Oceans of Slumber (review by Matt Spall)

[Our friend Matt Spall (U.K.) has written a review of Oceans of Slumber's most recent album. Matt can usually be found on Twitter talking about his reviews. See the link at the end of the review to catch up with Matt. ---MMB]

Artist: Oceans Of Slumber

Album Title: The Banished Heart

Label: Century Media

Date Of Release: 2 March 2018

“The last few years have been turbulent. When you have this mixture of a few very emotional and creative people, it gets shaky sometimes. Internal and family struggles were trying to rot us from the inside out. This new album is a reflection of those personal feelings.”

‘Love. Loss. Struggle. Surrender. The Journey. The End.’

Thus begins the third chapter in the history of Oceans of Slumber…

I have been aware of US metal band Oceans of Slumber since their debut, ‘Aetherial’. However, I really began to pay proper attention to them through their sophomore album, ‘Winter’, released two years ago to the very month. ‘Winter’ was a big step up from the debut but I still had reservations, commenting as follows within my review:

“The flow of the album could perhaps be better as the momentum of the record is slightly compromised in the mid-section. And thanks to the sheer variety and willingness to experiment, the cohesiveness of the record is frequently tested.”

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed ‘Winter’, finally concluding:

“…there are far more positives than negatives to take from ‘Winter’, to the point where I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this album to anyone who will listen to me.”

It is safe to say then, that I have been looking forward to Oceans of Slumber’s third full-length for some time. The Texan-based quintet comprised of vocalist Cammie Gilbert, guitarists Anthony Contreras and Sean Gary, bassist Keegan Kelly and drummer Dobber Beverly, have drip-fed us with information over the past few months, suggesting via the quote above and others, that ‘The Banished Heart’ would be an album fuelled and inspired by raw emotions close to the band members. The somewhat dark and striking cover artwork further underlined this stance and I, alongside many other admirers, became ever-more intrigued as to how the final product would sound.

Thankfully, we need to wait no longer as the release of ‘The Banished Heart’ is upon us. And true to the accompanying quotes and the artwork, this record looms over us all like a hulking, malevolent swathe of anger, frustration, darkness and despair. Naturally, as a result, ‘The Banished Heart’ is not an easy or a straightforward listen. However, as far as I’m concerned, it is most definitely a rewarding experience, out of which comes beauty both in terms of the music itself and through the small shoots of positivity, hope and resolve that peek through the gloom, hinting at the first stage of repair for damaged souls.

It remains the case, much like with ‘Winter’, that ‘The Banished Heart’ will divide opinion, and quite markedly too. There are already those that have declared their general malaise and dislike for the extreme metal outfit, whilst others have lapped up the first few tracks released to the world, cementing their love for the band without even hearing this album in full. Having lived with ‘The Banished Heart’ for a week or more, I have no qualms in placing myself in the latter group, the group that sees something rather special in Oceans of Slumber.

First and foremost, ‘The Banished Heart’ is another big step up for the band. The songs are smoother, more mature and simply stronger all round. The same goes for the individual performances too. It goes without saying that Dobber Beverly is a monster behind the drum kit and that vocalist Cammie Gilbert is a unique and captivating vocalist. But Oceans of Slumber are more than a duo; the guitar work is excellent on this record on account of the fact that the riffs are more powerful and impactful and the tones are wonderful, be they in full-on crunch mode or delivering something more delicate and nuanced. Even the bass, usually the least noticed instrument in heavy metal circles, can be heard producing some glorious sounds at the lower end of the register.

What I like best about Oceans of Slumber, apart from the way that they wear their hearts on their sleeves – or in this case, in their hands, outstretched – is that they are truly unique. I could reference a hundred bands in an attempt to describe the music on ‘The Banished Heart’, everyone from My Dying Bride, to Paradise Lost, to Opeth, to Enslaved, to Katatonia. However, it would simply be easier to say that Oceans of Slumber sound like Oceans of Slumber.

Within the eleven songs on this record, the quintet cover some ground, moving effortlessly from death metal climes (‘Etiolation’), to black metal (‘At Dawn’), to thrash (‘A Path To Broken Stars’), to doom, to prog and back again. The five musicians are also able to release themselves from the pull of metal on occasion, and explore different sonic tapestries, with ambient and jazz being the most apparent. It all culminates in a rich, colourful, demanding and thoroughly absorbing listen. The raw emotions that cut through the material also make it a tough, uncomfortable and disturbing experience at times but the honesty makes the album that much stronger.

At nearly 65 minutes in total, ‘The Banished Heart’ is a weighty tome, and does little to make the experience any easier for the unwitting listener. Arguably there are a couple too many songs on the record and there’s a case to be made for a slight edit. However, when I think about it, it’d be tough to identify which songs should be culled, such is the consistency of the music.

Opening track ‘The Decay of Disregard’ is a stonking track, a real statement of intent and a portent of things to come. It is both slow and ponderous, and fast-paced with a melody that comes alive after a few spins, led by the smooth and sensitive voice of Gilbert. The doom metal plod, led by superb riffs from guitarists Anthony Contreras and Sean Gary, battles with moments of full-on power to great effect, enhanced by the brutal drumming of Beverly, who hits warp speed at times. But it is the emotion of Cammie Gilbert’s voice that takes the music to the next level. Defiant yet fragile, she conveys so much with effortless conviction; it is truly a beautiful thing to hear.

The intro to ‘Fleeting Vigilance’ is pure modern-day Katatonia before a savage male growl rips through the heart of the song. The shifts between light and shade, heavy and soft are excellent, leading to a sprawling composition that belies its relatively short length. The bass of Keegan Kelly within the minimalist sections catch my ear, whilst the song ends with a wonderfully eloquent lead guitar solo which is more about expressing emotion through well-chosen notes than shredding at a million miles an hour.

The title track sits at the number four slot and it is easily a personal favourite. Full of rich, symphonic melodies, it is the perfect vehicle for Cammie Gilbert to entrance and beguile us with her silky smooth delivery one minute and her explosive power the next. The track itself dials down the heaviness for large parts, sounding more like a dark and twisted lullaby at times. In spite of this, it remains an intense listen due to the inherent sadness within the lone piano sections, the lyrical content and the theatrical, cinematic construction, particularly at the song’s death.

By contrast, ‘Howl of the Rougarou’ offers a stark change of pace, with an acoustic guitar and vocals the only instruments at the outset, filtered through a deliberately grainy production. Normal service is resumed in the second half via well-constructed brutal intensity, but it’s another demonstration of the willingness of Oceans of Slumber to experiment.

Arguably the best moment on ‘The Banished Heart’, however, is reserved for the penultimate track, in the form of the exquisite ‘No Color, No Light’. Featuring guest vocals from the peerless Tom Englund of Evergrey, it is the most melodic and anthemic song on the record, almost ballad-like in tone and pace. As good as the whole band is here, this song is all about the vocals. Gilbert and Englund work beautifully together, creating fireworks and sending shivers down my spine frequently. However, the guitar note that thunders and resonates at the 3:07 mark, followed by Cammie’s heartfelt pleadings and Englund’s sensationally emotional response ensure that this has to be one of the very best individual songs of 2018 so far, maybe longer. It is a magical moment, simply magical.

I could go on, but by now, I think you get the idea and you fully understand how much I like this record. I had hoped that Oceans of Slumber might improve upon ‘Winter’, but the reality is that they have produced something better in just about every aspect. Fuelled by dark and raw emotion it may have been, but in ‘The Banished Heart’, these negative emotions have given birth to something hugely positive, uniquely challenging, and incredibly beautiful.

The Score Of Much Metal: 9.5

OCEANS OF SLUMBER - The Decay Of Disregard (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

twitter.com/ManOfMuchMetal?lang=en

interview: Absque Cor

Absque Cor is a one-person black metal entity from Poland. In view of the new album Wędrówkę Haniebnie Zakończyć on Godz ov War Productions, we decided to investigate more about the album and the musician behind the project. After the interview below, check out the album at the link at the bottom.

Hello. Where in Poland are you?

Hi there, since I was born, I’ve lived in Mielec. It is a small city with half of its surface occupied by factories and warehouses. I have a place to earn money for playing at least, and there are some forests to wander, too.

