Sunn 0 )))/Void/Southern Lord Records/2011 CD Re-Issue Review

  Sunn 0 ))) are a band from California that plays a very dark and experimental form of drone/doom metal and this is a review of their 2000 album "Void" which was re-issued by Southern Lord Records during the year of 2011.

There are no drums presented on this recording, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with some dark/drone/doom metal riffs that dominate throughout the recording.


Rhythm guitars are all sludge/drone/doom metal riffs that are very dark and slow sounding mixed in with a good amount of distortion and there are no guitar leads or solos present on this recording.

Vocals on this recording which are very rare are mostly ritualistic chants, while the violins when they are briefly utilized bring a very dark and avant garde feeling to the music, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this was a great album from Sunn 0))) and if you are a fan of this band, you probably already own this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "NN 0))" and "Ra At Dusk". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Mournful Congregation Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days/

- We finished work on the latest album, “The Book of Kings” in September, which we started recording in December 2010. At the same time we’ve been preparing some other releases such as the “Weeping/ An Epic Dream of Desire” LP and “The Unspoken Hymns” CD/ LP. Now that all of that is out of the way, we are preparing to play live again, with one show here in our home city of Adelaide, and then 10 shows in the US in December.



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

- Vast, universal, baroque and sinister are some key words that come to mind when I think of the album as a whole. It is at once sharper sounding, but perhaps more atmospheric too in the right places. Obviously this time there are 4 main songs, and no interludes as there were on “The June Frost”. So that is an immediate difference. Hmm, I guess when I start to read reviews and hear opinions from listeners I’ll know pretty quickly what the differences are! It’s hard to judge when you wrote and recorded the material yourself.



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

- The concept of the first track, “The Catechism of Depression”, is based on the horror that the very spirit which ignites each and every one of us, whom serve to make up “mankind” as a whole, is in fact corrupt. Those whom seek spiritual enlightenment finally reach a zenith, only to find there is no gateway to spiritual realization at all. We are an impure creation from the very beginning. Ultimate Doom. This is mirrored throughout the whole album. The title track, “The Book of Kings”, is ultimately a book of impressions derived from a delving into the history of mankind’s place in the cosmos. The ultimate rule over mankind by both Gods and Men, the occult wisdom and occult truths held selfishly by the few since the dawn of our existence. The secrets that scar the depths of our collective psyche. There really is no hope for mankind.


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

- The inspiration came from the idea of collective mourning. It really is a perfect representation of our music.


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

- There is no doubt that the first show we ever played, in January 2009, in our home city of Adelaide, was the best. Not so much from a performance point of view, but just a nostalgic and general ‘aura’ viewpoint. Obviously having done 17 shows throughout Europe in 2009, there were a lot of great and memorable shows for many different reasons. Playing in Moscow always stands out, just because for some reason Mother Russia holds a lot of mystery to me (and maybe a lot of Westerners?), and it was a bit of effort to get there. But the maniacs in attendance were great and appreciative I believe. Our stage performance is a meditation in epicness and heaviness. That’s how I feel when playing anyway.


6. A few months back before the release date of the new album there was a compilation album that came out what where your feelings of this release?

- “The Unspoken Hymns” has just preceded the new album yes. It was a logical way for us to put together all of the separated and split releases we have done over the past 10 years. I guess it is just a historic release in ways. It is not so much meant to represent the whole concept of the band. It is just for true fans who wish to own these recordings officially if they do not perhaps own the limited vinyl versions.



7. On a worldwide level how has your newer albums been received by funeral doom fans?

- Well, we seem to have gained many more fans in the last few years. Once again, it’s hard for me to say, being the creator of this stuff.



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

- StarGazer, with whom I play Bass Guitar for, released our second full length, “A Great Work of Ages” last year. We will also perform at Rites of Darkness Fest in Texas in December 2011. And Cauldron Black Ram, whom I play guitar for have just recorded a new Maxi-EP named “The Poisoner”, which will be released through Abysmal Sounds on CD and Parasitic Records on 12” vinyl soon. And I continue to write for my other project, The Esoteric Connexion, when I feel the inspiration. There is always something to do, when one band is not busy another one is, which is the way I like it. None of our bands are at a point where they need to be fulltime, or even can be fulltime. So to have a few outlets has become the way of the modern underground metal musician I feel.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases/

- Much the same direction really. I view everything we have recorded as just an expansion upon an initial foundation of Doom. Almost akin to the expansion of conciousness. We keep drawing upon the same source of inspiration, but somehow elaborate upon it each time we do so. There is some music already written and being worked on for the next opus, and if anything, I would judge it to be more harmonic maybe, more 3, 4 and 5 part harmonies intertwining to create the whole. You will still be able to rely on us delivering Extreme Doom Metal in the form we have been crafting for the last 15 years, that is for sure!


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced the sound of the new album and also what are you listening to nowadays?

