tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37316944306013337092024-03-13T13:18:01.678-07:00TF ZINE R.I.P. Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-76611975405864746712013-10-13T22:35:00.001-07:002013-10-14T00:02:33.914-07:00TF ZINE CLOSURE... AND THE EVIL DEAD (2013) - Movie Review (by D) <br />
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(OLD REVIEW THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN POSTED MONTHS AGO....)</div>
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I figured I should start a fresh new chapter to the world of TF zine other then album reviews....movie reviews! I figured why not, as I am a avid movie watcher and see so many over time that I thought, hell, it be a good time now then ever to cover my own personal thoughts on each one I see. Being, this is my first review, for a movie that I hold very dear to my black heart, it is a reboot of the original, but I had to throw my 2 sense out there about it since I feel so strongly about the series. The movie is called, EVIL DEAD!!! </div>
Co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez. Sam Raimi did NOT direct this movie but after watching it, you will feel like he did. <br />
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Alright, I know you all seen or love the story from Sam Raimi's cult classic, being it is with Bruce Campbell as the protagonist of the story, Ash Williams. I feel this movie is as far away as possible from the original, and that is not a bad thing, that is a good thing. The story starts off with 3 girls and 2 guys, reminiscent of the 1st movie, and also opens with some very crazy opening that leaves you twisted at what will happen next. Swallow Your Soul!!! <br />
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Yeah, they still say that in the movie and is said right at the scene where the old man was originally in the cabin in the first place started this whole mess, ended up burning his daughter to a stake with some voodoo witch that helped by reading the Necronomicon to cast her to hell or whatever the demon came from before the bitch swallowed his manhood. Now, he blows her head off, after the guys knock her out in the woods, and she is burning and screaming, pretty twisted opening, you almost fall for it at first, her talking in a whining normal tone to her Father, pleading for help, but you can see it a mile away she was going to turn to the dark side. Then comes the Evil Dead logo and the bababummmm!!! epic opening. It really kicked off the movie well. Now lets get to the flesh! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUsGjDYYGok/UdfBPrDbBDI/AAAAAAAABHU/mpjcg_5UW4E/s1600/110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUsGjDYYGok/UdfBPrDbBDI/AAAAAAAABHU/mpjcg_5UW4E/s320/110.jpg" /></a>The whole story, is good, but has some flaws. Some of the actors just do not cut it I think as far as playing the new roles for this reboot goes. I can say this nerd here with the glasses kept the whole movie alive and pretty much carried the movie along the whole time, so I find him to be the best of the bunch. Eric was the best actor there I believe. David, Eric, Mia, Olivia, and Natalie (DEMON???) go to a cabin for I am not sure of what reason, then manage to keep their friend Mia there long enough before she starts withdrawing from her addictions, and then she finally ends up losing her cool and getting raped by some trees in the process of escaping her car after wrecking it in a hysterical fashion. The way the movie goes on kinda reminds me of the Ring, the way the demons look in the beginning, but then again these are demons, not ghosts, and they are very gory surprisingly. They come into the scenes to jump at you pretty well. The part where the bug or slime that goes up Mia's *coughs* pussy was not something I was expecting. <br />
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The girls of the movie, I thought held up for some of the movie when they were demons, but other then that, their acting was pretty over exaggerated and could have been better thought out. David on the other hand, he was the worst of the bunch and I hate to spoil most of the ending but I was SO glad he died, he was the man to play a role which was reminiscent to Ash I felt, but did terribly, and I later found out Mia was the one who ended up being the "badass" of the flick taking down the demons after she came over her possession after David kills himself to kill Eric (nerd with glasses) from killing them after he turned into a demon towards the end of the film. The acting was I can say....ALRIGHT, compared to the first original flick. Now, lets get to the book. <br />
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The Necronomicon or, Naturom Demonto, the Sumerian language for Book of the Dead, has had a total reboot, and fresh new look compared to the past books with the scary faces. This one actually looks pretty legit, and the inside looked amazing. I was really impressed with how the book looked and how they wrapped it up to hide it. It was one of my favorite parts of the movie, and the books pictures/text/blood stained messages really made a difference. Without it, and just having another plain old scary face looking book, would not have been the right thing to do I think. The stitching opposed to the face look held up pretty well. <br />
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What I can not stand about fans of Evil Dead is that if it is not a film with Bruce Campbell it is not a Evil Dead movie, but in essence, it is a Evil Dead movie, FEELS like a evil dead movie, and I say, a pretty good one. But that is not to say it is without its flaws just like any other horror movie does. The RAINING blood scene, I did not understand, and also the scene where the girl Olivia is taking charge while everyone is freaking out, I can't stand her actually, Elizabeth Blackmore is her name I believe, I think she did horrible in the movie and was a bad choice to be put in it. I really wish they had a old tape recorder in the movie which played some dialogue of the old man from the beginning of the first movie when he killed her daughter, but that was not something you seen or heard of in the movie either. <br />
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I seen the R version of this film but plan to see it again when it hits blu-ray/unrated. The movie just jumps right into the action it seems and their really is no initial build up or scare in the woods that moved or followed long enough to actually make you say, RUN! or keep you on your toes. The action just went from gory to goriest and kept rolling on, but had little as far as intelligent acting went. I can say the first movie was not intelligent when I first saw it, but this was even worse then that. The acting just was sort of a hard thing to watch. I mean, I seen bad, but this seemed like they put in a bunch of actors that were ready to get a grammy for best horror movie of the year and they just did not get the right people for it. <br />
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At least the first movie kept you on your feet more at times before something really bad where to happen. The demons were also pretty cool looking, and the ways Mia played with their heads was also hilarious and entertaining. Gimme a kiss you whore! That part made me laugh pretty hard. Maybe a throwback to the slapstick parodies I have not seen since Evil Dead 2, especially since Raimi and Campbell were part of this in production.<br />
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Anyway, if I had to rate this flick I rate it a 7.5 out of 10. I wish I had time to complete this review thoroughly but I have put it on hold for months and had some decisions to make, which will be explained in my next monologue. Overall the film lacks some strong points, and at times made me go,
WTF!!! but otherwise still stood strong to its roots and kept me
interested long enough till the end credits where Ash also made a cameo
appearance at the end. It is really worth a watch but beware of some of its accidental mishaps. <br />
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<i>CLOSURE PART....</i><br />
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I decided just, the other day, that this site, TF zine, for the future will be dedicated to everything horror related. I am not sure about music and the bands and all anymore. I might just make something new in a blog for that eventually. I will also relocate all my old blogs here PROBABLY to that site as well once it is up. Just things like this take time you know....so bear with me. TF ZINE will be back, but will be promoting a whole different medium to itself, but similiar to the music I posted here for the past 2-3 years. Movies!!! So until then, the zine is officially closed!!! Till next time. ~Danny <br />
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Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-61901862976346018352013-04-24T02:08:00.001-07:002013-04-24T05:02:04.853-07:00Melankolia - III (review by D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before I start this review I like to mention where you can order this album online, you can find it here at this link <a href="http://melankolia.bandcamp.com/album/iii">http://melankolia.bandcamp.com/album/iii</a> & you can check out Mikes label Nine Gates Records at <a href="http://ninegatesrecords.bandcamp.com/">http://ninegatesrecords.bandcamp.com/</a> for any upcoming artists on his label<br />
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Now, I highly recommend this album for listeners of Aphotic Starfield, Immundus, Fata Morgana, & it sounds much greater then the likes of Ildjarns - "Landscapes" album in a composed sense (even though I like the album Landscapes) but also falls into a catergory of ambient soundtrack music along with Eric Serra, & the Jesper Kyd. <br />
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This album is another ethereal masterpiece made up of dark brooding intertwining songs that leave the listener lost in a dream like state at first. Deep and mysterious, but also soothing and spacious. The production overall is outstanding and gives you something more then most dark ambient artists just providing you a song made up of one atonal sound track after track. The atmosphere is enormous and was recorded at Perpetual Darkness Studios from October 2010 to January of 2012, mixed & mastered by the same guy who owns the label Quartier 23 in Germany by Priapus 23 of Akoustic Timbre Frekuency. This also the longest, most thorough, well thought out album released by Melankolia since his last album Orpheus Down in 2011 I reviewed here sometime ago. <br />
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This album also features various artists in other bands, Appalachian Winters D.G. Klyne on the The Darkness Ever Present, Bruno Duarte of Immundus on Beauty...Interrupted, Karsten Harme on Lucidity Through Melancholy, Take Me From This Place with Matt Thyssen of Buer, Loell Duinn on Eastern Sun, Western Darkness, Destiny's March (For All Time)feat Marc of Hoyland and last but not least the infamous Norwegian musician Mortiis on Bring Me Victory on remixing. This sounds like a dream line up for sure! All experienced artists and they certainly bring out the best of each song they are featured on for III. I think this was a very wise idea on Mikes part and also gives you fresh new faces to look up in other styles of music. Of the bleakest and darkest comradery!<br />
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The III is for one a surround sound experience at home and can either bring out the best or absolute darkest in people. The depths of ones being in this cold & tragic existence... the walk alone out in the damp rainy country side, the moment where you can take the time out to stare at the night sky and wonder, gazing at the stars. Looking out at the moon light. This is that type of album, but also can be depressive to some but uplifting to others. I can say each track has something different to offer and at times it is a overwhelming theme made up of many elements that can put you in a trance along with solitude and silence. Filled with isolation, grief, a numbing feeling.... but gives you goosebumps on your arms. The synthesizers and piano echoing in the distance. The vocals present in songs that feature them are very well done.<br />
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Melankolias III is a album which offers something new and fresh to listeners of neo-classical/experimental dark ambience while not being too over the top but is like a journey unlike others I have yet to find that is totally similiar amongst dark ambient artists I have experienced in the genre. The music just transcends, and erupts like a theatrical operatic supernova, but its conductor is conducting the sounds of the darkest places of this universe. Only with what he has to his own disposal in instrumentation. If one were offered these instruments and was told to make something beyond a normal piano piece or something greater then one can imagine from a synth or piano sound, this is what would come to fruition. A stellar force of atmosphere and a thunderous wall of magical sounds. <br />
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Each part of this album has its own subliminal meaning and this passage possibly can offer you that understanding of what I mean by 3 parts hence the name of the album III in quote to a review authored by Marc Hoyland.... <br />
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<i>“III” is divided into three initial parts related to the formation of the Shadow during an eclipse, namely Penumbra, Umbra and Antumbra, that according to the artist’s own interpretation represent the three parts of the human entity: mind, spirit and soul. The final part, Postscript, represents a calcification in a way, of the internal process that has preceded, as well as a substantiation of its results. The completed formation of a new personality or a new Self. The three phases of an eclipse potentially correspond to many concepts, such as the triple Goddess, the three alchemical phases of the Magnum Opus (Nigredo, Albedo, Rubedo), the IAO formula, the Thelemic signs of NOX, the Jungian symbols of individuation and several other things.</i><br />
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The process and inspiration behind the album itself is massive and very astrological. I really like how the artist takes the time to read and understand the celestial and the becoming of ones self. It is really something if you think long and hard about it. Not alot of artists go out of there way to offer such a concept to there albums and it just makes it that just more special. Very interesting concepts here. The songs each have there own body and mind and continue to surprise me one after the other. You can also find marching sounds, romanticism, sadness, classical timeless feels that raise the hair on the back of your neck. <br />
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Melankolia's "III" is a work of art one must also take the time to listen to though, and I am on my 5th time hearing it and I will continue to listen to it for weeks to come. It is a sign of musical growth, ambition, and the artists perception of the world around him. A story that can touch many others, it speaks volumes far beyond our own minds darkest and most beautiful conceptions. ~D
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fAvdt5cR5D4" width="560"></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-69693209246551251282013-03-18T11:41:00.000-07:002013-03-19T07:59:15.721-07:00Deviator - Fehu - Fohat - Fire (Review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This trio or semi permanent trio band lead by Lord Hastner have made a album which can touch listeners of black / death metal / ambient & experimental listeners on many levels. They have a cold and brooding sound which hails from the depths of the Ukraine. They have strong ties to Depressive Illusion Records and released this album at only 101 copies alone via Depressive and the release was also handled by Lord Hastner and his own label Kundalini Records. This is a 2012 release and probably still available so I suggest you get a copy now at Depressive while you still can at their website. <br />
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http://depressiveillusions.com/items/cd-r/black-metal-pagan-metal/deviator-fehu-fohat-fire<br />
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Like I was saying, this album reaches many different atmospheres and also strikes many levels of musicianship in the BM but of course with their own twist. The vocals range from spoken word, to harsh and raspy vocals. The album burns a fire in you and is injected with solid riffs. The vocals are also not just raspy but echoing and guttural in a sense. The drumming is pretty solid and sound, and not too far behind in the mix. The overall production of this album is great. It has the production and the substance. But does it have the energy and keep the listener intrigued? The song Cost Of Freedom does and treads on till it creates its own way into your mind with a deeper and subjective meaning between its archaic punishment through out its presence. <br />
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The next song is a just a little less interesting for me though. Way Of Warriors Hymn to Immortals. It has a great start and provides alot of heavy interesting moments through out its composition and melody. But I wished the clean vocal approach or spoken word was more sonically intriguing and less raw well not raw but it lacked a effect and is just straight talking to me and is not too strong here. It could have so much more range and oomph to it I think and stand out better like the darker vocals if it had some power put behind it or a effect with it, but at the same time still keeping it in its natural form but just a little more flashy. The spoken word is alright, but when I hear clean vocals or someone dares to mix them with a heavy song, I like if they stood out just as much as the heavier and darker vocals did. The song is long and has a very epic feel to it overall. But I can say I liked the last song a little better. It is also not in English but that is not a gripe just a fact. <br />
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This one up Eternity of Blood, provides a great opener on guitar and really is uplifting. It has some very nice drumming on this one. The stampeding quality of it is what I really dig about it. Live or Die! then a softer passage with further outstanding drum work involved. Excellent song so far. I am starting to like this one more then the 2nd one and 3rd one. It has alot more going on in it, and it may be shorter then Way Of Warriors but has just some more dimension and balance to it. <br /><br />4:12 and on to the end, was wrapped up very well, I can listen just to that part 100x over myself. Very well done! <br />
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My Thoughts....They Have No Rest....sounds like me!!! And this song is a heavily key oriented build up of sorts with heavy guitars and drumming. Its is a Winter Depression cover but I never heard the song by the actual band so I can not point out the differences other then this cover is really fucking good. It is a cover from a fellow UKR band and has a outro like presence but then again if it had vocals it would have made it that more intense and interesting then what it already is. It may have just been a instrumental on the original bands album but it does have alot going on and again, the drums and the guitars sound amazing. This song is heavily in the keys, but not so heavy it comes off as a synth or a pure background noise, it is piano in its nature, and has lots of feelings and layers to it. All I can is that it really has alot going for it and is a superior cover. <br />
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Burning Bridges Become Ashes goes back to the chaos and really pounds itself out before the album closes itself up. This vocal assault from the start stands out pretty well and the stops and goes are great too. A great BM guitar tremolo picking is going on, the drums are tapping ever so gently then jump right into the muscle of the track itself with that hypnotizing guitar darkening and pushes the track even further into total devastation. The vocal approach remains the same, vocals are pretty guttural then they stop to a abrupt calming. The song goes back and forth between each instrument, and the guitar comes back with a stronger voice in the song then its past 2 riffs with a duel symphony. Wow! love the dueling here. Dueling guitars = SUCCESS in my book. Now back to the crunchy and building up, then a quick halt and stop. I really wish they did not end so abruptly like that, with the dueling guitars stopping into a riff riff crunch riff then a end. I think the dueling and then a fading out end would have been perfect but them the bricks. I really enjoyed this song too though. <br />