What do you think about your life in Poland?

Despite some situations in which I was threatened or beaten because of long hair/chains by some ‘hooligans’ many years ago, I can’t really complain. Maybe it was still easier for me anyway because, as I heard from my older friends, years back it was more difficult.

Is this Absque Cor’s first album?

Yes, this is Absque Cor’s first release, but there was a one single recording which I did before Absque Cor (as myself only), yet it was a completely different concept, so I gave it up.

How did Absque Cor begin?

This solo project began when a part of me, while in a band with Marcin and Piotr from Preludium, thought that we had no motivation to work on that matter, and I decided to do something on my own. I started writing music for Absque Cor in early 2015, and recorded it by the end of that year.

How long have you been playing musical instruments? Do you play other instruments like violin, flute, saxophone or piano?

I started to play guitar like eight years ago, but I don’t think I can play this or another instrument. I have never attended any music school, all the music theory that I know I actually learned in primary school, and I don’t want to be disrespectful towards people who know and can do more than me. I tried drums, keyboard/synthesizer, cymbals, Jew's-harp, but all I know are just the basics, and it takes me some time to play what I want properly. I’d like to learn saxophone, but I don’t know if I will ever have enough money and some place for practice.

Do you play drums on the recording?

No, it is a program, but I spent a lot of time making it as sound human as possible, and as I can.

How long have you been writing metal music? What attracted you to black metal?

In mid 2011, I joined some forming deathcore band from my town so I don’t know if I can call it metal, haha. Anyway, my first pure death metal band was started in 2012, I think, and it disbanded after three years, when I started Absque Cor (I mentioned it earlier). At first, what attracted me to black metal was its fastness and darkness, and I got to appreciate the atmosphere, too. One of my first favourites was Burzum’s ‘Hvis Lyset Tarr Oss’, Poland’s MasseMord’s ‘Let The World Burn’, Summoning’s ‘Stronghold’, Silencer’s ‘Death Pierce Me’, Shining I-V… I think Psychonaut 4 were releasing their first demo ‘40%’ at the time, Antimatter released ‘Leaving Eden’ (not black metal, but I think it did leave a mark on me). The thing is I started to listen to black metal when I started to listen to heavy music at all. I got just moments when I liked other types of metal more, but nowadays I listen almost only to black metal (except for some really good death metal bands or bands with a style you can’t really describe). I don’t listen to any other metal or rock at all, even thrash metal which some years ago I liked the most.

How does the first song “Jeden księżyc wciąż wskazuje” serve as an introduction to the album? Is it one of the first songs that you wrote? What inspired the lyrics?

Actually, it’s the second song I’ve ever written, but meant to be the first from the very beginning. I don’t want to tell what’s behind the lyrics exactly. This is a thing in this album’s lyrics that it won’t tell you straight what’s going on, I can only give you some hints and you must think for yourself. Just like with poor human beings. Every song is written to render some periods of my life, lyrics are feelings/observations from me about these periods.

How many guitars are there on “Jeden księżyc wciąż wskazuje”?

Back in 2015, when I started to compose the whole album, I was not too experienced at creating songs at all, and I still am not. “Wędrówkę Haniebnie Zakończyć” was written for one guitar, with only moments with another one. I tried to make up for it with a varied bassline. I think the future will bring more interesting guitar play.

Is that an acoustic guitar at the beginning of “To co w człowieku nieuniknione”? The song also has a quiet moment in the middle. Towards the end, is that an acoustic guitar, too? The song has several changes in mood. With a song like this one, with an ambitious vibe, how quickly does it come together?

Yes, I used a Gibson acoustic guitar (I don’t remember the model, sorry), which I borrowed from Wojciech Dobrzański (Husar Guitars) who has also made my electric guitar. What you ask about composing, I would say that’s matter of inspiration, or mood. I remember that I wrote ‘Zdecyduj więc sam, którą wybierzesz drogę’ in about 6 hours, without any breaks, and I changed like two moments only after all.

Where does the third song “Zdecyduj więc sam, którą wybierzesz drogę” fit in the big picture of the album?

I can tell you this is song about a thing completely destroying people gathered around, for the prize of nothing at all.

Of course, “Do niezbawienia” closes the album. It's a shorter song and maybe the easiest song to understand. Why did you choose this track to wind down the album?

I think it is all in the lyrics when you decide to have a closer look. Every song was written and meant for a specific place on the album, and from the very beginning I was more or less sure what I wanted to achieve.

How has the process of learning to record your own music been for you? Have you had to learn all by yourself, maybe watching YouTube videos?

No, I learned it all by myself. Everything I learned in my life is from mistakes I’ve made and I don’t say that I didn’t make them recording wise. It was the first time ever I’d tried to record guitars live, first time of semi-professional mix and mastering, and first time of making vocals like that.

Is the picture of Vos on Metal Archives correct?

Yes, I think it’s me, but I would like it not to.

All your songs are in Polish? Do you know if there are good translations of your lyrics online?

When thinking first about the structure of the album, I was thinking of making some 20 minute EP with English lyrics. You can hear what I made in the end, so I would say that being honest is one of music’s strongest effects on me, so I did everything as honestly as I could, and very intuitively. I think that these are simple lyrics which Google Translate can handle.

Absque Cor is an anonymous entity. Why? Controversial political views and support? Misanthropy?

I think that there is no party in this world which claims to kill every human being, so I think no, Absque Cor do not support anyone and anything except despise for people. I don’t want to give straight answers, just like with music. I am a human too after all, and if someone really needs to know my full name, they can find me online by doing some research and using their intelligence. It isn’t really hard, and I don’t even try to hide it particularly hard.

What is the future of Absque Cor? Is there more music on the way?

Yes, when Greg accepted Absque Cor on his label, I started to write music for the next album. Unfortunately, I don’t know when I will finish it, but there will be another release. This time it will be a band which some people asked me to form with before the release of Absque Cor. Of course, there will be a release if there is someone who wants to release it.

Are you on Facebook? How can people support your music?

I only have a personal account which serves me with information about music, gigs and a little contact. Personally, I don’t need any support from anyone except my label, so it’s clear that the best way to support Absque Cor is to support Godz ov War. I also have a Bandcamp page with a large contact button, so you can send me every shit you like.

Thank you for your time!

Thanks for your interest and good will.

absquecor.bandcamp.com

NEWS: new black metal album by Ifernach

Friends into black metal,

Here are some news from Nekrart Productions and its latest release by Ifernach.

Nekrart Productions released the new Ifernach album, entitled "Gaqtaqaiaq". Standard jewel case CD + 12 pages full colour booklet. Ifernach has returned with its new album «Gaqtaqaiaq»! This Gaspesian (Quebec) savage metal band’s style is further defined with this new opus, oscillating between traditional black metal, melodic and epic parts, atmospheric passages and other more “instinct” and “punk” driven tracks. The native theme still has the spotlight here, with lyrics screamed in French with hints of Mi'kmaq. Original and deeply reclaiming what once was, MÉTAL SAUVAGE GASPÉSIEN.

«Gaqtaqaiaq is native title, 100% french lyrics, and presented in english. It would be a shame to ignore our partners in battle against the British. My first language was English. It is with so much pride and joy that I can write in French, especially for this native pride music release. Since every legend book and Miqmaw stories are written in English, I would say this music release is rebelling against it.»

Tapes/cassettes : Les Productions Hérétiques CD with full color 12 pages booklet : Nekrart Productions Bandcamp: streaming, no purchase for now.

This is the soundtrack of the land I was born, the land I grew up on, and the land where I will probably die. I am the son of your schools, religions and your perfect citizen model program. You failed in teaching me the world you built for me, you made me a total ignorant idiot. But the voice of the forest was getting too loud, and impossible not to hear. Ifernach is not in any way related to any political movement, nor native groups fighting for rights, nor any specific tribe or reserve around the coast. This world is rotten to the core. The dawn land will rise, only with pride and traditions.