- We sort of had a mental vision of the sounds we wanted to achieve on this album based more on what lacked on our previous releases rather than based on what any other band sounded like. So when you hit this point in a bands career, it is hard to site solid influences for the album. But I am not one of those ignorants who would say we were not influenced by anyone but ourselves! It just becomes harder to site them as time moves on. Anyway, stuff I have listened to regularly over the last year or so….Wishbone Ash, Mastodon, Tom Waits, King Diamond, Hammers of Misfortune, Metal Church, Crimson Glory, Zappa, Accept, Avishai Cohen. Often inspiration just comes from picking up a guitar randomly and instantaneously finding a chord or two which appeal to the ear. From there the writing just happens. Some ideas are pre-meditated without even touching an instrument, others are purely a product of the moment.


11. Outside of music what are some of your interests/

- Reading non-fiction books on true crime, various biographies of villains, musicians, artists and writers and various occult topics. Not much else, an occasional walk in the hills.


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview/

- A thousandfold thanks to ye for the interview. Long live the king of Rock n’ Roll, and Funeral Doom Metal.

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The Horde Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Tim: We're getting ready to embark on some Midwest mini tours. 16 dates in 5 weeks.
We're going to hitting states like WI, IA, MO among others. Also started writing
for the 3rd album.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?

Tim: We wanted a better representation of how we sound live. The guitars are louder.
Everything is more in your face and it is still raw. If people are looking for that digital
polished sound this is the wrong band for that.

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

Tim: Our lyrics are like the band... Barbaric. We are the violent side of fantasy. No elves or fairies
here. While there is a Viking theme throughout our music none of it is based on historical
fact. Our songs are like reading a Robert E Howard novel or looking at a Frank Frazetta painting.
They are meant to take the listener on a journey to another world at another time where people
lived and died by the sword. Has this been done before? Sure. Do we care? No. There are plenty
of bands that sing about other things like war or politics so there are plenty of choices to choose
from for metalheads around the world.

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

Tim: We are not a pretty boy band. We are not a trendy band. We are a metal band and damn proud of it.
The name the HORDE describes our music as well as us. It just fits. You would have to hang around us to understand. Our attitude on stage is as barbaric as our music.

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

Tim: The highlights so far are playing with Exodus and playing the 2011 Central IL Metalfest. Funny story about the Exodus show... People kept coming up to Duncan asking for his autograph because they thought he was Rick Hunlot the ex guitar player of Exodus! Haha. The 2011 edition of CIM featured one of the best lineups I've seen there. Exhumed, Nunslaughter, MAAX, Internal Bleeding, Gravehill, etc... it was the Saturday lineup that included us.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Tim: Yes. We are going out this fall and and doing some Midwest mini tours and then an East Coast tour in the Spring of 2012 and possibly a West Coast tour next fall.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by metal fans?

Tim: As far as what we have put down in a recording studio people either get it or they don't. Live is where we convert metal fans young and old. We are now getting messages from all over the world from people who are diggin on what we do. Hopefully one day we will get to meet them all!

8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

Tim: Derek has a thing going called Awakening Leviathan that's pretty cool. James has a band called Secret of the 7 Thunders or S7T. Both are death metal bands.

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

Tim: I see the next release being even more epic and doomy while having that raw Venom / Celtic Frost feel. The HORDE will always keep it's roots but we will also not be afraid to explore musical boundaries. I like progression, just not forced progression.

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

Tim: The HORDE's style bears the mark of bands like Celtic Frost, Venom, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Metal Church, Sabbath, Kreator, Destruction, old Metallica, old Slayer, shit like that. Nowadays I'm jammin to shit like the new Exhumed (Death Metal album of the year), Nunslaughter, Amon Amarth, Disma, Toxic Holocaust...

11. What role does Paganism play in the music?

Tim: Not much actually. There's some thematic stuff lyrically but most of what is written is in the sword and sorcery style. Where a band like Amon Amarth covers actual historical episodes or mythology, we are like a Frank Frazetta painting come to life musically. Barbarians, vikings, monsters and demons. That's what the HORDE is!

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

Tim: For me personally it's dirt track stock car racing! 800HP metal beasts sliding sideways at 100MPH! Duncan is an avid motorcyclist. Derek is a bicyclist and James is a gamer and a huge fan of Star Wars.

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

Tim: Listen up motherfuckers... the HORDE will be pillaging your village in the near future... so come out and join in the massacre... STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!!!

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The Horde/The Blackest Reign/Stormspell Records/2011 CD Review

The Horde are a band from Iowa that mixes thrash  and classic metal with melodic death metal and viking metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Blackest Reign" which was released by Stormspell Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful with some traditional sounding bass riffs..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine thrash and traditional metal with melodic death and viking metal with a lot of melodies being thrown in, while the lead guitars are very melodic and classic sounding metal guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to give the music a 70's metal feel.

Vocals are mostly high pitched melodic death metal screams with some shouting style vocals being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover Norse Paganism and Mythology, as for the production it has a sound of an 80's recording but mixed in with a band that is playing a more modern style of metal.

In my opinion The Horde are a very good thrash/melodic death/viking metal hybrid and if you are looking for a band that combines those styles together, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Hell Beast Of The Pale Frost" "Odin's Blood" "War God" and "Vengeance For A King". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Encoffination/Ritual Ascending Beyond Death/SelfMadeGodRecords/2010 CD Review

  Encoffination are a band with members from Georgia and Texas that plays a very heavy and brutal style of doom/death metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Ritual Ascending Beyond Death" which was released by SelfMadeGod Records.