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After a 2nd listen of this album I can say this album is more of a EP then anything to me, but then again it is really their all so far last year but I am sure next year more Deviator is to come. I will end this review by saying I really enjoyed this release and kind send out of a copy to me from Lord Hastner, and it has been a pleasure listening to this album again since the day I got it. I must have had some things on my mind and I have been busy but nonetheless my review is here and I know it is not of short length but I wanted to touch on the details of all the songs and what to expect before someone bought it. It is worth a buy and is heavy through out. but as for the diversity, it was a album made with a lot of the efforts and right intentions but has the room for some improvements down the road. <br />
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<span class="userContent"><br />SAMPLE: <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/deviator">http://www.reverbnation.com/deviator</a></span><br />
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Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-9801370247993454322013-02-11T18:48:00.001-08:002013-02-11T18:48:10.144-08:00Ancient Reign - Of Moonlights Glare (EP) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Hey guys, here is a new review by my new member of TF Zine! Check his review out. ~D<br /><br /><br />It has been some time since I have actually done a feasible review, especially one on an underground act such as this. I must admit, I have been out of touch with a lot of music lately so I have had little time to unearth new acts or projects for my listening pleasure. So to speak, this will be a review on the 2013 EP "Of Moonlights Glare" from Candian Black Metal band Ancient Reign.<br /><br />I'm not all that familiar with this act, mostly as stated before I been out of the loop now for a few years. Ancient Reign is a folk black metal band from Halifax, Canada back in 2007. Apparently they released a small demo that was released under limited press but they have not released much until just recently. As I have found though, these Canadian acts truly know how to craft their art.<br /><br />In many of ways, Ancient Reign reminds me if bands like Trollech, Nokturnal Mortum, Volh, and Svartby. The guitar riffing on this release is raw in essence but very clear and audible compared to many underground acts in the genre that have erupted onto the scene as of late. The riffs are heavy and somewhat punkish in its underlining feel, but there is a constant shift from that "main" opener riff into much more majestic and melodic folky melodies and tunes that truly has the listener being sucked in to the songs. Nothing here is original by any means, but unlike some of the bands mentioned before except excluding a few, Ancient Reign has an odd way of sucking the listener into each song. There are a heavy use of keyboard work and synths utilizing the breadth of the folk melodies and replicating the traditional folk instruments typically used or synthesized by bands in this genre. The melodies are very well done and don't over play there welcome. Which is refreshing in a genre that either becomes monotonous by design or acts that never allow a certain riff or melody to truly develope. Ancient Reign shows that they can write a song with competent song structuring not always found in underground black metal projects/bands.<br /><br />Back to production values, everything in this release is audible and crystal clear, only failing so in the drum department. I'm not saying the drums are absent or inaudible, but a lot of bands I have found in this genre to put more emphasis on the guitars and synths and putting the drums and bass further into the mix, which by no means is a bad thing. In many ways I enjoy It more so because of the uncanny and difficult nature to record a drum kit...sometimes sounding like shit on a low if recording. Other bands or solo acts just opt out all together and use a drum machine. However the drums are fairly well done and match the music well. Nothing can be more more annoying then having super fast blast beats during a segment that just doesn't find compatibility for the style. Everything on this release just fits well in the mix overall.<br /><br />Out of all the songs, the first track (not the intro track) "The Arrival" and the last track "Winter's Reign" were my favorites. Many a reason because these two for me stood out the most. the Arrival being the longest track on the EP and utilizing far more variety in the composition, even the use of acoustics take a decent portion if the overall length of the song, and its use of synths just truly added to that nice folky sound that I have come to love . The latter song being much shorter but of average length has solid riffing, and some good melodies that gets one into the song. I fairly enjoyed the entire album. My only problem with the release being the two songs in the middle, "Of Moonlights Glare" the title track just being way too short and its over before you know it. The follow up song however, "Through Forests Eternal" is a much better song. Using some good folky riffing that comes off as a more melodic and audible version of Graveland and even utilizes some good low guttural growls weaved into the mix in unison with the black metal raspy shrieks. The more I listen to the track, i find it to be just as good as my two favorites from the album. It's the title track that falls short and is easily a passable track.<br /><br />For fans of blackened folk metal or folky black metal akin to bands I mentioned then check out Ancient Reign. They don't try anything very unique here on this release but it still comes as refreshing in a saturated genre.<br /><br />For those of you out there looking for a numerical score, I really don't score by numerical grade. I'm not one to "rate" or score. I'm going to articulate to some degree on the pros and cons....and I sayith unto thee...check out this fucking band NOW!!!<br /><br />By Munnin<br /><br /><br />http://ancientreign.bandcamp.com/album/of-moonlights-glare<br />https://www.facebook.com/ancientreignbandDanny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-60573228421142152102013-02-07T22:02:00.000-08:002013-02-08T21:07:25.763-08:00Appalachian Winter - Ghosts Of The Mountains (Review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I do not got much else to do at the moment! I figured hell... I might as well get to reviewing some shit. Lets get started! <br />
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This is the latest release by Pennsylvanian State band from mayba yer neck of the frozen woods! Appalachian Frigging Winter!!!! FUCK YES!!! Yes, I added frigging, how thoughtful of me? Appalachian Winter rather. Troll me... I dare you motherfucker. As for the album, it is called Ghosts of The Mountains!!! A album which defines the concepts and stories involved in the local area I believe... in Daniel Klyne's sense.(?) The album has song names that may mean other things, defining a vast majority of other worldly subjects, but this release also hits home to the man behind the music I think. I would not call it a political album...it is moar of a EPIC WINS album!!! in my book. If you are a fan of movies such as Krull, Legend, Gladiator, anything that has to do with fairy tales, mysticism, medieval times.... within the boundaries of black metal, you will dig it. A mix bag of a bunch of folk/acoustic guitar playing, flutes, keys, woodwinds, horns, trumpets, with a echoing, powerful vocal approach in a clean sense, not Into Eternity sounding rather, but just damn powerful! The first song Rebellion Within The Young Nation gives off a very big, booming eurphoric vibe, and also has many many layers of sound in it. Its pretty damn good I say. It starts the swing of things and jumps right into the madness. <br />
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Patriarchs is, you can say, one of those "folk tracks", in the beginning, which comes off as something "Richie Blackmore" renaissance like? It flows well, and is not too flashy or wank/fap technical but more flowing then anything, and then jumps right into the heavy! Surrounded by a heavy, clean vocals, in a spoken word approach? I am not sure what to call it but it flows damn well, then jumping into the blackened vocals, rushing you into a barrage of drums, guitars, keys, then jumping back into the spoken word approach from the start. And when I mean booming and echoing, as in, these vocals, they are really that deep and almighty....!!! Then it cuts back into the blackened, darker vocals of the last verse, leading into a piano piece I really enjoy and closes the track perfectly. Very deep man! <br />
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3rd one, Ancestors of The Lake, this is the first tune I heard off his band page for this album I think awhile back. Its opens with some keys, and a serene flute. A then sweeping orchestral piece comes in with the keys going in and out, with the flute coming back, man I love this ocarina! Or flute, fuck knows what it is, but I love it. As the flute cuts out, a war like percussion follows and a acoustic guitar piece, with a actual spoken word piece, for these are ravens, and nothing more!!!! They are only rain drops, and nothing more!!! WE SHALL ALL BE DUST AND NOTHING MORE!!! GAH!!! Yes!!!! that was fucking awesome. Now it goes into the heavy, man... I am really going to be dissecting this album through out for you readers. Consider it as a warning...but that spoken word piece was pretty awesome is all I could say. Give this one a listen, it is very enticing and meaningful, to my ears, and dumb heart feelings.... and stuff....ha, I need many years of therapy now..... next up!<br />
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The Town Old Man Schell Built... is a track with a heavy opening, jumping back into that flute, man, that flute is awesome. But yeah, this one is heavy as fuck and hits you off your feet. Now I am hearing a drum along to acoustics, the overall composition, the way each track is played out, it is like gymnastics. It has substance, and muscle. Not a guitar driven scream along, but much deeper and these tracks really stand apart from most black metal I can say. I could not call this album black metal really either, it is just a epic mind fuck. Now back into the heavy from the start, after the acoustics, I lost myself there, but I tend to wander along with music so forgive me and my precision on describing these song the best I can. But yeah, heavy, clean, heavy, and closing....solid tune here. It is a solid town built by Papa Schell!!! <br />
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Keystone opens with some acoustics, and I hear woodwinds again....no heavy to be found so far, but I am enjoying this. Now all the sudden it stops and you hear horns and rumbling. The guitar is back now to hypnotize with steady drumming, cuts into the rumbling, and a powerful swoop in the air I go! The heavy along with the instruments present in the softer passages of this song real flow well together. No vocals, just a epic leap forward! Damn epic indeed. Pure instrumental, and now flutes! YES I fucking love these flutes. Track ends....just a instrumental with some major power behind it. Something fresh in the mix of things. <br />
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The Great Battle....now this one is starting and has a very heavy key opening, followed by a bell like sound going into the war percussion march, with layers of keys and horns in the mix. I am now just waiting for this one to explode, and it does! Nice riffs, steady drumming, a mixture of the blackened and clean vocals again. A heavy tune throughout and then stops....back to the keys. I like the dramatics behind this whole album so far. I read some people saying how its like a soundtrack, it really does give off that vibe. The soloing now present with some vocals is pretty well done, the guitars are dual soloing in the mix I believe and make way into the heavy. I sometimes imagine what this would look like recreated in a live setting. I am sure it would be a sight to behold. War drums close the track with the keys from the beginning nicely.... a battle of civil war proportions! <br />
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Pennsylvanian Fire.....man, this opening scream is high! very HIGH! reminds me of a Rob Halford of sorts. Then goes into some more singing in the clean approach into some thick and powerful blackened vocals. Treading along with the heavy and flowing into some keys. Fuck is there anything I can think of other then the words keys and heavy? Damn it I suck at this, moving along, one of the heavier tracks off this album, the drums really stand out in this album, even if they are programed and key created. A swift stop, more orchestra! Going straight into some more key work and rumbling into a booming guitar and vocal driven part with some high vocals from the beginning mixed with black metal like vocals. I am not sure if this is really Dan screaming that high.... if so, he really nailed it. <br />
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The Great Flood of 1889, sends you back into the heavy, but stops, a serene note is being played and roars in your face with the heavy again. This track has some bursting and colliding in the middle of it, like a flood maybe? This stop and go anyway, is really interesting and keeps the track flowing real good. The song has some great riffing towards the 4 minutes into it, then goes into more keys. The stops and goes are pummeling. Something I could imagine that was not too easy to pull off. Atmosphere and carnage.... in this great flood! <br />
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And the last song, The Cemetery Where Slaves Lie Buried, has some very stellar guitar work in the beginning, and goes into some clean vocals. Horrors can be found, they died for the dignity of our fellow man! Great stuff, into some war percussion, jumping into a very well thought out guitar passage. This one gives me chills. <br />
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This album really is a story in itself, and the only way I feel best to describe and review this album is to tell the tale of the story one song at a time. My skills at reviewing in a neat well thought out paragraph way like most, totally lack, but my taste and general examination of ones album that gives off a story-like presence to it, to me, leads me to this type of review. So if I am totally screwing this review up, I apologize....NOT! <br />
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Anyway, I have this in my cd in my collection, this album is a very well thought out, and a studio based only album. It is not a live act (even though I wish it were) it lacks real drums, even though the drums in all AW albums do sound wicked cool. I have to give this album a 9 out of 10. I think this may be my last time rating a album, maybe as the reader you are you probably thinking I am not being totally honest, so I swear this will be the last time I "Rate" a album. I figured it be easier to rate them, but after much thought, I do not really think it is. But in my mind and how I feel about this specific album and the last one I reviewed, I stand by my rating. Awesome stuff! <br />
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All in all, this album is a journey and like all journeys, they take time. So, if you got the time, sit down and give this album a listen! I am sure you will dig it if your a fan of black metal, folk, epic, or like keys in music. I am not the biggest fan personally of keys in music when it comes to heavier bands but if done right, it fits well with the music. This is one of those rare and special albums. <br />
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Take the free ride here! http://appalachianwinter.bandcamp.com/album/ghosts-of-the-mountains OR take the time out to buy the physical copy here if you can once released. (Link under the photo!) <br />
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It will be available as a digi-pak and maybe... my stupid name will be on the credits. They who live in the mountains.... will always be free!!! ~D <br />
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<b> CD OUT March 9th @ http://www.ninegatesrecords.com/</b><br />
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<br />Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-6250546026520419162013-01-31T03:12:00.001-08:002013-01-31T03:12:56.755-08:00Surtr Stormhammer of Valkynaz (Interview with Zamiel) <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Interview by Zamiel, for TFE-zine, and various Blogspot pages. </b></div>
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<b>All trendy people, bands, ëzines and labels FUCK OFF AND DIE!!!!!</b></div>
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1. Greetings Surt Stormhammer. I know you write music under Valkynaz, </div>
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and also the eponymous Stormhammer. What can you tell me about these </div>
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projects, their respective Modus Operandi, and what are you currently </div>
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doing with them?</div>
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Greetings, mighty Zamiel! I appreciate the time you're taking to interview</div>
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me and my surrounding grim works, as well as the due apologies I must offer </div>
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you in regard to the length ov time it took for me to get back to you! I'm </div>
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in the process ov setting up my new computer for optimal recording and design.</div>
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ANYWAYS!!! As you well know, Valkynaz is my main source ov creativity </div>
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since about '09, and as such, I've been trying to hone and perfect my </div>
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craft into a signature sound incorporating the misanthropy and </div>
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aggression I hold so very close to my heart. My ambient project, </div>
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Stormhammer, on the other hand, is much different, drawing on meditative </div>
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sounds and frequencies that I try to utilize in order to elicit a feeling</div>
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ov euphoria within my listeners. Yes, I try to get high off ov music, hahaha!</div>
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2012 taught me many things, least ov which is how to go about exacting my</div>
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music. With Valkynaz, I learned different styles and sharpened what I knew already,</div>
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and with Stormhammer, I did some digging and researched applying harmonic theory</div>
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to my music, hence Toterhaufen, which is basically one big experiment on how</div>
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to treat sound as a controlled substance. 2013 bodes well for both fields, kinsman!</div>
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I can scarcely wait to see what I'm reminiscing on at the dawn ov 2014!</div>
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2. I know you used to do another project called Vinterblot. Why did </div>
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that end?</div>
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Vinterblot was one ov my first actual bands, and one that I remember </div>
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very fondly. However, since I was still a novice at guitar and music</div>
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overall, there were many mistakes made in the process ov churning out</div>
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songs and lyrics. I'd felt it was just best to finish up the last album</div>
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and retire the band afterwards. I also have to admit, I looked to you </div>
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and your success with Wende in that regard considering your transition</div>
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from Nidhogg. Don't get me wrong, your Nidhogg material was great! But</div>
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Wende is just mightier, y'know? </div>
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3. Have you ever thought about forming a whole band? Maybe even playing </div>
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live? There probably arenít too many people misanthropic enough down </div>