Ifernach

Gaqtaqaiaq

March 28th, 2018

Nekrart Productions

1. ➳ 01:01

2. Extinction 03:44

3. Coeur boréal et païen 03:23

4. ↟ ↟ ↟ 01:19

5. Le vent et la mer 03:36

6. Naufragés 06:24

7. Elle danse avec la mort 02:50

8. Un matin fénien 03:19

9. Métal sauvage gaspésien 03:51

total time 29:27

nekrart.com/en/shop/cds/ifernach-gaqtaqaiaq-cd/

ifernach.bandcamp.com/album/iv-gaqtaqaiaq

facebook.com/gespegewagi/

Friday night: Excuse All the Blood

Listen to the live broadcast right now, Friday night:
radiofreeamerica.com/station/kaos

Excuse All the Blood is a metal music show from the state of Washington, U.S. The show features black metal, heavy metal, death metal and other metal genres, too. The show is on Friday nights, but it is also available any time here: www.radiofreeamerica.com/dj/seamus-o-reilly
Friday night, 10pm to 1am Pacific Time (Seattle), listen to Excuse All the Blood metal music, out of Olympia, Washington state, U.S.

www.kaosradio.org
www.twitter.com/EATBRadio?lang=en

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 30, 2018

Friends in the state of Washington,

Is there a metal music show in your area that is not listed in this calendar? Does your local metal band have a show coming up and is not listed here? Is your band's name spelled incorrectly? Are the dates wrong? If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin zine.

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 30, 2018

March 31 Obscurus Infestus: Simulation Theory, Kihalás, Nick Superchi, others (about 12 performances) at Obscurus, Everett, WA

March 31 Dominus Nox, Battle Axe Massacre, Rat King at Erebus, Kelso, WA

March 31 Effluvia, Disease, Snake, Bummer at Georgetown Liquor Company, Seattle, WA

March 31 Year of the Cobra, Kal-El, Wizzerd, Witch Ripper at Substation, Seattle, WA

March 31 Drug of Choice, Method 13, Helles at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

April 2 Ross the Boss, Ethan Brosch, Old James at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 3 Darkness Stole the Sky, Echo Muse, others at Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA

April 5 Noceur, ION, Serpent Sun at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 5 Villains of the Story, Deadships, We Gave It Hell, Anchor Point, Jesus Wears Armani at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 6 Witchaven, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand, Carnotaurus at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 6 Nightwish at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

April 7 Black Sun Moon, Beyond the Woods, Tetrachromat, The Circus In Your Town at Hard Rock Café, Seattle, WA

April 7 ReEvolution, Glass Cannons, ApHelion, Lungs, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

April 7 Pacific Northwest Death Fest: Dismembering Mary, Time Spent, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 8 Metal Yoga at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 8 Witchaven, Oxygen Destroyer at Erebus, Kelso, WA

April 9 Falsifier, Extortionist, Born A New, Mothersound, 2Klix, Time Spent at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

April 12 The Devils of Loudun, Neck of the Woods, Weaponlord at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 13 Neck of the Woods at Real Art, Tacoma, WA

April 13 Dead Crown, Avoid, Dead Lakes, For the Likes of You, Marrowstone, As Pillars Fall at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 13 Profane Order, Hissing, Putrid Temple, others at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 14 Neck of the Woods at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 14 Summer Slaughter 2018 Official Showcase, Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 14 Crazy Train (Ozzy), Priest Unleashed (Priest) tributes at The Heavy Metal Brewing Co., Vancouver, WA

April 14 Theories, Burials, Spacebag, Impulse Noise at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 15 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 15 Judas Priest, Saxon, Black Star Riders at ShoWare Center, Kent, WA

April 15 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 15 Vesuvian, others at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

April 16 Black Star Riders, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 17 Sirenia, Threat Signal, Valinor Excelsior, Graveshadow at Studio, Seven, Seattle, WA

April 18 Slaughter to Prevail, Vultures Above Us, Scourged, Black Sun Moon at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 19 Windhand, Ruby the Hatchet, Un at Neumos, Seattle, WA

April 19 X Suns, Tetrachromat, You May Die in the Desert, others at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 20 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 20 Gigan, Sunless at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 20 Tetrachromat, Die Like Gentlemen, Marv at the Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 20 Blood and Thunder, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Odyssian at Obscurus, Everett, WA

April 20 Xoth, Ghostblood, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 21 Rat King, Effluvia, Whythre at Erebus, Kelso, WA

April 21 Tetrachromat, others at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

April 25 Year of the Cobra, Mos Generator, Destroyer of Light, Kybetox at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

April 27/28 The Tony V's Hybrid Festival: Jesus Wears Armani, The War Within, Silent Theory, Massacre at the Opera, Casualty of God, After the Fallout, Noctium, Chamber 6, others at Tony V's, Everett, WA

April 28 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA

May 1 The Convalescence at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 1 Savage Master, Bewitcher, Substratum, 1967 at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 1 Carnifex, Oceano, Winds of Plague, Archspire, Spite, Buried Above Ground, Shadow of Intent, Widowmaker, Dismembering Mary at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 4 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

May 4 December in Red, Emanon, others at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

May 4 Morbid Angel, Origin, Dreaming Dead, Hate Storm Annihilation at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 5 Wet Temple, Down the Scope, After the Fallout, Simulation Theory, Skiz Dizzard at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

May 5 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA

May 10 Weaponlord, others at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

May 12 Whythre, Born Without Blood, Effluvia, Orator, ShizerDome at Obscurus, Everett, WA

May 12 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Swinomish Casino, Anacortes, WA

May 13 Soulfly, Nile, After the Fallout, Devilation at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 13 Silent Scream, Madrost at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 16 Satyricon, Inquinok, Voidthrone at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 16 Tyr, Orphaned Land, Ghost Ship Octavius, Aeternam, Blood and Thunder at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 17 Cough, Grime, Serial Hawk, Isenordal at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 18 ApHelion, Whythre at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 18 Noceur at Make.Shift, Bellingham, WA

May 19 Hells Bells at The Point Casino, Kingston, WA

May 19 No One Lives, Three Chord Killer, Bacon Grenade, Religicide at Anchor Pub, Everett, WA

May 22 Obituary, Pallbearer, Skeletonwitch, Dust Bolt at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 Texas Hippie Coalition, Kobra and the Lotus, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 The Black Dahlia Murder, Homewrecker, The Convalescence at The Pin, Spokane, WA

May 24 Bat, Midnight, Wormwitch at El Corazón, Seattle

May 24 Tetrachromat, Designer Disguise, Hexengeist, Pill Brigade at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 25 Arisen from Nothing, Salem Knights, Massacre at the Opera, Damn the Flood at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 26 D.R.I., Deathwish at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 26 Anvil, Shadowside, Skelatoer at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 26 Hemlock, Sevidemic, Lost Eye Dentity, Prophets of Metal, The War Within at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 28 Power Trip, Sheet Mag, Fury, Red Death at Neumos, Seattle, WA

May 31-June 2 Northwest Terrorfest at Neumos, Barboza, Highline, Seattle, WA

June 2 Insomnium, Anthrocene, ApHelion at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 2 Battle for Mordor: Blood and Thunder, ReEvolution, Odyssian, Oxygen Destroyer, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

June 2 Born Without Blood, Jugs of Blood at Philip Stengel Presents, Aberdeen, WA

June 4 Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 4 Primitive Man, Addaura, Isenordal, Doom Lit Sky at Mootsys, Spokane, WA

June 5 Sleep, Bell Witch at The Showbox, Seattle, WA

June 5 Black Tongue, Traitors, Dismembering Mary, Monsters Among Gods at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 6 Devastation on the Nation: Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, Disentomb, Arkaik, Venom Prison, Vale of Pnath, Primordial Atrocity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 HammerFall, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 14 Queensrÿche at Clearwater Casino, Suquamish, WA

June 15 Filth; Insvrgence; Loser; I, Detest at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 15 The Accused AD, Effluvia, Dilapidation at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

June 15 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Union Square, Longview, WA

June 16 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Louie G’s, Fife, WA

June 16 Bitter End, Coven, Accused AD at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 16 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest III: Infernal Legion, Thou Shall Kill, Cryptic Enslavement, When The Broken Burn, Divide Paths, Helles, Shred Bundy, Whythre, Voidthrone, At Home In Hell, ApHelion at Erebus, Kelso, WA