Drums are mostly slow doom style drumming with some mid paced to fast playing that utilizes some blast beats, while the bass playing has a very heavy and distorted tone that mixes doom metal and death metal together.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow and heavy doom/death metal riffs with some faster death metal riffing being used at times, and there are little to no lead guitars or solos present on this album.

Vocals are all deep death/doom growls with some high pitched screams and samples being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover the ritual ascension of death and purity, as for the production it sounds very heavy, dark and powerful.

I n my opinion Encoffination are a very great doom/death metal band that should appeal to all fans of this genre. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Nefarious Yet Elegant Are The Bowls Of Hell" "Entombment Of Breathing Flesh" and "Coffinpsalms". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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All Else Fails Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?


We are gearing up for the release of our new album "The Oracle", and the tour to support this release starts on the 19th of this month, otherwise its just playing shows and writing music!


2. How would you describe your musical sound?


At the core, we are a metal band, though we certainly mix in other elements from classical, to industrial, to punk. I think with us there aren't really a lot of bands I could compare us to that would really give a good idea of our sound.


3. What are some of the lyrical subjects and topics the new release explores?


This one is a little less political than our last, but honestly, I don't really like explaining my lyrics, I like the idea of people listening to them and experiencing their meaning on their own. Music is a personal experience and I like to keep it that way with our fans. Let them draw their own conclusions.


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


That's a bigger question than you know. Lets just say it involves a can of olives, a 24 case of cheap beer, a walmart greeter and a sex act gone wrong, and leave it at that.


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


Well no matter the size of the show we always give our full performance, we have never been a band to dial it down because the crowd is a little sparse or whatever, but there have been some really great shows lately. The festivals are always the ones that stick out though, we just played Boonstock which was amazing! During our set Ivan from Five Finger Death Punch came out and brought us beer onstage, and hung out after, which was pretty awesome. It's those sort of random things that make events like that memorable, and also show that we are really doing something right.


6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


Absolutely, a month or so in western Canada this summer, then the plan is to do asia in the winter, the states in the spring, and Europe in the fall. Big things ahead!


7. Currently you are singed to Suicidal Bride Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support the label has given you so far?


Well I actually own and run the label, so in that regard they give us everything we need all the time! haha. It's mostly just an avenue to release our albums, though there is some talk of expanding the label and doing developmental deals with some new bands.


8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?


Nothing major, we all have our side projects, but they are just hobbies. The amount of time that we all put into All Else Fails leaves little time to really work on anything else.


9.Om a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme music fans?


Better than I honestly would have expected. Fans of any extreme genre tend to get very elitist with the music they like, but we have certainly played shows like that and won over the crowd. I think in the end we are really just doing our own thing, and that comes across. We hear, "you guys aren't really my thing, but it was pretty awesome anyway" a lot.


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


No idea. We have always stuck very strongly by the idea that we will write and play whatever we feel like as long as we love what we are doing. That means that we aren't ever bound by genre or structure, so every album so far has had a very different feel, and I can see that being the only pattern we follow; every album different from the one before it.


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


We all have very different tastes and background in music, from Jazz to industrial to death metal, but I have been on a real skate punk kick the last little while, tons of old Pennywise, Strung Out, Bad Religion, that sort of thing. In fact we have already started tracking our next album which is going to be a punk cover disc, so we're playing lots of the old songs we grew up on, and playing in a style of music that we don't really get to mess around with.


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


I'm and entertainment junkie, so it's all video games, comics, movies and books, but I have started doing some recording on the side as well, and I think thats going to start eating up a lot of free time.


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


Yes, thank you for helping to support indie music / bands, And to the readers and fans, make sure to take the time to go out to the local shows and show your support. Every big bands starts small, and with the music industry being in the shambles that it is, it's more important than ever to help the bands you love just by standing in front of the stage and enjoying their music.

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All Else Fails/The Oracle, What Was, Is And Could Have/Suicidal Bride Records/2011 CD Review

  All Else Fails are a band Edmonton, Alberta that mixes metal core with melodic death metal, some black metal and orchestra music and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Oracle, What Was, Is And Could Have" which will be released by Suicidal Bride Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats, while the violins bring an orchestra, classical and atmospheric feel to the music in addition there is a small amount of piano being used on the recording, as for the bass playing it has a powerful tone with some heavy riffing.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that mixes metal core with death metal with a great amount of melody being thrown in, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding leads and solos, as for the acoustic guitars they bring a modern rock feel to the music.

Vocals range from metal core growls that have some death and black metal influences as well as a good amount of clean singing and some occasional spoken word passages, while the lyrics cover how corrupt the world is, as for the production it has a very powerful, professional and heavy sound to it.

In my opinion All Else Fails is a very good and original sounding band that has a style of their own, and if you are looking for a death metal influenced metal core band that has their own sound, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This World In Flames" "The House At The End Of The World" "The Oracle" and "Obsidian Walls". RECOMMENDED BUY.

