Friday, August 30, 2013
Metal Bulletin Zine, number 37 is complete.
Metal Bulletin Zine, number 37 is complete. Anyone interested in receiving the zine in PDF and wanting to be on the email list, just get in contact.
Out of curiosity, here is the zine posted in installments, to give an idea what the zine looks like when the complete issue is finished.
Work on issue number 38 is well under way already. Cheers.
Monday, August 26, 2013
post-Akercocke black metal: Voices (UK)
Voices (U.K.): “From the Human Forest Create a Fugue of Imaginary Rain”
This review references the band here Voices with legendary (in my little book of heavy metal) progressive black death metallers Akercocke for several key reasons. First, David Gray (drums) and Peter Benjamin (guitars, vocals) are former members of Akercocke, and Sam Loynes (guitars) played live with Akercocke, too. Second, the sound, in my opinion, is a continuation of Akercocke music, despite the differences in style.
Basically, Akercocke music was this: blasting black metal; substantial elements of guttural, brutal classic Suffocation/Mike Smith-style death metal; and proggy, experimental moments, plus some “clean” singing. Voices shares those general affinities, with the main exception of the super guttural, brutal death metal component. Voices, then, comprises black metal with prog elements.
The shorter songs (3-4 minutes, more or less) push more towards total black metal raging extravaganzas, like “Unawareness of Human Emotion,” “Dnepropetrovsk,” “This Too Shall Pass,” and “Everything You Believe Is Wrong.” Meanwhile “Eyes Become Black,” “Sexual Isolation,” and “Endless” bring forward the prog and clean singing. At the same time, keep in mind that Voices is all about putting everything together, so it’s not a clear-cut division of styles. Voices constructs a black metal eclectic sound, while firmly maintaining the blasting black metal in place.
The band works with high-quality songwriting. Logically, if you like Akercocke, then Voices is very much meant for you. Voices is something like “high-end black metal.” It sounds professional in every way, and it is a strong showing for a debut from musicians from whom I expect high quality; a job done very well, indeed.
There is one thing here that I wish were different. Voices needs a heavier, less robotic drum sound. How would this already great album be with the sound of David Gray unleashing heavy, upfront, pounding Mike Smith-like hard-hitting drumming?
www.facebook.com/voiceslondoninfo
Saturday, August 24, 2013
part 2: black metal from India: Cosmic Infusion
OK, so, here it is:
The second (and final) part of the interview with black metallers Cosmic Infusion!
Don't forget to check out the band's music and give them your support, in whatever way you can.
Speaking of discussions, how much of a collaboration is Cosmic Infusion?
The way we work is, somebody gets in a basic idea or a riff to the jam room. And then everybody else starts to build around it. And that way since everybody has their own influences ranging from Classical music to jazz to death metal and more, there is a lot of richness that is brought to the songs. But since everybody in the band is a black metal head at heart, the final product turns out to be black metal eventually and has a lot of Cosmic Infusion written all over it.
We have our jam room (The Dungeon) quite close to where we live. It’s at about an hour's travel from everybody's place, that is where all of the writing and rehearsing is done and a lot of ideas are born.
Can we talk about metal music lyrics? What do you think about the glorification violence in metal music? Also, when fans talk about metal music, they express a lot homophobic, patriarchal and machista language. Of course, bands like Slayer and Pantera have promoted that type of ignorant, sexist language. How would you describe your lyrics?
Metal, we believe has always been a form of expression which acts more like a release for anybody, since metal for most parts is written for yourself more than anybody else. Cannot make a generic statement but we feel its one of the more purer forms of music with things being said as people perceive them to be, without any deception.
Black Metal is a way of life more than a form of music. A lot of people relate it to Satanism, Anti-Christianity etc., but for us Black Metal is a way of life. Its about doing things which you want to do and the way you want to do it.
Black Metal in essence is just you truly being yourself!
This also does translate into our live performances, which we have always given a lot of importance, and our lyrics as well, which generally involves concepts which we feel strongly about and is also story oriented a lot of the times which is quite evident from tracks like “Gothika” and “Crepheus.”
You say in "Gothika": "Now I am appalled to see the dirt and the hate of this wretched world." Then again on "Crepheus - Bringer of the End" the perspective is a bit different, isn't? How would you describe your views on violence on the EP?
Gothika is about a village where nobody has ever been before and is immensely blessed by nature. The people of Gothika and the spirits have never left the place. The aforementioned lines are said at a point in the song where a few outsiders who were actually welcomed into the village, actually mean harm to the village. That is when the people of “Gothika” and the spirits unleash their wrath upon the outsiders. And it turns quite brutally violent.
“Crepheus” is a celestial body born from the Black hole and naturally understands only one way of life, which is destruction. The song describes its journey through space destroying life forms, planets etc. Violence we believe is an act of emotion, which when held back will definitely destroy yourself, just like any other emotion in your life.
Do you ever wonder about how you can incorporate the effort and intelligence in the music, how to incorporate that same effort to lyrics, too, and make an intelligent statement through a story, a metaphor, and going beyond the usual metal clichés? Would it not be possible for Cosmic Infusion to write metaphors and stories about issues that motivate you or frustrate you in life, be it a personal issue, a broader social issue?