June 16 Noceur, Xoth, Blood and Thunder, DTI at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

June 18 Voidthrone, Grave Gnosis, Skulsyr, DTI at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

June 21-25 Thirst for Light V festival: Addaura, Alda, Isenordal, Void Omnia, many, many others in Raymond, WA

June 24 Will Haven, Heiress, Into the Storm, Old Iron at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 28 Krallice, Wayfarer, Addaura at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 30 UADA, Wolvhammer, The Black Moriah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 6 I Am Morbid, After the Fallout at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

July 7 Crimson Guardian, Morbid Fascination, others at Erebus, Kelso, WA

July 7 Glass Canons, Wet Temple, Tetrachromat, Anyarez Rockz at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

July 13&14: WADM Metalfest at Erebus, Kelso, WA: Cursed, Oxygen Destroyer, Hang the Kode, Battle Ace Massacre, Inside Defiance, Crüd Güns, Simulation Theory, Noose; Aggression, Violent Hallucinations, Antiform, Hyborian Rage, Pre Embalmed, Dilapidation, After the Fallout, Trojan Swamp Monster

July 14 Queensrÿche at Lucky Eagle Casino, Rochester, WA

July 20 The Backyard Festival:After the Fallout, others Louie G’s Pizza, Fife, WA

August 19 Alice Cooper at Angel of the Winds, Everett, WA

August 20 Powerglove, Xoth at El Corazón, Seattle, W

August 24 Slayer, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament, Napalm Death at White River Ampitheatre, Auburn, WA

September 4 The Exploited, Total Chaos at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

September 8 Effluvia, Oxygen Destroyer, Disease at Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA

September 15 Northwest Tribfest at Historic Everett Theater, Everett, WA: tribute bands Dr. Crue, Infinity Project (Journey), Blistered Earth (Metallica), Second Sting (Scorpions), Almost Human (Kiss)

September 20 Amorphis, Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

October 3 Graham Bonnet Band, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 2 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

November 10 Dilapidation, Oxygen Destroyer, Effluvia, Drawn and Quartered at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

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metalbulletin.blogspot.com

Metal Bulletin Zine

P.O. Box 1339

Lake Stevens WA 98258 USA

www.facebook.com/The-Metal-Bulletin-paper-zine-238441519609213/?fref=ts

www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn

- [ ]

black metallers Inquisition issue statements

Faced with very serious attempts by certain metal media outlets' sensationalism and gossip, the black metal entity Inquisition has published a couple of statements to keep the supporters updated on the ongoing controversy.

Inquisition extends its appreciation to all fans and individuals who have supported us throughtout its career. A thank you will never be enough to express our level of regard to you.

Inquisition has been dropped from the Satyricon tour.

Inquisition will continue; in the mean time we respect everones position and will allow time to control the chaos over its own horizons into its own order.

Once again our greatest level of appreciation to you.

To all fans, supporters and close ones, I would like to clarify some horrific misinformation generated by the webzine Metalsucks of a personal matter of mine in 2007: First you must take into account, everything Metalsucks published is taken from court documents that state charges and accusations rather than what was proven or admitted in 2007. Second, I never plead guilty to the charges and the original charges were dropped after the courts examined all evidence. I am not a sex offender, and I was absolutely innocent of all charges. The plea bargain was something the prosecutor insisted on and for the defense was the best option to end a lengthy legal process. Also, the background check webpage circulating is not entirely correct, it is definitely not showing what the Police background check would show you.

With my fullest respect to you, please read my statement Metalsucks had told me they would publish: I made a very unwise choice of actions in 2007 which got me into some legal problems. After the investigation was conducted, a year and a half later after the initial charges, the original charges brought against me were dropped and a plea deal was presented to me. The investigation determined I did not have anything that fell under the original charge.

The police report suggested I had deleted and obstructed evidence which I deny to have done, however the obstruction charge was still part of the plea deal as was the other charge mentioned in this article. That second charge is related to viewing pornography in a public area, and again was taken as part of the plea deal. To be clear, I have no sex crimes, this did not involve any other person other than myself and I have moved forward since 2009 while having complied with all aspects of the law.

I wish to remain focused on my music and my absolute dedication to the art of Black Metal. Despite any personal views and judgements the followers and supporters of our music may have, I am a somewhat private person and have never cared for destructive sensationalism and keeping what I feel is private, private.

I hope my level of transparency is understood and I thank you, as always for having been so supportive of Inquisition.

With much respect to you,

Dagon

inquisitionbm.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/inquisition.official/

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 25, 2018

Friends in the state of Washington,

Is there a metal music show in your area that is not listed in this calendar? Does your local metal band have a show coming up and is not listed here? Is your band's name spelled incorrectly? Are the dates wrong? If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin zine.

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 25, 2018

March 25 Human Agony, Rohit, Putrid Temple at Highline, Seattle, WA

March 25 Prying Free, Simulation Theory, Forever Convicted at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

March 26 Metal Mondays: Born Without Blood, Infernal Realm, Speaks In Tongues at Substation, Seattle, WA

March 28 Dying Fetus, Thy Art Is Murder, Rivers of Nihil, Enterprise Earth, Sanction, Scourged at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

March 28 Zan, Steaksauce Mustache, American Standards, Faus at Eagles 2485, Kennewick, WA

March 29 Steaksauce Mustache, American Standards, The Anchor, Florida Man at 2nd Cycle, Tacoma, WA

April 29 Tetrachromat, others at Luigi’s Mansion (?), Bellingham, WA

March 30 The Sword, King Buffalo at The Pin, Spokane, WA

March 30 Deathbed Confessions, SwampheavY, Kyberox at The Swiss Restaurant and Pub, Tacoma, WA

March 30 Suppression, Acid Feast, Sidetracked, PWWMA, Ruptured Silence at Highline, Seattle, WA

March 30 Top Knot Fest: Czar, Heiress, Steak Sauce Mustache, American Standards, Faus, Smooth Sailing, Into the Storm, Florida Man, Blacktracks, Kihalás, Inhaulation at Southgate Roller Rink, Seattle, WA

March 31 Obscurus Infestus: Simulation Theory, Voidthrone, Kihalás, Nick Superchi, others (about 12 performances) at Obscurus, Everett, WA

March 31 Dominus Nox, Battle Axe Massacre, Rat King at Erebus, Kelso, WA

March 31 Effluvia, Disease, Snake, Bummer at Georgetown Liquor Company, Seattle, WA

March 31 Year of the Cobra, Kal-El, Wizzerd, Witch Ripper at Substation, Seattle, WA

April 2 Ross the Boss, Ethan Brosch, Old James at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 5 Noceur, ION, Serpent Sun at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 5 Villains of the Story, Deadships, We Gave It Hell, Anchor Point, Jesus Wears Armani at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 6 Witchaven, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand, Carnotaurus at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 6 Nightwish at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

April 7 Black Sun Moon, Beyond the Woods, Tetrachromat, The Circus In Your Town at Hard Rock Café, Seattle, WA

April 7 ReEvolution, Glass Cannons, ApHelion, Lungs, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

April 7 Pacific Northwest Death Fest: I, Detest; Dismembering Mary, Time Spent at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 8 Metal Yoga at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 9 Falsifier, Extortionist, Born A New, Mothersound, 2Klix, Time Spent at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA

April 12 The Devils of Loudun, Neck of the Woods, Weaponlord at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 13 Neck of the Woods at Real Art, Tacoma, WA

April 13 Dead Crown, Avoid at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 13 Profane Order, Hissing, Putrid Temple, others at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 14 Neck of the Woods at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 14 Summer Slaughter 2018 Official Showcase, Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 14 Crazy Train (Ozzy), Priest Unleashed (Priest) tributes at The Heavy Metal Brewing Co., Vancouver, WA

April 14 Theories, Burials, Spacebag, Impulse Noise at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 15 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 15 Judas Priest, Saxon, Black Star Riders at ShoWare Center, Kent, WA

April 15 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 16 Black Star Riders, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 17 Sirenia, Threat Signal, Valinor Excelsior, Graveshadow at Studio, Seven, Seattle, WA

April 18 Slaughter to Prevail, Vultures Above Us, Scourged, at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 19 Windhand, Ruby the Hatchet, Un at Neumos, Seattle, WA