S5 E3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yGFw90IKCI

S5 E2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrKV8JH-r8o

S5 E1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z40X8ATmJFs

Six Reasons To Kill Interview

1.Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
Our latest Album “Architects Of Perfection” has been released two weeks ago. No we are working on our live-set for the next shows. We are going to play some shows within the next month we are also talking to some booking-agencies concerning a tour in early 2011.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Expect some harsh and melodic Death Metal mixed up with some Hardcore influences and some relaxed sounds. “Architects Of Perfection” is probably the most brutal album on the one hand, the most multilayered album on the other in the history of the band. There is a lot of passion in it. It pools all those forces in a way we never reached before. Kristian ”Kohle” Kohlmannslehner was the one who helped us to produce this piece of music. Kurt Ebelhäuser also contributed his voice for the song „My Poison“ – probably the most surprising song on this album.

3. What are some of the lyrical subjects and topics the new release explores?

“False Absolution” deals with the insanity in some facilities of the catholic church here in germany. In some of their children’s homes the so called child care workers violated and raped the inhabitants – innocent childs that who their parents. It was a great affair in the last year in germany. This story is so cruel and far beyond believe: In hard times people go to the church and try to get help there. But they receive nothing but violence. “Welcome To Forever” deals with those uncompromising people that give a shit about others. Our system offers so many enticements to act like this and to manipulate others for your personal profit.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?

Simply nothing, haha. The name doesn’t mean that we appeal to kill someone. It just sounds very good, has a lot of vowels in it. You can memorize this name. And while reading this name you know: This is Metal, not pop. But there is no political or social idea in the name. It just sounds good and hard. That’s it.

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

Having seen this band live means to accept that there will be nothing left but fun and pleasure. We won’t try to change your mind, but we will try to spread some fun to our audience. Come out and just have a good time with us! Enjoy some positive moments! This is something rare in times everybody in the music business has to play shows to earn money. But as we don’t care about fame and money we’ll just try to do our best and have a good time with our fans and friends. It is always exciting to share the stage with bands we love from our days of youth. Last year we played on a festival together with Hatebreed. This was awesome.


6. What are the touring plans for the new release?

We are currently talking to some agencies. At the moments it looks like that we are going to tour Europe in may. And if everything fits well we’ll play another tour in the second half of 2011. And of course there will be shows on some festivals in summer and a whole bunch of single shows in the next weeks. We’re going to play live as much as possible this year.

7. How has the reception been to your newer material by extreme metal fans worldwide?

As far as I can see the reception is very satisfying for us. The critics certify a musical development. Others say that we are now more matured than before. Some say it’s the most brutal album, others say it’s emo, haha. But most reactions are positive.

8. Are there any current side projects going on?

No, Six Reasons To Kill is the only musical activity for everyone in the band.

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

I think everybody in the band is strongly influenced by metal and hardcore music. Everybody in the band likes Metallica, Pantera, Hatebreed or Sick Of It All. So this is where we come from. Nowadays we are also looking for modern bands that have potential to create something new and creative. Despised Icon is one of those bands we were all stoked when we heard them for the first time. Unfortunately they have just split up.

10. Currently you are on Massacre Records, how would you describe the support that the label has given you so far?

Oh it is really great to see your name in all those magazines. For us it is a great step forward to release an album on such an established label. Massacre have worldwide contacts. They offer us an awesome promotion for our new album. And you can buy our album in stores all around the world. Besides that we are working with very nice and professional people in the Massacre Team. So – nothing left to say: It’s great. No we will try to promote the album live as much as possible to support their efforts.

11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

There is not so much time left for other interests. Everybody in the band has a fulltime Job. Some of us have family and everybody has personal commitments. So it’s enough to do there. And Six Reasons To Kill is our private pleasure and our chief activity besides our regular occupations.

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

Thanks you for your interest in 6R2K! Check out our new album and join us at www.facebook.com/sixreasonstokill. We need your support and of course we’ll support you. And last but not least: Come out to our shows and hang out with us. Let us have a good time together. There is nothing better in life than enjoying some great moments with people that are open to give some positive energy to you. If we can spread something of that to you, then there is nothing left to say.

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Encoffination/O Hell Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchures/SelfMadeGod Records/2011 CD Review

  Encoffination are a band with members being from Georgia and San Diego that plays a brutal mixture of funeral doom and doom/death metal and this is a review of their 2008 album "O Hell Shine In Thy Whited Sepulchures" which was released by SelfMadeGod Records.

Drums are mostly slow to mid paced drumming with only a few seconds of fast playing and blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are all slow to mid paced riffs that combine funeral doom with doom/death metal to create a very dark and heavy sound mixed in with some dark sounding melodies as well as a few seconds of fast riffing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all deep death/doom metal growls mixed in with some funeral sounding samples and the first song being spoken word, while the lyrics cover the Ritual Procession Of Death And Eternity, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy sound.