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there (Nevada)Ö</div>
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Hahaha that's funny you should mention it, because I've attempted </div>
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multiple times to form a live act! I created this death / drone </div>
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band called Arkhitekt with the sole intent to play live. I'd based</div>
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a lot ov the lyrical themes on apocalypse and deconstruction ov </div>
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human civilization, much like the band V:28 and influenced heavily</div>
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on this show called Life After People. However, when I put ads up</div>
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for drummers, bassists, and vocalists (admittedly, the vocalist ad</div>
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was half-assed, because if need be I could probably do that myself,)</div>
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all I got were these yuppy cockleeches expecting me to be starting</div>
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"the next great American Emo band" or some shit. It was discouraging,</div>
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but such is life.</div>
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4. Continuing from the last question, what is the scene like in </div>
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Las Vegas/Henderson area?</div>
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Truth be told, I wish I'd had more involvement with the Vegas scene</div>
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than I've gotten. However, it's healthy. We still are pretty underground,</div>
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but we have Breath ov Sorrows and Dead Reckoning (and my various projects,</div>
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to a lesser extent.) Another nice thing is we have mainstays like Lord</div>
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Clovenhoof to help orchestrate shows and keep the scene from stagnating.</div>
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Since I'm from northeastern Nevada and literally the only black metal band(s)</div>
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to come out ov Elko, it's nice to have others around to appreciate!</div>
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5. What is Hammerkrieg Productions and what are your plans for that?</div>
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That is a good question. The ultimate goal for HKP is to help my friends out.</div>
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Hel, that's why I started it up in the first place. I was in a position where</div>
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I could do more good without fearing too many consequences, so I offer limited</div>
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handnumbered releases and various merch items if I can afford it. It'd be </div>
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awesome if HKP started to grow to the size ov a label like Moribund Cult or </div>
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Debemur Morti, but that's way down the road, especially considering all ov the </div>
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things I do for it come out ov pocket for the time being. But it's a labor ov </div>
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love. I usually try to go to local shows and sell some merch and releases to get</div>
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my friends' music out to the local scene here, and have had moderate success with</div>
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it, so at least there's some amount ov prosperity for the bands I sign.</div>
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6. I know ìValkynazî is taken from the Elder Scrolls series - theyíre the most </div>
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powerful Dremora warriors if Iím not mistaken. What can you say about drawing </div>
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inspiration from the fantasy world of Tamriel and where do your works fit </div>
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within that world/mythos?</div>
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Hahaha yes they are, kinsman! And, being the nerd that I am, I couldn't help but</div>
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reflect on how black metal has always drawn from a nerdy source. Burzum, Gorgoroth,</div>
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Summoning, all ov them drew from JRR Tolkien, at least for their namesake. So, in </div>
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true metalhead fashion, I decided that it wasn't nerdy enough and had to go one-up</div>
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them by drawing from video games. I've only seen two other bands do this, though </div>
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I'm surprised there aren't more! One even chose Tamriel, like me. Sancre Tor (a </div>
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holy site located in the province ov Cyrodiil), also signed to Satanica Productions </div>
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for awhile, and Gannondorf, though I think that one might just be a troll band. </div>
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Tamriel is rich with mythos, especially from TES III through V! It's more ov a </div>
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medieval life simulator than an actual video game!</div>
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(latest valkynaz logo)<br /><br /></div>
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7. I also know that you are studying game design down in Henderson. What can you </div>
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say about that? Any plans?</div>
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Game design is another masochistic passion I have in life! Demands such a toll, but</div>
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getting to that final product and seeing your game played and people either loving</div>
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it, or sucking at it and bitching, is the greatest feeling in the world! Again, I was</div>
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inspired by Bethesda Softworks and their Elder Scrolls. I suppose the ultimate goal </div>
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there is to fuse gaming with sound design into a truly unique, immersive experience. </div>
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A lot ov game design studios these days are going that route, and I can completely</div>
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understand why! It's the next frontier for virtual gaming!</div>
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8. (Inevitable question!) What are your thoughts on religion and/or spirituality? </div>
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Any thoughts on current political climates? Anything to say about the wider world?</div>
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Haha I figured this one would be coming. Been staring at this question for about </div>
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15 minutes now, trying to figure out how to answer the first part, so we'll save</div>
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it for last. Politics don't interest me, mostly because it's all the same market.</div>
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Didn't vote in the last election for the same reason. Neither proposed to destroy</div>
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Guantanamo Bay, or stop giving Tax breaks to churches, so I figured they could do</div>
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fine without my input anyway. Same goes for the wider world, though if it concerns</div>
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my friends in other parts, then I am interested if I can make even a slight difference.</div>
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Alrighty, back to religion!! People get too damn uptight about it. I believe that </div>
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we're responsible for our own actions and if there is any god or gods, then they would</div>
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hold us to that standard as well. I myself am Asatruar and treat my gods as friends </div>
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and drinking buddies, not crutches!</div>
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9. You, like me, are an avid beer drinker. What are some of your </div>
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favorite beers? Any recommendations?</div>
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Anything dark and bitter, my friend! Preferably German! A long-time</div>
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favorite has been Kˆnig Ludwig Dunkel. Amazing stuff!</div>
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10. Danke Schˆn, Stormhammer! Any last words?</div>
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Exact pain. Take life. And thanks, kinsman.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ktojyb_sf8o" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3ubPS-7e6HM" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-37385491136412312302013-01-25T01:08:00.000-08:002013-01-25T01:08:06.697-08:00Dark Metamorphosis - A Grandiose Display of Self Destruction (Review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey guys, it has been a DAMN long time since I did a review here, and I plan to do more I got on cd recently, just been busy with music myself but I am sure you understand. Lets get this one started! <br />
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Here we have here is another album by The Count of his band Dark Metamorphosis. This is the sequel to his last album I reviewed entitled "Blood Burden" and is another home run in my collection and has slight improvements over the Blood Burden as well. The vocals are just as the menacing, the guitars stand out even more and the drums are improved as well. The album itself has its own concept, and has its moments. The atmosphere continues to grow as the cd plays on and has a very dark desolate feel to it. Most tracks hit the over average song length but are nothing short of marvelous and offer something more along the lines of a great wall of atmospheric sound within the barrage of guitars, and ghastly vocals you could find in albums like Volahn - Dimensiónes del Trance Kósmico and early Xasthur. Personally I call them "ghost vocals". <br />
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I really enjoy it because it is not too overwhelming, the guitars keep the listener intrigued, and it is not boring or BM cliche, it is fresh and has some powerful but simple meanings to them, for example, You're All Worthless, The Blame Game, Eve Of Extinction (ps2 game title?), All Hail The Age Of Cinder, Instant Eradication Phenomena, Passion City Night Life, and so on. The title of the song and musical base behind them is like a story, and each song offers its own story behind them, use your imagination...<br />
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Pitch black screams surround the album, but you can also find clean vocals in Passion City Night Life, and tremolo picking coupled with stellar riffs from the Count. All Hail The Age Of Cinder has these clean vocal passages as well, reminds me of a Emperor in a way ala Anthems To The Welkin at Dusk, and keep you on your toes because I was not too sure what to expect this time. Most songs it seems from most black metal bands today are very boring and typical but this album is something to behold and has more of a flow then most albums of today. It keeps you interested and wanting more. <br />
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As each song goes along it takes your mind into a journey of a place... just like the albums art, it is place that is unknown, damp, dark, filled with hauntings and mystery. Apart from its imagery, its sound is tight and solid. The solos also stand out more then the "Blood Burden" I believe so it has a slight edge over the last offering. The vocals sound more demonic and ferocious then ever.... I must have listened to this album 10x over and still am listening to it. That is how much I like it. \m/<br />
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The Count could be working on a trilogy so be sure to spot it here once it is ready, and I have a new rating I go by when I review albums, and if I had to give it a solid rating I would, but being it is a band with many improvements lying ahead of this album and being my personal taste in the black metal genre of music may differ to most and real drums are not in the album, I give this cold masterpiece a 9 out of 10. I dare you to pop this cd in and/or give it a listen on the Evergrim Recordings stream, but I strongly suggest you get the album, for developing artists every little bit counts. I just cannot express how strong, meaningful and honest this release is. It has been awhile since I reviewed something so I hope you all enjoyed it. A grandiose display of self destruction holds its own place in my collection amongst the top albums I own. Thanks Count for making a release which entices my mind and makes me want to make sickening and atmospheric black metal on guitar as well. A true inspiration......sorry if I sound like I am on your dick. <br />
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I also forgot to mention....Dark Metamorphosis has shirts too!!! <br />
http://www.pointdown.net/ (prints section) <br />
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http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/a-grandiose-display-of-self-destruction<br />
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If you do not follow up or understand what it is I am trying to say..... then like the Count says.... <b>You're all fucking worthless!!!! \m/ </b><br />
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<br />Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-37288116570077392482012-10-25T00:05:00.000-07:002012-10-25T00:05:13.722-07:00Vanity Vania Interview with Munnin (by D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WELCOME TO TF ZINE! Thanks for taking the time in to do this interview with me Torr, Munnin, Bunnell....The Impaler!!! <br />
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Lets begin.
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1) When did you start Vanity Vania and why? <br />
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I began VanityVania back in 2010 from the ashes of a solo black metal project known as Ravenhelm, however most of the work for the project didn't start much later in the year, more towards 2011. I started VV while I was growing further disdain for the black metal underground. For a while I was heavily involved with the whatever you want to call it in appropriate terminology, but I found a lot of issues with that "scene". I actually began to listening to all kinds of music at that time and a lot of things became more and more of an influence to me and started to further more away from my black metal roots if you will. I got the idea though for the project after finding new love for the opera. I found several bands and projects that attempted to utilize a "metal opera" but always found them to either not be "metal" enough for my liking or severely lacking in good song writing. So originally VV was to be a splicing of my influences of bands like Saint Vitus and Candlemass with the likes of the prog rock band Ayreon. Can't say it has come out to sound like that per say, because I decided to go a route to sound strictly VV.<br />
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2) If you had to describe the sound of VV to my readers what would you tell them to expect? <br />
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VV a mix of sounds and genres ranging from my musical roots and new experimentations (at least for me, hahahaha). At its core, VanityVania is epic doom metal, much like the bands Solitude Aeternus and Candlemass. However, due to my black metal influences from years passed...there is a blackened element to it, either due to its production values I seem to have in my releases or the shrieks and wails in the vocal department. When I first started the project I wanted to utilize orchestral sections but felt my talents at the time were not to par to utilize them, however, I have become more confident in my abilities to craft orchestral passages. I am also a huge fan of movie scores done for horror films. So, in recent works for VV melds a lot of horror film style gothic orchestration along with this form of blackened doom metal. So to those out there who are about genre tagging, I would call it Symphonic Blackened Epic Gothic Doom Metal. The demo "Reflecting the Suffering" is very old school Candlemass in style and even Sabbathy to a lesser degree, but the newer material in the writing process is shaping up to be creepy, bleak, and gloomy stuff. When I first started improving for the newest song "Graveyard Dirge" I became tensed, goosebumps down my neck and had nightmares the night following, so I do hope it turns out that way for the listeners. In vocal department, I shift from death growls and black metal shrieks/rasps and gothic barritone operatic singing.<br />
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3) Is VV available on any merch format such as tape/cd/vinyl or digital medium and where can listeners find it? <br />
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As of now the only available release is the debut demo "Reflecting the Suffering" for digital release only, which can be located at http://vanityvania.bandcamp.com/album/reflecting-the-suffering .<br />
I plan on releasing for limited pressing for promotional purposes and for close friends and allies that have followed my work since the beginning. I plan for shirts and patches very soon as well, but being a musician on such a small to non-existent budget impedes on that a lot.<br />
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LISTEN NOW @ <span style="color: red;">http://vanityvania.bandcamp.com/album/reflecting-the-suffering</span><br />
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4) If you had a choice of working with other artists who would they be and why? And any collabs lately? <br />
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To many to name to be honest. I'd still kill to have the opportunity to work with Rob Darken, Ihsahn and Tom G. Warrior though, which whom are my three all time musical influences or "idols" if you will. There are no current collabs itself going on with VV other than the guest appearances of session member that did collaborations and contributions to the demo. Count Draclecarde, known in the American BM underground for his project Dark Metamorphosis contributed some lead works as well as Scottish death metal drummer Mark Dubanowski of Desecrator and session drummer of Beltane has recorded drum tracks. I have been throwing ideas out there with close friends of mine and projects about collabs though. I do have a atmospheric black metal collaboration with my good friend Mike O'Brien of Melankolia, Gil Gilad, and James the Lesser that is currently in the works.<br />
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5) Do you have other projects people should check out? <br />
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A now defunct pagan folk black metal project, Ravenhelm. There is old material still around but the albums I released with it are no longer in print and what few copies still circulating I have possession of. I no longer promote this project, and choose not to. If fans want to check it out they can check it out reverbnation or even the old myspace. My musical talents are by far more superior now then what was in any of those releases and I'm kind of embarrassed by them now, hahahahahaha. <br />
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I also have an atmospheric black metal project with Mike as I mentioned called, Vesta. This project can be found at its official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/vestaatmosphere. Currently we recorded a very rough studio demo song titled "Pollux" but it not finished and polished.<br />
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I also have a punk band in the works, a name yet settled on with and having a hard time keeping members interested. It's an odd mix of black metal and pop punk.<br />
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6) How has the reaction been so far to your music? <br />