Black metal allows you to write about a lot of different things and in a lot of different ways. Our track Journey is more about an individual's life, the perception of life and realization. It also draws inspiration from our own lives. So that way we can still write a lot about personal issues with complete freedom. That is the beauty of Black metal.
Recently, in the news, there have been reports about gang rapes and the way that women are second or third class citizens in India. What is your view of this situation? Do you think that Indian men have their minds polluted with sexist ideas? I think that this is certainly the case in the U.S., with patriarchal, sexist, homophobic, gender-specific ideas. Here in the U.S., some studies say that 1 in 5 women (others say, 1 out of 4) women is sexually assaulted. It's appalling. Do you find that people in India are very angry and frustrated with this situation where rape happens a lot. I have read some people call Dehli the "rape capital" of India? Do your sisters, mothers and girlfriends feel safe to walk at night in Mumbai? In U.S. city streets women do not feel safe at night, not safe enough to walk alone without any concern, I think.
Yes. It won’t be incorrect if Delhi is called the rape-capital of India now. The women feel absolutely unsafe in the city at night. Although its a small number of sick people, the number is substantial in that city.
The situation isn't the same all across the country. Mumbai, for example is many times safer than Delhi, where you have a far lesser count of sick demented people and the city has been brought up in such a way that you will always have a lot of people who will stand up for you, if you are in a crisis situation.
Finally, for people reading this interview and who are interested in your music, what can they do to support your band?
Although we've been around for quite sometime, we feel Cosmic Infusion is just getting started and have a long way to go. We would love to have a lot of metalheads from all over the world with a similar liking for music and thought process be a part of this journey as we evolve as a band and as a unit. Do buy our debut EP, we are quite proud to have it and do try to come down for our shows. We keep people updated about the band on www.facebook.com/CosmicInfusion or on www.twitter.com/Cosmicinfusion
And we would love to hear from anybody who wants to get in touch with us on cosmic.infusion.india@gmail.com
Thanks for having this fantastic interview. Cheers and good luck to you! THE END.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
black metal from India: Cosmic Infusion: interview, part 1
Cosmic Infusion (India)
Cosmic Infusion interview part 1.
Symphonic, melodic black metal formation Cosmic Infusion’s recording simply titled “Cosmic Infusion” impresses for its professionalism in the songwriting, for being memorable and good for headbanging. After hearing the music, it was only logical to get in contact with them to reveal the secrets of Cosmic Infusion. Now, dear reader, it’s your turn, if you like symphonic, melodic black metal, don’t be a stranger and get in touch with them and show them your support. They want your support! Cosmic Infusion wants you to join them on the black metal quest to the galaxies!
www.facebook.com/CosmicInfusion
www.twitter.com/Cosmicinfusion
cosmic.infusion.india@gmail.com
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Greetings! Your black metal, songwriting and a bit of melody makes Cosmic Infusion a pleasurable listen.
Thank you and really glad that you liked the release. Appreciate it!
Can you explain something about the members of the band? On the EP there's a session drummer listed and I have seen videos on the internet with a drummer. What is the current situation with that? Is Nandan is a real person or a fancy way of saying drum programming?
Cosmic Infusion is Sushan (Vocals/Keys), Amnish (Guitars), Amey (Bass Guitar) and Nakul(Guitars). All the members in the band have been part of the Indian underground music scene for more than a decade now, playing for different bands like Infernal Wrath (Sushan, Amnish) and Infinite Redemption (Amey, Nakul).
Haha, yeah, Nandan is a real person and all the drums on the EP have been played by him and are live. Nandan played with us for about a year and a half, but has personal commitments to fulfill, which is why he would not be able to continue with the band. So right now till we find the right percussionist, we'll be playing live with recorded/programmed drums because we need to keep the momentum going since the band is doing quite well right now.
Cosmic Infusion was formed in 2003 in Mumbai, but the EP has come in 2013. What has happened in those 10 years? How you do remember that the state of metal music in India was different in 2003? Are you happy to release the EP finally!
Yes. We were originally formed in 2003 (with founding members Sushan and Amnish). But gradually disintegrated around 2007 with the original vocalist not being able to continue, followed by some of the members joining another band Infernal Wrath as full time musicians. But eventually around end 2011, the band was decided to be put together and with an intense search for musicians, early 2012 Cosmic Infusion was reformed. And, yes, it feels great to finally have the EP out now and as a proof of all the hard work that has been put in.
Around 2000/03, Indian metal scene was extremely small, with most of the bands having a set dominated by covers with about 1 or 2 originals thrown in. Having good venues was probably the biggest challenge which still remains right now, but the situation is much better than back then. And probably getting good equipment was also difficult with everything being either difficult to find or being extremely expensive.
Now that you’re back in action, what are your plans for 2013/14? Is there music written but not yet recorded?
The rest of 2013 will be spent in promoting the release and playing as many shows as possible, while we continue to write new material and a positive search for a good label. Hopefully around end 2014 we should have most of the new material written, although we do not force ourselves to write new music and let the music come more naturally.