In my opinion this is another great album from Encoffination and if your where a fan of their previous recordings, you should this one out Immediately when it is released. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Rites of Ceremonial Embalm'men" "Ritual Until Blood" "Elegant in Their Funebrial Cloaks, Arisen" and "Annunciation of the Viscera". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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But We Try It/Dead Lights/Massacre Records/2011 CD Review

  But We Try It are a band from Germany that plays a mixture of death metal and thrash core and this is a review of their 2011 album "Dead Lights" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very heavy tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, and on one of the songs there is a piano being used for a few seconds.

Rhythm guitars are a mixture of mid paced to fast riffs which combine death metal, groove metal and thrash core together with a lot of melodic riffing being thrown in and only the occasional slow soft playing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitars that have a technical death metal feel to them, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized briefly, they use full chords to give the music a more rock music feel.

Vocals are a mixture of hardcore style yelling, with some high pitched screams and growls that have a black metal edge to them along with the occasional clean singing, while the lyrics cover dark themes that have somewhat of an occult feel and the corruption of mankind, as for the production it sounds very powerful, heavy and professional.

In my opinion But We Try It are a very good thrashcore/death metal band, and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bloodritual" "The Gift And The Curse" "City Of Ghosts" and "Embracing Darkness'. RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Six Reasons To Kill/The Architects of Perfection/Massacre Records/2011 CD Review

  Six Reasons To Kill are a band from Germany that mixes brutal and melodic death metal with metalcore and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Architects Of Perfection" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from mid paced to fast playing with some brutal blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very heavy and powerful sound, as for the keyboards which are only utilized briefly they bring a dark industrial edge to the music with some trip hop/ambient style sampling along with the occasional piano.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that mix brutal death metal with metalcore and there is also a great amount of melodic riffing along with some thrash influences and on one song there is some soft playing, while the lead guitars have a very melodic tone with some solos, as for the acoustic guitars when they are used briefly, they use full chords to enhance the melodic parts of the music.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls and high pitched screams that have a black metal feel to them along with the occasional pig squeal  and clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover Social Issues, Racism, War and Tolerance, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional feel to it with all of the musical instruments having a brutal sound.

In my opinion Six Reasons To Kill are a very good melodic/brutal/death metal/metalcore band hat is a lot heavier than most bands that play this style, and if you are a fan of this genre, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Welcome To Forever" "Perfection" "My Poison" and "Buried To The Sea". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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The Eyes Of A Traitor/Breathless/Listenable Records/2010 CD Review

  The Eyes Of A Traitor are a band from The United Kingdom that plays a form of melodic death metal that also has a metal core edge to it and this is a review of their 2010 album "Breathless" which will be released by Listenable Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very heavy and dark tone that is very easy to hear at times on certain songs.

Rhythm guitars combine heavy metal core core riffs with some melodic death metal riffing that also has a classic metal feel to it, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding with a lot of skill and talent being utilized.

Vocals are a mixture of metal core and melodic death metal screams mixed in with a small amount of clean singing, while the lyrics cover misery, live, love, dreams, and oceans, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional sounding.

In my opinion The Eyes Of A Traitor are a good band for the style they go for, and while this is not my favorite genre, I still feel fans of melodic death metal with a hardcore will enjoy this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Birth" "Talk Of The Town" and "Nothing To Offer". RECOMMENDED BUY.

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Brighter Death Now/Innerwar/Release/Cold Meat Industry/1996 CD Review

  Brighter Death Now are a project from Sweden that has a history that dates back to the mid 80's, which plays a style that I would describe as being brutal death industrial and this is a review of their 1996 album "Innerwar" which was released as a collaboration between Release Records and Cold Meat Industry.

Noise effects are very harsh and brutal, while the vocals are very extreme sounding screams, as for the samples they come from sick and demented sources.

The music touches on the sick demented mind, while the production has a very raw and brutal sound to it.

In my opinion Brighter Death Now are a very good band that should appeal to all fans of death industrial which they helped pioneer and harsh noise/power electronics. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Innerwar" "Little Baby" and "Sex And Violence". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Brighter-Death-Now-189971351200853/

Enemy Logic/Breakdown Of The Bicameral Mind/2010 CD Review

  Enemy Logic are a band from Ireland that mixes melodic death metal with hardcore and has a slight blackened edge at times, and this is a review of their self released album "Breakdown Of The Bicameral Mind" which was released in 2010.

Drums alternate between slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while keyboards are only used briefly to enhance the music with some occasional industrial style effects, as for for the bass playing it has heavy riffs that follow the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are mostly melodic death metal guitar riffs that range from slow, mid paced, to fast with some metalcore and thrash influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched death metal guitars with some metalcore style growls/ gang chorus'es and clean singing female vocals being used at times, while the lyrics cover aggressive and fighting themes, as for the production it sounds very powerful and heavy.

In my opinion Enemy Logic are a good band for this style of music and seem to have a lot more heaviness and atmosphere than other melodic death metal/metalcore bands and if you are a fan of this genre you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Endless Life" "Fall Of The Sun" "Hostile Hallucination" and "Vengeance Served Cold". RECOMMENDED.

www.myspace.com/enemylogic   

Fluwid Interview

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

Fluwid is a melodic metal band based out of Dayton, Ohio, and have been
together since 2004. We're currently touring on our new album "From
Surface To Suffocation" on Mortal Music.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Melodic metal that we hope appeals to the entire metal and rock community.