April 19 X Suns, Tetrachromat, You May Die in the Desert, others at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 20 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 20 Gigan, Sunless at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 20 Tetrachromat, Die Like Gentlemen, Marv at the Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 20 Blood and Thunder, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Odyssian at Obscurus, Everett, WA

April 20 Xoth, Ghostblood, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 21 Rat King, Effluvia, Whythre at Erebus, Kelso, WA

April 21 Tetrachromat, others at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

April 25 Year of the Cobra, Mos Generator, Destroyer of Light, Kybetox at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

April 27/28 The Tony V's Hybrid Festival: Jesus Wears Armani, The War Within, Silent Theory, Massacre at the Opera, Casualty of God, After the Fallout, Noctium, Chamber 6, others at Tony V's, Everett, WA

April 28 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA

May 1 Savage Master, Bewitcher, Substratum, 1967 at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 1 Carnifex, Oceano, Winds of Plague, Archspire, Spite, Buried above Ground, Shadow of Intent, Widowmaker, Dismembering Mary at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 4 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

May 4 Morbid Angel, Origin, Dreaming Dead, Hate Storm Annihilation at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 5 Wet Temple, Down the Scope, After the Fallout, Simulation Theory, Skiz Dizzard at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

May 5 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA

May 10 Weaponlord, others at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

May 12 Whythre, Born Without Blood, Effluvia, Orator, ShizerDome at Obscurus, Everett, WA

May 12 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Swinomish Casino, Anacortes, WA

May 13 Soulfly, Nile, After the Fallout, Devilation at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 13 Silent Scream, Madrost at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 16 Satyricon, Inquinok, Voidthrone at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 17 Cough, Grime, Serial Hawk, Isenordal at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 18 ApHelion, Whythre at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 18 Noceur at Make.Shift, Bellingham, WA

May 19 Hells Bells at The Point Casino, Kingston, WA

May 1 The Convalescence at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 22 Obituary, Pallbearer, Skeletonwitch, Dust Bolt at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 Texas Hippie Coalition, Kobra and the Lotus, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 The Black Dahlia Murder, Homewrecker, The Convalescence at The Pin, Spokane, WA

May 24 Bat, Midnight, Wormwitch at El Corazón, Seattle

May 24 Tetrachromat, Designer Disguise, Hexengeist, Pill Brigade at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 26 D.R.I., Deathwish at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 26 Anvil at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 26 Hemlock, Sevidemic, Lost Eye Dentity, Prophets of Metal, The War Within at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 28 Power Trip, Sheet Mag, Fury, Red Death at Neumos, Seattle, WA

May 31-June 2 Northwest Terrorfest at Neumos, Barboza, Highline, Seattle, WA

June 2 Insomnium, Anthrocene, ApHelion at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 2 Battle for Mordor: Blood and Thunder, ReEvolution, Odyssian, Oxygen Destroyer, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

June 2 Born Without Blood, Jugs of Blood at Philip Stengel Presents, Aberdeen, WA

June 4 Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 5 Sleep, ell Witch at The Showbox, Seattle, WA

June 6 Devastation on the Nation: Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, Disentomb, Arkaik, Venom Prison, Vale of Pnath, Primordial Atrocity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 HammerFall, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 14 Queensrÿche at Clearwater Casino, Suquamish, WA

June 15 Filth; Insvrgence; Loser; I, Detest at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 15 The Accused AD, Effluvia, Dilapidation at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

June 16 Bitter End, Coven, Accused AD at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 16 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest III: Infernal Legion, Thou Shall Kill, Cryptic Enslavement, When The Broken Burn, Divide Paths, Helles, Shred Bundy, Whythre, Voidthrone, At Home In Hell, ApHelion at Erebus, Kelso, WA

June 16 Noceur, Xoth, Blood and Thunder, DTI at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

June 21-25 Thirst for Light V festival: Addaura, Alda, Isenordal, Void Omnia, many, many others in Raymond, WA

June 24 Will Haven, Heiress, Into the Storm, Old Iron at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 27 Krallice, Wayfarer at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 30 UADA, Wolvhammer, The Black Moriah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 7 Crimson Guardian, Morbid Fascination, others at Erebus, Kelso, WA

July 7 Glass Canons, Wet Temple, Tetrachromat, Anyarez Rockz at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

July 13&14: WADM Metalfest at Erebus, Kelso, WA: Cursed, Oxygen Destroyer, Hang the Kode, Battle Ace Massacre, Inside Defiance, Crüd Güns, Simulation Theory, Noose; Aggression, Violent Hallucinations, Antiform, Hyborian Rage, Pre Embalmed, Dilapidation, After the Fallout, Trojan Swamp Monster

July 14 Queensrÿche at Lucky Eagle Casino, Rochester, WA

July 20 The Backyard Festival:After the Fallout, others Louie G’s Pizza, Fife, WA

August 19 Alice Cooper at Angel of the Winds, Everett, WA

August 20 Powerglove, Xoth at El Corazón, Seattle, W

September 4 The Exploited, Total Chaos at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

September 8 Effluvia, Oxygen Destroyer, Disease at Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA

September 15 Northwest Tribfest at Historic Everett Theater, Everett, WA: tribute bands Dr. Crue, Infinity Project (Journey), Blistered Earth (Metallica), Second Sting (Scorpions), Almost Human (Kiss)

September 20 Amorphis, Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

October 3 Graham Bonnet Band, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 2 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

November 10 Dilapidation, Oxygen Destroyer, Effluvia, Drawn and Quartered at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

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metalbulletin.blogspot.com

Metal Bulletin Zine

P.O. Box 1339

Lake Stevens WA 98258 USA

www.facebook.com/The-Metal-Bulletin-paper-zine-238441519609213/?fref=ts

www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 24, 2018

Friends in the state of Washington,

Is there a metal music show in your area that is not listed in this calendar? Does your local metal band have a show coming up and is not listed here? Is your band's name spelled incorrectly? Are the dates wrong? If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin zine.

Washington state concert calendar, updated March 24, 2018

March 25 Human Agony, Rohit, Putrid Temple at Highline, Seattle, WA

March 25 Prying Free, Simulation Theory, Forever Convicted at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

March 26 Metal Mondays: Born Without Blood, Infernal Realm, Speaks In Tongues at Substation, Seattle, WA

March 28 Dying Fetus, Thy Art Is Murder, Rivers of Nihil, Enterprise Earth, Sanction, Scourged at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

March 28 Zan, Steaksauce Mustache, American Standards, Faus at Eagles 2485, Kennewick, WA

March 29 Steaksauce Mustache, American Standards, The Anchor, Florida Man at 2nd Cycle, Tacoma, WA

April 29 Tetrachromat, others at Luigi’s Mansion (?), Bellingham, WA

March 30 The Sword, King Buffalo at The Pin, Spokane, WA

March 30 Deathbed Confessions, SwampheavY, Kyberox at The Swiss Restaurant and Pub, Tacoma, WA

March 30 Suppression, Acid Feast, Sidetracked, PWWMA, Ruptured Silence at Highline, Seattle, WA

March 30 Top Knot Fest: Czar, Heiress, Steak Sauce Mustache, American Standards, Faus, Smooth Sailing, Into the Storm, Florida Man, Blacktracks, Kihalás, Inhaulation at Southgate Roller Rink, Seattle, WA

March 31 Obscurus Infestus: Simulation Theory, Voidthrone, Kihalás, Nick Superchi, others (about 12 performances) at Obscurus, Everett, WA

March 31 Dominus Nox, Battle Axe Massacre, Rat King at Erebus, Kelso, WA

March 31 Effluvia, Disease, Snake, Bummer at Georgetown Liquor Company, Seattle, WA

March 31 Year of the Cobra, Kal-El, Wizzerd, Witch Ripper at Substation, Seattle, WA

April 2 Ross the Boss, Ethan Brosch, Old James at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 5 Noceur, ION, Serpent Sun at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 5 Villains of the Story, Deadships, We Gave It Hell, Anchor Point, Jesus Wears Armani at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 6 Witchaven, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand, Carnotaurus at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 6 Nightwish at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