Yes, there is some music written and the next release will be mostly more elaborate in terms of composition, arrangement and also in terms of the soundscape. The writing process is taken care of by the entire band. There is always someone who comes with a concept or a riff and everything is built around it. Its a fantastic process, its almost like you've been given this huge canvas to paint on and has endless possibilities with what you do with it.
How have metalheads in Mumbai reacted to your EP?
The reaction has been fantastic in Mumbai. There was much anticipation related to the release since it’s been a long time coming. And thankfully everybody has quite loved the release with good messages coming not only from Mumbai but also from all over India.
We have an average of about 2 shows every 3 months. But with the release out we have quite a few shows lined up, so hopefully we'll have a good year this time around with a few shows lined up in Mumbai and few shows at different cities like Hyderabad, Pune, etc.
When I listen to "Acronycal Éloge" I sense the objective of a cinematic, epic, symphonic black metal. What sort of mental images did you have for this song: symphonies? epic movies? intergalactic travel? How did you guys envision the keyboards for Cosmic Infusion?
'Acronycal Éloge' is about a profane ritual conducted at an unholy time. So it is imagined to sound powerful, huge and dark at the same time and has to try to walk you through a few phases of the ritual through the song. Which is also what we do with all our writing. Instead of putting everything out there through the lyrics, we try to keep it a bit cryptic most of the times and try to have the music take you through the story as we imagine it.
The element of symphonies is a big added advantage for us since it opens up a big spectrum with itself and it helps us portray the music perfectly well with the story of the song.
It’s fantastic and we are really glad that you talked about symphonies, epic stories and even inter-galactic travel because these were the basis of the tracks on the EP. Each track has its own story and concept. For example, Gothika is about a village which the rest of the world doesn’t know about (It is inspired by an actual place close to where we live, where we used to spend a lot of time when the song was originally being written). “Crepheus” is a celestial body born through the black hole and track describes its flight through space. “Burial” is about a gathering of an entire army on the battlefield. And “Journey” is about your own journey through the forests, the hills, your perception of the universe and about realizations.
The stories themselves are such that they demand a specific type of sound and arrangement. So visualizing the songs helps us a lot to put the entire song together.
What about "Burial of Thy Own," how many different people are there on vocals? Have you decided if this is an element that will be a major aspect of your music: the traditional singing? I get the impression that you are still exploring whether to go all the way with the use of traditional singing within a melodic, symphonic black metal context?
All the vocals, including the screeches, the growls and the cleans on the EP have been done by our vocalist Sushan. With Nakul providing the backing vocals at some parts. We quite like the traditional singing, since again it opens up a big plethora of options in terms of vocal composition.
Well, we don’t really hold anything back when it comes to either vocal composition or the rest of the music composition, which is probably why you might find quite a lot of influences from various genres of music. And yes, there is a lot of traditional singing on the newer tracks as well. But we use it only where we find it necessary and make the parts more powerful. But again yes, the newer tracks might have a lot of traditional singing on them.
Monday, August 19, 2013
finest melancholy: Autumnblaze (Germany)
Autumnblaze (Germany): “Every Sun Is Fragile”
While the knowledgeable are aware that Autumnblaze has changed in sound a lot over the years, this review is exclusively about this album, without any regard whatsoever to their other output. “Every Sun Is Fragile” illustrates more than convincingly why Autumnblaze masters the art of the melancholic sound. They sound like miserable souls, but they are so good at it, that the music is simply catchy. The vibe, the spirit, the feeling, on here might perhaps be similar, for some people, to what they imagine when they think of the melancholy, soul-searching, grey personality of latter-day Katatonia, or maybe The Smiths, or The Cure. Possibly, more accurately, Autumnblaze is melodic, melancholic, alternative-ish, melodic doom dark rock.
“Depressive” and “solemn” are words commonly used to describe this music. I guess, that’s how we tend to hear this, but, just so you know, there is fun and joy in Autumnblaze. Of course, I hope that by now, it is clear that Autumnblaze requires some patience and effort on the part of the listener, especially the younger metal listener that wants “to thrash” and wants music to be “instant.” It is otherwise with Autumnblaze. If you would like something different from the thrash, heavy, grind, black and death metal destroying your hearing every day, then Autumnblaze could potentially be a major hit with you. This band might make you change the way you listen to music, too, depending on how willing you are to let Autumnblaze into the rotation of your music collection.
Here and there, Autumnblaze shows more of a metal edge, but overall, it is a relatively clean sound with singing, in the style of a “tortured soul.” Several songs are in German, while the majority is in English. No matter, really, sometimes the music sounds like metal, sometimes like “depressive” rock, often like both at the same time. It’s “rainy, cloudy weather” music; it is grey up in here as far the eye can see, and it is over 50 minutes of music. Most importantly, it is also an excellent album from beginning to end. Logically, “macho metal only” attitudes need not apply here. That type of person would not be able to handle Autumnblaze. That type of perspective would be scared to find out what feelings Autumnblaze will make them experience. So, then, how patient are you?
www.autumnblaze-kingdom.com
NEWS: underground tours: thrashers Power Trip; black metallers Helgardh
Power Trip
Texas powerhouse crossover outfit, POWER TRIP, has been confirmed to take part in one of the continent's best hardcore tours of the year this Fall.
