Chelidon Frame/Left Blank/2018 Full Length Review

  Chelidon  Frame  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  drone  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2018  album  "Left  Blank".

  Stringed  instruments  along  with  some  ambient  soundscapes  and  drones  start  off  the  album  while  the  music  gets  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  at  times  along  with  a  great  amount  of  field  recordings  as  well  as  some  of  the  tracks  also  mixing  in  elements  of  noise  and  most of  the  music  is  instrumental.

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  some  tracks  also  utilize  homemade  musical  instruments  which  also gives  the  music  more  of  a  tribal  and  ritualistic  feeling  at  times  along  with  some  songs  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  a  classic  sci-fi  movie  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  bringing  in  guitars  and  as  the  album  progresses  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  a  later  track  also  introduces  radio  noises  into  the  music  and  spoken  word  samples  are  added  onto  the  closing.

  On  this  recording  Chelidon  Frame  takes  experimental,  drone,  noise  and  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  different  and  original  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  from  Chelidon  Frame  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  drone,  ambient  and  noise,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Left  Blank"  "Pluto's  Moons  Are  in  Absolute  Chaos-II  Kerberos"  "High  Rise"  and  "Low  Rise".  8  out  of  10.

www.facebook.com/chelidonframe

www.chelidonframe.bandcamp.com

www.chelidonframe.wordpress. com

Spaceslug/Eye The Tide/BFSD Records/2018 CD Review

  Spaceslug  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a mixture  of  sludge,  stoner  and  doom  metal  with  some  black  metal  touches  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Eye  The  Tide"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  BFSD  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitar  leads  which  also  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  proto  and  stoner  metal  direction  while  the  guitar  solos  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  songs  also  mixing  in  the  heaviness  of  doom  and  sludge  metal.

  Melodic  vocals  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars  also  being  used  at  times  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  psychedelic  elements  and  at  times  the  music  adds  in  influences  of progressive  rock  and  when  screams a re  utilized  they  bring  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  and  also  adds  in  blast  beats  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up.

  Spaceslug  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  sludge,  stoner  and  doom  metal while  also  mixing  in  black  metal,  psychedelic  and  progressive  rock  elements  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  deepest  and  darkest  parts  of  the  universe.

  In  my  opinion  Spaceslug  are  a  very  great  sounding  psychedelic  mixture  of  stoner,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Spaced  by  One" a nd  "Words  Like  Stones".  8  out  of  10.

https://spaceslug.bandcamp.com/music

Lurk/Fringe/Transcending Obscurity Records/2018 CD Review

  Lurk  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  and  death  metal  with  some  touches  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Fringe"  which  will  be  released  in  August  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounds  also  being  mixed  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  slow  riffs also  bring  in  the  heaviness of  sludge  and  doom  metal  along  with  the  vocals  being  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  a  few  black  metal  screams  and  one  some  tracks  they  also  get  rough  yet  semi  melodic,  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  clean  stoner  vocals  can  also  be  heard  and  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  a  later  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  guitars.

  Lurk  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  with  elements  of  death  and  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Lurk  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  with  touches  of  death  and  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres, you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tale  Blade"  "Offshot"  and  "Proteus  Syndrome".  8  out  of  10.

Lurk Facebook

Self-Hatred/Hlubiny/Solitude Productions/2018 CD Review

  Self-Hatred  are  a  band  from  the  Chezch  Republic  that  has  had  an  album reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Hlubiny"  which  was  released  by  Solitude  Productions.

  A  very  dark  soundscape  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  acoustic  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  and  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  black  metal  screams  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  a  brief  use  of  whispers  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Synths  are  also  mixed  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times  while  a  couple  of  tracks  also  introduces  stringed  instruments  and  clean  guitars  into  the  music and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  the  album  closes  with  an  instrumental. 

  Self-Hatred  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  atmospheric  style  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  of  their  previous  release  while  also  keeping  the  black  metal  elements  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  their  native  tongue  and  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Self-Hatred  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  funeral  doom/death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Odraz"  "Vzplanuti"  and  "Epitaf".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImlP5YCue08 

Kreiviskai/Nonregnum/Cold Dungeon Records/2018 CD Review

  Kreiviskai  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  neo-folk,  ritual,  ethno-ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Nonregnum"  which  was  released  by  Cold  Dungeon  Records.

  Nature  sounds  along  with  some  folk  instruments  start  off  the  album  while  female  vocals  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  stringed  instruments  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  music  also  adds  in  a  great  amount  of  martial  elements.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  bring  in  touches  of  ambient  while  the  spoken  word  parts gives  the  songs  more  of  a  ritualistic  atmosphere  along  with  some  tracks  also  bringing  in  acoustic  guitars  as  well  as  some  battle  sounds  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  elements  of  ethno  music,  post  folk,  black  metal  and  darkwave  are  added  onto  the  recording.