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All positive so far, if we are talking about VV of course. There have been suggestions on where there can be made some improvements to the material out now but so far those who have followed my music since the beginning of Ravenhelm has let it be know its my best work to date. It's still in its infancy and I don't promote very often, so I don't get as much as like due to the nature of a growing fan base. <br />
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7) What would you like done in 2013 in your life may it be musical or personal. <br />
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Get my damn debut full length finished for one and invest in my own studio, bringing it to he more professional. I need to get back to college, since I been out for a few semester now and want to finish my schooling in audio engineering. However, that won't be done in such a small time frame, 2013 approaches quick after all. Other things I want to accomplish or make reality are on a much more personal level to me that completely has nothin to do with my music, I will just leave it at that.<br />
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8.) If their is any bands that influenced over the years to make you want to become a musician in the first place, who are they? <br />
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The band that single handedly that got to a point of picking up a guitar was, Metallica. My love for extreme forms of metal and playing the guitar is because of them. People can say what they will about them, I probably have said it too way too many times, though they inspired me and changed my life when I didn't even care about music or anything at all for that matter. At the same time I also was very big into Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, early Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper. These were though to me more gateway acts and musicians to the underground which I am so fond of today. However, some of these acts (i would remove Rob Zombie though) are such a pinnacle to the underground that they helped really start it all.<br />
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By the time I started become more interested in the occult and just wanted something heavier and "evil" I discovered Cradle of Filth, became obsessed and then wanted something more obscure though. Cradle though was the band I will admit to still loving, but another gateway drug to the black metal underground. That's when I discovered Burzum, Immortal, and Emperor. They influenced me like never before, when I got into these legends of BM, I knew what I wanted to do musically. When I started with Ravenhelm, Burzum was contributing influence along with Bathory and my personal favorite project, Graveland.<br />
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However, I became tired of some of the rather idiocy and lack of intelligence displayed by a lot of the followers of these bands, and not in a political way, just the stupidity that I have found in other "social groups". Things I won't go into, but the "Ave Satan, Hailz!!" BS left me in a place of need for deeper intellectual stimuli and artistic merit. So I was able to find that more so in the doom circle of things, and why I have furthered in sludgier, heavier, slower paced, and darkly esoteric music rather than some one of my closer allies. <br />
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9) Vanity Vania has been featured on Metal Kulture Radio dot com a few times and do you enjoy the music played there so far? Good promo or bad promo? <br />
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I'm not too sure either way, I just recently just promoting the project myself after it being in existence for two years now. However, any promotion is good to me right now even if someone listens and then gives negative criticism. At least people are talking.<br />
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10) Lets say you are traveling to a distant planet and where about to meet a new lifeform what would you say to them??? (lolz but answer this one it just popped in my head!) <br />
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Do I have to? Lol answered it with another question ;)<br />
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11) If you had to describe the recording process of Vanity Vania, how does it work best for you and what instruments do you use??? <br />
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It's usually long and arduous. As I mentioned before, I'm a musician with little money and most of it goes to my personal financial problems and debts. Though it usually starts with some form of improvisational works trying to cum with some riff idea that usually is the core of the song then I write riffs or melodies around that idea. When it comes coming up with riffs, I pull the guitar out for that but I'm not too great at coming up with intriguing or haunting melodies on the guitar so I use the keyboard for that and then later transpose it to guitar. <br />
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When in the studio, or whatever you want to call my home set up, I use Guitar Pro to aid in song writing and Notion on my mobile device when I'm away for any extended period of time. On the demo however, most of the material was through heavy use of improvisation so little of it was worked out prior so I really don't remember a bulk of it. Hahahahahaha<br />
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Lately I write and tab and notate all music first prior to recording and since I fuck a lot up while playing I want to make sure I know what the hell I'm doing first. And since my keyboard and orchestral tracks are all done via MIDI I can have further control of the final product. <br />
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If I'm in the right mood, just fill up on beer and rum, get drunk as fuck or what have you and go at. Something eventually comes to fruition.<br />
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12) If you had to recommend or let new artists know before they start making music, any advice, of this or any metal genre what would it be? <br />
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To me the genre is irrelevant as long as they are passionate about their craft and art. Genre faithfulls' and purists seem to be the most so. The advise I would give them is simply.....DON'T DO IT!!! Lol. As much as I love doing this, it's my life after all, but you need determination and perseverance to the craft. Much like a fine tuned ritual all parts need to be set into order to detail and takes time get all things right. Years and years go into this. It's not like you will be a wizard overnight. Sleepless nights and severe health issues follow. Lol<br />
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But there needs to be more people out there making music, good music, quality music. The likes that is only found in the underground, especially that in extreme forms of metal. Be it black, doom, or death metal....these genres have seen many unique forms of experimentation that comes from kids getting out there and deciding to enter the garage and just jam and have fun. In the end, it's all about the music and the joy (or sorrow and pain) from doing it.<br />
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13) How has life been overall and do you expect a new album or demo to be out soon by Vanity Vania next year or earlier? <br />
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The first full length album will be finished soon, I hope...but I do plan for a small single or EP to promote its release, but before they show light of day I need to get "Reflecting the Suffering" in a printed form. I want to look professional, despite it just being a three track demo.<br />
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The single/EP will titled "Graveyard Dirge" that promotes the first track if the upcoming album titled "Into the Fade".<br />
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Life has been hell these last few months, a lot has happened in my own personal life that has pushed me further take more interest in VV. the personal suffering I have undergone has though been a true inspiration for the dark art of VV....but I feel that at the end of a desolate road, shadows and the fog will only hold you in suffocating bondage for so long. A light is right down that road, and since I have found something in my life that makes me happy a terrible depression in my life seems like its coming to close. And no, that is not "god" or some other pathetic mindless Christian stupidity either. I'm pagan so I know what I am and stand for and no terrible period in my life will turn me to a desert god or 2000 some year old dead hobo magician.<br />
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14) If you have anyone you like to mention before we close up this interview or anything to say at all (shout outs to family, friends, bands, etc) you can do so now and thanks a ton for doing this interview with me I really like your music and see nothing but better results as time goes by! Ave! \m/ <br />
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Thanks for taking the time for asking me some silly questions. Lol. I would like to think though Mike O'Brien, Melankolia, Marc Hoyland, Daniel Klyne, Appalachian Winter, Strings of Distorted Doom, Danny, Dark Metamorphosis and Count Draclecarde, and Mark Dubanowski for the support and friendship over the years. Though I need to put a big thanks to both Mark and the Count for the contributions they made to VV since the songs on Reflecting would have not been what they are now if it was not for their own artistic talents gracing the recording.<br />
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Spread the fucking doom, crack the skies and level the heavens. Wotan Mit Uns!!!<br />
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VV Doom Rituals mayba???
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<span style="color: red;"> https://www.facebook.com/VanityVania
</span>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-4977705964746994242012-10-06T22:29:00.000-07:002012-10-07T01:34:19.690-07:00Dark Metamorphosis - Blood Burden Review (by D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The album is out, the day of reckoning is here, its time to spread the blood, of the tyrannical, and the innocent!!! This album is by none other then The Count, of the one man wrecking ball that is Dark Metamorphosis. Big fan of this guys music here if I can so proudly say myself. Blood Burden is the name of his new game and is nothing short or pure cold relentless mayhemic death defying guitar shredding to the ears. Now this is where I get serious. This is and has to be one of my very few little semi - mixed reviews, whatever that means, so I will go on and tell ya what I can. I really do like the album, just its one of his heavier no bullshit balls out type of album. Nothing too in-between, but not totally the reason why it did not grab me instantly as soon as I played it, it is almost completely different from his past material. Kingdom Gone, In A Heartbeat, The Fall of Dracelecarde…but nonetheless, the album does have more improvements / strong points then those last 3 I mentioned and each track has something different to offer. Lets see where this review leads me to as I listen. <br />
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I also sincerely hope he appreciates the constructive criticism. And does not take my new review to heart. I try my best to find the dark and completely sick and awesome out of all the albums I get in the mail. <br />
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In a guitar sense, and production sense, yes it is his best. 1113 just very in your face and intense from start to finish. I was slowly being hypnotized by the themes of guitars screaming and the vocals shrieking. The total death of all is imminent. <br />
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Clockwork Cryptomnesia, great piano intro, then the full force felt in the last track 1113 comes in, I could imagine 1113 is a year that relates to something old and worth reading? I just hope this review is… not to get off track, but from what you can hear from the first and 2nd songs, the guitar sound, and drum machine sound has improved dramatically. The lo-fi sounding approach has disappeared, and they sound almost perfectly polished. The drums, sound good, just a small disappointment.. a lil less clicking, not to take a page out of Fenriz book, but I would prefer a real drum sound behind these mega ultra sonic riffs because the guitar work being displayed in both songs is pretty outstandingly awesome. <br />
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Piano outro now… 6 mins of intensity, and I just been through 11 mins of it. Its hard to digest, but very deep and swift. It caught me off guard somewhat. I am use to listening to long songs, but that was just a complete BM mind fuck. Good meaning, but also I would have enjoyed less clicking and more dum dum doh! to it. <br />
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Defiance, more clicking, I can imagine that is how each track will sound, but like I said, real or more realistic drums, would suffice. The drums are not that big of a deal in a black metal sense... I am just use to hearing real drums lately opposed to machines, so if I were to have put some time myself, if the Count allowed it, I could have spruced up the sound of the drums (just a thought) but nonetheless, I am not going to nit pick over the drum sound through out the whole review, but overall, besides the clicking, the drums do sound good. <br />
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2:35 to 3:40, the guitars really fucking good, and then stops into a sickening cry into some low death growls. With some demonic… Billy Corgan sounding singing? and then into some more growls, weird mix. In spite of my rage I still will review this album in my caaagggeeee….. <br />
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Another one is up, One in The Chamber. I really like how this one opens up. sounds like a hard riff to keep going, then, as soon as 1:24 comes in, I am sucked in. The vocals are hard to decipher, but I could say this is the chorus part. Now the real stunning solos come in, that TRY to shine out, I wish they were just a few decibels louder though, they really do need to stand out more and really show off the Counts hard work put in on each song that does feature one. They are not too easy to pull off between that barrage of wolverine clawed riffs! 4:39 to the end, very well done. Just wish the solo stuck out a lil more, but otherwise, a nearly solid tune. <br />
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Next one, The World Within, intro kinda reminds me of a Fear Factory opening in a small way, then more buzzing and intensity is building you up to a total blackened speed fest of what the last 4 tracks where showing off but more atmospheric then the last ones. The guitar(s) speak on this one. And I really like to hear more of that. Vocals I almost forget to mention, little hard to decipher, but are more shrieks then actual words you can hear, the shrieks always did BM justice and I think its more so evident on this album that they work well for the Count. <br />
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Even though he has mixed it up with the growls and lows on the track Defiance. 8 mins and 30 secs is totally blistering my ears and mind. Intensity through out! 7:35, back to the sound of the intro, building up, destroying buildings, more chaos, volcanoes are erupting, all is dead. <br />
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The song When Every Last Drop Is Gone, perfect opening, Xasthur like scream, like a eagle, swooping down and catching its prey. Wings flying high on this one. The song is a little less interesting then the last, but as soon as you hit the 2:35 mark, off you fucking go, into a world of ultra sonic riffs. Kinda reminds me of some parts of that fan song by Dethklok in a small way… drums and guitars, completely in harmony with one another. Then a halting end. Wish it was a bit longer, because all songs so far were, and the album so far is really growing on me more and more from when I last heard it. <br />
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Thorough and examining listens are usually the ones where I can listen to a album and grasp it the best. So far, I think I am getting more and more use to the Counts sudden changes in sound & pace. <br />
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The last song, Your Worst Nightmare {Is Real} is one of the first songs I listen to actually because of the title itself when I first gave this album a listen. I was expecting this melancholy and morose sound through out most of the tracks, might of mislead me a bit, but from what I can tell from listening start to finish, the songs all blend great together. The heavy part of this song does come in at 3:13 though... so expect a slow and lingering heavy tone here, that builds up slowly, and then throws you into the Blood Burdens closing of all the sheer intensity shown in the last 6 songs. The vocals are serious as all hell, and they are scary as fuck. <br />
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The screams pulled off, I really enjoy. They are not as easy as you think they are to pull off, especially while this pulverizing guitar work is displayed right in your face. As the song gets close to the 7 minute mark, the solos come in again and is fucking epic. I really can say I gone from a mixed review, to a nearly stellar review. The album at first listen did leave me a lil half empty but now I am a blood red wine glass full. <br />
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Excellent album, and it is by far one of the Counts best. I just couldn't imagine overseeing his other material over this album because I really do like all the material he has done, as a whole, but in a percent rating, of how much I recommend you pick this album up on cd opposed the other albums, I would give it a 95% rating. <br />
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The other albums before, listen to for sure, but if you want a revitalized and fresh sounding BM album that proves to be one of The Counts best, most lively and hard hitting, and I could not say anymore strongly then this. Get the Blood Burden, you will not regret it. <br />
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https://www.facebook.com/EvergrimRecordings?ref=ts&fref=ts<br />
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http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/<br />
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http://www.pointdown.net/<br />
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Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-41535479788024756222012-09-26T02:50:00.000-07:002012-09-26T02:50:58.689-07:00Interview with Stellarvore of Necrotherion (by D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>WELCOME TO TF ZINE! </i><br />
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(Now before the interview start's one thing I want to make very clear is that Necrotherion is a band of individuals, whatever I say is only from me, we all have a mind of our own. - Stellarvore)<b><br /></b><br />
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1) How long have you guys been making music for in this band and can you please speak about the history of your band Necrotherion?<br />
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Hail! Well Necrotherion formed in the winter of 2008, then it was just me and Chernobog (Guitarist). Back then it was just him doing the guitar, a drum machine and me on the Vocals and it was only a recording project. <br />
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Then after about a year of working on it we decided to place it on hold so we could join a Death Metal band with a couple of our friends. Now the Death Metal band did not last long but luckily it lead us to meet our Drummer, Vitiatus. Once he joined Necrotherion we jumped right on practicing for live shows with me on Bass and Vocals.<br />
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Then after our first show a friend of our's named Pain joined to take up Bass duities, then shortly after that Wargoat joined to play Guitar along side Chernobog, and now here we are.<br />
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2) What is the area like and how does it contribute to how your band gets noticed in the area? Gigging or not? <br />
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This Valley heavily influences me, it has a beauty, the hills covered in green during the spring then snow in the winter. The fog that float's over the river during the Twilight hours it is amazing once you take the time to look at it.<br />
