy, very well printed heavy metal fanzine supporting the underground and known bands alike. Comes with a free Steel For An Age compilation album and was mostly shown and sponsored at the great Hammers Festival. The zine consists of interviews mostly, reviews towards the end and is very well printed. It features bands like Brocas Helm, Acid, Mortician, Wishdoom, Salem, and usa band Zuul.

Packed with interviews and pretty good reviews on each album, nothing degrading or harsh from what I read so far, and the Acid review is great and I did not know the vocalist was a female. Theirs alot of other great bands on here, but I am not really the biggest into power metal as of late, but it does have a wide selection of bands that you should check out and pick it up if its more of your thing.

As for the Steel For An Age compilation cd the opening track starts off with some fast and heavy in your face attitude from the band Forte with the track Unholy War, 80s thrash of testament combined with powerful range in the vocals of a Ripper Owens and great guitar solo minute and a half into the first song. The next song is by the band Butcher with a song called Halloween, with a female vocalist and a more hard rock feel, more 70s rock sounding to me, and totally threw me off by the name. Theres also male vocals too but the femal vocals are mostly predominant on the track and keep the pace going smoothly through out. I feel like I am playing one of my vinyls listening to this, but this is not exactly my cup of tea but a overall good band that knows what they want out of making music. The 3rd track is by a band called Savage Wizdom called Do Or Die, and opens with a mellow intro fading into the song, I really like where its going, and kickstarts into a power metal anthem with strong lead guitars dueling together in unicef with the singers voice sounding similiar to Hammerfall but also with a strong feel to it, like Queensryche in a way. Lots of thrash, lots of speed, I like to cover the whole thing but more reviews are in the making, I recommend you pick this zine/cd up real soon at the links below.

INTERVIEWS BY :
Blackkout, Blacklist, Braveride, Butcher Cage, Chyld, Coven, Crowhaven, Dark Nightmare, Darkest Era, Demolition Train, Emerald, Flying Skull, Forte, Hurlement, The Last Things, Manstrand, Prowler, Rival, Savage Wizdom, Smokescreen, Stormwarning, Tempest, Total Eclipse, Tramontane, Unblessed, Valor, Void Moon, Zone Zero.
FREE CD compilation tracklist:
ASSAILANT, BLACKLIST, BRAVERIDE, BUTCHER, CAGE, CHYLD, DEMOLITION TRAIN, EMERALD, FLYING SKULL, FORTE, MANSTRAND, SAVAGE WIZDOM, TEMPEST, VALIDOR, VOID MOON.
* Distros and Traders get in touch! steel.for.an.age@hotmail.com *
http://www.noremorse.gr/product_info.php?products_id=47760

Bitter Dawn - Winterthorns Review (by D)

So, sometime ago I stumbled upon a guy that knows a friend ov mine that makes awesome class bm to its fullest extent. He also had lots of good dark praise for by band too. He goes by the name Dietrich, and his now one man solo project is located in British Columbia, Canada. Canada has some great bands their, even in black metal and this is one of them, but also this band is originally from Olympia, Washington. A very dark and mesmirizing feel to the atmosphere on this album and also comes off with a more early 90s feel to it I think I hear it. When I think Bitter Dawn, I think old Emperor vocal wise ala Forgotten Centuries with some screechy drunken whiskey throated raunchyness to it and old school Mayhem musical compositions with a hint of Pagan Fears like style to it but a bit slow downed to a steady rock n blackened roll pace.

Maybe I dont know what the hell I am talking about, but I am just saying what comes to my mind. The sound overall is not badly produced and is not super clean whatsoever but has a very clear and tight guitar sounds through out which build up each track to its crushing assault that feels like your being stomped to oblivion. You can hear every instrument pretty much in the tracks which I think is a very good thing. Definetely something to listen to when you wanna own some bastard liberal in a debate or if you just wanna kick his ass because he is a no good asshole that deserves it. Or just because you feel like listening to some cult as fuck black metal with a old edge feel to it. Winterthorns is bad ass each track to track to the very core of its blackened bone. A thorough listen is required!

This is aggressive, this is in your face, this is out to rip your soul apart and spit you out. Not for core teeny boppers of course, this is for men who truely know where good and bad BM lie. It also has a mixture of depressive within, with its mood and painful cries, but the black metal mentality is more dominant on this one. Obviously a good one indeed. They support the old ways of BM, sounds second wave to me and come off as one of those bands for sure. I like the direction the whole album has and the bm roots the ep went for, but has its own killer twist.