 Their  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  male  vocals  on  some  songs  while  one  of  the  later  tracks  being  an  instrumental  as  heavy  riffs,  growls  and  screams  are  also  added  onto  the  closing  tack  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  can  be  heard  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  Krieviskai  takes  neo-folk,  martial,  ritual. ethno  music  and  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  medieval  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Kreiviskai  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  neo-folk,  martial,  ritual  and  ethno-ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Foundation  [1247]"  "Sieged [1375]"  "The  Lost  Freedom  [1485]"  and  "Ode  To  The  Great  One  [1453}".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJYe8i0hAns&feature=youtu.be

  

End Christian/Bach Part One/Translation Loss Records/2018 CD Review

  End  Christian  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  blackened  noise,  experimental,  ambient,  psychedelic  and  drone  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018 album  "Bach  Part  One"  which  was  released  by  Translation  Loss  Records.

  Clean  vocals  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  elements  of  trip  hop  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  drum  beats  are  all  programmed  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  touches  of  electronic  music.

  Psychedelic  elements  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording   while  some  tracks  also  add  in  ambient  soundscpaes  and  drones  and  when  heavy  riffs  are utilized  they  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  as  well  as  all  of  the  tracks  being  very  experimental  and  sounding  different  from  each  other.

  On  this  recording  End  Christian  take  electronic,  experimental,  ambient,  drone,  trip  hop,  psychedelia  and  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  create  something  very  original,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark, philosophical  and  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  End  Christian  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  blackened  noise,  experimental,  ambient,  psychedelic  and  drone,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Hamilton  Two"  "Certs"  "Venison  Thaw"  and  "Altered  For  Concern".  8 out  of  10.

 https://www.facebook.com/EndChristianofficial

   

Sektarism/Hosanna Sathana/Zanjeer Zani Productions/Necrocosm Productions/2018 Vinyl Re-Issue Review

  Sektarism  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of    their  2011  demo  "Hosanna  Sathana"  which  was  re-issued  on  vinyl  in  2018  as  a  joint  effort  by  Zanjeer  Zani  and  Necrocosm  Productions.

  Drum  beats  and  a  powerful  sounding   bass  guitar  start  off  the  demo  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  track  is  over  24  minutes  in  length  as  well  as  the  slow  riffs  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  and  when  screams  are  utilized  they  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal.

  Elements  of  drone  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  music  also  gets  ritualistic  in  some  parts  of  the  song  along  with  the  music  also  capturing  an  improv  atmosphere  and  the  music  always  sticks  to  a  very  slow  direction.  as  well  as  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  angry  shouts  and  towards  the  end  guitar  leads  are  also  used  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Sektarism  takes  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Religion  and  Submission  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sektarism  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMEsYu6hKe0&feature=youtu.be

Sona Nyl Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

SONA NYL was born in 2014 & first released a track on the NEMA FOUNDATION compilation. After that, its first album “REFUGEE” came out on PETROGLYPH MUSIC & then on HEXX9 RECORDS in a remastered CD/DD edition. Few tracks were selected to cover the SAÏR777 art exposition “OUROBOROS – PROTEUS” while the track “IN TUTTA LA SUA GLORIA” became the soundtrack of the animated movie “OUROBOROS” made by the same artist. “IN TUTTA LA SUA GLORIA” was also selected to be part ov the compilation “THIS MUSIC PLANTS TREES”. Recently, SONA NYL made a remix for MATER SUSPIRIA VISION & as you know, took part for the split CD/DD “DECAY” with RUARI O’BAOIGHILL.


 2.How would you describe the musical sound that has been presented on all of the recordings you have released so far?

The music I compose for SONA NYL is a melting pot ov electronics, dark ambient, orchestral, industrial & turns to a more melodic approach as time goes by.


 3.What are some of the themes and images you also bring out with your music?

My first album “REFUGEE” is an album composed under the major influence ov depression. In my own conception, it’s an album ov fire. The sound traduces the fire that was consuming my inner self at this period. I now bring my music to a more aerial, spacy approach. I try to transcend myself & compose a music that eases my pain & so, eventually yours.


 4.You also have a song entitled 'Baba Yaga', do you have an interestin mythology?

This not a song but a remix for MATER SUSPIRIA VISION even if my version is totally different from the original. I made a very dancefloor type track from it. BLAXLEEP made an awesome video ov it wich I highly recommend. To answer to your question : yes, I have an interest in mythology.


 5.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to remain solo?

I made few collaborations with other artists for my other projects. Alexandra Nordrac, Angstvart & recently Serena Toxicat. I enjoyed it. But I’m more in a solo approach for my work. I have a strong vision ov what I compose & adding a voice on a musical track changes everything.


 6.Recently you where a part of a split with 'Ruani O'Baoighill', what are your thoughts on this other solo artist?

I don’t listen to a lot ov dark ambient stuff anymore. But Ruairi has a singular approach in this domain. Even if its dark ambient, it touches me differently. He’s a very humble & gentle guy.


 7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your recordings by fans of electronic music?

… Few feedbacks… But powerful ones… It’s ok for me because I prefer to strongly touch 10 people  than obtain hundreds “likes” about people who doesn’t give a fvck & don’t even remember what they liked few seconds later.


 8.Can you also tell us a little bit more about the other musical projects you are a part of?

I also compose under the names ov EL PRETRO MANIACO (horror ambient), CATHURIA (pagan ambient), OVK (avant garde music) & ORPHEUS (retro minimalist wave).