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But then there is the scum, the maggot's and filth. This Valley is covered in people who you just wish would fucking die, low life fiend's and pill heads. I have seen mother's leave there children alone while they go suck cock for there fix.<br />
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But when it come's to gigging yes there is a nice lineup of Bar's and Clubhouses that give's us places to perform.<br />
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3) If their is a place where friends and listeners can purchase merch or your music at, were would it be? <br />
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Well we currently do not have any Merch but that will come in the future and when it does just contact the band through Facebook or whatever, but if the reader's and follower's want to download our Demo you can get it here at the Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/clifton-reintzel/sets/from-the-void-demo-2012/<br />
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4) What is your latest material and album you guys are working on now? Can you describe it and what do you expect to get out with it? <br />
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Well the new song's we have been working on have been showing a great deal of different influences, it is still Necrotherion and it is still Black Metal but we like to mix it up a bit. Recently our song's have been incorporating a sort of Doomish guitar style, so I think it add's to it.<br />
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During December we plan on starting to Record our first album which will be called "Soulless".<br />
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5) What do you want listeners to get out of listening to your songs and how has the feedback been so far? <br />
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Darkness, sound's of Nothinigness as if they just entered a dark Void. A feeling of Anger and Hatred toward's you're fellow man.<br />
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But also enlightenment, we believe Knowledge is the true God to expand your mind and to push yourself to higher level's. The one thing we hate the most is a wasted mind, and in order to open your mind you must first understand that you are nothing, you do not matter. Only then can you truely understand everything.<br />
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6) How has the internet world been treating you band compared to outside it, and how has the feedback been so far online, opposed to offline? <br />
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We have been gaining a lot more attention outside of the Internet, but the Internet has been good, it allows us to communicate with everyone and power comes from number's so the more people who enjoy us the stronger we become.<br />
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The feedback has been extremely good, it seems people in the Valley have been craving Black Metal.<br />
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7) Which do you prefer, the live setting or the recording setting? Anything you guys do to warm up or flesh out during both? <br />
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I enjoy the process of creating new music, but the live performance is an amazing experience. You gain a feeling of power, a real ego booster when you hit the stage that it's always hard to end it.<br />
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The warm up before a show usually involve lot's of blood, vomit, alcohol, weed and anger.<br />
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8) How many bands have you guys played with and can you name a few people should check out? <br />
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We have played a total of 5 show's with 9 band's, all great band's and if you don't mind i'll make a small list of Links to some band's I think people should check out.<br />
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Disobey: http://www.facebook.com/Disobeyblackmetal<br />
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Hatedriven: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HateDriven/159490860791607<br />
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Throwbones: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Throwbones/122808824470016<br />
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Vulture: http://www.facebook.com/vulturedoom?ref=ts<br />
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9) What musical acts influenced you growing up? <br />
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Well for me it started with the early Heavy Metal like Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Judas Priest and Led Zeppelin. But when it comes to Black Metal my first influence was Gorgoroth's "Under The Sign of Hell" Pest's Vocals on that album is what made me want to create Black Metal.<br />
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But there is also a vast list of what influences me, but i'll keep it simple and just give the biggies. There is Mayhem, Immortal, Krieg, Absu, Darkthrone, Profanatica, Absurd, Pentaface, Dissection, Necromantia, Lord Belial, I Shalt Become, Burzum and Ancient VVisdom.<br />
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10) If you had a choice of which band to gig with, on a compaitability level....who would they be and why? Sound wise? friends? anything. <br />
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Well, we have a show with Morbid Angel, Dark Funeral and Grave in a week so that pretty much top's it, haha. But if I could pick I would like to do a show with either Mayhem or Gorgoroth and to be more selective it would be in Germany. Once that happen's, I will feel I achieved my goal.<br />
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11) Where do you guys stand on a political stand point if any? <br />
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Necrotherion has nothing to do with Politic's, now the band member's could have a Politic view but nothing Political get's into Necrotherion.<br />
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12) If you had to name some moments this year that really inspired you, what would they be? <br />
Our first show being on Good Friday was a good treat, finding out that we are playing with Morbid Angel after only 5 show's and the fact we havent even played a fucking year yet! It really is mind blowing news. But our growing fanbase is good, I never expect it to get as big as it did especially since most of our song's is Anti-Human but I guess everyone is angry at this race.<br />
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13) How many times did I screw up this interview and do you like it so far? This is a very serious question..... <br />
You fucking suck man, you should just stop now, this is fucking horrible and a disgrace! Haha no man it was really good, i'm glad this was Necrotherion's first interview, you ask some good solid questions, keep it going strong brother.<br />
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14) Brothers of war....what do you think 2013 will bring you and what do you guys plan to do next? Anything you like to say? People to mention? family friends, and so forth. I really enjoyed our time together and enjoyed our very serious and in depth interview. I hope I tapped into your minds like a surgeon after I put you under a anaesthetic so my readers can enjoy ever dirty detail about Necrotherion. <br />
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Well 2012 was the beginning of Necrotherion's full on assault, and it's not going to end anytime soon I can assure you that. We feel 2013 is going to bring greatness, even if it's through our own blood, sweat, tear's it is going to become even more stronger!<br />
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"Soulless" will hopefully be coming out in 2013, we feel that our number's will just continue to grow and people need to know about Necrotherion, for we are the Void, the complete nothingness. We are that slap of cold, hard fucking reality across your blind ignorant face. We are Death's Mighty Beast, and we will Reign forever!<br />
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Facebook: <span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Necrotherion/150393611662666</span></span></span><br />
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It has been a pleasure.... Fuck shit up!!! cheers \m/ ~D<br /><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YALEbe_GoDE" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BiFgVR4i6I4" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E4lHHH1x3Ak" width="420"></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-51895987141384203682012-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:002012-09-14T20:06:42.582-07:00Interview with Razakel Krieg (by D) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7j-UWodw1IA/UFPp3knn0kI/AAAAAAAAA8k/IEGmRv-rN44/s1600/tumblr_m8adoe2uvs1qjsi0go1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7j-UWodw1IA/UFPp3knn0kI/AAAAAAAAA8k/IEGmRv-rN44/s640/tumblr_m8adoe2uvs1qjsi0go1_1280.png" width="384" /></a></div><br />
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1) How long has your band been around for and why? <br />
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Now...Iam not sure which of my bands/projects this is aimed towards, so I will give you a run down of them all.<br />
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My main band 'Baalberith' formed in the winter of 1999, its first release was 'Dark Revelations' in 2000 which I solely wrote and recorded.<br />
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As for My solo project 'Razakel Krieg' that formed early 2010 officially, but I had been writing and recording music for many years before, just not for public listening...<br />
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Dark Debauchery's creation was originally 2009...but didnt get any progression untill 2011 due to other band commitments. But shortly after this released a split album with Morktar.<br />
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Winter Tranquility, also 2011...Though progression is a slow process with this one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKqFhIkbhD0/UFPqDkwUgVI/AAAAAAAAA8w/eW2EkYX1-lQ/s1600/3540272349_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKqFhIkbhD0/UFPqDkwUgVI/AAAAAAAAA8w/eW2EkYX1-lQ/s400/3540272349_logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue;"> https://www.facebook.com/Baalberithuk?ref=ts</span><br />
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2) What does your band name mean? <br />
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BaalBerith was the god of the Canaanite city, who later came to be viewed as the demon Baalberith by Christian demonology. <br />
According to the Book of Judges, his temple was destroyed when Abimelech quelled the rising of his subjects.<br />
The name denotes a form of Ba'al-worship prevailing in Israel, according to the Book of Judges.and particularly in Shechem. <br />
The term "Ba'al" is shown by the equivalent "El-berith" to mean "the God of the Covenant.<br />
" The 'Covenant' (Hebrew: Berith) to which this refers may refer to treaties such as one with the Canaanitic league of which Shechem was the head, <br />
or the covenant between Israel and the people of Shechem.The term is considered by some to be too abstract to have been occasioned by a single set of conditions. <br />
Moreover, the temple of the god in Shechem implies a permanent establishment. Probably the name and the cult were widespread and ancient, though it is mentioned only in connection with the affairs of Shechem.<br />
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3) How many albums and release have you done under Razakel and who have you worked with? <br />
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I Suppose the Easiest way for me to answer this is with a list of all known 'Razakel Krieg' Releases:<br />
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Dawn of a New Existence,<br />
Suicide [Single],<br />
Death Beneath the Mourning Star EP, <br />
Invoked Spirits of the Night [Split], <br />
Desecration of His Holy Empire Demo, <br />
Kingdom Dammed [Split],<br />
Churchburner Album,<br />
Beholding the Blood Red Realm Album,<br />
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As for who I have worked with... it has been many great musicians over the years, too many to remember infact... so i will state my recent activity<br />
on that side of the spectrum,<br />
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'Lord Forneus' springs to mind for the first in the list... we have worked togeather on the project 'Grimsvotn' for many years now, and are intending to push this even further into the LIVE stages in due time, the stageshow, the atmosphere and the sound we have planned is nothing short of raw.<br />
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I am currently working with 'Matt Tekell-Rogers, I am supplying guest vocals to the new Angelfuck release... I dont know what to expect from this... Angelfuck are most certainly one of the best and most uncomprimising Grind bands that I have encountered over the last years,and am intending to give it a new sound of intensity with the addition of my vocal-work. New places shall be visited no hostages shall survive the onslaught.<br />
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'Lord Andras' i have done several vocal appearances on this guys albums, and it is he who is the other part in 'Winter Tranquility'<br />
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So the last in which i feel the need to mention is 'Zaharoth Tyr' who i have recently been in discussions with about a project named 'Demoniacal',<br />
Named after a 'Baalberith' song, and creating depressive black metal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TzfWuBtqSs/UFPqTFp-orI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZUBAioR46dI/s1600/3540330997_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TzfWuBtqSs/UFPqTFp-orI/AAAAAAAAA88/ZUBAioR46dI/s400/3540330997_logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue;"> https://www.facebook.com/GrimsvotnUK?ref=ts</span><br />
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4) If their is any bands you would compare your band to so listeners have a idea of what they are gunna hear, who would they be? <br />
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No... I go out of my way to influence my bands and projects to be completely original.<br />
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5) I really like the album art for Beholding the Blood Red Realm? <br />
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Thank you... this album will be available on Satanica soon, For beholding the blood red realm. The front cover image is me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5prEGJJkqGQ/UFPs7aunbtI/AAAAAAAAA9g/fY8BXF-arjw/s1600/182365_490596304289027_1483117508_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5prEGJJkqGQ/UFPs7aunbtI/AAAAAAAAA9g/fY8BXF-arjw/s400/182365_490596304289027_1483117508_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="color: red;">(AVAILABLE SOON @ WWW.SATANICA.ORG/) </span><br />
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6) What has the metal scene been like in your area and what bands can you mention you like?<br />
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The metal scene in the newark area is dead to say the least...<br />
but this is why Baalberith favor playing hometown shows once in awhile, the place gets packed out with all the crazy fuckers of the town...<br />
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7) What do you want listeners to get out of your music? <br />
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I believe that as with all music... any album listened too is a mental journey undertaken for the listener, and that what that journey may be... i dont feel the need to dictate. everyone has a seperate path.<br />
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What equipment do you use now? <br />
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Currently i am using Reaper 4.11 [DAW], Toontrack ezmix2, and Toontrack Metal machine & metalheads drum setups.<br />
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Also additionally I often use mixcraft and cubase 5.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gdv5kO_9_8/UFPqpU1mezI/AAAAAAAAA9U/_S8NQB8T9QI/s1600/3540310045_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gdv5kO_9_8/UFPqpU1mezI/AAAAAAAAA9U/_S8NQB8T9QI/s400/3540310045_logo.jpg" width="333" /></a></div> <span style="color: blue;"> https://www.facebook.com/RazakelKriegOfficial?ref=ts</span><br />
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9) Do you prefer the recording setting or live setting? What do you like about both and what do you do before you practice or get ready for a gig? <br />
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I value both of these experiences highly, as neither can out do the other... both have factors i enjoy...<br />
Nothing beats the buzz of playing to a LIVE audience once in awhile...<br />
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But it is not something i would want to do all the time... I like my space, and to be away from people... <br />
so in that retrospect I enjoy the recording setting... just me... my mind... and my instruments. Total fucking solitary.<br />
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10) Last question where can listeners find your merch and music, and I hope you enjoyed our interview. Thanks for your time! any last words?<br />
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My music can be found in various places... many d.i.y labels stock my albums... such as Satanica productions, depressive illusion records etc etc. Also youtube and spotify are good sources... Thanks ~ Razakel Krieg <br />
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Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-51521588021191265712012-09-12T16:37:00.000-07:002012-09-12T16:37:41.756-07:00Cross Zine Promo Interview with Elizium @ Les Chroniques de Béon Zine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7IWpXRj7j0/UFEY8buVL6I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/4Q8iJFBwv2s/s1600/267217elizium_band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7IWpXRj7j0/UFEY8buVL6I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/4Q8iJFBwv2s/s640/267217elizium_band.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
• Hello Elizium! Can you tell us about your band? <br />
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Hi! We started our band a long time ago and categorize our music as Dark Rock. We have a passion for music that has a strong emotional impact. We released two albums so far, the first named 'Angel of Mistrust' and the latest release called 'Relief by the Sun'. You can view our latest video on Youtube called 'Violent Flower'. We are from the Netherlands, but are playing a different kind of music compared to the Gothic metal bands our little country is known for in the international metal scene.<br />
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• I saw that you were formed in 1991. Your first demo, « Angel of Mistrust » was released in 2003. Can you explain such a long period of time? <br />
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After we started Elizium back in 1991,the first two years consisted mainly of line-up changes and playing covers of other bands, so it took a while to find the direction we wanted to take. After that Elizium became quickly familiar in the local underground scene and in 1995 we recorded the first demo ; ‘War and Knowledge’. In 1996 the band members went their separate ways and Peter Berends, Peter Röge and Gerard Manoch individually played in several other bands, only to find out we each missed the atmosphere and belief we had in Elizium. In the year 2000 we decided to bring Elizium back to life again. Unfortunately we still had some line-up changes. Peter Deurloo, our keyboard player at the time died in a car accident and it took some time to find the right bass player. Finally Erik Dijkstra joined on keyboards, and Marco Snoek on bass. And that’s why it took until 2003 to realease the ‘Angel of Mistrust’ demo.<br />
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• Now, I would talk about your new album, « Relief by the Sun ». First, what were your main influences to produce your album, is that this idea of mixing doom and gothic atmospheres you come from bands that you particularly enjoy? <br />