April 7 Black Sun Moon, Beyond the Woods, Tetrachromat, The Circus In Your Town at Hard Rock Café, Seattle, WA

April 7 ReEvolution, Glass Cannons, ApHelion, Lungs, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

April 7 Pacific Northwest Death Fest: I, Detest; Dismembering Mary, others at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 8 Metal Yoga at The Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 12 The Devils of Loudun, Neck of the Woods, Weaponlord at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 13 Neck of the Woods at Real Art, Tacoma, WA

April 13 Dead Crown, Avoid at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 13 Profane Order, Hissing, Putrid Temple, others at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 14 Neck of the Woods at McCoy’s Tavern, Olympia, WA

April 14 Summer Slaughter 2018 Official Showcase, Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 14 Crazy Train (Ozzy), Priest Unleashed (Priest) tributes at The Heavy Metal Brewing Co., Vancouver, WA

April 14 Theories, Burials, Spacebag, Impulse Noise at Black Lodge, Seattle, WA

April 15 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

April 15 Judas Priest, Saxon, Black Star Riders at ShoWare Center, Kent, WA

April 15 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 16 Black Star Riders, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 17 Sirenia, Threat Signal, Valinor Excelsior, Graveshadow at Studio, Seven, Seattle, WA

April 18 Slaughter to Prevail, Vultures Above Us, Scourged, at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

April 19 Windhand, Ruby the Hatchet, Un at Neumos, Seattle, WA

April 19 X Suns, Tetrachromat, You May Die in the Desert, others at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 20 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

April 20 Gigan, Sunless at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

April 20 Tetrachromat, Die Like Gentlemen, Marv at the Shakedown, Bellingham, WA

April 20 Blood and Thunder, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Odyssian at Obscurus, Everett, WA

April 20 Xoth, Ghostblood, Oxygen Destroyer, Kömmand at Central Saloon, Seattle, WA

April 21 Rat King, Effluvia, Whythre at Erebus, Kelso, WA

April 21 Tetrachromat, others at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

April 25 Year of the Cobra, Mos Generator, Destroyer of Light, Kybetox at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

April 27/28 The Tony V's Hybrid Festival: Jesus Wears Armani, The War Within, Silent Theory, Massacre at the Opera, Casualty of God, After the Fallout, Noctium, Chamber 6, others at Tony V's, Everett, WA

April 28 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA

May 1 Savage Master, Bewitcher, Substratum, 1967 at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 1 Carnifex, Oceano, Winds of Plague, Archspire, Spite, Buried above Ground, Shadow of Intent, Widowmaker, Dismembering Mary at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 4 Blistered Earth (Metallica tribute) at Knitting Factory, Spokane, WA

May 4 Morbid Angel, Origin, Dreaming Dead, Hate Storm Annihilation at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 5 Wet Temple, Down the Scope, After the Fallout, Simulation Theory, Skiz Dizzard at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

May 5 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA

May 10 Weaponlord, others at Tony V’s, Everett, WA

May 12 Whythre, Born Without Blood, Effluvia, Orator, ShizerDome at Obscurus, Everett, WA

May 12 Hell’s Belles (AC/DC tribute) at Swinomish Casino, Anacortes, WA

May 13 Soulfly, Nile, After the Fallout, Devilation at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 13 Silent Scream, Madrost at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 16 Satyricon, Inquisition, Inquinok, Voidthrone at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 17 Cough, Grime, Serial Hawk, Isenordal at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 18 ApHelion, Whythre at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 18 Noceur at Make.Shift, Bellingham, WA

May 19 Hells Bells at The Point Casino, Kingston, WA

May 1 The Convalescence at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

May 22 Obituary, Pallbearer, Skeletonwitch, Dust Bolt at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 Texas Hippie Coalition, Kobra and the Lotus, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 23 The Black Dahlia Murder, Homewrecker, The Convalescence at The Pin, Spokane, WA

May 24 Bat, Midnight, Wormwitch at El Corazón, Seattle

May 24 Tetrachromat, Designer Disguise, Hexengeist, Pill Brigade at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

May 26 D.R.I., Deathwish at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

May 26 Anvil at Highline, Seattle, WA

May 26 Hemlock, Sevidemic, Lost Eye Dentity, Prophets of Metal, The War Within at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

May 28 Power Trip, Sheet Mag, Fury, Red Death at Neumos, Seattle, WA

May 31-June 2 Northwest Terrorfest at Neumos, Barboza, Highline, Seattle, WA

June 2 Insomnium, Anthrocene, ApHelion at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 2 Battle for Mordor: Blood and Thunder, ReEvolution, Odyssian, Oxygen Destroyer, Dilapidation, Violent Hallucinations, Simulation Theory at The Mirkwood, Arlington, WA

June 2 Born Without Blood, Jugs of Blood at Philip Stengel Presents, Aberdeen, WA

June 4 Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested at The Pin, Spokane, WA

June 5 Sleep, ell Witch at The Showbox, Seattle, WA

June 6 Devastation on the Nation: Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, Disentomb, Arkaik, Venom Prison, Vale of Pnath, Primordial Atrocity at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 10 HammerFall, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 14 Queensrÿche at Clearwater Casino, Suquamish, WA

June 15 Filth; Insvrgence; Loser; I, Detest at Funhouse, Seattle, WA

June 15 The Accused AD, Effluvia, Dilapidation at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

June 16 Bitter End, Coven, Accused AD at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

June 16 Uli Jon Roth at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

June 16 Washington Deathfest III: Infernal Legion, Thou Shall Kill, Cryptic Enslavement, When The Broken Burn, Divide Paths, Helles, Shred Bundy, Whythre, Voidthrone, At Home In Hell, ApHelion at Erebus, Kelso, WA

June 16 Noceur, Xoth, Blood and Thunder, DTI at Boscoe’s, Bellingham, WA

June 21-25 Thirst for Light V festival: Addaura, Alda, Isenordal, Void Omnia, many, many others in Raymond, WA

June 24 Will Haven, Heiress, Into the Storm, Old Iron at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 27 Krallice, Wayfarer at Highline, Seattle, WA

June 30 UADA, Wolvhammer, The Black Moriah at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA

July 7 Crimson Guardian, Morbid Fascination, others at Erebus, Kelso, WA

July 7 Glass Canons, Wet Temple, Tetrachromat, Anyarez Rockz at Mirkwood Public House, Arlington, WA

July 13&14: WADM Metalfest at Erebus, Kelso, WA: Cursed, Oxygen Destroyer, Hang the Kode, Battle Ace Massacre, Inside Defiance, Crüd Güns, Simulation Theory, Noose; Aggression, Violent Hallucinations, Antiform, Hyborian Rage, Pre Embalmed, Dilapidation, After the Fallout, Trojan Swamp Monster

July 14 Queensrÿche at Lucky Eagle Casino, Rochester, WA

July 20 The Backyard Festival:After the Fallout, others Louie G’s Pizza, Fife, WA

August 19 Alice Cooper at Angel of the Winds, Everett, WA

August 20 Powerglove, Xoth at El Corazón, Seattle, W

September 4 The Exploited, Total Chaos at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

September 8 Effluvia, Oxygen Destroyer, Disease at Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA

September 15 Northwest Tribfest at Historic Everett Theater, Everett, WA: tribute bands Dr. Crue, Infinity Project (Journey), Blistered Earth (Metallica), Second Sting (Scorpions), Almost Human (Kiss)

September 20 Amorphis, Dark Tranquillity, Moonspell, Omnium Gatherum at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

October 3 Graham Bonnet Band, Zero Down at El Corazón, Seattle, WA

November 2 Second Sting (Scorpions tribute) at Tulalip Casino, Marysville, WA

November 10 Dilapidation, Oxygen Destroyer, Effluvia, Drawn and Quartered at The Valley, Tacoma, WA

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metalbulletin.blogspot.com

Metal Bulletin Zine

P.O. Box 1339

Lake Stevens WA 98258 USA

www.facebook.com/The-Metal-Bulletin-paper-zine-238441519609213/?fref=ts

www.twitter.com/MetalBulletinZn

support Decapitated

The death metal band Decapitated (Poland) were found guilty by the metal press and fans even before the facts came out. People wanted to see them hang without waiting for facts. The accusations themselves were taken as the facts. Decapitated is vindicated now, but with a lot of financial problems from the legal process. Support Decapitated. Below is a statement that they issued.