 9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?

I have a soundtrack project for an independent French movie director named EMMANUEL DUCHEZ. He made few short movies especially “ROSE CASTLE” which I really enjoyed. A lot ov poetry & gloomy ambiences in this one. It recently won several prices in few specialized festivals around the world. He’s now searching for financial supports for his first full movie which will be about inquisition. I’m very glad about it. We’ll see…


 10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I strongly love DEVIN TOWNSEND, A-HA, INDOCHINE, KIRLIAN CAMERA, ENNIO MORRICONE, BRUNO NICHOLAI, FABIO FRIZZI, KIM WILDE, VNV NATION, COIL…

I recently discovered the label “FINDERS KEEPERS RECORDS” & listen to their releases a lot. Also, there are the movie soundtracks “LE LAC DES MORTS VIVANTS” and “LA REVANCHE DES MORTES VIVANTES”. And synth-pop acts such as IRIS, MESH, SEABOUND, APOPTYGMA BERZERK, COVENANT, DE/VISION…


 11.What are some of your non musical interests?

A particular kind ov cinema. Most ov Italian, Spanish, french horrific movies from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. Reading. Being alone watching nature. Playing retro video games.


 12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

No one cares.

https://cursedmonk.bandcamp.com/album/decay

Moloch Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording and release of the new album?
Right now I'm focusing on promoting this album and booking shows for Moloch. I already have two dates in Poland in August but I'm looking to perform both here and abroad. With that comes a lot of stuff that I have to think through and work with but I'm really hyped! I'm preparing a setlist that will include mostly the stuff from "The Other Side" as well as some of my older tracks. And I do want this to be an experience not a regular show if you know what I mean...

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

"The Other Side" is the next logical step after "The Vatican Cellars". I prefer evolution over revolution so I guess my sound is still rooted in my past but it's also fresh and vital. My older electronic music tracks were in vein of dungeon synth, so they were murky, damp, heavy atmospheric and so on. The new aproach is more edgy, sharp and it has beat that wasn't present before. So naturally these songs can be performed live and no one will fall asleep (laugh). And that's also the main factor that differentiates "The Other Side" from my previous works. I wanted this music to be performed live and the tracks are written with stage in mind. That's something new for me in this genre, though I wrote much of my black metal stuff this way.

3.The song themes cover 80's era sci-fi and horror b movies, can you tell us which films and film makers that had a huge infuence on your work?
It's hard to name but few but I can tell you that I've always been a fan of John Carpenter's movies, Dario Argento's "Suspiria" had a tremendous effect on me when I was a child as well. I was always into "Hellraiser" (but only the first three movies), Return of the Living Dead and so on. I think that I enjoy the horror flicks from 70's, 80's and the 90's as well. I stopped watching the new shit around 2000. Can't find the same vibe and drive in the new ones, you know?

4.You have also played black metal but with this project go for more of a dark synth style, how would you compare the 2 different musical genres?
I think of them as two sides of the same coin (me). I really debuted in 2006 with dungeon synth stuff or medieval ambient if you prefer. But I also wanted to make something more extreme and that's when Zorormr came alive. Now I'm back in synthesiser world and hopefully will stay there for a while. And as for comparisons I really don't know. Black metal is more personal, more intimate for me. And making this kind of music is not exactly what I call "fun". With synth I had a lot of fun and was fooling around. It's still honest but not so heavy in terms both structure and substance.

5.I know that the name 'Moloch' comes from a 'Canaanite god, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in occultism and mythology?
Moloch means king in Hebrew, Akkadian and Ammonite langue (but it's spelled a little different). Anyway I was always interested in the supernatural and the occult. Even wrote a book about mysticism and got my PhD on the study of Agrippas De occulta philosophia. At that time I read a ton of books on Western Esotericism as well as all those "sacred texts" that you need to know. Nowadays I don't look for that kind of knowledge anymore since I exhausted that well with "Corpus Hermeticum" - an album by Zorormr inspired by Hermes Trismegistus and so on.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself but have worked with other musicians before, how would you compare the two?
Obviously, it's different. Can't say which is better 'cause they both have pros and cons but I think it's easier to work with somebody. When you're alone you can easily do something wrong put too much of something and that's not what you wan't people to hear. Even the best idea at first can be really poor. I value the help of other musicians, especially from different genres, because they have what we call a "fresh ear". So what they tell me, how they contribute to what I do elevates my music. With solo recording and producing it's tougher but eventually also rewarding. I like to make music both ways. Nowadays mostly solo but who knows? Maybe there will be some guest appearances in Moloch in the future?

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of dark and underground music?
So far it's good. I had only positive reviews and everybody is telling me that's the best thing I've done ever. It's sincere and straightforward. And you can really hear that I enjoyed making it. I do have high hopes for this EP since it's not only my first new electronic stuff since like 2011 and I'm currently working on new stuff but it's something I would consider a breaking point for me. I think the fans like that "The Other Side" for what it is - a homage to the 80's - 90's horror stuff. And you can dance to it too (laugh). So you don't have to be ashamed that besides being morbid and bleak all the time you can jump for Ye Old Ones...

