Of Spire & Throne/Penance/Aesthetic Death/2018 CD Review

  Of  Spire  &  Throne  are  a  band  from  Scotland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  with  some  elements  of  drone,  experimental  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Penance"  which  was  released  by  Aesthetic  Death.

  Distorted  drones  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  drums  and  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  while  the  slow  riffs  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  along  with  all  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  while  the  high  pitched  screams  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  along  with  the  music  also  capturing  an  improvised  atmosphere  as  well  as  the  music  also  incorporating  elements  of  noise  and  experimental  at  times, as  the  album progresses  a  brief  use  of  melodic  chants  can  also  be  heard  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  and  clean  playing  is  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  Of  Spire  &  Throne  plays  a musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  sludge  and  doom  metal  while  also  adding  in  some  elements  of  experimental,  drone,  noise,  and  improv  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  life,  emotions  and  despair  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Of  Spire  &  Throne  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "From  Dust"  and  "Sorceror".  8  out  of  10.

https://ofspireandthrone.bandcamp.com/

Comatose Vigil A.K Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Well, we’ve returned to our usual life after the recording. We all have jobs, families, other projects, lots of things to do. But we apparently save our strength for future activities.

2.You have a new album coming out in December, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I’d say it has no fundamental distinctions from our previous works. We wanted to make it as recognizable as early Comatose Vigil used to be. Musically it reminds our debut album but the songs are structured a bit more complicatedly. However, you can hear echoes from both early and later periods there.  I think this album sums up our previous releases. We also chose very heavy and low guitar tune that makes our music sound rougher than before. 

3.The band has split up a couple of times, what was the cause of the splits and also the decision to reform?
We had uneasy relationships between us. We all wanted to make music but couldn’t make it together for some reasons. We had different views of our future stuff, I guess. That classical line-up became entirely incapable, unfortunately.  New ideas seemed to be tedious and impersonal. We were wasting time disputing and drinking alcohol. One day that inner discord completely stopped the progress and it couldn’t be sustained anymore. We disbanded but then gathered to try again, without Zigr though. It looked pity, honestly. It made no sense to prolong that agony, and we disbanded again finally. The only thing I'm happy with is that we haven’t released the shit we composed at that time.
I understood we couldn’t record anything new by that line-up, but I believed we could do this by another one. Everything changed when I found David, famous in Georgian band Ennui. We have been long known each other. But that time I found him as a new composer of new comatose stuff. I decided to take a chance and try once again. And damn, it worked! He sent me his first samples and I had to admit they sounded like real Comatose Vigil. There wasn’t a shadow of doubt that we had to record this album.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
I’d like to observe that all lyrics were written in Russian in spite of their titles. Every song of this album allows you to gaze into a sort of “fictive reality”.  This is my subjective observation not applying for the truth, of course. “Evangelium Nihil” discloses how religion distorts present reality and creates fictive one instead. It also depicts the following disappointment and regret. ”Comatose Vigil” shows an invented world of coma, where the protagonist wanders self-reflecting. Confusion, uncertainty, a state of gloom and oppression... “Deus Sterilis” is about a civilization which considered itself god. It shows the whole humanity as an insane god. He commits suicide in a fit of anger but the Universe stays blind to such an unimportant event. It allegorizes our civilization and its probable end. I’m afraid that this scenario’s gonna come true soon. “The Day Heaven Fell” is a sequel of “The Day Heaven Wept”, presented on “Fuimus, non Sumus...”.  You may plunge into a world of personal mental disease, that I described in this dilogy. It can be also interpreted as a fictive reality.

5.Originally the band was known as 'Subhuman Abstract', what was the cause of the name change?
Our first name wasn’t well thought-out. I’d say we picked it out of the air. We definitely weren’t happy with that. We chose Comatose Vigil because it seemed to reflect the very essence of our art. It sounds like an existential paradox.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
This album has two covers by the way. We placed the ancient christogram Chi Rho to digipak (read Wikipedia to learn more as needed). Some versions of this symbol include Alpha and Omega on their two sides, that define Jesus as the beginning and the end of everything. The difference is that our Chi Rho has two Omegas. I think there’s no need to explain the “hidden message”. The booklet picture shows a charred bible laying on the ground as a symbol of its own futility.

7.With the new line up all of the band members live in different parts of the world, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
As it turned out I couldn’t find local accomplices, so I found them abroad. David is the only man I know, who completely understands how it has to work. I see no problem that he’s from Georgia. It’s pretty possible even to play gigs together, I think. John joined us right before recording the album because that time I had some troubles with the studio and couldn’t work on drums. He did it much better than I could and joined the line-up as a regular member. John is known in American doom-death band Mesmur and a few other bands.