3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

Its about the flow of the music, which is also basically the style in
which we write. Making the songs move from one piece to another with a
sonicly pleasing transition. It's meant to be enjoyable to anyone, no
matter how heavy or melodic of a musical taste the listener has.

4. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?

Each song has it's own story, of pleasure or pain, based on situations
we all face everyday. Were not so much into swearing in the lyrics, but
rather expressing our thoughts and feelings across in a much more
meaningful use of the language.

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

Every show is a great show, simply because we just enjoy playing. But
sharing the stage with bands such as Devildriver, Mushroomhead and All
That Remains are always memorable. As for our stage show, it's what we
pride ourselves on. Anyone who has the cd can listen to it anytime they
want, but they come to the see a show, so it's always extremely high
energy, crowd oriented, and very intense.

6. Do you have any upcoming touring plans?

Currently were booking for August and September to continue pushing
the new album.

7. How has your music been recieved so far by extreme metal fans
worldwide?

Everywhere we go we seem to be well recieved. And fans stay fans,
writing us and asking when were comming back and asking to help any
way they can. Our fans are extremely loyal to the music.

8. What do you hope to acomplish your music?

We hope to make a living spreading good music to those who want it.
What more could anyone ask for? Enjoying what we do is huge.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

Most bands seem to progressively get lighter as time passes on, but
we're doing the opposite. The music continuously get heavier while
staying true to the mold of our melocic nature.

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

We're influenced by anything that graces our ears. It could be In
Flames one minute and Queen the next. We listen to everything,
including some wierd sh#t. (wait for the Toni Braxton)

11. What are some of your interests outside of music?

Really, it's still anything involving music. We spend our off time going
to shows, helping bands, designing band art, etc. We're never really off
the clock.

12. Any final words or thoughts?

Check it out at www.myspace.com/fluwid. Let us know what you think!
Keep it Metal!

Mournful Congregation/The Book Of Kings/20 Buck Spin/2011 CD Review

  Mournful Congregation are a band that had their previous album reviewed in this zine that plays a musical style that I would describe as being funeral doom and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Book Of Kings" which was released by 20 Buck Spin.

Drums are all slow drumming with no fast playing or blast beats being present on this recording, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized on the last song they bring a very dark ambient/avant garde feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars are all slow funeral doom riffing with some dark sounding melodies being thrown in at times while the lead guitars are very dark, depressive and melodic funeral doom guitar solos and leads, as for the classical and acoustic guitars they use full chords and finger picking to enhance the dark depressive mood of the music and they are used on a regular basis in the recording.

Vocals are mostly deep sounding doom/death metal growls with some mournful cries being thrown in as well as some spoken word passages, while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes, as for the production it has a very dark and heavy sound to it.

In my opinion while this album is a little bit more progressive than previous releases, I still feel this is a great album from Mournful Congregation and if you where a fan of their previous recordings, you will not be disappointed. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Catechism Of Depression" and "The Book Of Kings". RECOMMENDED BUY.

http://www.myspace.com/mournfulcongregation

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mournful-Congregation/147837944149

Fluwid/From Surface To Suffocation/Mortal Music/2010 CD Review

  Fluwid are a band from Ohio that plays melodic death metal with a hardcore edge that has a small amount of a black metal edge and this is a review of their debut album "From Surface To Suffocation" which was released by Mortal Music inc during the year of 2010.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some blast beats and fast playing being utilized at times, while the bass playing follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are mostly melodic death metal riffs that have some influences from thrash metal, power metal and hardcore as well, while the lead guitars when they are used are very melodic without a lot of guitar solos being used except for a few occasions on some of the songs  and when they are utilized they bring in a lot of classic metal influences.

Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with a good mixture of hardcore growling along with a lot of clean vocals and the occasional high pitched black metal scream being used at times, while the lyrics touch on a lot of emotional topics, as for the production it sounds very professional and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this album.

In my opinion Fluwid are a good band for this style and while sometimes the music gets a little bit too commercial for my taste, I still feel this is a good band and a solid modern metal release, if you are a fan of melodic death metal or the more screamo style of metal you should probably like this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Foever" "The Phoenix" and "Face Down In A Shallow Grave". RECOMMENDED

https://www.facebook.com/Fluwid-298167502967/

Tiamat/Clouds/Century Media Records/1992 CD Review

  Tiamat are a band from Sweden that started out ss a black/thrash band then evolved into doom metal and later on gothic rock and this is a review of their 1992 album "Clouds" which was released by Century Media Records.

Drums are mostly slow beats on this album with some occasional fast playing and the occasional blast beat, while the keyboards have a very dark and atmospheric sound, as for the bass playing it follows the riffs coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are a mixture between slow doom riffs with some mid paced to fat riffing that has a little bit of a black metal influence mixed with Swedish death metal, while the lead guitars are melodic guitar solos, as for the acoustic guitars they bring a small amount of light with some exotic scales played on a classical guitar to the dark music that is present on this album.