8.Are you currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Moloch is my primary focus at the moment. I will be returning with Zorormr for another LP but there aren't any other projects that I'm currently involved in.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
Even though I'm not doing this since yesterday I still feel like I'm in the beginning of my musical journey. Surely live shows is something that I'm focusing on right now and making new music. Hopefully in the future people will listen to Moloch more and I will have the opportunity to perform for bigger audiences. And I think these are the 2 main factors that I'm aiming at. Making more and better music and reaching to bigger audiences.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
It's hard for me to name them. I listen to a lot of stuff. I was always impressed by King Diamond and he is by far my favorite artist. An idol you could say. But I listened to a lot of Alice in Chains, White Zombie, Norwegian black metal, and many other stuff that would need a separate article to cover. I've been listening to a lot of Ghost records lately, as well as Sepultura, Bishop Briggs (you should check her out, she's stunning) and many others. I'm also a fan of both Carpenter Brut, Perturbator and Scandroid as far as synthwave is considered.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
I don't have too much free time so my activities besides making and releasing music are rather dull. I do like to read a good book, play on my PS4, binge watch something on Netflix, hangout with my friends in the outdoors. Grab a bite and a beer. Simple stuff. Nothing fancy. But that's what helps me relax and that's all I need.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your time and hope to see you at Moloch live shows! Stay heavy!

https://www.facebook.com/molochofficial

Barren Heir Interview

1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Bleak sludge metal, with lots of left turns. Bluesy, atmospheric guitar work and the occasional prog section.



2. How would you describe the musical sound that has been presented on the recordings you have released so far?

Like a big angry sea monster coming out of the water. But then it crashes back against the ocean super hard and it’s not even pissed any more, it’s just bummed.



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

Self-reflection. Observations on life and those around you. Dead ends.



4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Barren Heir’?

It’s sort of twofold. The three of us were in a previous band that had a lot of lineup changes. We struggled to find an identity because of it, and after a while we just had enough. We knew we were capable of doing something good together. So when we started this band, it was clear in our minds that it was always just going to be the three of us. This band only exists because we’re very close friends, and meeting up to jam every week has been a regular part of our lives for 10+ years at this point. If any one of us were out of the equation, then there’s no more Barren Heir. It also just kind of nailed the vibe of our music and is sort of an ambiguous word pairing, which I’m all about.



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

Last year we got to play a super nice venue here in Chicago called Lincoln Hall. I never thought we would have an opportunity to play a place like that. It was the record release show for a band from here called Outrun the Sunlight. They put the show together and were nice enough to bring us on. All the bands (Outrun the Sunlight, Sioum and REZN) did great and sounded massive in that setting. It was just a totally new and very memorable experience playing a venue like that.



People often say our live shows feel improvised at times. After we’ve been playing a song for a while it changes a bit so I think our live shows have something a little bit extra than the recording. I would consider us more of a “live band”, meaning I’d rather have people be introduced to our music in a live setting.



6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We’re heading south for a week over Memorial Day weekend, and currently booking something a little more extensive for late August. No specific plans just yet beyond that, but we’re steadily going to begin touring more. And definitely a release show with Cokegoat once we have these vinyls in hand.



7. Recently you where a part of a split with 'Cokegoat', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

They're great! We loved their band before this and were immediately on board when Jeff initially brought up this idea. We owe them a lot of “thanks” for spearheading this and keeping it on track. Before this, we never worked with any sort of time constraints. It was just, when it's done, we’ll record it. So we learned a lot, we worked under pressure and that really kept us on our toes. If they didn’t say, “hey, be ready to enter the studio in October”, there’s no way would have been studio ready with new music by then. Typically things move a lot slower with us. It’s not laziness, it’s just a slow process letting everything take shape. I over scrutinize little things until there’s nothing left. And of course that drags things on endlessly. Sometimes you just need that push, or need someone to light the fire under you.



8. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Not actively seeking something out. I’m open to the idea of if it, but it’d essentially have to be a perfect pairing.



9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge, doom and post metal?

From the little we’ve seen it’s been positive. With Tired Turns (our debut / only other release), we sold a very modest number of copies online, yet the majority of those were international orders. That was unexpected. I was surprised and excited that anyone outside the US bought it.



10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Hard to say. I would guess that we won’t ever make the same record. I hope at the end of the day we’ll have released a lot of records and covered a lot of territory, musically.



11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Rage Against the Machine and Tool were two of the earliest bands I became obsessed with after I started playing bass in grade school. Thanks to my Mom, Ænima from Tool opened up a whole new world of music around that time that I had previously closed myself off from. Shortly after that my cousin gave me a burned CD of the first Mars Volta record and that similarly blew my mind. Jon Theodore’s drumming on that is one of my all-time favorites. Another thing that sticks out was seeing Russian Circles when I was 16, and it was shortly after they released the Enter EP. They played the Arlington Heights Knights of Columbus in front of a small crowd and it was like nothing I’d seen at that point.



Nowadays I’m always hoping around and always trying to find something new to listen to. For work I do graphic design, so I sit at a computer and I’m free to listen to music the whole time. Recent heavy rotation albums: Amenra (Mass VI), Deem Spenser (We Think We Alone), Yussef Kamaal (Black Focus), Portal (Ion), Brother/Ghost (Buried), Frank Ocean (Endless).