Also this was out in 2008 by the way this was made, so I am pretty sure more material will be out very soon by Bitter Dawn. I assure he will be back on track and in your face to show you the true meaning of despair, agony, and wretchedness only found in a dark place... Urn was also a excellent instrumental and the rest from Self Loathing to Never End the Night, you just cant turn it down for a second. Full on assault! That is the hatred found on the black heart and mind of someone who knows exactly what he is doing towards his goals in music. Making cold and ruthless black metal of course!!! Ave Sathanas!!! -D

Original line up:
Dietrich - Rhythm guitar, bass, battery & vox.


Mikael - Lead guitar, bass, synth & backing vox.

Lineup now :
Dietrich - Rhythm guitar, bass, battery & vox.

1. Self-Loathing in Desolation 05:00
2. Toiling Through 04:10
3. Terror Recumbent 04:38
4. Lethargy in Red 03:47
5. Never End the Night 04:44
6. Urn 06:57

WOLVES WINTER - SPELLS OF NECROMANCY REVIEW (By S.Stormhammer)

Wolves' Winter
Spells Of Necromancy (demo)

One thing about bands that I look for is how raw they are. It can either be a deliciously ear-mutilating kind ov raw, like Endelos by Angantyr, or it can be a disgusting type ov rawness, more because ov their production values rather than their music, such as the God's Death and Sadness demos from Absurd. Spells ov Necromancy happens to be the first kind, something immediately noticeable after the synth from the first track, Witchcraft, fades out. The guitars have this almost electric hum to them, which compliments both the drums and the gurgled vocals and in itself creates a desperate kind ov ambience to the overall feel ov the song.

Track two, Malleus Maleficarum, has a similar yet different feel to it, with the opening guitars sounding almost punk-ish and, bizarrely, reminded me ov surfing music. (Grim, hateful black metal surfers, I'm kind ov surprised Immortal hasn't tried to do that hahaha.) It comes together after the discordant intro, though, and redeems itself with the same desperation and angst found within the first track.

Distant Horizon Of the Spotless Mind is the longest song on the demo, but personally I feel it is the most superior because they change the atmospherics from the first two tracks into an entirely new beast much akin to early Satanic Warmaster or Dodsferd. They also rely more on the music than their vocals to paint a desolate scene with the eardrum-rupturing guitars and distorted drums, something I can truly appreciate.

Spell Of Necromancy, obviously the title track to the demo, lets down a little, more calm than the previous tracks. But after the intro, it gains momentum, reminding me vaguely ov some ov the works ov Xasthur. I found myself slightly disappointed in it compared to the others, mainly because they had this great momentum going, each track building on the previous one, and this one lets off on the attack and goes on the defense. I can appreciate the breakdown toward the end ov the song though, as it attempts to regain some ov the discord that the other two had. All in all, I must amend that this demo definitely shows promise. I would much like to hear them go in the direction that they hinted at with Distant Horizon Of the Spotless Mind, as it's majestic and hateful, much ov what either makes or breaks a talented musician. But, alas, only time will tell.

-- Reviewed by S. Stormhammer - TFE-Zine
---

ALOST / ANCIENT REIGN REVIEW (by Komar Reed)

Today I have the pleasure of reviewing Ancient Reign off of a 2010 split album with alost. Ancient Reign is a one man arsenal of blackened folk metal formed in 2007, From his hometown of Halifax Canada comes an onslaught of harsh blackened vocals,guitars that stay in the redline,and combine all that with witchy atmospheric keys and drums that should belong in a war march,this provides the listener with a full blown war of metal sure to annihilate the senses.There is much variety between tracks,unlike some bands,Ancient Reign gives you plenty of variety,thus resulting in a more pleasurable listening experience. The future is looking very good for Ancient Reign and I am eagerly awaiting future releases. Ancient Reign can be found on Satanica Productions Label,and myspace as well as facebook. Please do check them out,you wont be disappointed!

Country: France//Canada
Genre: Unorthodox Black Metal//Melodic True Black Metal
Year: 2010
Length: 37 mn
Tracklist:
Alost:
1. Burning Forest
2. Those from the Other Side
3. Human (Part 2 / The Final Piece)
4. Le Brouillard de nos Vies (Interlude)
5. To Watch the Blood...
Ancient Reign:
6. Mist of the Mountian Sides
7. The Dark Winds of Eternity
8. Over Great Vastlands
9. Where Torches Burn in the Moonlight Eclipse (Outro)

Upon Shadows - The Huge Circle Of Time Review (by D)

Here is a album by Upon Shadows that should not be overlooked, and its is one of my favorites, it is called The Huge Circle Of Time! Made entirely by Tamara Picardo, this demo brings a more epic feel to the sound and it is filled with superb riffing and mastery. The South American underground band is something new and fresh and offers more to the listener then the basic death core bands I been hearing their lately. Black/Death metal elements engulf you on this, and has a real kick to it sonically.