8.What have been some of the best shows that the band has played over the years?
The best one was Moscow Doom Festival pt. 3 in 2008, indeed. That year we shared the scene with such giants as Esoteric and Worship, and that was amazing. I’d also like to highlight our double set in Moscow and Saint Petersburg with Shape of Despair in January, 2015.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of funeral doom metal?
There was pretty positive reaction as far as I can judge. We got a lot of laudatory reviews.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
It’s hard to tell for now. I only can assure you that we’re gonna stay the same Comatose Vigil that you used to know.

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?
As I don’t compose music, I can’t answer the first part of your question. I’m responsible for lyrics only. Death and Black metal are always my favourite. But I also have other genres in my playlist, such as Sludge, Post-metal, Industrial, EBM, Dark Electro, Synth-pop and many others. The choice depends on my mood.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
I like traveling, riding bicycle, playing hockey, cooking yummies with my family and many other simple things that all average people like. Unfortunately, I can’t get enough time and money recently to do all I want. Reality often changes my plans.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I’d like to thank all who believe in us and support us in our new beginning. Thank you, guys and see you soon!

acebook

VKontakte

Doomcult/Life Must End/Loneravn Records/2018 Full Length Review

  Netherlands  solo  project  Doomcult  have  returned  with  a  new  album  which  continues  his  mixture  of  traditional,  atmospheric  and  funeral  doom  metal  with  some  dsbm  elements  and  the  recording  is  called  "Life  Must  End"  and  was  released  by  Loneravn  Records.

  Melodic  guitar  leads  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  slow  and  heavy  doom  metal  riffing  while  the  vocals  bring  in  an  80's  influenced  style  which  also  adds  in  a  touch  of  first  wave  black  metal  along  with  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies.

  A  great portion  of  the  tracks a re  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  music  also adds  in  the  more  traditional  style  of  doom  metal  with  some  influences  from  the  more  atmospheric  and  funeral  orientated  styles  of  the  genre  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  more  of  an  atmospheric  style as  well  as  some  tracks  also  mixing  in  elements  of  dsbm  which  also  results  in  a  brief  use  of  grim  screams,  one  track  also  introduces  melodic  chants  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  slower  direction.

  On  this  recording  Doomcult  remains  true  to  his  mixture  of  traditional,  atmospheric  and  funeral  doom  metal  while  also  expanding  on  the  elements  of  dsbm,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Death  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Doomcult  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  traditional, atmospheric,  funeral  doom  metal  and  dsbm,  you  should  check  out this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Suffering"  "King  Of  Bones"  and  "Deathwish'.  8  out  of  10.

bandcamp  |   facebook

Absent/Minded interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Since the recording of the new album “Raum” there was a time of a little rest and also time to work hard to let the world know that we will release our 4th album soon. Also we played a few shows and we are trying to establish our own concert series called Mt. Doom.
After this we’re not lazy but thinking about a new video shoot for one song from the new recording and of course starting slowly writing new songs.


2.Recently you have released a new album, what are some of the things the band has done different musically on this recording that you where not able to do on previous releases?

Musically we’ve tried to put in some faster stuff but also I am always on the search of more atmospheric and melancholic tunes what is a growing thing from album to album in my opinion. The faster stuff sound a bit black metal-ish sometimes what is new for us. Not that we never had some harder tunes in our songs but before this record we weren’t that fast. Atmospheric/melancholic-wise we’ve tried to play less notes but let these notes speak for itself. With some reverb, delay or chorus in the guitars... Also this isn’t that new for us but also a growing thing from song to song.
More important what we did different musically was what we did different in terms of recording. With our producer V.Santura we have had some freedom to record the instruments just like they sound in our rehearsal room. V.Santura found a room where we recorded the drums. A real big studio room with loads of natural room in the sound. Also my guitars was recorded a bit different to the last 2 albums. These seem to be just little changes but you can hear the difference in the albums. And as we all know: it is a never ending search for THE perfect sound…


3.Your lyrics cover astronomy and esoteric themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?

The lyrics our singer Steve writes by himself aren’t that far away from reality. It is about the whole thing, life, the world, may be the existence or the universe. So it may seems to be esoteric but it is close to reality all the time.


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Absent/Minded'?