12. What are some of your non musical interests?

All three of us love Basketball.



13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for taking the time.

Bandcamp

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Vox Lilia Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days?
I signed with 8AM Records to release my mini album “Monotony Murder” on tape format. Until now the mini album was only available digitally on Bandcamp in VOX LILIA Page, so I am glad that  I will soon receive this material in my hands.

2. In October you had released an album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
Sociological paranoia experimental noise only for those who dare...

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the music?
The subject matter has to do with the violence that man exerts on nature, on animals. The uncontrolled consumerism and the way of thinking and behavior that is perceived as the only acceptable way of life.

4. You are also a part of 'Dark Awake', what are some of the things you bring out into this musical project that you are not able to do with the previous mentioned one?
This is my own personal project, where I create and control everything on my own. The music is purely noise experimental and industrial while Dark Awake does not focus on this kind of music only. Vox Lilia and Dark awake differ not only musically but also thematically, as the latter have so far dealt with other themes.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Vox Lilia'?
I attach great importance to the way the words are heard.  To me, these two words together sound very harmonic. The words are Latin and translate as "the voice of the lilies"
I think everyone can draw their own conclusion as to what the name "Vox Lilia" means.
For example, someone might imagine being addressed by the lily with the question, "is there any truth at this moment" referring to the virginal conception of Jesus, one of the greatest symbols of the West.

6. With this project you record everything by yourself, is this project more personal to you?
Yes, I do everything on VOX LILIA. I compose, record, do the production, write the lyrics, do the artwork. It is really a personal work!

7.The album was  released on '*8AM Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
We had a very good communication so I learned some things that I can share with you.
8 AM Records is a one man show, Avery Vickers is the Founder/Owner behind the label. And the name “8AM” comes from the Merzbow album "Door Open at 8am”
The label was originally meant for artists from Idaho but he started receiving requests from all over the world so he decided to be an all around label that expects any experimental art medium.  As he said “I wanted to aim for being a label that helps artists get their names out in the world without being turned down by high profile labels and I expect any experimental art medium”

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of experimental, noise and industrial?
So far I have received very good reviews and there are people that are interested in my work and this is good! But my goal is to express myself freely through music, no matter what others might think about my music.

9. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the new album?
I will tell you something I have said before, my artwork is a stand against violence, the violence we exert on animals, sexual violence and sexual oppression, the fact that you are supposed to have a sexual identity or a specific way to see sex.
And of course woman’s sexual degradation and what world and society require of her.

10. Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
Music is a living thing and that's why I do not know now what will follow in the future. What I know is that I will continue to make music and express myself through it. So it remains to be seen.

11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I have listened to music for as long as I can remember myself and the influences are many but mostly old school experimental noise industrial  and many kinds of Dark Scene, such as Dark Wave, Death Rock, Dark Ambient, Neoclassical, NeoFolk etc. Lately, I’ve been listening to the band Nový Svět  again, who I really like, as well as some newer noise bands such as Puta Malaria with whom I have collaborated on a mini album doing the guest vocals.

12. Does Occultism play a role in the music of 'Vox Lilia'?
Not really, only on a symbolical level.

13. What are some of your non musical interests?
I am interested in many forms of art, such as fine arts, for example painting. I love cinema and read books a lot. In general, I find myself engaged with different things from time to time, without losing my interest in the previous ones, for example, I have written some short stories for personal pleasure and some articles too, something I do not do so much now but it is always in the back of my mind as something that interests me and to which I might return some day.

14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I think it is necessary that people engage in art and gain a more critical perception and apperception,  so that they see behind the big words and actions of those who dominate them with any form of power, even if it is the power we feel  by our partner, unless it is an erotic game that both parties have accepted and agreed on.

VOX LILIA  Pages
www.facebook.com/VoxLilia
https://voxlilia.bandcamp.com

Ruarri O' Baoghill Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with your solo work these days?

At the moment I’m in the middle of my seven releases in seven months plan. I planned  an album a month to be released for the first half of the year, then concentrate on shows for the second half. It’s been going pretty good so far, but with promo and everything it’s a giant undertaking. So far since January there’s been “Forest Rites” with Breinskham (Noctivagant Records), “Descensus Tenebris” with Occult Odyssey (Black Mourning Productions), my own third full length album, “To See Without Eyes” (Cursed Monk Records) ”Between Flesh and Dust” with Dark Awake (Cursed Monk Records) and “Decay” with Sona Nyl (Cursed Monk Records). The next two releases have been pushed back a little bit, so it won’t be seven albums in seven months anymore but that’s okay. They are Ruairi O’Baoighill & Luxury Mollusc (Cruel Nature Records) and “Shrine” with Ashtoreth (Cursed Monk Records). After that I’m hoping to play some shows. Get a new Order of the Black Dawn album out, then begin writing my fourth album at the start of 2019.