The symphonics and guitars are in complete harmony with the sound and is never exhaustive. Very deep, destructive, strong, and uplifting through out. The vocals have a more raspier style this time I think, and brings more death metal grunts in the mix. Dark Metal, full of keyboards, misanthropy, and is filled with magic and the dark arts. The clean vocals, very haunting, and mesmerizing all at the same time, this demo is great track to track through out and should be given a thorough listen.

Its easy to digest, it has a great production and brings out what Upon Shadows is all about 100%. The piano in the song Cosmic Ramp is very deep, classical sound showing a more mellow and depressive feel to the music, I really like how the sound of it came out. I recommend this album to people who like to listen to music that is touching yet powerful all at the same time. It ranges from a bunch of different sounds within other genres but nevertheless it is Dark Metal sound at its finest.

I can listen to this style of music for hours and it is a true defined moment in the way music is now expanding forwards all the while offering something that reminds me of music of a different era. Even fans of old chamber music can get into this. I like how the atmosphere of the album draws you in and does not let you go for a second. I feel like I am listening to a new age version of 18th century music at one point, then listening to music that is heavy and is black to the core the next! Many beautiful shades, bright colors, and even overwhelming darkness can be found in this huge circle of time... -D

UPON SHADOWS - THE HUGE CIRCLE OF TIME - DEMO 2009
1. Cygnus X1 03:56
2. The Core 04:01
3. Ondinas (new version) 03:55
4. Cosmic Ramp 02:02
5. Urban Syntesis 02:31
6. In Darkness We Shall Rise 05:54
22:19




LINKS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT
http://www.myspace.com/uponshadows_
http://www.youtube.com/user/MorbibFenris

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Upon-Shadows/128947133826217?sk=info

http://uponshadows.webs.com/

http://www.deviantsundergroundradio.com/ also features Upon Shadows

http://www.reverbnation.com/uponshadows

Pueden conseguir el material de Upon Shadows en (get cds from Upon Shadows at) SATANICA PRODUCTIONS :


http://www.satanica.org/


http://www.facebook.com/satanica.org

BLACK LUNG - Light Of Lucifer Review (by D)

Black Lung offers something that most black metal /satan influenced bands have not offered before, and thats a blend of punk and hardcore to the freaking bone. Chilling with the bros, and causing havoc in the pit with a big chip on your shoulder. This band kills, and its Julian Vomits business to kill each and every one in the audience in the right way. I got that quote from Phil Anselmo haha but other then that the music flows well, very well paced, pulverizing, and never exhaustive, just a all balls out blood metal album filled with gore and guts enough to make GWAR piss in their pants.

I think each song is relentless, and brings out one determined message, and that is never back down, and stay true to the hardcore roots, but at the same time mix it up with a new flavor very well know by black metallers of yesterday. This combination is rather strange and odd to most listeners but the reception I read so far is the UK fanbase of Black Lung is ever growing, and this band is from Denver Colorado! They must be doing something right.

Julian Vomit is the mad man behind this madness, and kicks the band at such a high rate I wouldnt be surprised if he brought some people to their shows and they pass out from heat exhaustion, I been to quite a few punk/hardcore shows and deff know how intense the mother fucker can get, so watch the fuck out! If your a wuss, step back, this aint gunna be pretty.

The songs have simple names, short but lively tracks, they talk about death, punk, blood, misanthropy, and good old fashioned hails to satan. This band is also know really well in other side projects, and has become a unstoppable force in the underground today. Their album is featured on Satanica Productions, and I doubt you will see this band quitting any time either. Julian wouldnt know the word quit if it were the last thing he had to do. Keeping it sick, twisted, grotesque, but all at the same time, heavy as fuck. Keep a close eye on these guys, they will keep bringing it, and keep knocking you guys dead while standing on your own two feet. Hailz Satan!!!! lml -Danny


http://www.myspace.com/blacklunglive
members -
Julian Vomit
Shawna Puke

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Lung-Denver/156239174436444?sk=wall

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Lung-Denver/156239174436444?sk=app_178091127385