Beginning October 4th, POWER TRIP will provide support for LA hardcore kingpins Terror on their massive North American headlining tour, the trek to forge a brutal clockwise path in North America all month. Throughout the trek additional acts including F**** Up, Counterparts, Vehement Serenade and more will provide additional support, including Code Orange Kids on the majority of the dates.
In more immediate news, POWER TRIP is set to storm Baltimore on a one-off performance at the A389 Summer Extinction event TODAY, Friday, August 16th alongside Ringworm, Municipal Waste, Full Of Hell, Noisem and Impalers. And next month they'll join the melee when Harm's Way, Homewrecker and labelmates Dead In The Dirt come through their home turf.
POWER TRIP Tour Dates:
8/16/2013 The Ottobar - Baltimore, MD The A389 Summer Extinction w/ Impalers, Noisem, Full Of Hell, Power Trip, Municipal Waste, Ringworm
9/13/2013 Sons of Hermann Hall - Dallas, TX w/ Harm's Way, Dead in the Dirt, Homewrecker
10/03/2013 The Spot - El Paso, TX
w/ Terror, F**** Up, Code Orange Kids:
10/04/2013 The Underground - Mesa, AZ [*no F***** Up]
10/05/2013 Che Café - La Jolla, CA [*no F***** Up]
10/06/2013 Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA
10/07/2013 Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
10/08/2013 Metro Operahouse - Oakland, CA
10/09/2013 Star Theater - Portland, OR
10/10/2013 El Corazon - Seattle, WA
10/11/2013 Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
w/ Terror, Counterparts, Code Orange Kids:
10/12/2013 Dickens - Calgary, AB
10/13/2013 Pawnshop - Edmonton, AB
10/15/2013 The Exchange - Regina, SK
10/16/2013 Theater Café - Winnipeg, MB
10/17/2013 Black Pirates Pub - Thunder Bay, ON
10/18/2013 The Jubilee Center - Sudbury, ON
w/ Terror, Counterparts, Code Orange Kids, Vehement Serenade:
10/19/2013 Wrongbar - Toronto, ON
10/20/2013 Ritual - Ottawa, ON
10/21/2013 Tulipe - Montreal, QC
10/22/2013 Salle Kirouac - Quebec City, QC
10/23/2013 The Kave - Bucksport, ME
10/24/2013 The Studio at Webster Hall - New York, NY [*no Vehement Serenade]
10/25/2013 The Token - Detroit, MI
w/ Terror, Counterparts:
10/26/2013 The Hideout - Omaha, NE
10/27/2013 Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO
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Helgardh
Killshot Management is proud to introduce the dominant force that will conquer North America. West Virginia black metallers Helgardh will perish their surroundings and entice the crowd to perverse in this outstanding extreme metal package. In October of 2013, bystanders should be sure to hide as this undying package journeys throughout the American lands.
Helgardh is comprised of the unique blend of ardent death metal and baleful black metal. Founded by guitarist and vocalist Famine in 2009, they have since been on a quest to disperse their somber and sickening message. Spewing words of the Occult and Satanism underneath technically written composition and rugged melodies, this band will become perpetual.
In 2013, Helgardh is releasing their debut 'The Black Flame Descent' through HPGD Productions. Mastered by Abigail Williams mastermind Ken Sorceron, the quality is superb but still holds that dreary resonance. With their sickening message, rough recordings and unorthodox message, this band will force an impression on you.
Indulge in the blasphemy that is Helgardh.
"Scourge of Fire" Tour dates :
October 9th - Boston, MA
October 10th - New York, NY
October 11th - Philadelphia, PA
October 12th - Pittsburgh, PA
October 13th - Cleveland, OH
October 14th - Kentucky
October 15th - Houston, TX
October 16th - Abilene, TX
October 17th - Phoenix, AZ
October 18th - Los Angeles, CA
October 21st - Seattle, WA
October 23rd - North Dakota
October 24th - Minneapolis, MN
October 25th - Des Moines, IA
October 26th - Indianapolis, IN
October 27th - Appalachia, WV
For more details please contact : management@killshotpr.com
Friday, August 16, 2013
Humiliation: "military death metal" from Malaysia
Humiliation (Malaysia)
Humiliation’s “military death metal” is all about traditional school dm, in the vein of Bolt Thrower. The songs are direct, no-nonsense heaviness. From 2009 until 2013, Humiliation has at least 8 EPs, albums and splits. Their 2013 album “Turbulence from the Deep” convinced me with one listen, and the rest of the time I just listen because it’s memorable. If you like classic-style death metal a lot, then Humiliation is for you. Anyway, in this interview, growler Bear Bee explains a bit about Humiliation and death metal in Malaysia, in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is a multicultural country of some 28 million people, with Malays, Chinese and Indians as the largest groups. The country’s constitution protects freedom of religion while Islam is the state religion. It is in this complex context that Humiliation plays death metal, as vocalist Bear Bee clarifies in this interview. FYI, all the relevant contact info is at the end of this conversation.