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Well, I guess we are all influenced by a lot of bands and the individual band members all have their own personal favourites. Those influences seem to mix very well. Peter Berends is influenced by a lot of Scandinavian metal bands (Tiamat, Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Lake of Tears, Dimmu Borgir, Arcturus) and music from the eighties (David Bowie, Talk Talk), Gerard Manoch likes to listen to older rock bands (Genesis, Rainbow), Michael Paap is a big fan of the more obscure music (like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Ulver, Year of No Light), and Erik Dijkstra and Peter Röge are influenced by American Metal bands (Type O Negative, Life of Agony). It's not that we try to mix those influences on purpose though, we just create our music together and we all need to feel the same emotional punch in the stomach before we all accept it as appropiate. <br />
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• I notice that your musical style is rather particular, how can you really define it? I think it's hard to categorise our music and limit it to one particular genre. <br />
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There are definatelly a lot of Doom, Gothic, Metal and Rock elements in it. We prefer to call it Dark Rock. • Most of your songs are really epic. <br />
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Do you think it helps to give another dimension to your music? <br />
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The Epic dimension to our music is something we need and crave. We like to make music that you can feel, music that introduces a strong feeling of melancholy, or makes you feel like you have been punched in the stomach. We essentially make music for ourselves, and the stuff that we make needs to fit our moods and wake something up within. If we do not get that feeling about a piece of music we have made, we throw it in the garbage bin. It’s all or nothing really. <br />
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• In the song “Relief by the Sun”, you have placed electronic elements. Is this done to make your music more accessible?<br />
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Not really, it was just the right sound for that song. Hell, if the song needed a ukelele we would have put it in there... Fortunately it didn’t need a Ukelele hahaha!<br />
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• I talk about now of your first album, « Angel of Mistrust ». The quality of sound is some worse than “Relief by the Sun”. Is it because of problems with the studio or is it as if it was done on purpose, just like the black metal bands? <br />
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It's probably a combination of budget and experience. We put a lot of ideas in that album which took a lot of time to produce. Back then we didn't have the budget to spend a lot of time in the studio, so we had to do a lot of recording ourselves. Luckily that changed with the release of our second album and now the album has the production quality it deserves. Nevertheless we still are very happy with the first album and to us gives us a nice nostalgic feel. <br />
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• The artwork of « Relief by the Sun » is very mysterious. But in your texts, you speak clearly of rope (I would make the connection with the hung corpse) and tree, and the burning sun, madness, sadness, love ... Can you make the connection between all your texts and artwork, and where do you find all these ideas?<br />
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I tried to embed elements of all our songs in the artwork, so your observations are correct. Another broader element is the ever ongoing struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. The music we make always has those elements in it, regardless of the subject of the song. One of the reasons our music has an Epic touch I guess is because we try to strike a balance between strength and tragedy. No matter how dark your world might be, there's always a shimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The cover art supports this vision by painting a stark contrast between light, happiness and beauty versus decay, darkness and tragedy. All these elements combined together with details found in the songs on the album overall visualise the universe that we try to create in our music. <br />
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• Which bands would you like to tour with? I saw that you are about to do a concert with Lacrimas Profundere. What do you feel about playing with such a big group? <br />
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Well, obviously the bands we like to listen to. I think we would put everything aside for having a chance to play with Paradise Lost, Amorphis or Lake of Tears. But in general it's great to play with bands who share the same passion for this kind of music as we do. The gig we had with Lacrimas Profundere was great, our music fit very well together that evening and there was quite a crowd attending the concert that evening. They were a nice bunch of guys so we had a very good experience there. <br />
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• What do you think about the metal scene today? <br />
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The great thing about the metal scene is the everlasting support. People embrace it like a lifestyle which is never going away. What I miss these days however is the experimenting that happened in the early days. A lot of releases these days seem to mimic other bands. But luckily there are still a lot of gems to be found. <br />
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• The French metal scene is huge, do you think that turn in France could be a good experience for your group? <br />
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For sure! A lot of really great music comes from France (like Year of No Light, Alcest, Les Discret, Amesoeurs, Celeste, Blut aus Nord, Peste Noire) which shows that there's a lively underground scene. I regard France as a country with immense creativity and sense for beauty, and it would be great to perform there. It's a shame that in Europe there is such a big focus on the regular commercial stuff (mostly from the US) while there's so much to find if people are willing to look a little bit beyond the stuff which is usually aired on the radio and on TV. We are from the Netherlands and our label is German so it's not very easy for us to find the right venues to create a tour. But we're always open to suggestions so hopefully we will be able to visit France anytime soon. <br />
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• Do you have projects for 2012? <br />
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We're trying to release our next album sooner so we are already busy writing new material. We also have discussed some thoughts for a new video. Keep an eye on our website (www.elizium.nu) for any news in 2012. <br />
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• One last word for the French fans and to readers of Les Chroniques de Béon? <br />
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Thanks for reading this, enjoy our dark music and hopefully we will meet soon! <br />
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<h4><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.elizium.nu/</span></h4><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fhdPdaxxIyI" width="420"></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-29675516807944013752012-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:002012-08-13T23:43:47.423-07:00Atra Vetosus Interview (by D) <b><br />
Atra Vetosus Interview</b><br />
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1) How long has this band been around for and how did you guys come up with the band’s name? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Slikver: The band started around March 2011, originally consisting of 2 members; myself (Slikver) and Thorodan. I quickly wrote the 3 songs for our demo “A Palace Shrouded In Emptiness” and spend the next couple months recording. Later in the year we recruited a full line up in order to start playing live shows. As for the name, it can be loosely translated to “Ancient Black Winds” in Latin. But the meaning isn’t overly clear and is open to interpretation.<br />
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2) What has the main goal been for Atra Vetosus and how has the reaction been so far? Slikver: The main goal for me was to write music in the vein of melodic black metal as it’s my preferred genre. Previously I’ve written for Astral Winter which has more focus on the symphonic side of black metal. So I wanted to write music that more reflected a melodic more guitar driven sound. Thorodan: The main goal for me has been to get our music out there as much as possible using the internet and our live shows, and to bring some new and fresh music (namely black metal) to the local scene <br />
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3) How did the recording process go for A Palace Shrouded In Emptiness? And who has contributed to the songs on the demo? <br />
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Slikver: Shortly after Thorodan and I formed the band I started writing the material which would later become our demo. The songs were written in about the space of a week or 2. For recording we used programmed drums as we were trying to get the song’s recorded in a quick timeframe. I then recorded the bass, guitars and keyboards using a line 6 ux1 interface. For vocals we also used the line 6 ux1 with an external mixing desk to boost the signal. The recording process was completed reasonably fast but didn’t see a release for about 6 months later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_GznIQZTBU/UCnyhCsrLbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/828toCIIU7g/s1600/539189_377725782250320_1784630312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_GznIQZTBU/UCnyhCsrLbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/828toCIIU7g/s400/539189_377725782250320_1784630312_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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4) What has the live gigging been like for Atra Vetosus and can you guys name some bands you gigged with? <br />
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Joe: The shows we have played thus far have gone reasonably well considering how early we are in our live career, and given how small the scene in Tasmania is at the moment. Some bands we have been fortunate enough to play with include Intense Hammer Rage, Nosce Teipsum, Whoretopsy Mephistopheles, Blackwater, Synthetic Breed, and Black Majesty. <br />
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5) Is there a new album out now or in the works? <br />
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Slikver: After finishing our demo I began writing the material for a full length album in-between my other projects. Earlier this year the writing process was complete and we announced the title “Voices From The Eternal Night”. We started recording a couple months ago in my home studio. Recording process has been slightly different this time around. We’ve put much more focus on the quality of the recording this time and making sure everything sounds the way we want it. We’re just over half way through the album at the moment. <br />
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6) If you had to name some bands that influenced you guys, who would they be? <br />
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Slikver: When I first started writing our demo my main influences were mainly melodic black metal bands from Sweden, around the mid 90’s era. To name a few bands/albums… Vinterland – Welcome My Last Chapter is one of my favourite albums and a big influence as to why I wanted to write music in this genre. Sacramentum – Far Away From The Sun Naglfar – Vittra Dawn – Slaughtersun & Dawn- 1997 - Sorgh Pa Svarte Vingar Flogh Dissection – Storm Of Lights Bane & The Somberlain Those were the main albums I was listening to at the time I started writing Atra Vetosus material. Of course there were other bands that influenced me too, but they would be the main one’s. <br />
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7) If there is someplace your band like to go next in your musical careers, what would that be? <br />
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Thorodan: As for the music itself I think we will always lean towards the more melodic side of Black Metal, and as the music evolves in the future I think we will find ourselves becoming more versatile (we already have some plans for including some female vocals and other new sounds that we haven’t tried before), and for the band in the near future we hope to play in more venues and more states around Australia, and hopefully open for some awesome bands. Josh has already started writing some material for the next album. We have lots planned for the future of Atra Vetosus and can’t wait to start playing more shows and new material <br />
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8) How has music changed from when you started making music in Astral Winter to your band now, and how do you think the music changed overall from that band to your new one and is their similarities or do you think it stands in a different musical level all on its own? <br />
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Slikver: I still write actively for both bands, and the process is pretty different for both. Astral Winter is based around a lot of orchestrations and symphonics, and a lot of atmosphere. The tuning is 2 steps lower as well, so that gives it a heavier/darker sound. Also use a lot of power chords in Astral Winter. Atra Vetosus is all in standard tuning but uses a lot of minor chords, sus and 7’s etc. Songs are based mainly around the melody of the guitars as well. I only do backup vocals in AV so Thorodan writes most of the vocal melodies, so that gives a different sound/feel to AV, as a lot of the time it’s not melodies or idea’s I would have thought of if I was doing them myself.<br />
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9) If you got merch available and releases, where would you guys direct your listeners to buy them at? May it be immortal frost or elsewhere??? Are they also at gigs? <br />
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Slikver: Our demo is still available from Immortal Frost Productions, and we will have copies available at our upcoming gigs too. The best place for merch and cd releases would be to go to our website (www.atravetosus.com), which has just been re-launced, with a free download of the single from our album “Spirit Of The Forgotten Woods”, so feel free to check it out. We don’t have any merch atm, other than free buttons we give out at shows. But we will be doing some shirts and maybe some other things soon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-warGXqsen8s/UCnzBIEsupI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Oul_nODVBys/s1600/538484_377725702250328_1405421909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="267" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-warGXqsen8s/UCnzBIEsupI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Oul_nODVBys/s400/538484_377725702250328_1405421909_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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10) What equipment do you guys use now and what is your favorite instrument? <br />
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Slikver – Jackson guitars, w/ EMG 81 and 85 pickups. Randall guitar head, Line 6 POD HD guitar pedal and Ernie Ball 10 – 54 strings. Damon – Ibanez guitar, Ibanez amp, Line 6 POD HD Pro and Ernie Ball 10 – 54 strings. Lopez – Ibanez 6 string bass, (ADD SHIT KENT) Joe – Kahzan Stagg and Istanbul cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Mapex drums, and Gibralter pedals and hardware. Remo drum heads. <br />
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11) How long do you guys expect to make music for and what are your goals till the end of this year onto the next? <br />
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Slikver: For this specific band it’s hard to say. I’ve already written most of the material for a 2nd full length album and will probably continue to write more songs when the inspiration hits. So as long as things go well I can see us continuing for a fair while. There’s always a lot of factors to consider and unforeseen circumstances that can arise, so we’ll just have to see. At present though, it seems like we could be around for a while. <br />
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12) I will sum up this interview now with one more question, what do you have to say to everyone out there that listens and appreciates your music, and is there anyone you like to mention? <br />
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Slikver: Just thanks to everyone that has listened and enjoyed our music, and to those who have taken the time to tell us you enjoy our music and or lives shows. Always good to hear positive feedback, and to know people dig what you’re doing. Also, look out for upcoming album, its sounding pretty awesome so far! Very keen to release it. <br />
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Thanks for your time guys, glad we did this again, Josh, and with your band mates as well. I wish you all luck on all musical levels. Excellent guys you are, later! -D <br />
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<b>SEE ATRA VETOSUS LIVE!!!! (IF YOU LIVE IN THE AREA!!!!) </b><br />
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https://www.facebook.com/events/282509301841977/</span><br />
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Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-71161269662565641222012-06-25T22:54:00.000-07:002012-06-25T22:54:04.129-07:00Blasphomet / Dark Metamorphosis - Graves Of The Damned Split (Review by D)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whIfJWTS5vc/T-lNw2hTx9I/AAAAAAAAA34/0V93dogpxok/s1600/336349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whIfJWTS5vc/T-lNw2hTx9I/AAAAAAAAA34/0V93dogpxok/s400/336349.jpg" /></a><br />
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(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.) </b><br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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!!! <br />
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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...<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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May this album haunt you for the rest of your fucking existence. Buy it now!!! You have been warned... -Danny <br />
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<b>http://www.pointdown.net/music.html</b><br />
<b>http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/graves-of-the-damned</b>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-30611312362364499142012-06-17T19:57:00.000-07:002012-06-17T19:57:13.899-07:00Interview with Ryan Wigley of Lifting Of The Veil (by D)WELCOME TO TF ZINE! <br />
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1) Tell me about your project, Lifting of The Veil? how did it come about? and how does it differ compared to Dark Theory, Desolation Machine, and the band Lucidious you recently joined?<br />
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<b>Well in a sense it grew out of the old Dark Theory material. There's a couple of drone tracks and a load of Doom Metal ones on some of the demo's, but by the time it came to our first EP onwards we had dropped the Doom element in favour of an an all out Black/Thrash approach. So one day I'm just searching through youtube and I came across the official video for Dead by Khanate, and it just really inspired me to do something in a similar vein. I ended up spending most of that day working on a song which then became Inevitable End. There are some similarities between LotV and DT in that they both use screamed black metal vocals and are extremely dark, but LotV is about a 4th the speed of DT, maybe slower and with quite a different riff style. Desolation Machine has very little in common with LotV except for that fact that both are hideously noisy, and it's got pretty much nothing in common with Lucidious lol</b><br />
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2) Where did the band name come from and did anything inspire you for its name?<br />
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<b>The literal translation of the Greek word Apocalypse is Lifting of the Veil. It felt like quite a fitting name.</b><br />
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3) Where can listeners hear LOTV and how has the reaction been so far? <br />
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<b>www.reverbnation.com/liftingoftheveil is the main place where you can listen, but most of the tracks are also on youtube as well. Reactions have all been very positive so far, there's more doom fans out there than I thought.</b><br />