Vocals are mostly Swedish style death metal vocals that are very easy to understand with some spoken word passages, while the lyrics cover depressing, esoteric, and satanic themes, as for the production on this album which was recorded and mixed at the Woodhouse Studio in Germany sounds very professional and you can hear all of the instruments that are present on this album.

In my opinion this was one of Tiamat's best albums, and if you are a fan of Tiamat you probably already have this album. Recommended Tracks Include ""In A Dream" "The Sleeping Beauty" and "The Scapegoat". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Bandcamp (Candlelight Records)

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Bathory/Twilight Of The Gods/Black Mark Productions/1991 CD Review

  Bathory are a band from Sweden that started out as a black/thrash metal band that created black metal today as we know and they are also one of the creators of what is known today as viking metal and this is a review of their classic 1991 album "Twilight Of The Gods" which was released by Black Mark Productions.

Drums are mostly slow beats with no fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing is all rhythm bass that follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars, as for the orchestra when it is used on this album it has a soundtrack feel with a classical influence.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow riffs with no fast playing while the lead guitars are distorted guitar solos that contain a lot of melody, as for the acoustic guitars they utilize a lot of open chords that give the music a pagan feel and there are also classical guitars that are used at times.

Vocals are all clean singing and have no black metal vocals like the earlier albums, while the lyrics touch on Norse Mythology, the fantasy writings of Robert E. Howard and the philosophy of Freidrich Nietzsche, as for the production on this recording it sounds very professional for the time it came and you can hear all of the musical instruments present on this masterpiece.

In my opinion this is a classic album from Bathory and if you are a fan of Bathory you probably already have this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Through Blood And Iron" "Under The Runes" and "To Enter The Mountain". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Bathory/184

Try Redemption Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band?
Yes. Try Redemption formed from two high school bands: Undecided and Kismet. We all went to the same high school so things came together quick and easy when the 5 of us decided to jam. Before we knew it, teeth were lost, hair was falling out, kids had been had, and now we're fat and old!But seriously we've played together since 2000 and retained the same line up throughout. We've played shows from Seattle, to Texas, to Milwaukee, to Pennsylvania and been lucky enough to share the stage with many of our childhood influences: Testament, DRI, Nuclear Blast, Exodus,Deicide, Cephalic Carnage, Jag Panzer, etc..

.2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?
We usually like other people to describe our sound because when we writesongs, we don't typically try to sound like anybody. Our individual tastes in music is pretty wide and we like to think that comes through in our songs.

3. Are there any plans for a tour?
You buying? We get out as much as we can, but sometimes can't afford much past the weekend warrior thing...

4. Have you received any label interest?
Yes, but many of the labels have been small and weren't able to offer more than what we were doing on our own. We've also been pretty scrutinous of contracts we've received and it seems like that has scared a couple labels off...

5. How would you describe your musical progress over the years, I have noticed that your newer stuff is a lot heavier than the cd's you gave meat a couple of shows a few years back?
I think that songwriting-wise, it's much easier to write stuff on the fly as a band now. Before, one or two of us would bring a few riffs or a whole songs to practice, but now we come up with most everything together. Plus we practice with a metronome which makes it much easier to get tight on songs with the quickness.

6. What are some of the best shows the band has played?
The Louder, Harder, Faster festival in Allentown, PA in 2005 was probably the most fun we've had. All the bands were put up in a four star hotel and fed and taken care of real well. The original line up of Testament played that show too so we're grateful to have been a part of it.But sometime the best shows are the local ones where everyone is just in the mood to tear shit up. We've always thought it would be cool to hear the crowd scream lyrics and stuff back at us so when we play at home,and everyone screams, "DIRTY, FILTHY, FUCKING, WHORE!" with Hammer, it's the best shit ever!

7. What releases have you put out so far?
2003 - Confessions of a Tortured Soul2005 - Prey For Us Sinners2008 - Resurrection of Reason

8. What role does Anti-Christianity play in the music?
Not so much in the music - meaning it doesn't really influence the riffs and stuff - we kind of have a "live and let live" mentality. But Hammer writes about it when he's in the mood... Lately, his lyrics have been more on the death/gore side...

9. What are some of the band's main influences music wise or non music wise?
Like I said earlier, our musical interests are pretty widespread. From Pantera to 80's hair metal and obscure 80's pop stuff, to 70's rock and funk, to Edward's beats (techno/Industrial). And we all enjoy contemporary metal: Cannibal, Amon Amarth, The Faceless...Non-music wise: Nintendo... sweet Christ Nintendo! Good beer (everyoneloves a Hefe!) LOTRO, South Park, Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job...it's an awesome show... they do a great job... SpongeBob, CartoonNetwork, Harry Potter, Delorians, D&D, Bob and Tom, the good ol' collegetry, too much to list here..

10. What are you listening to nowadays and what good bands would you recommend?
Daigle has been listening to the hell out of the last Faceless CD. James- Sonata Artica. John - Informatik.We would recommend Scalafrea, Kastigation, and Khrinj.

11. What are some good books or films that you would recommend?
Harry Potter series (books and movies), Lord of the Rings (the movies),Cannibal, Orgazmo, Baseketball, South Park the movie, Team America,Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory(movie), Back to the Future series, The Matrix, The original Exorcist(book and movie).