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Greetings! Can you please give some information about your band and the scene in Malaysia?
Hello, thanks for your interview, really appreciate. We are from Kuala Lumpur, capital city of Malaysia. It is located in Peninsular Malaysia. We do not play much in Malaysia, only 3 to 5 shows in a year. In Malaysia, we have small scene. The scene started in late 80’s with few bands like SilKhannaz, Brain Dead, Suffercation and Rator (to name a few). The progression of metal music is very slow here. Most of the old bands only have 1 or 2 albums since existence. By the way, there are too many gigs around here nowadays. We also have annual event in Malaysia called KLMetalCamp (KL means Kuala Lumpur). This year, Germany’s mighty Destruction played here in KLMetalCamp. DRI and Hate Eternal played last year. KLMetalCamp is organized by a metal community, so you can imagine the billings for this event, it is totally underground.
You make a new album every year, correct? How have you been able to do that?
We started in mid 2009 and release our first missile, mini cd ‘face the disaster’ with 4 tracks. After that, we never get exhausted to produce new tunes. We try to be uncommon bands in Malaysia. We target to produce at least one new release every year (ep / full length / split). For this year, we have 3 releases, 1 full album “turbulence from the deep” and 2 split 7” with Decrepitaph (USA) and Warmaster (Netherland), respectively. In Malaysia, lots of new band always pop-up like Succubus, Lavatory, Cruelty Division, Deathevoker and many more. It is good sign for Malaysia metal scene to grow. Yes, it is not easy to produce an album every year. We need to sacrifice lots of time. But we love it & we want to be like this, so it is not a big problem.
Here in the U.S. most metallers do not know much about Malaysia. How is the economy there? Can young people find jobs in Malaysia? Can the metal public in Malaysia pay for concerts? At metal concerts in Malaysia, is there also a diverse population, like Malaysia itself? Do Malays, Chinese and Indians go to the same shows?
Malaysia is a newly industrialized market economy. Lots of job vacancy here. Because of insufficient workers, most of the general labors come from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and Nepal. This happen because some of Malaysian young guys don’t want to work. The concerts here are also expensive. For example, Metallica will play in August and the cheapest ticket rm190 (USD57). The local shirt is affordable to buy but not the imported shirt, it is considered expensive. Yes, all races will go for the same show regardless what type of show, from Napalm Death to Loudness.
Is the style of the new album different from your first EP and album in 2009 and 2010? Do you think that Bolt Thrower and old death metal is your inspiration?
For us, we work the same way for 2009 EP & our first album in 2010. No major changes, we only improve in terms of sound/tone. We are abused by 90’s death metal and for sure Bolt Thrower is our main influence beside Benediction, Asphyx, Massacre and many more. Mudon and I (Bear Bee) listen to metal since late 80’s and we grow with evolution of metal music from thrash metal to grind core and death metal. Most of us in bands before, but previous bands are not so dedicated to produce own music and it is more to hobby activities.
The tradition for Humiliation, like Bolt Thrower, is lyrics about war, and war only. You call your music "military death metal," correct? Which war or wars do the lyrics for "Turbulence from the Deep" cover? How do you research this history? What was the situation for Malaysia during World War II?
Yes, we are military death metal band. All our lyrics are related to war, nothing other than war. Most of the lyrics are about World War II in our country and emergency period when communism’s conflict with government. We do the research especially about our country during World War II. Back in 1945, Tanah Melayu (the name before Malaysia) was invaded by Japanese and it begun when they first landed at Bachok, Kelantan. The song title “Bachok’s Invasion” in “Turbulence from the Deep” tells this story.
Is Bolt Thrower the perfect death metal growling, in Bear Bee's opinion?
The major influence for vocal style is Karl Willets. Of course, Martin van Drunnen crosses in the mind if we discuss about vocal style. Karl Willets and Martin Van Drunnen are the best death metal vocalist in the world. Their method of singing never changes & we like them so much.
What are the sick thoughts that motivate guitarists Asraf and Matt to write such heavy riffs? Do their neighbors hate them for practicing their guitars too loud?
Hahaha, they use headphones when playing guitars. Both of them are more into mid tempo death metal, so not a problem for them to create such riffs which perfectly fit with Humiliation’s music.
A lot of death metal bands in the West like to attack religion. Are there bands in Malaysia that write against Christianity or Islam? If a band writes against Islam, will that band have legal problems with the police and government?
In Malaysia, we have multi races. Malay & Indian, Chinese are the major race. And we are also live in multi religions society. We respect each religion and people from all races. This is our stand. We try not to involve with any religious confrontation. There are bands in Malaysia that write against Christianity and Islam. They have problem with police and government. It is hard to organize black metal show in here. We need to apply police permit if we want to organize show/concert/gig with proper authorization. I think you can imagine how tough to convince police department that the show will be in peaceful and harmony situation all the way from the beginning till the end.
For people reading this interview who want to find out more about Malaysian death metal, what are some bands that you think are good?
We have lot of potential newcomer death metal bands such as Succubus, Blood Legion, Lavatory, Cruelty Division and Purge The Arbitrator. They play great death metal and totally recommended!