The name absent/minded just describes the way we go with our music. We try to be absent in our minds and just play whatever we feel in our hearts. And for us we try to have no boundaries in the way we should sound like. So if the last album was more Doom in it and this album contains more faster beats the next one could be different at all. Who knows how we feel the next months.


5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

A friend of us, Ben, who is a good photographer (Golden Shot Photography) took this picture what actually isn’t more than a fence. And after 3 albums of more or less colorfull artworks we decided to go more black and white or grey and white and simple. But the fence and the album title “Raum” (space, room) do not match and despite all the freedoms we have, we are always within any boundaries that we cannot overcome.


6.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 enjoy every show we play. Also when something bad happens there is a laugh at the end… I remember a show the former bassist had to play the gig without his pedals because I forgot those to pick up from the rehearsal room. This show was at a venue we never played before and so we couldn’t find the place immediately. There wasn’t a real backstage area but only an open room with a fence between the “backstage” and the audience. Yes, this BACK-stage was an IN-FRONT-OF-stage.
During the show my guitar stopped making noise because the singer accidently stepped on my cable. After all this the cable was plugged in again and we all started laughing on stage because it couldn’t come worse. And so the rest of the show was great and we have had a lot of fun and also the audience liked it. To name one show we like the most is not possible. But we have played shows that was special for us. My personal highlight was a show last year with the mighty Crowbar.


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

Of course we want to play some shows. On November 24 we release the album with a little release party but after this the next shows will come next year. May be somebody who reads this wants to see us playing then just don’t hesitate and get in touch with us. You can find us on facebook or here: www.aminded.com


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

We’re not in hurry to find a label but of course we’re interested in. We are a DIY band since the beginning and why changing a running system. All of our 4 albums and our demo before we released with no help from any label. If there is somebody hearing us and has interest in our work of course can contact us. But I think we are not searching that hard as other bands may do just to have a record deal.


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

Oh, what a “hard-to-answer” question. I don’t think that the reaction counts in the way that we hear then and then react to them. In my opinion we were all the time some kind of unique sounding and back in the days we sounded more “metal” what from album to album changed a bit. It is a come and go of musical styles, influences and preferences of every one of us. So maybe there’s a doom fan out there who likes the Earthtone album the most, no matter how much doom is in this album. Or there is the sludge fan out there who enjoys the Alight album that may has less sludgy tunes in it. And then there’s the metal fan out there who loves the new album knowing that the album contains more clean guitars. The resume would be that we do our music as we like it and we are glad to have supporters and fans who like the stuff we record.
Back to your question: we received lots of reviews and when I remember right there was one review out of ten that didn’t liked it that much but still we got 5 or 6 of 10 points in this review. So all we have heard is positive reactions.


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

Well, as I said: head off, heart on and lets go. We do not know what the next album will sound like. May be we have some crust punk influences may be we do have more Joy Division kinda post punk influences… It’ll be a surprise.
But one thing is for sure: it will have the same dynamic range. There will be quiet clean guitars and there will be some loud and heavy distorted guitars too. There will be a crisp snare ghost note and there will be some earth-shaking bass drum hits. There will be whispers and screams. And all together with a bass guitar that goes directly into your stomach with its overdriven tone before it will stroke your ear with a catchy melody.


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?

Oh maaaan… My first big love was the Florida death metal end of the 80/beginning of the 90s. But also this gothic and doom from the 90s, and Crowbar… Nowadays I would name such bands as Monarch! or Chelsea Wolfe or Implore or Amenra.

But this answer would change depending on who you ask.



12.What are some of your non musical interests?

I do not have other interests L Seriously: My daily job has to do with music and musicians, than I have a band and a second band (where I am just the live guitarist), I listen to music and I collect vinyl records and sometimes I do have the time to read some musicians biography.


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

BUY OUR RECORD! Hahahaa ;)
We would like to hear the thoughts of fans who really listened our new album (or also the old ones). So if you want to let us know your feelings while enjoying (or not) our album just send us a few lines.
Of course we have to say: stay peacefull, love each other and try not to destroy our earth further and further. Everyone can do a bit and may the world will become a better place!

Bandcamp

Facebook

Myspace

Official website

Sobaki Tabaka Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?  We have completed our new album, its Russian and English versions. In the later the vocals are done by Patrick Stevens (Hypnoskull) and Rachael Kozak (Hecate). We hope to release it in Europe or the USA.

2. Can you tell us a little bit more about the double compilation album that has been previously released which contains plenty of different bands and artists doing their own versions of your own songs?  Our project member Sergei Ulik has been living in Switzerland for many years. That’s him who suggested the musicians he’s friendly with working out their version of an  ST  song. The response was surprisingly high. It’s a big event for us as it was a completely new experience for Sobaki Tabaka  since most of our musicians are based in Russia.