12. How would you compare the metal scene in Colorado Springs to Denver?
The bands seem to get along better in Colorado Springs... maybe there's just fewer bands here though... There's many more places to play in Denver and the population is more... but we've always enjoyed Colorado Springs. We've been asked if we've ever considered moving to Denver and we haven't. We've lived in Colorado Springs our whole lives so this is home.

13. Any final words?
Choerl! Pro. Thanks for the interview... and go to YourAssCast.com

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Stahlwerk 9/RetroMechanix/Stienklang/2009 CD Review

  Stahlwerk 9 are a band from Germany that plays an old school style of Industrial/Power Electronics and this is a review of their 2009 album "RetroMekanik" which was released by Steinklang.

Noise effects are very harsh and brutal with a good touch of avant garde, while as the samples sound very tragic, as for the vocals they are mostly spoken word with an evil sound to it.

Lyrics are mostly written about World War II, while the production has a very dark and raw feel to it, as for the synths when they are used they have a very primal dark ambient edge to it.

In my opinion Stahlwerk 9 are a very good Industrial/Power Electronics band that should appeal to all fans of this genre. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Warsaw Calling/Als Ich Starb" "Katharsis" Overture To A War" and "Vengeance". RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Stahlwerk-9-206378726069216/

Stalaggh/Nihililistik Terror/Autopsy Kitchen Records/2006 CD Review

  Stalaggh are a band from the Netherlands that pays a very violent form of harsh power electronic noise with a black metal edge and this is a review of their 2006 album "Nihilistik Terror" which was released by Autopsy Kitchen Records.

The music on this album is all harsh noise effects that are very heavy with a lot of distortion and reverb, while the vocals are all high pitched tortured screams that remind me of Abruptum without any guitars or drums.

In my opinion i think Stalaggh are a  very good band and while the music is not very diverse it still gets the point across, if you are a fan of evil sounding harsh noise you should check this band out. RECOMMENDED BUY.

https://www.discogs.com/artist/221698-Stalaggh

Hatred Embraced Interview

1. Can you tell us little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
Akash - Old school death metal. Trying to bring that old school twisted sound of death as best as possible.
Joe – Just a some guy’s with a honest love for the beginning days of death metal.

2. How would you describe your musical sound and how it differs from previous releases?
Akash - Personally, I think our sound has become more refined, both in structure and tightness and overall the riffs are just better.
Joe - We're a pretty death-y doom-y band. Old school death metal-esque of course. From our old releases, oh man, have we changed haha. Compared to, our now hidden 2009 demo, let's just say we can play our instruments a bit better.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Akash - mostly death and religion. the usual, nothing special
Joe – Akash has that department handled

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
Joe - Just something cool sounding, no epic meaning behind it.
Akash - Sounds badass i guess, to me at least

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Akash - The backstage in edison. We were tight, sounded good and just brought a lot of energy.
Joe – Yup that was our most recent show with Gorematory and Mortum. We had been away for sometime after the first release of Suffering of the Holy and the demo had built up a small amount of rotation and when we came to play some new stuff it was just great. Shows before that were really lame. Theres no real old school death metal following in Jersey. I mean, sure you have the guys that listen to Obituary and Morbid Angel and whatnot, but theres a lot of black metal and thrash, more than a old school death following. A lot of casual old school death metallers in jersey, which left us with a few bleak and boring shows.

6. Do you have any plans in the future to do a tour or festival?
Joe- I dont know about that, I think we need more shows under our belt before we do a tour, nevermind a festival.
Akash - hopefully, if all goes well

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by death and underground metal fans?
Akash - Pretty well, I’m always happy when people like our music especially people around the world. It’s been described as old school by many and I’m glad to take part in that kind of sound.
Joe - Lots of people downloaded it, lots of positive feedback, lots of people from the 90's giving it some thumbs up. Not too shabby

8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
Joe - Well Dave Hewson and Ryan Donato have a band thrash band together called Condition Critical, and they currently released a demo and are doing some shows. Ryan is also in a band called Strychnia. But as for me, nothing.
Akash - no side projects for me

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Akash -I dont see any big genre changes happening any time soon, but who knows?
Joe - We're gonna stay true to our death metal roots. Not gonna go tech-y or anything. If it gets stale, then it gets stale, but we're gonna stick to our guns until then.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Akash - morbid angel, death, obituary, pestilence and a lot of swedish/finnish death metal
Joe – Cancer, Disincarnate, Morta Skuld, Convulse

11. Does Occultism play a role in the music?
Joe - I mean....no haha, but if it makes a good song. We really dont take cult stuff seriously. It's pretty dumb in the year 2011 if your walking around making an effort to say "well, thank SATAN" just to stick it to the man.
Akash - no, I like to keep music about the music.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Akash - that's the only productive thing really
Joe - We’re just some bro's. We drink, party, and do some typical 20 year old stuff.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the interview, thanks to FDA REKOTZ for signing us, thanks to our fans and friends for the support and good times. Listen to old school death metal!

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Hatred_Embraced/3540262218