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4) Any songs you like to mention you done recently for the project?<br />
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<b>Very recently did a cover of Celtic Frost's Ground as well as two new original's called The Suffering and Chaos Upon Chaos. Thinking of doing at least one more song before I release these together as a demo.</b><br />
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5) How many albums does LOTV have and have any been released and where can listeners buy em? <br />
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<b>At the moment there is just one untitled one which is normally referred to as Lifting of the Veil which is available on tape through Depressive Illusion Records. Not sure how much but I imagine they're pretty cheap. I also have a few CD-R copies of it which I've been giving to a few select people (mainly local promoters and reviewers). I'm thinking of self releasing the next CD, maybe do a split album with Dark Theory and Lucidious as we're all recording new stuff at the same time lol</b><br />
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6) What do you want out of this project the most and also what role do you play in it? <br />
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<b>Just to start doing some basic gigs would be awesome, local venues haven't shown any interest atm, although I haven't been pushing that hard yet. The best thing that could happen to this band would probably be to get signed to Southern Lord and go on a tour with Sunn 0))) (and they are very few touring Drone Metal bands so you never know). My role is everything although I've collaberated with ssunfuck and Dan 0))) (you in other words lol) so may have occasional guests throughout all releases.</b><br />
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7) Where does the lyrical concepts and moods of the project come from?<br />
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<b>It's pure darkness. Apocalyptic stuff comes up a lot but it just sort of about evil in general. The newer stuff has been mostly instrumental except for the Celtic Frost cover, sometimes you just gotta let the Doom wash over you</b><br />
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8) Have you gigged under this project yet? <br />
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<b>Not yet, really fucking want to though. There's been a bit of a 'gig drought' in the local area. The people that put the most money into the venues are normally the ones who also want to be on stage, so a few of the less professional venues have closed or aren't doing gigs again till next year. I have a few new contacts now though so hopefully Dark Theory and LotV can get a whole bunch of gigs before September.</b><br />
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9) If you had to name some acts similiar to LOTV who would they be? <br />
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<b>Well Sunn 0))) is an obvious one, if it wasn't for them I don't think there would be Lifting of the Veil or most of the other Drone Metal bands out there. The last Celtic Frost album and of course Triptykon are very similar although a bit faster. Khanate, early Boris and two unsigned bands from the UK I came across recently called Greg(o)rian and Nyogtha </b><br />
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10) I see you also recently joined a band called Lucidious, how has that been so far? <br />
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<b>It's been pretty sweet. Quite different to the Black Metal/Noise stuff I'm normally associated with. It's a Punk/Metal/Thrash band, really simple angry stuff. I saw them live twice with there old bassist and thought they were pretty cool, and then the bassist had a hissy fit and left so I joined and they got an awesome 2nd guitarist the week after that as well. It's pretty refreshing to be in a band where I don't have to be the leader, I can just play the bass. All the songs were written with the idea of being able to get pissed and still play them well, so we're always knocking back cans of beer during practice and recording lol. Can't wait till we film a video for 10 Downer Street.</b><br />
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11) How has Dark Theory been and is DT your longest founding of bands? and what lies in the future for it? <br />
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<b>Dark Theory is still what I refer to as my main band. The idea for it started in September 2006, but I consider the actual formation of Dark Theory to be September 2008 which is when the first demo was started, so it's my longest running band by miles. There's a lot in Dark Theory's future. We've got a guy who's interested in joining us on guitar (he said he'll deffo do a guest solo even if he can't join full time) and we're recording and writing still but mostly we're just trying to play as many gigs as we can. Got one coming up in London with Mørktår in winter time hopefully. Our main thing right is trying to find a drummer though, drum machines just don't cut it.</b><br />
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12) How many bands have you played with so far and those you like to mention? <br />
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<b>Well there's obviously Dark Theory which has been recording since 2008 and gigging since mid 2010, there was a short lived Metalcore band I was in called 8th Deadly Sin which did a few live shows and then broke up because we were shit lol, a couple of ex members of that form a Thrash Metal band with me called Just Reported Missing which then changed it's name to Desolation Machine. That broke up because Dark Theory was just taking off properly and the drummer had found an electro rock band that was going good as well. I carried on the name Desolation Machine onto an industrial noise punk thing that I did one demo with a while back. Did a collab with ssunfuck which ended up becoming a drone metal track for Dark Theory, although the song was redone a year later when I formed Lifting of the Veil. Did bass and guest vocals on a Sphinxta Spit remix album. Recorded bass and backing vocals and did the drum programming for a cover of People Pie by SLAB! with Grim Funeral Techno, did live backing vocals for Baphvomit on what turned out to be their last gig and also sung with Wretched Soul at one of their gigs and of course I've joined Lucidious. So that's a total of 11 bands I've been in or worked with, plus I'll be doing guest vocals for a track on Olivia's upcoming Gothic Metal band</b><br />
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13) If you had to say anything about Most Unholy Convergence II compilation, what would that be? <br />
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<b>Buy it, just buy it. 100 of the best underground metal bands out there on one CD, including the one and only recording Dark Theory did with our old drummer, and tracks by Sphinxta Spit and Baphvomit, both awesome bands (and friends of mine that I've worked with) who have split up. This is the one of the only ways you can get their music now.<br />
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</b> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjIoivZl9MY/T96YLN-gGQI/AAAAAAAAA3o/A3oP3e5noN8/s1600/R-3658372-1339192988-3084.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjIoivZl9MY/T96YLN-gGQI/AAAAAAAAA3o/A3oP3e5noN8/s400/R-3658372-1339192988-3084.jpeg" /></a><br />
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14) What do you want to get out of this summer and any goals or plans coming up? <br />
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<b>Mainly I want to play as many gigs as possible, get pissed as much as I can and yet hopefully get a decent summer job and make a bit of cash too</b><br />
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15) If you had to tell us what inspired you to make music in the first place, how would you say got you started? <br />
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<b>You know I'm not actually sure. I wrote some lyrics one day, showed them around to some friends who took a bit of interest, bought a bass a few months later and two years after that the first Dark Theory demo was started</b><br />
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16) I see there is DT shirts up for sale, if anyone wants one how should they get it? <br />
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<b>At the moment you'll have to message me or Olivia on facebook and we'll sort something. The easiest way is to buy one from us at gig's at the moment, but we're working on getting an online store up so people can just order them when they want one. Keep an eye on the facebook.</b><br />
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17) How has the support from listeners and fans been so far in all the music projects and bands you worked with and is there any bands you like to gig or work with in the future?<br />
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<b>Generally it's been very positive. Dark Theory has had some bad feedback on youtube, but so has just about everyone ever. There are loads of bands I'd like to gig with (with any of my bands), the main ones being Transcending the Flesh and Kremated. Would also love to play with Foreboding Ether and The Furious Horde again, they are two of the best bands I've ever seen and have only played with each of them once. I'm not sure who I'd like to work with, but I'd love to do some guest vocals for some bands (especially live)</b><br />
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18) What do you think of the majority of music today and what would you like to see change about it? (deep question)<br />
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<b>Most of it is very unoriginal, regardless of genre. It doesn't matter if it's Black Metal or Dubstep, most are just copying whoever they like the most. I think this is most prevalent in the Metalcore/Hardcore genre, there's thousands of the fuckers and they all sound and act identical. What's the point of that. You do get some bands that aren't very original but still manage to be pretty good though, although they are normally best experienced live as there albums can seem a bit uninspiring. On the other hand there still a huge amount of bands out there doing something a little different and the vast majority are really good. Only yesterday did I find out there's a band living only one train journey away from me who combine Metal, Grunge and Drum n Bass called Ziphedz. I'd like to see some more variety amongst local scenes. English speaking countries are overrun with covers bands, and amongst original bands there is an overwhelming amount who play some form of Hardcore/Metalcore. I imagine it's not that much better everywhere else either. The really brutal and/or dark stuff like Grindcore, Black Metal, Doom Metal etc is virtually non existant in most area's, and the more old school or experimental bands are few and far between.</b><br />
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19) I also like to know what you think of the underground bands of today? And can you name a few favorites? <br />
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<b>There are so many good bands if you know where to look. There is a huge list I could write, so I'll just name the bands that I feel are on a level far above your normal unsigned band (and indeed a lot of pro bands I've seen): Wretched Soul, Foreboding Ether, The Furious Horde, Khthon and Orestea. They've all played with some big names in the metal scene, Foreboding Ether have had a nationwide tour, Orestea have had several. The Furious Horde and Orestea have both played Bloodstock and Wretched Soul will be playing there this year. Can not recommend any of these bands highly enough! (Wretched Soul have a debut album on the way and Orestea have a new EP out soon)</b> <br />
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20) Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! As always, I wish you luck in all your musical endevours and hope to work with you very soon! You are one of the best. \m/<br />
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No problem man, must meet for that beer some time ^_^</b><br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MBRTNJVJIM0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-48741523335418854202012-06-15T18:51:00.001-07:002012-06-15T22:19:36.544-07:00Interview with The Count of Dark Metamorphosis (by D)WELCOME TO TF ZINE, AGAIN! How you been Count? <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYTLFUltNrQ/T9vWh8gieVI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ARlhi0xywfc/s1600/545716_464256163590987_2129031074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kYTLFUltNrQ/T9vWh8gieVI/AAAAAAAAA0w/ARlhi0xywfc/s400/545716_464256163590987_2129031074_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Glad to be here, man. Things have been pretty good for the most part, albeit very busy.</b><br />
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1) Tell my readers what you have been up to since our last interview? And how has Dark Metamorphosis been doing since then?<br />
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<b>Since the last interview, I've basically finished up "The Fall Of Draclecarde" album, the "Graves Of The Damned" split, and the "Cradle Of Decay" EP. I've been working on a new DM full length, and a few projects that are on the horizon, but there have been quite a few hurdles to get over recently, as far as recording is concerned.</b><br />
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<b>LISTEN HERE NOW AND BUY... http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/</b><br />
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2) Evergrim Recordings is a pretty unique name for a label, how did it come about?<br />
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It basically refers to the somewhat grim and underground music that I make and have great respect for. I think it reflects my message very well.</b><br />
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3) If you have any merch to offer where would you suggest listeners to get it at?<br />
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<b>Actually yes, there are Dark Metamorphosis logo t-shirts available through pointdown.net. They are inexpensive and high quality, so check them out.</b><br />
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4) Which artists are featured on Evergrim Recordings and what style of music are you aiming to expose there?<br />
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<b>Evergrim Recordings has my band Dark Metamorphosis, as well as a few projects of mine. Blasphomet and Desolation are onboard, as well as your very own Grim Funeral Techno. I could list them all here, but It would be great if readers checked out all the artists for themselves and give them a listen. (http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/)<br />
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EGR's goal is to promote the spirit of underground music, of many styles. As bands are getting more and more studio sheen, and the music industry gets more and more polluted with churned out garbage, I really want Evergrim to be a haven for genuine, original material, of the mostly extreme variety.</b> <br />
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5) How has the reception been to the latest album The Fall Of Draclecarde?<br />
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<b>I have been hearing good things. Definitely the best reception yet on any album. I believe it tops anything before it. The album marks the end of an era for the band, and I am really excited about what is to come.</b><br />
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6) The Graves Of The Damned split is a great ethereal masterpiece I am proud to own in my collection. I need to review it and what would you say your experience was like while working with Chad of Blasphomet on this album?<br />
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<b>It was excellent. Chad is a fantastic musician, and a great person. The album came together quite quickly and I am very proud of it. Thanks for the kind words, man! Looking forward to the review!</b><br />
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7) If you had to name your influences at the time of recording both the split and latest full length by DM what would they be?<br />
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<b>I was definitely listening to alot of Cryptopsy, Bethlehem, and Shining at the time, as well as a plethora of Mike Patton's works. haha!</b> (I now must insert a link to a funny mike patton vidder lol http://youtu.be/0zkssNzHZwg) <br />
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8) How has things been going in your personal life lately? Any goals as of late other then music or any other personal hobbies?<br />
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Things are actually better than they've ever been. I am really glad to honestly be able to say that. I am really enjoying the way things have been going with Dark Metamorphosis, EGR, and all my music colleagues lately. As for other hobbies, other than being a pretty avid gamer, I don't really have many. If you don't catch me listening to or recording music, you'll more than likely find me on Xbox live. You guys should add me sometime. Battlefield 3 anyone? lol.</b><br />
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9) What do you want listeners to get out of your music and how do you think you stand out in this sea of underground metal bands?<br />
<b><br />
I honestly don't really know how to say whether or not I stand out or anything, and I don't try to be deliberately original just for the sake of it. I try to almost create a world within it's atmosphere. The band has never stayed strictly to one sound and is constantly evolving. I know that is a pretty cliche thing to say, but anyone who has actually listened to the band would probably agree.</b> <br />
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10) If you had to name a artist to work with on another split or feature on your next album or whatever lol who would or that band be?<br />
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<b>The next album is gonna be bad ass man. Trust me. It is still in the planning stages, but I can definitely say there will be room for some guests. You down for it?</b> (hell yeah I am!!!) <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzdQvZrnBM4/T9vaK7RvD9I/AAAAAAAAA2E/oY72xWPcaro/s1600/183591_200623953282567_7022386_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzdQvZrnBM4/T9vaK7RvD9I/AAAAAAAAA2E/oY72xWPcaro/s400/183591_200623953282567_7022386_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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11) You are part of my main bands collab EP in the works entitled DOOM. If you had to say anything about our collaboration or anything about Strings Of Distorted Doom, what would that be? I will be doing vocals on the track and Dietrich is drumming to it so yeah we are getting there man haha! (bassist in mind too) <br />
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<b>The Count has faith in you. lol. I really can't wait to see how it comes together.</b> (faith... is such a dirty word lol!!!!) <br />
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12) How can you describe the difference between your latest DM album from older material? and would older and newer fans possibly stray from new material or do you think listeners could still appreciate both? Some bands have that gap in their discog but me personally I do really enjoy your past, present and looking forward to further DM material!<br />
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<b> There has been a leap in sound quality, that is for sure. The music I think has gotten steadily more progressive and technical over the years as well. I am glad you enjoy the older material too. I try to expand upon the sound with each album. If there has ever been a step up, it is coming next.</b> <br />
(PAST SPLIT WITH ZEBULON KOSTED BELOW!) <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0z_Iq-T8Fk/T9va6DAzN-I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/raT0zK2HFi4/s1600/329602_2876347437977_932381902_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0z_Iq-T8Fk/T9va6DAzN-I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/raT0zK2HFi4/s400/329602_2876347437977_932381902_o.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
13) What is your favorite Survival Horror game??? or any games at all? I had to ask that... lol<br />
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<b>Dark Souls. 'Nuff said. And I'm sure you can guess a few others. lol.</b><br />
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14) Would you do music for VG soundtracks? Mostly survival horror maybe? <br />
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<b>haha!<br />