3. Which your original material  (?) how would you describe your musical progress over the years? Initially the press and our audience identified our genre as ‘Industrial’ although it’s a very vague noon and phenomenon in music. I tend to think that all this me we have been working out our own music genre.

4. What are some of the themes you bring into your music? This is a very complicated question since the concepts are different from album to album, and the lyrics is prey abstract. I would suggest you listen to our new album, its English version, for beer understanding. We have plans to make French and German versions as well.

 5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sobaki Tabaka'?
Sobaki Tabaka  can be translated as ‘dogs grilled under heavy press’ (by analogy with ‘grilled flattened chicken’ dish which sounds in Russian like ‘tsyplionok tabaka’). ‘Dogs’ refer to all people while the press can be interpreted as politics, the state, propaganda, daily reality and all that is associated with it.

6. The band has a history that goes back to the 80's, what is it that motivates you to keep going after all of these years? The musical project  Sobaki Tabaka  started in 1996. That’s a project, I’d like to emphasize, as before each of us was playing another kind of music in his own band.

7. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?  One of the best shows we’ve had was about 3 years ago when we were joined by Kristof Hahn from  Swans . That was both unforgettable and unpredictable. On the stage we are a band of psychopaths. Kristof Hahn also joined us for our new album.
24/10/2018 interview - Google Docs
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S7fVFmkpHNIl_aPUculddPTgH3z666McseQJFR4knuA/edit 2/2
hps://youtu.be/xM-IHJL6g2I

8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?  We had tours to Lausanne and Geneva. We wish and plan to come with a tour to Europe.

9. You have different line-ups for both Russia and Europe, can you tell us a little bit more about it?  As I mentioned before,  Sobaki Tabaka  is not a band but a musical project which allows musicians  to whom our whole idea sounds appealing  participate in it. Besides, it is good to be in contact with musicians in Europe since Russia being considered a rather dangerous country, many Russian citizens have a problematic visa issue to your wonderful dreamland.

10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of industrial, noise and underground music? A booking agency we work with brings lots of European and American bands. Many of those musicians have been welcomed in my house. Aer having some vodka, they usually start asking for playing some of our music. As a rule, it makes them highly thrilled. As for our shows, we can only see people listening with their mouths open which we consider as a high compliment.

11. When can we expect new material and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?  We already have a freshly new album. It will be released in Europe in early 2019. It’s not that important  though. 20 years later the music from our new album will sound as relevant.  The same as our first album of 1996. Which musical direction in the future? – God knows…

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? Personally for me, at different mes it was different music.  Voivod, Slayer  and other ‘heavy’ bands in the 80-s. In the early 90-s it was  Missing Foundation, God, Einstürzende Neubauten and  The The . Now I listen to new  Ulver  and Brazilian music,  Marcela Mangabeira (Sobregal)  as an example.

13. What are some of your non musical interests?  Fighting the Pun regime.

14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? Final words are usually said at funerals, hence no final words or thoughts. Just – to be continued

https://www.facebook.com/Sobaki.Tabaka/

Iterum Nata Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording of the new album?

I have been working quite closely with Jussi Pohjanen, the stellar artist who drew the cover art for the album. There will be a small batch of screen prints made out of the artwork available as soon as the album is out. Also, I've been quite busy writing press-releases, newsletters etc. Luckily the record label has helped me a lot with this stuff - kudos to Inverse Records! I have also written some new material, which is...let's call it Qliphothic!

2.In December you have a new album coming out, what are some of the things you feel you have done different musically with this recording that you where not able to do on your previous releases?

When I started to record the first album I had no clue what kind of material I would end up with. With "The Course of Empire" it was much clearer; I already knew the studio and the equipment, and I had a certain musical style in my mind. One could say that this album continues where the first one ended.

Musically the material is a lot darker and not so serene. There are loads of percussion's, which gives the record a certain shamanistic twist. In the first album everything was played by me but in The Course of Empire there's also some featuring musicians (another kudos!).

3.The lyrics on the new album cover Hermetic Philosophy, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this Western Esoteric Path?

Every song in The Course of Empire has its own correspondence in the seven Hermetic Principles. Hermeticism itself is such a massive concept, that I like to use it as a hypernym which bends over several Western Esoteric schools; it has influenced Rosicrucians, Gnostics, Kabbalists, Freemasons and later for example Thelemites. So there are loads of influences from all of these traditions in the album as well.