Have you communicated with the other band called Humiliation, from Indonesia? They started after you.
We feel great that you know that we are the first one to use the word humiliation as band name. We never contacted those guys from Indonesia. Most of the metalheads got confuse by the name, but we didn’t care at all. People will know which band deserve the attention.
Last question, do you like the drum sound on your album? I hope next time the drums sound a bit louder and also more analog! Humiliation deserves a heavier, more brutal drum sound.
We realized the drum sound is not good enough for the real old school death metal. Definitely we will improve the drum sound in future releases. By the way, we will have 7” split with Obscure Infinity (Germany) under Brutal Art Records. The target release date is in October 2013 where we contribute 2 new tracks exclusive for this 7” split. Please visit our wbsite at www.humiliation.my & feel free to contact us at humiliationband@gmail.com. Our facebook support fanpage is www.facebook.com/humiliationmalaysiadeathmetal. Thanks & greetings from Malaysia. Death metal to the bones! THE END.
www.humiliation.my
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
fun with doom and gloom: Ephemeros (U.S.): “All Hail Corrosion”
Ephemeros (U.S.): “All Hail Corrosion”
Recently, I have been listening to Ephemeros a lot, and I have been wondering why that is. It could be that Ephemeros masterfully works funeral melodies and that is really all there is to it: Ephemeros has great melodies. This trait makes it very difficult to argue with the music, and very easy to agree with it. However, what could make you fall off your chair in confusion or make you wonder—when you hear this music—whether you and I are listening to the same band is: Ephemeros is as funeral doom as it gets. Three songs: about 14, 11 and 15 minutes, respectively.
“But funeral doom is so boring!,” correct? No, not correct! Ephemeros plays very slow throughout the complete album, yes, and the growling is low and slow, yes, and the slow heaviness is meant for stopping and smelling the roses, and for forgetting your fast, busy life. The riffs themselves are a journey to the places where plodding, tripped out heaviness meets up with melancholy and melody, and it all makes sense when Ephemeros puts it together. “So, it is actually fun?” You bet! Highly recommended for those who are seriously into funeral doom and the way heavy sounds.
What about if you think that you do not like funeral doom, but you would like to give a chance to some very good funeral doom?
Well, I will make you a deal, if you listen to the complete song “Stillborn Workhorse” two times on headphones, and if you do not hear the melodies, if all you hear is super slow growling, drumming and chugging riffs, then you can say that Ephemeros and funeral doom are not for you, period. But it’s necessary to listen with patience and willingness. Make no mistake: Ephemeros does have catchy music, but it is located in a grey, rainy huge cloud of gloom, as found in the Pacific Northwest. Portland, Oregon, to be exact, in this case. By the way, on YouTube someone (not me!) has actually posted the song “Stillborn Workhorse”!!
Just, you know, don’t be that person that listens for, like, 5 seconds, and then claims, “I don’t like it.” If a person only listens for a few seconds, then what the person is really saying is: “I don’t UNDERSTAND it.” That’s fine, but that’s a different matter altogether, having to do with an inability to concentrate, with a short attention span. www.facebook.com/Ephemeros
Thursday, August 8, 2013
more free grindcore music: Purify the Horror (U.K.)
more free grindcore music: Purify the Horror (U.K.)
Yesterday I told you about some free grindcore. Tonight I want to tell you about this free 12-song blasting rage that is Purify the Horror.
They wear pig masks and they are supposedly from Birmingham, England.
If they are from Birmingham, what are the chances that Shane Embury is involved? Isn't he involved in every grindcore band in the world?
Anyway, you will be happy to know that this recording sounds like garbage and this band appears to have no idea what a recording studio is. They also don't know how to tune their guitars. What is a note? Duh! They don't know, either!
They know only 2 things:
1. Scream
and 2. Play fast.
Say no more, that is all I need to know. I'm going to grab a glass of water right now and I'm going to drink that water. After that, I am going to form a mosh pit right here in my grandma's basement. I hope to sweat a lot and I hope that I do not get hurt slamming against the walls again. If I get hurt, it's ok. The hospital is nearby and I can limp pretty well, anyway.
www.facebook.com/pages/Purify-The-Horror/160598863968342
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
black metal from Africa: Barbaros: interview
Barbaros (Algeria)
Being a black metal in Africa has some particular problems, but Barbaros just keeps going despite the difficulties in Algeria. If you want to hear black metal the traditional way: fast and raw, then Barbaros will be very much a pleasure. In this interview Ayrod (guitars, vocals) answered the questions, including some questions that are uncomfortable for some people, like religion and Berber culture, which their lyrics focus on. Also, Barbaros has more than a few recordings, which deserve looking into, if you like black metal. Start right here www.facebook.com/truebarbaros and their email to stay in contact: barbaros666@hotmail.com. www.facebook.com/truebarbaros
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Barbaros used to be a one-person project, correct? How was the process of finding other metal musicians in Algeria to play black metal?