2.Recently you have released 2 splits, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

Both are very ritualistic in their own right. For my pieces on Decay I wanted them to be three parts of one ritual to open the album, so those pieces flow together in a more linear fashion. One piece split into three parts. Whereas my work on “Between Flesh and Dust” whilst still ritualistic, is more experimental. Even drifting into psychedelia in places. So while it’s still telling a story, it’s more so chapters in a book, rather than parts of a chapter.

3.A lot of your music is inspired by Horror Films, Irish Paganism and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?

Sure, but there’s not much to tell. I’ve been interested in the idea of ritual from a very young age. I was a practising Catholic for many years, which is where my interest began. After I lost my faith in the Church, I began to look into the history of religion in Pre-Christian Ireland. As well as more esoteric religions, and psychedelics, most of which were legal in Ireland at the time. I wasn’t looking for a new belief structure or anything like that, but more so investigating out of curiosity. I found and still find it all endlessly fascinating, and I draw heavily from it in all creative aspects of my life. The same goes for Horror, I’ve always had a keen interest in the weird and macabre, so I like to do my part to add a bit more of that into the world.

4.Since 2016 you have released  a great  amount of music, do you spend a great amount of time writing and creating music?

Most of my time is spent writing music in one form or another. Outside of the Ruairi project, I write for a drone doom band I’m a part of called Stonecarver, I also have a noise project (Reilig) an industrial metal project (Stonedcrow), a doom metal project (Boleskine) I’m also part of dark ambient collective (Order of the Black Dawn) and run a record label (Cursed Monk Records).  I know it’s a terrible cliche, but music really is my life. Next to my partner and dog of course.

5.You are also involved with 'Order Of The Black Dawn', can you tell us a little bit more about this musical project?

The Order was originally meant to be a split album between myself and Michal Polgar (Asath Reon, Movranah). We had a great time working on it, so decided to form a collective rather than release a split. Since then we have recruited two more members. Todd (Withering of Light, Shrine of the Serpent) and Ana (Dult). We have been trying to get a second album written, but with four different people, all with their own lives, schedules, and projects, this is easier said than done. But I’m sure someday we’ll get a second album done. They are all exceptionally talented people and I’m looking forward to working with them.


6.What are some of the best shows that you have done so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

My favourite shows so far have been “A Berry Feast Vol 3” in Austria. The audience were very divided at the end, which at the time I thought was great, plus I’ve been told the visuals I used made someone vomit. At the time it was a big win for me and I thought it was hilarious. But I was still trying to figure out what I was doing, and why I was doing it. These days I try not to make my shows as visually challenging. People have enough to be worrying about without me trying to make them sick for no good reason. It’s been quite a learning experience for me.  Collaborating with Ashtoreth at Radiant Arts Fest in Belgium was also amazing. He is an outstanding artist that I am very proud to know, and even prouder to be considered a peer. To have the opportunity to work with him was, and is, an honour.  For Irish shows, my favourite was Species 2016. That was so much fun. Species is an amazing festival and a must for people interested in gothic and industrial culture. It’s an annual festival in the hills of Co.Leitrim and is run by an incredible couple, Harriet and Iliocht. If you go, and you should, its a weekend you’ll speak fondly about till your end of days. My live show depends on the venue. Sometimes it consists of a lot of smoke and visuals, with a candle lit stage. Sometimes it’s in total darkness. I try to make the most of whatever space I’m in.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

There may be some shows in Holland, Belgium, and Germany in October/November, I’m currently trying to figure all that out. I’m booked to play Species again this year, but due to some complications on my part it’s up in the air, which is unfortunate as I look forward to it every year. Hopefully it’ll work out.

8.Recently you have been a part of some splits with 'Dark Awake' and 'Sona nyl', what are your thoughts on these other musical projects?

I’m really excited about those releases. Both of those projects are great, and both are really good people. It was a real honour to work with them, and hopefully we can do it again in the future.

9.Both of the splits were released on 'Cursed Monk Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

I decided to start Cursed Monk as a way to release my own work, but when artists I highly respect such as Weed Priest, Luxury Mollusc, Gourd, and Beneath the Sod wanted to release on the label I jumped at the opportunity, and decided to expand the label into a somewhat unique home on Irish soil for an eclectic mix of Doom/Sludge/Industrial/Noise/Ritual Ambient/Psych/Folk and all sorts of musical esoterica. We also have a podcast to promote other artists as well as our own called “Cursedcast - Dark Sounds from the Underground” which you can find on mixcloud.

 10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of ritual and dark ambient?

With facebook's pay to be seen policy, and their new algorithm, it’s harder than ever to reach new people. But the feedback I have got from those who have heard it, has been really positive. I have incredibly supportive fans and I’m so lucky to have them. I’ve been told on several occasions that my music has helped people through some really hard times. An honour I would have never expected to have bestowed on me. It’s an indescribable feeling to know that music you make to help yourself get through your problems, is helping someone else get through theirs. It’s an incredible honour.  But I’m sure lots of people think its shit too. To be honest the positive feedback was, is, and always will be surprising. It’s not easy music, it’s not made for other people, it never will be. But those that do relate to it. Those are my people.


11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?

I don’t really think about it to be honest. I’m just going to keep writing and experimenting. I’ll hopefully work with more artists, and work with the ones I’ve already worked with again. That’s the ideal situation. But that’s just ideas. The future is only ideas, and while ideas are important, the here and now is more so.