4.On your previous album you also covered a lot of Crowley and Thelemic themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the works of Crowley and also do you have an interest in other occultists from the Golden Dawn era or others that expanded on Crowley's teachings such as Kenneth Grant or A.O Spare?

The first album revolved around Thelemic Qabbalah and indeed Crowley's work was heavily present in the lyrics. Crowley was, and still is, a very controversial man, but his influence in the modern Western Esotericism is worthy of respect. One could say that he brought the old traditions into the modern age - even if it was over a hundred years ago. Grant, A.O.S. and others have continued Crowley's work and renewed the Western Current with their own philosophies.

There are many other interesting people in the Western Esoteric field, like Dee, Levi, Blavatsky, Bardon, Jung etc., but in my esoteric studies I try to focus on the deeper philosophy behind these people instead of the people themselves. There's always a risk that one starts to worship another person, or finds himself following someone else's path.

5.What are some of the other esoteric paths that you have an interest in that you have not covered with your music yet?

Maybe some nature-related traditions or Eastern mysticism. You never know the theme of the next album!

We have to keep in mind, that in the end you can call the "Tao" with thousand different names, but it will always be the same!

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Iterum Nata'?

It's Latin for "born again". Each moment we are born again, and hopefully as a better version than the previous. Also, these albums are kind of an initiations for me, and a true initiate is always born again after the ceremony.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the new album cover?

As said before, it is drawn by Jussi Pohjanen who also made the artwork on the first album. In the cover picture there are references to practices such as Qabbalah, Goetia, Thelema, Tarot, Hermeticism and many more. You should explore it and see what you can find in it!

8.With this project you record everything by yourself but have also worked with full line ups in the past, how would you compare the two?

They are two totally different things. When I'm doing stuff alone, I don't need to care about the schedules or what other people think about the takes. Although at some point it would be better to have a producer who tells me when to stop; for example the vocals can be really hard for me to record by myself.

Also, in other line-ups I am mainly just a guitarist. So I just nail the guitar parts and that's it. In Iterum Nata I need to build everything from a scratch. When I look at the empty project on the computer, it feels like I have a goddamn mountain to climb. But once I get started, it's actually pretty painless!

9.The new album is coming out on 'Inverse Records' a record that is mostly known for metal, do you feel your adding something different music wise to this label?

Inverse has treated me really well and I'm super thankful for those guys about everything - I hope Iterum Nata gives them something in exchange! I'm sure The Course of Empire will also appeal on the metal audience because of the dark occult themes and the bleak aesthetics.

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of folk and occult music?

It has been good, but I'm still just a small name in the scene. The first album was self-published and not well distributed at all, but now when there's a real label behind me, I'm sure lots of new people will hear my music. Hopefully the album gets lots of feedback and reviews!

11.Can you tell us a little bit more about the other bands or musical projects that you are a part of or where a part of in the past?

I have played in dozens of bands from children's music to extreme metal, but nowadays my main focus outside of Iterum Nata is in Hexvessel, The Aeon and King Satan.

I have been a fan of Hexvessel for years and I was so happy when they asked me to join them at the beginning of the year. It is kind of psychedelic folk-rock with a twist of nature mysticism. There's a beautiful new album coming out next year!

The Aeon is a 7-piece dark folk band from my previous hometown, Oulu. We have released one album, "The Songs of the Great Beast", where all the lyrics are by Aleister Crowley. We have been writing some new material and the second album is coming at some point.

King Satan is musically something totally different; it is super provocative and aggressive industrial metal. The lyrics are filled with dark occult themes, once again!

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

This is a question which only the reborn future-me can answer! I wouldn't want to become a huge mega-star - I'm happy as long as I can create and play music that feels like my own. For me music is the main way to express myself.

13.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?

There are so many of them. I literally grew up with music, for both of my parents are really musical and we had loads of recordings and instruments at home. I have always loved progressive music, as well as anything that's made with feeling. Unfortunately I don't listen to music that much anymore, guess I'm too busy with my own projects. Nevertheless, there are these old favourites, including Pink Floyd, Opeth, Ulver and Camel that I always seem to get back to. Also, the old jazz classics such as Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and Freddie Hubbard's Straight Life keep on appearing to my playlist.

14.What are some of your non musical interests?

I do taiji few times a week and then there are the esoteric studies and practices. I am a social counselor in my profession and I work with the disabled to earn a living.