I was a one-man band for several times when I released albums like “My Blood for …Tamazgha ” or "Amalu N’ Zik”. In Barbaros project I was always looking for collaboration with different musicians, because is very difficult to find Metal musicians with Black Metal influences, so to play live I used to call some members from great Death and Black Metal Bands like Vomygore, Axxil, Satanachiia, Tenebrum, Orcus, Taddart or Djemharouche, but most of them are split!
What are some obstacles that you confront as a black metal band?
It’s very hard to manage and give a gig in these area, because of the difficulties in organizations and few support for Metal, there are very few place to play metal generally people don’t care about what we are wearing and it's total ignorance about Metal music.
Where do you rehearse/play live in Algeria and Africa?
We spend lot of times at home for rehearse, to prepare recording or for the very few opportunities to play live. Let me tell you, if the Metal scene not developed because people in Africa can’t think, music if still in famine and AIDS, how we get in touch with other bands in Africa without any labels or metal project in common!
What motivated you play traditional black metal?
Our first demo 2001 and in the track like “World of Darkness” the tempo is so fast with blast beat drum box. Of course, we have very variation in our music if you compare "Forest of Anger" and "Godoff," but we still trying to give the Black Metal atmosphere like back in the days of Immortal, Darkthrone or Mayhem, these bands which we want to looks like since our young age to forever or die ;-)
You have lyrics about Berber culture. What caused your interest in Berber themes? Some say that most Algerians are "Arabized Berbers" or "Arab-speaking Berbers." What is your view?
We love to listen to epic Black Metal bands, so I thought that if I can introduce some topic about Berber culture should be good idea and could be best way to show our identities and cultural background of our land!! But I was aware it that will not be easier, because of unknown history of North Africa, and lot of questions like yours, and you do it good to ask about this as like a confusion. And what subject are we talking about exactly? Two different languages, or two races of people? Or maybe more? You asking good questions and the answers are in our albums, so my advices to people who want to know more about the truth or some kind of real fictions (it's not like religion books) go on and buy our CD's ;-)
Do most Algerians prefer to think they are "Arabs," and "not Berbers"? Are Algerians in denial of their history, culture and language?
It is more than important for us, it is a cultural heritage and there is no way to forgotten our ancestor past, if we write it and spread it much as we can by music. I am sorry I will not give answers here, I am afraid to be wrong, till I have not a confirmation from a PhD student in history and sociology about this topic and hope comeback to you with some evidence. But if you want something similar, you can read about what happened to Indian or the Kurdish history to obtain a little idea about what "Berbers" mean also.
What is your view regarding religion’s function for the rich and powerful in Algeria? and in the U.S.?
My view is against the things that help to destroy my ancestral culture. Of course, anti-religion even I have said some stupidity in the past, as "I am Muslim because I was born Muslim," really?? It was written on my ass?? No sense!! Then a guy from "Legion of Death Productions" has cancelled trades that used to support our local bands, because of what I said! Really? Want support "Third World" underground metal scene!!! Whatever!!
Each people deserve his dictator, because the leader come always in the image of his people, or man was created by God, in his image, etc. (I don’t know where I got this stupidity XD)
USA in my point of view it’s like other planet or other world, you know, lot of people reduced the American people to WalMart supermarket, but I think there are lot of positive parts that Michael Moore want not show it in his documentaries, for example.
Do you consider yourselves religious? Here in the U.S. there are some "Christian metal bands".
I am not religious even I am trying little Buddhism way of life which for me it’s not religion at all.
I know some Christian black metal with good riffs, what do you want to tell you?? Some of them use Christianity to seduce people and introduce their message like racial forms or to save their culture by "white Jesus," but they don’t know it was black or some theories said he is from China, it’s not ironic XD.
What else would you like to tell us?
Thank you so much for your support, and I hope this interview will be published in many ways you want, because some people they don’t like what I said so they cancelled and don’t publish anything about us. And just one thing that I want inform our friends in the world that if Barbaros tour in Europe was cancelled because of some people which boycott our causes and misunderstand our messages. So what do you want to explain to people who confused us between Ben-laden and Satanic-warmaster?? THE END.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Vanessa Nocera, part 3 (of 3)
Vanessa Nocera, part 3 (of 3).
In parts 1 and 2, Vanessa gave an insight into the death metal of Skeletal Spectre, some biographical information and Razorback Records. Now, Vanessa explains her musical projects. I hope that you check it out because it’s a lot of music. I told you, she is a metal workaholic!
Can you explain a bit about all your musical projects, please? I understand that Howling is your newest musical project?
Vanessa: I’ll do this in a nutshell if I can, haha! SCAREMAKER (guitars/bass/vocals/songwriter/lyricist): I write all the music and some lyrics; it’s old-school death metal with black, thrash, and doom influences. It’s a horror-themed band and was on hiatus for a while, but now we are discussing the next album.
WOODEN STAKE (bass/vocals/lyricist) Two-piece death/doom band with Wayne Sarantopoulos and the theme of this band is generally Satanism, the occult, witchcraft, and the next album has some surprises ahead that I won’t disclose right now.