DECAPITATED - Never (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

We are innocent. We are free. We are back home. And we are ready to return with the band.

The last few months were one of the most terrible and irrational times in our lives.

Jail is a horrible place. 96 days in jail and almost a month outside the jail where we dealing with fear, unbelievable stress, depression, and even violence. It was a really hard time - especially for our families.

Being in jail in another country with charges that became a criminal case is an extreme experience. We do not wish this on anyone. It caused ourselves and our families many stressful days and sleepless nights. The cancelled tour meant loss of the income we use to support ourselves and our families, but worst of all, it cost us our professional reputation in a community we have loved and been members of all of our lives.

Unfortunately, while we were jailed, we could not communicate with the outside world, leaving our fans and our metal community to read many news stories and posts on social media that contained inaccurate information because there were no direct statements from us, the band, the ones in the middle of all of this. We ourselves could not report on how the situation was unfolding. This led people who were so shocked by the news to make untrue narrations. Without walking our experience with us, they felt obligated to comment on our case and blamed us, without even knowing the facts that said something opposite. They came to a very fast opinion about us in a very public way.

In this internet age, it is really easy to ruin someone, their life, their family, their career. Some media and people just jumped on a topic and made their own inconsistent storytelling, taking one piece of information and creating a story they wanted to tell about us around it.

For those who do not know yet: Our case was dropped. All charges against all members were dropped.

Words hurt. Words matter. Truth matters.

Does sexual harassment happen and do crimes against women exist? Yes, and it is horrible.

Do false accusations happen? Yes, this really happens. And it is also horrible.

Many people are falsely accused everyday and the metal community is not immune. Unfortunately, it happened to us. People with their own motivations who falsely accuse someone don't seem to understand they can ruin somebody's life without facing any public consequences themselves. A false accusation can change a life in one moment. One day, everything is normal. Then the next day, you wake up in jail with a police record. You are marked, stigmatized while waiting to see how things unfold, even if the charges are not true. And then, when it’s all over, it is not a "hot topic" on the internet anymore. Not many people spend time on social media to spread the truth, not many people even care what the truth was. It is hard to feel relief when this happens.

We cannot and we will never accept someone else's narration about who we are. That is why we have chosen to return with the band. We know who we are and we can hold our heads and our music high with that knowledge.

I want to thank all of you - families, friends, other bands, and our amazing fans - for your belief in us and your support throughout a horrible situation. Our incredible lawyers, Steve Graham, Karren Lindholdt, Chris Bugbee, Jeffry Finner, and all the teams who stood by us - our management and our label. It's priceless to see that we have so many people who were, are, and will be, with us. You know who you are.

I also want to thank Mr. Dominik Tarczynski from the Polish Parliament who visited us in Spokane and checked if our human rights were protected during the whole process, for supporting our families from the beginning. It means a lot more than words can express.

There will be more time in the future to talk about the path of our return, but now the most important thing for us is to get back to our lives, to return to the people and places and things that had been taken from us, to return to what became even more precious to us while we were away.

We are eager to get our lives back and we are grateful for the opportunity.

We are really sorry we were forced to cancel tours and festivals, but we will work very hard to bring all plans back to meet with all of you again, our community.

"From Pain To Strength" is still a valid motto.

Thank you, everyone, for your patience.

Vogg

facebook.com/decapitated/

Washington quick news: Siren's Rain

The folk metal travelers Siren's Rain have a debut album called Beneath the Narrows. Check out the links below!

Biography: Conceived in the Pacific Northwest, Siren's Rain is composed of hard hitting and eclectic musicians ranging from traditional folk artists to blackened death metal players. Heavily influenced by multicultural traditional pieces, Siren's Rain delivers a hauntingly beautiful yet driving metal experience, weaving tapestries of songs together like coordinated brush strokes on an intricate tableau.

facebook.com/sirensrainmusic/

youtube.com/channel/UCDoq1WqjCIT_8DPJ0tEVqDg

Washington quick news: The Hybrid Festival in Everett

Below is the announcement about The Hybrid Festival that will take place in Everett in April.

The Hybrid Festival, a blend of some of the best Northwest Soft Rock, Alternative, Hard Rock and Metal in one place. Tony Vs Garage, 1716 Hewitt Ave, Everett, Washington 98201

April 27th

After the Fallout (Seattle WA) 12:00 - close

Limberlost (Seattle WA) 11:00 - 11:45

What Thou Wilt (Seattle WA) 10:15 - 10:45

Children of Atom (Spokane WA) 9:30 - 10:00

Sovereign Citizen & TNP (Spokane WA) 8:45 - 9:15

Strawberry Rocket (Renton WA) 8:00 - 8:30

DT Jackson (Seattle WA) 7:15 - 7:45

Exapsos (Seattle WA) 6:30 - 7:00

April 28th

Method 13 (Everett WA) 11:30 - Close

Massacre at the Opera (Puyallup WA) 10:30 - 11:15

Amerakin Overdose (Portland OR) 9:30 - 10:15

The War Within (Everett WA) 8:45 - 9:15

Corvoid (Seattle WA) 8:00 - 8:30

Casualty of God (Seattle WA) 7:15 - 7:45

Jesus Wears Armani (Seattle WA) 6:30 - 7:00

Ragbone (Spokane WA) 5:45 - 6:15

Over Sea, Under Stone (Spokane WA) 5:00 - 5:30

Noctium (Everett WA) 4:15 - 4:45

Anchor Point (Seattle WA) 3:30 - 4:00

A two day extravaganza

April 27th,

Doors @ 5pm

Music @ 6pm

$10 adv

$12 Door

April 28th,

Doors @ 2pm

Music @ 3pm

$15 adv

$17 door

Two day pass $20

Tickets available through bands March 8th, 2018

Washington quick news: Oxygen Destroyer

The Washington state Godzilla-loving thrash band Oxygen Destroyer has announced that the debut full-length album is now finished and it is titled Bestial Manifestations of Malevolence and Death. Check out the art for the album below. If you are new to the band, below is a previous interview with the band. Also, check out the old video of the band in action. Thrash, mosh and get ready! The Godzilla tunes are coming!

facebook.com/Oxygen-Destroyer-325474194296570

brutalthrashingkaijumetal.bandcamp.com

Oxygen Destroyer - Live at The Charleston, Bremerton 12/30/2016 FULL SET

Oxygen Destroyer is a relatively new band in the Seattle area devoted to the cause of thrash for the glory of Godzilla. The band’s mad string exonerator and abstruse larynx projector, Jordan Farrow, momentarily slipped away from his undersea lair to respond to inquisitions brought before him in the name of this publication. Thanks to him, you can gain insight into Oxygen Destroyer’s purpose in life.

Can you tell us how 2016 treated your band? How is your plan to conquer the world coming along for 2017?

2016 was a fantastic year for us, we really stepped it up and started playing as many shows as we could. 2015 was pretty complicated because we went through some lineup changes and didn't get our first demo out until the end of the year. But this year was solid and we found time to release another demo and a split with local death metal band Carnotaurus, we also got to share the stage with legendary bands like Warbringer, Enforcer, Exmortus, Discharge, Toxic Holocaust, Eyehategod, and Drawn and Quartered. For 2017 we plan on releasing our Kaiju-channeled mayhem outside of the Seattle area, specifically Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles, Portland, and hopefully LA.

What was happening in your life at that time that led you to the forces of the Kaiju?

All my life I have been a huge fan of Kaiju films. I saw my first Godzilla movie when I was four years old and its been a part of my life ever since. Throughout my life I could never figure out what I wanted to do with my future, then I started playing guitar and writing music in the veins of Teutonic thrash and old school death metal, the raw heavy s## that never f## around. One day I was jamming in my garage and it finally hit me, we already have bands singing about religion, gore, and politics. Hell, we even have bands like Bolt Thrower, Amon Amarth, and Gama Bomb singing about Warhammer, Vikings, and video games.