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

Love is the law, love under will.

https://www.facebook.com/IterumNata93/

Clovvder/Traits/2018 EP Review

  Clovvder  are  a  duo  from  Uruguay  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  drone,  dark  ambient  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  ep  "Traits".

  Ambient  style  drones  start  off  the  ep  while  field  recordings  and  elements  of  noise  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  used  at  times  as  well  as  the  music  capturing  a  ritualistic  atmosphere  and  the  second  track  also  brings  in  a  great  amount  of  atmospheric  sounding  synths.

  Clovvder  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental,  dark  ambient,  drone,  noise  and  field  recordings  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophical  and  metaphysical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Clovvder  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  dark  ambient,  drone,  noise  and  field  recordings  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Hydrophilia'.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/clovvder/
  

Iterum Nata/The Course Of Empire/Inverse Records/2018 CD Review

  Iterum  Nata  is  a  solo  artist  from  Finland  that  plays  a  psychedelic  and  occult  form  of  neo-folk  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "The  Course  Of  Empire"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Inverse  Records.

  Ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  album  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling  along  with  some  folk  instruments  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  vocals  are  done  in  a  clean  style  as  well  as  the  music  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  the  songs  are  also  heavily  influenced  by  60's  era  psychedelic  rock.

  Electric  guitars  are  also  used  at  times  and  they  also  add  melodic  leads  onto  the  recording  while  drones  are  also  utilized  in  some  parts  of  the  recording  along  with  percussion  also  being  added  onto  some  of  the  tracks  and  they  give  the  music  more  of  a  ritualistic  and  shamanistic  feeling  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  female  vocals  can  also  be  heard  and  the  recording  closes  with  an  instrumental.

  Iterum  Nata  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  neo-folk  and  psychedelic  occult  rock  and  mixes  them  together  in  a  more  modern  way  to  create  a  sound  of  his own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  Hermetic  Philosophy  and  the  relationship  between  death  and  birth.

  In  my  opinion  Iterum  nata  is  a  very  great  sounding  occult  mixture  of  folk  and  psychedelic  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "All  Is  Mind"  "Solve  &  Coagua"  and  "The  New  Aeon".  8/5  out  of  10.  

Experiment#508/The Hollow Ward/Attenuation Circuit/2018 Full Length Review

  Experiment#508  are  a  solo  project  from  Portugal  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  ambient,  drone  and  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "The  Hollow  Ward"  which  was  released  by  Attenuation  Circuit.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  album  while  field  recordings  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  mixing  in  elements  of  harsh  noise  and  the  music  also gets  very  avant  garde  and  experimental  at  times.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  instrumentals  while  all  of  the  songs  sound  different  from  each  other  along  with  a  great  amount  of  atmospheric  soundscapes  as  well  as  elements  of  dark  ambient  also  being  used  at  times  and  one  song  also  adds  in  the  sounds  of  animals  being  slaughtered  onto  the  recording.

  Experiment#508  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental,  ambient,  noise  and  drone  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  while  also  keeping  everything  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Experiment#508  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  ambient,  drone  and  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Eerie  Desolation"  "Meatdrive  Tango"  and  "And  Then  Came  The  Ghosts'.  8  out  of  10.

https://emerge.bandcamp.com/album/the-hollow-ward

Absent/Minded/Raum/2018 CD Review

  Absent/Minded  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  post,  doom  and  sludge  metal  with  some  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  album  "Raum"  which  will  be  released  on  November  24th.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  before  adding  in  some  drum  beats  while  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  briefly  along  with  some  whispered  vocals  also  being  used  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  growls  and  screams.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  slow  riffs  bring  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  along  with  the  tremolo  picking  bringing  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  as  well  as  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  atmospheric  and  post  metal  elements  are  also  added  into  the  music  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.

  Absent/Minded  plays a   musical  style  that  mixes  post,  sludge  and  doom  metal  with  touches  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  astronomy  and  esoteric  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Absent/Minded  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  post,  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Treasure"  and  "Alpha".  8  out  of  10.

http://aminded.bandcamp.com )

Night Machine 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?



Mostly rehearsal for upcoming shows. I’ve also been organizing a Synthwave Showcase for 2019 in Nashville



2.Recently you have released a new album, what are some of the things you have done different musically with this recording that you where not able to do with your previous releases?



With Themes of the Dead I was able to make a concept album. Compiling all my horror influences into one lump sum. With my other releases I tried to show more range with mixing different sounds and styles.



3.All of your music deals with horror themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this genre?



I can remember being completely freaked out watching Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors at a very young age. Since then I’ve always been fascinated with the darker side of things. Those soundtracks setting the mood.