12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

At the moment I’m listening to a lot of Zaum. The new Drug Cult stuff sounds great too. I’m looking forward to the album.  I listen to all sorts, but I think bands like Electric Wizard, Cough, Moss, Windhand, The Hare and the Moon, Ministry, Melvins, Subrosa and Blood Ceremony have had the most influence on my music these past few years, but that’s really for my other projects and how I approach thinking and writing for them. The influence for my output as Ruairi O’Baoighill comes from a much deeper, more personal place. Ruairi is like a sonic therapist.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

I enjoy creating album art and shirt designs, socialising, reading, movies, art, all the regular stuff. I’m also really into video games at the moment. Generally things that can take my mind away from making music, but still feed my imagination for when I get back to the studio.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Just to say thanks for taking the time to interviewing me. And please, check out the label and the podcast. The artists there deserve your attention.

https://www.facebook.com/ruairiobaoighillritualambient/

Coltsblood/Ascending Into Shimmering Darkness/Black Bow Records/2018 CD Review

  United  Kingdom's  Coltsblood  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  their  mixture  of  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  the  album  will  be  released  on  May  15th  2018  by  Black  Bow  Records  and  is  called  "Ascending  Into  Shimmering  Darkness".

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  funeral  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  solos  and  leads  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  high  pitched  screams  also  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  along  with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  as  well  as  adding  in  some  more  melody  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  as  the  album  progresses  elements  of  crust  punk  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  a  couple  of  tracks  also  adds  a  small  amount  of  clean  guitars  and  keyboards  onto  the  recording.

  Coltsblood  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  their  mixture  of  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  from  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  myths,  legends,  history,  death  and  human  mind  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Coltsblood  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mortal  Wound"  and  "The  Final  Winter".  8  out  of  10.

http://blackbowrecords.bigcartel.com/

Construct Of Lethe/Exiler/Everlasting Spew Records/2018 Full Length Review

  Construct  Of  Lethe  are  a  band  from  Virginia  that  plays  a  very  dark  and  dissonant  form  of  death  metal  with  elements  of  black  and  doom  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Exiler"  which  will  be  released  in  June  by  Everlasting  Spew  Records.

  Powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  guitar  leads  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  as  well  as  the  music  bringing  in  a  lot  of  90's  influences.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  done  in  a  more  old  school  style  while  the  dissonant  structures  gives  the  song s  a  more  modern  feeling  along  with  the  clean  vocals  giving  the  music  more  of  an  avant  garde  touch  as  well  as  the  songs  also  bringing  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  As  the  album  progresses  a  brief use  of  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard while  some  tracks  also add  in  a  small  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  grim  screams  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  black  metal  influence  and  traces  of  doom  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  parts.

  Construct  Of  Lethe  plays  a  music  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  death  metal  while t he  dissonant,  black  and  doom  metal  elements  gives  the  songs  more  originality,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  religion,  chaos  and  psychological  terror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Construct  Of  Lethe  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  and  dissonant  death  metal group  with  elements  of  black  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Rot  Of  Augury"  "Soubirous"  and  "Fester  In  Hesychasm".  8  out  of  10.

Bandcamp

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Urze de Lume Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We have been trying to promote it and also composing new material.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
This album is quite different in terms of instrumentation, we push forward some of the ideas we had explored in the previous EP, however, it is still Urze de Lume.
For this record, we tried to capture the essence of Autumn and everything that this season represents, not only in terms of nature, but also in our inner self,  so we also made a bit of a symbiosis between the music and poetry. It’s a more introspective work.

3.Can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Iberian culture and traditions?
Our ancestors came from the rural areas in Portugal, were some of the traditions are still present. For us it’s important to keep this traditions alive, and our love for it is the base of our inspiration.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Urze de Lume?
Its means roots, old ways and homage to our ancestors. Like a burning heather in a dark night, showing us the way to our past...

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We had really unforgettable shows, like the ones in OESTRYMNIS Festival de Arte Folk, the festival organized by us, and also our participation in Raíz Ibéria (Spain), were the public really knew what was going on.
Our stage performance can be very different. Since every album we release differs a lot from the previous, we end up with a very dynamic show. We fell that most of the time we combine tradition with ritualism.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Yes, we are very focused on trying to take this album as far as we can.

7.The new album came out on 'Equilibrium Music, how did you get in contact with this label?
We meet at OESTRYMNIS Festival de Arte Folk and since then we've been working together. Our first common work was the EP "Vozes na Neblina". It all happen in a very natural way.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of neo-folk and other dark forms of music?
It has been great. We feel that this album was very much well received by the neo-folk scene and also from the metal community. We have been spreading this root deep as time goes by.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We don't know... We just know that we will continue to make music, free from formulas and pressures, so we can be as authentic as we can.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We are all very eclectic in terms of music that we listen too. It's very hard to name bands that has influenced Urze de Lume. It is easier to relate with some styles like Portuguese folk music, dark ambient, classical, and some black metal.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Travelling, craft work, writing, etc...