Hell yes, most definitely. I am a huge fan of horror games, and horror movies, and the like.</b><br />
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15) I am running out of ideas for questions because I am a lazy dull minded fuck tard with the attention span of a squirrel....LOL If you have any last words for my readers and want to give a few shout outs or mention anything else along the lines of anything new coming up or based on how our interview has been so far I would really appreciate it. <br />
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Thanks again for the shirt, cd(s) collab with my ever so talented ass ( I wish lol) and making sure to keep us bands alive with Evergrim!!! (my drummer personally thanks you for uploading his music on Evergrim as well) you da man!!!! ;) Thanks for your time Count, and I bid you farewell... for now.<br />
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<b>Thanks so much for having me again, man. I appreciate it greatly! I am always glad to talk with someone who knows what my band (and label) are all about. I hope to keep things updated with the label (and it's new youtube channel, sub meh). EGR will continue to spread the goodness, and is glad to you have you. New album on the way, people! Keep it GRIM and expect the unexpected!</b> <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9t33XBL0_I/T9vbuszizSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/wOzXyrbYqHI/s1600/155207_177043052312301_5602451_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="269" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9t33XBL0_I/T9vbuszizSI/AAAAAAAAA2c/wOzXyrbYqHI/s400/155207_177043052312301_5602451_n.jpg" /></a><br />
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LINKS <br />
https://www.facebook.com/DarkMetamorphosis<br />
https://www.facebook.com/EvergrimRecordings<br />
http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/<br />
http://www.youtube.com/user/Evergrimrecordings<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ibuBML9-71U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-48168920067632458362012-06-07T14:29:00.000-07:002012-06-07T14:29:11.719-07:00Interview with Chad of BlasphometWELCOME TO TF ZINE!!!! how you doing?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdmVPc0vF1E/T9EYbQW9RWI/AAAAAAAAAzw/MNBSCGISo6s/s1600/464584_235204019911818_1742170248_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdmVPc0vF1E/T9EYbQW9RWI/AAAAAAAAAzw/MNBSCGISo6s/s400/464584_235204019911818_1742170248_o.jpg" /></a><br />
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** I am doing fine, Thank you-<br />
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1) When did your band start and why? <br />
** Blasphomet started in 2009 as a one man project after a previous project fell apart and I didn't find replacements...so Blasphomet was born!<br />
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2) What do you think your music is about and what do you think attracts people to it? <br />
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** My music is about what I feel...It can range from life to death, anti religion, and anything in between that I want...<br />
I'm not really sure what attracts people to it though...It's pretty underground, so not many people even know of Blasphomet that I'm aware of.<br />
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<br />
3) What would you like to accomplish from now to next year? <br />
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** I have been working on a new project that has yet to be announced...This should be done by then....<br />
Of course I would like to accomplish many things, but this Project I speak of is my main concern...keep on watch! <br />
There may be another Blasphomet release by the end of the year as well...all depends.<br />
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<br />
4) Where does your band name come from and how does it fit with your sound? <br />
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** The name "Blasphomet" is a combination of Blasphemy and Baphomet....It seemed to be a perfect fit, and after doing an extensive search, seemed no one had snatched this name yet, so I took it. It just fits.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiPyMPR3zqg/T9EYigWWGeI/AAAAAAAAAz8/3kz8pHvT9sg/s1600/blasphomet_logo-2011b_w-428x306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="286" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fiPyMPR3zqg/T9EYigWWGeI/AAAAAAAAAz8/3kz8pHvT9sg/s400/blasphomet_logo-2011b_w-428x306.jpg" /></a><br />
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5) IF you had to name a few artists you kinda sound like, who would they be? <br />
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** I'm not really sure.<br />
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6) How was the collab with Dark Metamorphosis for Evergrim and splits and endevours so far?<br />
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** Everything went great, and is going great...there will be more to come for sure. We had had a pretty good response to the "Graves Of The Damned" Split.<br />
The project I mentioned earlier that I am currently working on is going to be involving The Count From DarkMetamorphosis/EGR and Myself...things are turning out awesome so far.<br />
<br />
7) What do you want fans or listeners to do when they look up your band right away? <br />
** I want them to listen...<br />
I they like it great, if not, thats great too...But if they do, they should support the underground and snag a release from pointdown.net or evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com it's cheap as fuck...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxNrg40omU/T9EYwfzRulI/AAAAAAAAA0I/FFx7NvcVlAQ/s1600/1033358048-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="350" width="350" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxNrg40omU/T9EYwfzRulI/AAAAAAAAA0I/FFx7NvcVlAQ/s400/1033358048-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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8) What do you think of music and its value nowadays?<br />
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** Music is very valuable to me... I don't think I would live without it after having it for so long now....(and I'm not talking about the shit you hear on the radio or TV)<br />
It's just whether people want to see it as that or not...<br />
As far as everything going digital and people hardly ever buying real albums, I think that kinda sucks.<br />
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<br />
9) If we had to step out of the box and you werent making this music, what would you be doing? with your life that is.... <br />
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** I would still be doing artwork and screenprinting..That is assuming I still had my hands.<br />
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10) How much longer do you expect to make music for?<br />
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** However long I feel it, and still can.<br />
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11) Any side projects at all? <br />
** Yes, It will be announced soon!<br />
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12) What do you personally think of social networking sites, aid or aids disease for bands? <br />
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** I personally think they can be both an aid or the disease....I really hate the sites myself, but they are good to have so people can see your work if they want to...since SO many people have one or more of these things, it helps for anyone promoting themselves or what they do really.<br />
I have yet to make a page for Blasphomet on facebook...I do have one at myspace still.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifR4STOZTcI/T9EY4DtFIOI/AAAAAAAAA0U/t-nj0gNpvZ0/s1600/banner2010-3-735x199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="108" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifR4STOZTcI/T9EY4DtFIOI/AAAAAAAAA0U/t-nj0gNpvZ0/s400/banner2010-3-735x199.jpg" /></a><br />
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13) If you had to pick anybody to work with musically live who would that be? AND how has gigging been? good or bad? <br />
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** I would have to make the Count(Dark Metamorphosis) join...and probably steal A & Corvus from Totalselfhatred...and Kryth from Pure Evil....would be interesting...haha<br />
Blasphomet doesn't do shows.<br />
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14) Do you like to cheese on your sandwich????? :P lol but seriously, where can we find any cds or merch of yours?<br />
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** All depends..haha CD's and T-shirts are available at www.pointdown.net<br />
and digital downloads of my work and many others are available at http://evergrimsrecordings.bandcamp.com<br />
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15) If I had a box of TOTAL and I started to eat it in front of you, what would you do???? <br />
** I would have to tell you Not to talk shit about TOTAL!<br />
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16) Name some musical influences<br />
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** I would have to say mostly all my musical influence comes from Black and Death Metal areas...in no particular order, early Dark funeral, early Burzum, God Dethroned, Darkthrone..Mercyful Fate.....these guys really got me into black metal to begin with...more recently I've been listening to alot of Horna, Totalselfhatred, Pure Evil, Korgonthurus..and Dark Metamorphosis of course...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yke_p7BsCg/T9EZun9ofVI/AAAAAAAAA0g/pBkcJ8MYz9s/s1600/Blasphometlogo-366x377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="377" width="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yke_p7BsCg/T9EZun9ofVI/AAAAAAAAA0g/pBkcJ8MYz9s/s400/Blasphometlogo-366x377.jpg" /></a><br />
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(yes my lucky ass got one!) <br />
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17) What is the music like in your area? <br />
** As far as metal goes...It seems like mostly metalcore and bar/cover bands last time I payed attention to it...<br />
This is partially the reason Blasphomet a one man operation.<br />
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18) I am gunna wrap this interview up with one more question, do you have any last words for anyone out there? Good, or bad, or anything? Thanks alot man for this interview, take it easy!!!!<br />
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** Last words... Thanks to any supporters of Blasphomet, PointDown.net, and evergrimrecordings..<br />
No problem, and thank's for the interview!<br />
PLEASE VISIT AND SUPPORT THESE BANDS AT THESE LINKS<br />
<br />
http://www.pointdown.net/<br />
http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/<br />
http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/blasphomet<br />
http://evergrimrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/graves-of-the-damnedDanny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-112132957687791732012-06-07T13:59:00.000-07:002012-06-07T13:59:59.023-07:00Zebulon Kosted - S.O.D.D. Remixez ZK (review by Stephen Latimer)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pB_AGEsosqA/T9EVY1LxKCI/AAAAAAAAAzg/P0IK0HI-mkw/s1600/ZEBULON%2BKOSTED_SODD%2Bremixes%2BZK_A12_US.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pB_AGEsosqA/T9EVY1LxKCI/AAAAAAAAAzg/P0IK0HI-mkw/s400/ZEBULON%2BKOSTED_SODD%2Bremixes%2BZK_A12_US.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
Zebulon Kosted (S.O.D.D. remixes ZK)<br />
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!<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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. <br />
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!!<br />
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). <br />
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. <br />
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! <br />
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ORDER NOW AT : http://www.satanica.org (darkwave section)<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bDVoDbevPyU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-53974872154648366922012-04-28T18:39:00.000-07:002012-04-28T18:39:51.031-07:00Generis Zine 2# (review for AEA zine by D)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1aBGkJCia0/T5yaasjOfHI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/Qdi1orVGW68/s1600/2997984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1aBGkJCia0/T5yaasjOfHI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/Qdi1orVGW68/s400/2997984.jpg" /></a></div>
This zine is another zine issue I got from Dave Wolfe of Aea Zine and it is a glossy, well printed out zine of underground death black metal and various other genres of metal in Spanish from Mexico. The zine has been around since 1999. 20 extreme pages written in Spanish, size A4, B/W offset for the issue, with a pro printed glossy cover, interviews with bands such as DISGORGE (Mx), SHUB NIGGURATH, AIWASS, ADVENT, CRYFEMAL, WARFIELD (MX), SATAN (MX), ALFA ERIDANO AKHERNAR. Plus news, reviews and tons of info from the Metallic Underworld. This zine comes with FORJANDO EL METAL VOL. 2
CD-R Compilation (12 Tracks) courtesy of METAL INSIDE Rock Shop with bands like ERESHKIGAL,VOUHIVASARA, ANTON, EVIL ENTOURAGE, ADVENT, SUICIDAL INC, DELIRIUM, LEPER MESSIAH, MORDSKOG, ALFA ERIDANO AKHERNAR, INSEPULCHRAL, RAPTURE. My issue didnt come with a copy of the cd but this looks like a overall good zine issue for people fluent in the spanish language and also has very good art and structure within it. Many album reviews and this is only the 2nd issue so there should be more to come from Generis editors. Keep up the good work Generis zine.
For a copy of this issue go to these sites or email the email address below...
sui_generismag@yahoo.com.mx
http://www.myspace.com/metal666inside
http://tapethereaperrecs.weebly.com/distro.html
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jsEaCpYPQKU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-75252354306144164752012-04-01T12:38:00.000-07:002012-04-01T12:38:41.737-07:00Bethlehem - S.U.I.Z.I.D. (review by Stephen Latimer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IE6QS2tGF0/T3it-lfxIlI/AAAAAAAAAzE/w9pzGO6dOdQ/s1600/bethlehemsuzid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="399" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1IE6QS2tGF0/T3it-lfxIlI/AAAAAAAAAzE/w9pzGO6dOdQ/s400/bethlehemsuzid.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
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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! <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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! <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0s3rpUepfm8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-70017957801909079212012-03-27T21:35:00.000-07:002012-03-27T21:35:22.789-07:00UPON SHADOWS - New single Coming up this April! (exclusive)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xflf7QPGBx8/T3KTfCpinSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/WY1h8tq4FV0/s1600/163846_148937655160498_128947133826217_247468_3511839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="348" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xflf7QPGBx8/T3KTfCpinSI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/WY1h8tq4FV0/s400/163846_148937655160498_128947133826217_247468_3511839_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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New single from the extreme symphonic dark metal duo Upon Shadows Coming This April! <br />
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New updates and posts can be found @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Upon-Shadows/128947133826217<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Oy9-Itwa4/T3KTkdpg7LI/AAAAAAAAAaE/a-GSnebnmqw/s1600/396208_302320173155578_128947133826217_774566_917463553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-Oy9-Itwa4/T3KTkdpg7LI/AAAAAAAAAaE/a-GSnebnmqw/s400/396208_302320173155578_128947133826217_774566_917463553_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here is a video and a small sample of the sounds of Upon Shadows at facebook, reverbnation and MorbidFenris their personal youtube account! <br />
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This message is brought to you by, Upon Shadows!!!! \m/ please pass this URL around, thank you. - Danny owner of TF ZINE <br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VcoHZHeTZvQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-17408334603210973082012-03-26T19:13:00.000-07:002012-03-26T19:13:14.794-07:00Nekropsy / Spiritus "Death Arrival" Split (review for AEA Zine)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs61r4zkCqY/T3EiH9ljdSI/AAAAAAAAAy4/W7cjWKPYuMU/s1600/death%2Barrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs61r4zkCqY/T3EiH9ljdSI/AAAAAAAAAy4/W7cjWKPYuMU/s400/death%2Barrival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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!!! <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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p.s. only 40 LIMITED copies of this Split have been pressed so I am pretty darn happy to have one!!! <br />
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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. <br />
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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??? <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nekropsy/51557640073<br />
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiritus/169404613110827<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3BGOsC2W94/T3EgpxBldeI/AAAAAAAAAys/XzQc8QTF7fI/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3BGOsC2W94/T3EgpxBldeI/AAAAAAAAAys/XzQc8QTF7fI/s400/l.jpg" /></a></div>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-72915605419281626042012-03-23T15:25:00.000-07:002012-03-23T15:25:02.671-07:00Anachronaeon - The Ethernal Throne (Review by Stephen Latimer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPnJsu4LFlM/T2z4FgQey_I/AAAAAAAAAyg/eDynwLQQ09c/s1600/230607_220772224600406_118688301475466_945173_2338020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPnJsu4LFlM/T2z4FgQey_I/AAAAAAAAAyg/eDynwLQQ09c/s400/230607_220772224600406_118688301475466_945173_2338020_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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. <br />
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https://www.facebook.com/AnachronaeonDanny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-90099672982771989982012-03-23T15:20:00.000-07:002012-03-23T15:20:29.176-07:00Hoyland-Dreams within a Dream (Review by Stephen Latimer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Lz-H13LpCE/T2z24TXr88I/AAAAAAAAAyU/_WaWEygH77I/s1600/379654_10150452538676183_279760546182_10976293_1623581308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Lz-H13LpCE/T2z24TXr88I/AAAAAAAAAyU/_WaWEygH77I/s400/379654_10150452538676183_279760546182_10976293_1623581308_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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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. <br />
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. <br />
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 . <br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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! <br />
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoyland/279760546182Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3731694430601333709.post-32534984022756057522012-02-13T18:16:00.000-08:002012-02-13T18:16:01.172-08:00Dark Metamorphisis - In A Heartbeat (Review by Stephen)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpMyAUIz_c/TznDTe7scVI/AAAAAAAAAyI/SsB4Y8r7U60/s1600/259329_228822853800987_177042952312311_1111932_5588446_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKpMyAUIz_c/TznDTe7scVI/AAAAAAAAAyI/SsB4Y8r7U60/s400/259329_228822853800987_177042952312311_1111932_5588446_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Dark Metamorphosis - In A Heartbeat <br />
by Stephen Latimer<br />
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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. <br />
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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”. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/DarkMetamorphosis<br />
http://www.youtube.com/darkmofficial<br />
http://soundcloud.com/darkmetamorphosis<br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A68LVMBTddU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Danny of TF E-zinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11208192479839758829noreply@blogger.com0