But one subject that seems to be rarely touched on in metal is Japanese monster movies. In that moment I realized what I was born to do, I was destined to pay tribute to the almighty Kaiju with unrelenting death/thrash fury. And thus, in the name of Gojira himself, Oxygen Destroyer was born. The band began in September 2014 and the current members are Jordan Farrow (guitar, vocals), Joey Walker (guitar), Ben Williams (bass) and Chris Craven (drums).

Some bands go around telling people who to vote for, others would like people to know that zombies are an urgent problem that society must address. However, I have researched in my local library and I have not been able to find a single band obsessed with Godzilla as your band. Can you tell us how many Godzilla movies there are in total?

There are 31 movies total. 29 of them were made by Toho Studios, the other two were American adaptations produced by Hollywood, on a side note the 1998 film starring Mathew Broderick is so s## it doesn’t even count as a true Gojira film. Kaiju films are often ridiculed for being "cheesy" mostly because of the Suitmation special effects, but there is a lot of symbolism and meaning behind them.

The original 1954 Gojira film symbolizes nuclear warfare and the destruction that humanity inflicts upon the earth and themselves. Gojira himself is a representation of the atom bomb and Hiroshima. At the end of the movie the people use a device called the Oxygen Destroyer to exterminate him for good and the creator of the device ensures he dies as well so the technology of the weapon can never be used again. Unfortunately, the device is a failure anyway because another Gojira ends up taking the place of the first one. Gojira cannot die for good and if he ever does another one will always takes his place, this is because he represents the past failures and cruelty of mankind, it matters not what we do because we are forever cursed with our past mistakes. This was why I chose Oxygen Destroyer as the name of the band, not only does it sound thrash as f## but it perfectly fits the theme, Gojira is a thermonuclear deity that embodies death itself, he is a force of nature so powerful that even humanity's deadliest weapon was unable to end his reign of terror for good.

Oxygen Destroyer is a full-blown Godzilla-themed extreme metal band, but there was a proto-Godzilla-themed band before yours and they were called Blue Oyster Cult. Have you by any chance ever heard the song “Godzilla” by B.O.C.? With your expertise in this field, what can you say about that song? Do you believe that it needs more cowbell?

Blue Oyster Cult f## rules, and Godzilla is easily one of my favorite rock songs. Not only are the riffs catchy as hell, but the lyrics are fantastic, lines like "history shows again and again how nature point out the folly of man" perfectly describe Gojira. That song kicks so much ass that no cowbell is needed.

Have there been Godzilla movies recently?

A new American adaption was made in 2014 and it was f## awesome, far better then the 1998 film. Even better, the first Japanese Gojira movie since 2004 was released this year. The film is called Shin Godzilla and it is easily one of the year’s best films. Gojira, Kong, and Pacific Rim all have new films coming out soon so the future of giant monster movies looks bright.

Let’s go back in time to the first recording from 2015. Did you record those songs by yourselves? Does the 2015 demo represent accurately the music as you hear it in your imagination?

Back then the band was a three-piece. I did guitar and vocals just like I do now, but Joey was playing bass and we had Hereticon's Rodney Serrano on drums. His style was raw, aggressive, and fast as hell. When we made that first demo we were poor so we recorded it in Joey's garage. The demo was recorded live with a camera we placed in the middle of the room. I’m content with how it turned out overall; it’s raw, sloppy, and punishing as f##. Oxygen Destroyer is all about nonstop relentless brutality, bands like Vader, Sodom, Sepultura, Cancer, Sadus, Demolition Hammer, and early Death are massive influences. Our sound is meant to represent the hatred and brutality of the Kaiju, and nothing captures that vibe better then skull crushing death/thrash

Then, y’all recorded more songs in 2016. Things are looking up, but now you have to deal with the constant questions: Do you have an album planned?

Right now we're working on some new material and already have some shows coming up. Our first show of 2017 will be at the Highline on January 27th with Raptor (PDX), Sakrificer (LA) and Drawn and Quartered. Once our new songs are finished we definitely plan on recording and releasing our album some time next year.

How do you get the sound you want? What are you favorite guitars and its accompanying equipment? How raw do you want your music to be in the future?

Each release has been recorded differently. As I said the first demo was recorded live with a camera, but for the second demo we recorded each member individually, and instead of a garage we recorded in someone’s living room.

The second demo was a big step up from our first release, the overall sound is balanced very well and the musicianship is way tighter, ever since Chris joined our sound has become more polished and refined while still retaining the thrashing brutality we're going for.

Later in the year we recorded the "Saurian Warfare" split with Carnotaurus. By this time we became a 4 piece, our good friend Ben now playing bass and Joey playing guitar. Instead of recording new songs we recorded 2 songs that were on our first demo. The bands sound had evolved tremendously since then and our older songs sounded completely different, so we wanted to show it. This was the first time we recorded in a studio; each track was recorded live and then had bass and guitar dub over the tracks to give it a fuller sound. Since its release "Saurian Warfare" has had great reception and I think it’s our best release yet by far. The full-length's overall sound will probably be very similar to "Saurian Warfare". I use a Schecter C1 guitar, I've been using it for about 3 years now and I have no intentions of replacing it.

Your music is “name your price” on Bandcamp. Supporters of black/death/thrash should know that. What’s next for your band?

We have no signs of slowing down, we'll be playing many more shows in 2017 and work on our album will begin as soon as possible. Support local metal and hail the f## Kaiju!

oxygendestroyer1.bandcamp.com

facebook.com/Oxygen-Destroyer-325474194296570

THE END

favorite album of the week: March 18th-24th

[Below is my choice for album of the week. At the end of the review there is a lyric video from the album.--MMB.]

Eldritch

Cracksleep

Scarlet Records

23 March 2018

The adult contemporary band Eldritch (Italy) is known for quality progressive music (which they always intended when they gave themselves their particular name in honor of progressive metal), but in my view, especially since 2014’s Tasting the Tears and 2015’s Underlying Issues, they have taken an exciting turn by complementing the intelligence of their music with lyrics that grapple with the emotions of relationships and life experiences, including topics like health problems (insomnia, on this new work). Politics, social problems and emotions have always been part of Eldritch, but now we see them moving away a bit from politics and social issues and instead embracing a personal approach to the lyrics.

They have built a discography characterized by quality in the music, but to understand the band’s music it’s necessary to put together the moving parts that comprise Eldritch. One of the most interesting things about the guitar sound is that there is a substantial thrash element in it, but it may not be obvious at first. The thrash is there all over, the guitar has a relatively clear, ear-friendly tone, and the band often goes into headbanging moments, with fast and uptempo moments, but there is more to the songwriting. Sometimes you might be taken aback by how the band will go from a melodic thrash song to a different song of vulnerability and fear, or a song that illustrates their progressive roots. They manage to cover a lot of ground, and it might be frustrating to a listener wanting all the songs to be the similar, but very pleasing to the audiences that look forward to hearing a band take them through a wider range. They also have a singer who, in my judgement, is perfect for the band and who has a good singing voice, a soulful voice, and the singing is one the highlights of the album.

The band has made an album that is another important piece to its discography. From the sounds of it, the album has everything that supporters of the style want: the band’s signature singing and the trademark songs. I get the impression that this is a very good Eldritch album because the quality and the songwriting is as good as it always has been, perhaps even better now in the latter, more mature era of the band.

New listeners should know what to expect. So much metal music works with anger and aggression in the sound and lyrics. While it is true that some extreme metal explores depression and some feelings other than aggression and hate, the screaming, growling and hollering hardly sounds vulnerable, but vulnerability is a constant theme in Eldritch music and the singing, when necessary, is vulnerable, and communicates loneliness, confusion, desperation, as well as confidence, trust and love, and still sounds like a real heavy metal band, albeit an adult contemporary band for people looking for more than anger, hatred and an obnoxious personality of braggadocio. Eldritch is a band that has been recording music since 1991, and its origins reach back even further. As the years have passed they have only gotten better at their art, refining it, and this is what the latest chapter documents. In plain words, if you are interested in a band that plays music for people looking for themes of personal and emotional dis/connections, then you may find the Italian progressive teachers to be just what the doctor ordered.

facebook.com/Eldritchband/

ELDRITCH - As The Night Crawls In (Lyric Video)