4.The project formed out of the ashes of 'Iraconji' a band in the death/thrash genre, what was the decision behind going into more of a synth orientated direction?



Not really in the ashes of Iraconji but in tandem. At the time Iraconji was on hiatus, our drummer was handling some family business. I’ve always dabbled with electronic music and with the downtime from Iraconji I wanted to keep myself occupied. It’s something I can control 100%.



5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Night Machine'?



If I recall correctly, I just blurted it out when talking with a friend about possible names for the project. My first and middle initials are N.M. So I’ve always been a fan of the NM combo. I have a mascot, he’s the real “Night Machine”. My idea was that a terminator T-800 was bitten by a zombie and the living flesh zombified over it’s metal exoskeleton.



6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?



The artwork was done by Geoff Collins. He was asked what direction I wanted to go with the cover and I said “neon crypt”. The disco ball moon shines down on the gallows in the cemetery while Death lurks below.



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



The best show was in Atlanta with Watch Out For Snakes, Gregorio Franco and Acid Gambit. My stage performance is fun it matches the mood. Lots of strobes, smoke and synth



9.O you have any touring or show plans for the new album?





Not at the moment. I’m working on some merch ideas and a synth fest in Nashville for 2019



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



I haven’t shopped the album around. I’ve talked with a couple small labels but I mainly do this for myself. If the right offer comes along there may be a possibility.



11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of synthwave and metal?



It’s been cool. I’ve got some people listening in Europe and Canada. I’ve had some reviews from synthwave and metal blogs. The synthwave fans love it so far. The metal fans dig it but don’t quite understand it yet but a lot of synth artists come from metal backgrounds so they’ll come around.



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



Hopefully ever evolving. Writing and playing, keeping a good balance between them.



13.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 love metal, classic rock, punk, classical, new wave, most everything really.

I’ve mostly been listening to the new Gunship, Twin Temple and Flight of the Concords lately.



14.What are some of your non musical interests?



 Cartoons, Horror films, Tattoos and Baking



15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? Thanks for taking the time to talk. I really appreciate it.

https://nightmachine.bandcamp.com/

Wolcensmen/Songs From The Fyrgen/Indie Recordings/2018 CD Re-Issue Review

  Wolcensmen  are  a  solo  project  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  neo-folk  music and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2016  album  "Songs  From  The  Fyrgen"  which  will b e  re-issued  on  November  30,  2018  by  Indie  Recordings.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  which  also  bring  in  a  good  mixture  of  finger  picking  and  full  chords  and  also  bring  in  elements  of  folk  music  while  the  clean  vocals  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  pagan  atmosphere  along  with  some  stringed  instruments  also  being  utilized  at  times.

  Synths  are  also  added  on  some  of  the  tracks  while  some  of  the  songs  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  percussion  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  as  well  as  some  neo-classical  touches  also  being  added  into  the  music  at  times  and  one  of  the  songs  is  an  instrumental.

  Wolcensmen  plays  a  style  of  neo-folk  that  also  adds  in  some  influences  of  pagan  and  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of   his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  old  European  spirituality  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Wolcensmen  are  a  very  great  sounding  neo-folk  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Fyre-Bough"  ''Neath  A  Wreath  Of  Furs" adn  "The  Bekens  Are  aliht".  8/5  out  of  10.

  

Comatose Vigil A.K/Evangelium Nihil/Non Serviam Records/2018 CD Review

  Comatose  Vigil  A.K  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Evangelium  Nihil"  which  will  be  released  in  December  by  Non  Serviam  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  slow  riffs  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  as  well  as  the  vocals  being  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  and  when  screams  are  utilized  they  add  in  a  touch  of  black  metal.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  while  a  brief  use  of  Am  radio  noises  are  also  brought  into  the  music  briefly  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times,  clean  playing  is  added  onto  the  closing  track  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  very  slow  direction.

  Comatase  Vigil  A.K  plays  a  style  of funeral  doom  metal  that  is  very  slow,  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sounding,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  COmatose  Vigil  A.K  are  a  very  great  sounding  funeral  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Evangelium Nihil"  and  "The  Day  Heaven  Fell".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/ComatoseVigilAK

Clavicvla/Sermons/Sentient Ruin Laboratories/2018 Full Length Review

  Clavicvla  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient  and  death  industrial  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "Sermons"  which  will  be  released  on  November  23rd  by  Sentient  Ruin  Laboratories.

  A  very  avant  garde  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  soundscapes  in  the  background  while  the  synths  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  along  with  most  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  some  demonic  voices  also  being  utilized  in  some  parts  of  the  recording.