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your interest and support on our work. We also would like to thank to all the ones that keep up with us.

https://www.facebook.com/urzedelume/

Postmortal/Soil/Solitude Productions/2018 EP Review

  Postmortal  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  funeral  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  ep  "Soil"  which  was  released  by  Solitude  Productions.

  Clean  yet  distorted  playing  starts  off  the  ep  which  also  takes  the  music  into  a  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  direction  along  with  a  great  amount  of  depressive  sounding  melodies  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  all  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  capturing  atmosphere  without  the  use  of  a  keyboard  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  very  slow  direction  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Postmortal  plays  a  style  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  that  is  very  slow  and  melodic  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  doom,  sadness  and  pain  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Postmortal  are  a  very  great  sounding  funeral  doom/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Nighttime  Serenity". 8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOtSmW3FbLk 

Eye Of Solitude/Slaves Of Solitude/2018 CD Review

  United  Kingdom's  Eye  Of  Solitude  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  funeral  doom  metal  style  of  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "Slaves  Of  Solitude".

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  drum  beats  being  added  onto  the  recording  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  some  tragic  sounding  keyboards  which  also  mixes  into  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  and  also  gives  the  songs  a  more  epic  atmosphere.

  Vocals  are   mostly  death  metal  growls  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  slow  riffing  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal,  clean  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  the  guitar  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion.

 Clean  vocals  can  also  be  heard  on  a  couple  of  the  tracks  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  on  the  closing  track  a  small  amount  of  screams  can  be  heard  and  they  add  in  a  touch  of  depressive  black  metal  along  with  all  of  the  songs  sticking  to  a  slow  direction.

  Eye  Of  Solitude  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  funeral  doom  metal  style  of  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  sorrow  and  negativity  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Eye  Of  Solitude  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Blind  Earth"  and  "Boundless  Silence".  8  out  of  10.

www.eyeofsolitude.com

Weeping Glass/Sun Through Eyelids/Experiment#508/A Bleeding Star/Polar Shadows/Eighth Tower Records/2018 4 Way Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  4  way  split  album  between  Weeping  Glass,  Sun  Through  Eyelids,  Experiment#508  and  A  Bleeding  Star  called  "Polar  Shadows"  which  was  released  by  Eighth  Tower  Records  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Weeping  Glass  a  project  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  noise  and  drone.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  atmospheric  sounding  drones  while  ambient  style  synths  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  their  side  of  the  recording  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  soundscapes  as w ell  as  both  of  their  tracks  being  instrumentals  and  also  bringing  in  elements  of  noise,  acoustic  guitars  are  added  onto  the  second  track  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Weeping  Glass  are  a  very  great sounding  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Bisk  Orta".

  Next  up  is  Sun  Through  Eyelids  a musical  project that  plays  dark  ambient

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  atmospheric  soundscapes  along  with  some  dark  ambient  style  synths  a  few  seconds  later  while  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  time  but  done  with  a  more  sci-fi  style  as  well  as  all  3  tracks  sounding  different  from  each  other  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Sun  Through  Eyelids  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  ambient  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Descent".

  Next  up  is  Experiment#508  a  music  project  that  plays  a mixture of  dark  ambient,  noise,  industrial  and experimental.

  His  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  avant  garde  style  soundscapes  along  with  some  elements  of  harsh  noise  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  music  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  atmospheric  drones  as  well  as  all  of  their  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  as  their  side  of  the  split  progresses  the  music  gets  more  experimental  with  soem  touches  of  underground  industrial  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Experiment#508  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  dark  ambient,  drone  and  experimental  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  his  d]side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "And  Death  Will  Save  Us  All".

  Closing  the  compilation  is  A  Bleeding  Star  a  music  project  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient  and  drone.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts out  with  some  ambient  style  drones  while  field  recordings  are  also  used  at  times  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  synths  as  well  as  the  first  track  being  over  20  minutes  in  length,  all  of  the  music  is  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  A  Bleeding  Star  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture of  dark  ambient  and  drone  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Nighthigh".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  dark  ambient,  noise  and  industrial,.  8  out  of  10. 

https://eighthtowerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/polar-shadows

 



  

Barst/The Endeavour/Consouling Sounds/2018 CD Review

  Barst  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  a  mixture  of  ambient,  shoegaze  and  extreme  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "The  Endeavour"  which  will  be  released  on  May  18th  by  Consouling  Sounds.

  Atmospheric  sounding drones  start  off  the  album  while  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  are  also  utilized  at  times  along  with  some  drum  beats  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of t he  songs  and  after  awhile  clean  vocals  also  start  to  make  their  presence  known  and  the  track  is  43  minutes  in  length.

  Clean  guitars  can  also  be  heard quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  heavier  riffs  bring  elements  of  metal  into  the  music  along  with  a  brief  use  of  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  some  touches of  electronic  music  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording,  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  as  the  album  progresses  more  shoegaze  influences  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  some  of t he  vocals  bring  in  more  of  an  industrial  style.

  Barst  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  ambient,  shoegaze,  industrial,  electronic  music  and  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Barst  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  ambient,  shoegaze,  industrial,  electronic  music  and  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  8  out  of  10.

http://www.barstart.eu
https://www.facebook.com/BARSTmaker