SKELETAL SPECTRE (All vocals/lyricist)
Swedish death/doom with lyrics centered on folklore and now Voodoo. I’m not on the first album as vocalist, but I wrote lyrics, created the concept for the cover artwork, and was executive producer. When Rogga heard my clean singing in WODEN STAKE he asked to join SKELETAL SPECTRE as the vocalist.
LOATHSOME (bass/lyricist/and now vocals)
I played bass on the demo and wrote some lyrics for it. I did not have a chance to record bass for the album because of moving and selling off gear, but I have a set of lyrics on the album, though I was not credited. The next release will be a new lineup with me doing some vocals this time.
ORLOFF (vocals/lyricist)
My alias in this band is Alucarda Bellows and I’m one of the vocalists in the band and I write lyrics. I’m hoping to see another release from ORLOFF either at the end of this year or early next year.
HOWLING (all vocals/all lyrics)
HOWLING is thrashy death metal with catchy riffs and amazing solos by guitarist Tony Proffer who writes all the music and performs all the guitar and bass. It’s the best-selling band on Razorback and probably now the most popular band I’m in. We’ve been featured in Rue Morgue magazine, Decibel, and HorrorHound.
CAULDRON BURIAL (all guitars/bass/all vocals/songwriter/lyricist)
Returning to my death/black metal days on this project which we will hopefully have a demo soon.
Is Loathsome still active? If so, what's going this year with it?
Vanessa: Yes, it’s still active, and like I said earlier, there are some new members. Will Greenwood is now on drums, Tony Proffer is the guitarist, I’m still the bassist, and now the vocals will be shared by me and a few other people including Nev who was the original vocalist. We’ve been working on a new EP, so we should have that available soon once the lyrics are written and the vocals are recorded.
Scaremaker, from the name, appears to be a horror metal band?
Vanessa: SCAREMAKER is definitely a horror band about movies, comics, and general horror worship; Hell, it’s named after a horror movie. I play all guitars, bass, and lead vocals. I write all the music and about half of the lyrics. We just repressed the debut album “What Evil Have They Summoned…” so that was a great feeling that the album did so well in a 2 and a half year span. There will definitely be a second full-length album from us REAL soon!
Finally, what about Wooden Stake? What is the situation with Wooden Stake?
Vanessa: Unfortunately, WOODEN STAKE has been on hold for too, too long. Wayne moved to California and started focusing on other projects and focusing on change in his personal life, so the band is kind of on hiatus. We’re discussing the future of the band more and more, and we actually have a release in the works, so there will be more news on that as time goes on. I’m always ready to work on new material, but things will eventually fall into place.
In total, how many instruments do you play?
Vanessa: I play guitar, bass, keyboards, accordion, harmonica, and of course, I sing. I have always wanted to be a drummer, but never put much time into learning. If I knew how to play drums I would probably never leave my studio, haha. Other instruments I would love to learn are to properly play piano and organ, violin, cello, and flute.
Vanessa, why do you think that death metal--the "extreme" genre, about not being "fake," and being "heavy" and "brutal" and all of these things---why is it that death metal bands are using fake drums or drum programming or sound replacement technology? It seems that only a minority of bands are using the sounds of the drums used in the studio, and instead we are receiving these perfectly robotized, clinically clicky drums. Who's to say that the drummer even played those notes, anyway? Are death metal drummers and musicians not getting upset about this situation in metal?
Vanessa: Well, I can’t say that I’m not on any recording where there are drum machines, but personally I would never write music to a drum machine and I would never have music that I wrote recorded over a drum machine. I can’t take much pride in that, I’m sorry to say. I like the sound of real drums and tethered bass drums and still stand behind what I’ve always said that drum machines sound too weak. With that being said, I can say that drummers that I have spoken to over the years have expressed their disdain toward drum machines and rightfully so. It’s like computers taking jobs away from people. The funny thing is though, real drummers are hard to find these days.
Metal people tend to be pretty proud about their music, and "integrity" and things like that. Yet, the metal listeners are bombarded with these albums that sound so plastic, from the drums to the vocal effects (some bands are going way overboard with the "monster"-like effects), that when a person sees this stuff live, it totally does not sound like the album. If you were the producer, what would you do differently to fix the current state of affairs? If you had the power to decide all these things.
Vanessa: That’s the thing, I am either one of the people or THE person in the throne of decision making on ANYTHING I’m involved in. I produce all of my albums and some of the albums on Razorback. Though I can’t mix and master music (I would love to learn, by the way), I let the person who is in charge of that know that I don’t like vocal effects and I don’t like too many flashy sounds on the guitar either, but I don’t mind it if the sounds can be translated through pedals on an amp.
OK, I will end here. Please give the relevant information for following what's going on with your musical endeavors! Thanks! I had a 1000 other things to ask you, but I don't want to give you a heart attack with all these questions.
Vanessa: Thanks for the interview! Ask as many questions as you want next time, haha! I have so many websites and a couple of youtube channels it’s probably easier for everyone to just look me up on facebook. I’m easy to find and I add everyone. I’ll leave a couple of links here:
http://www.razorbackrecords.com
www.razorbackrecords.com
www.youtube.com/RazorbackRecordings
http://razorbackrecordings.bandcamp.com/
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