  At  times  the  music  gets  very  ritualistic  while  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  atmospheric  sounding  drones  along  with  some  songs  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  percussion  as  well  as  mixing  in  elements  of  death  industrial,  some  of  the  tracks  are  instrumentals  and  all  of  the  songs  sound  different  from  each  other.

  Clavicvla  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark  ambient,  drone  and  death  industrial  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while t he  lyrics  cover  Occultism  and  Left  Hand  Path  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Clavicvla  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  dark  ambient  and  death  industrial  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beelzebub  Invocat"  and  "Abstratio  Diaboli".  8  out  of  10.

BANDCAMP PREORDER   

Velvet Dream Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
It´s a  Dark Ambient/Field Recording project about Nature and how Nature influence my inner
Feelings and Emotions.

2.In September you had released your first full length, musically how does it differ from the ep you had released in 2011?
Some Songs that you can find on the EP were thrown out and some new Songs were added to the project.

3.This is your first release in 7 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
Nothing special in the musical direction.
In the last three years i decided to focus on sketching and painting Minerals and Landscapes.

4.What are some of the themes and images you bring out with your musical sound?
The Main theme is the season Winter and somebody or somewhat is walking through a snowy Winterlandscape.
I also put in some local myths about a mountain King who lives inside the the Mountain
and hiding a secret Key.(Im Kristallsaal des Herrschers)
The Songs „Calling of Morpheus“ and „Vision Saturnia“ are about Dreaming or Visions of other Planets or Dimensions.
I wanted to create a mystic and dark atmosphere that can transport the Listener into a another World.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Velvet Dream'?
I like the Ambient Album „Atropine“ from the Band Velvet Cacoon and Dream stands for the dreamy Atmosphere of the Album.
So i decided to put Velvet and Dream together

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
It shows a Mountain in the Austrian Alps called „Olperer“ that i visited on a stormy Winterday.

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
At the Moment i am not involved in any musical projects but i am open to work with a other
musicians.

8.Very little information is hard to find online about the musical project, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
An otherworldly creature is descending from the snow covered peaks of the Ore Mountains to deliver bleak ambient sounds for the impending winter.
Expect to be shrouded by winds as cold as the longest winter nights by the sonority echoing in the valleys of frost and ice.

9.The album was released on 'Into Endless Chaos', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
A record label with the intention to release only the true dark music. Record label, booking agency and beyond...

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of ambient?
At the Moment there are not many Reactions.

11.Are you also involved with any other bands or musical projects?
No.

12.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
At the Moment i focus on painting Minerals and Landscapes in Watercolor.
But i am open for some new projects.

13.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?
A Big influence for the project was the Swiss Black Metal Band Paysage d' hiver with the Album „Festung“ and „Einsamkeit“
And also the Italian Ambient Musician Bad Sector with his side project Olhon which is mostly based on Field Recordings.
I also hear to different Genres of Metal,Classical Music,New Wave,Dark Wave,Folk,Pop,Punk and many others

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the Interview and have a good time.

https://velvetdream-iec.bandcamp.com/

Onset/Unstructured Dissemination/Weird Truth Productions/2018 EP Review

  Onset  are  a  duo  from  Singapore  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  post  and  atmospheric  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  ep  "Unstructured  Dissemination"  which  will  be  released  on  November  28th  by  Weird  Truth  Productions.

  Ambient  style  synths  start  off  the  ep  while  both  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  before  going  into  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction  which  also  introduces  melodic  guitar  leads  onto  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  music  being  instrumental  as  well a s  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody.

  At  times the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  post  rock,  sludge,  black  and  death  metal  while  both  of  the  tracks  also  have  their  experimental  moments  along  with  some  psychedelic    and  noise  touches  also  being  used  at times  as  well  as  some  of  the  riffing  also  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  and  both  of  the  songs  stick  to  a  slower  direction.

  Onset  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  doom  metal  while  the  experimental,  sludge,  post  rock,  death  and  black  metal  elements  makes  the  music  stand  out  a  lot  more  while  also  keeping  everything  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  Onset  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  post  and  atmospheric  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Permeation  The  Ordeal".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Onsetdoomachine

Phobetor/The Abyss/Section 8 Recordings/2018 EP Review

  Phobetor  are  a  musical  project  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  extreme  metal,  drum'n'bass  and  darkstep  and this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  ep  "The  Abyss"  which  was  released  by  Section  8  Recordings.

  A  very  dark  drum'n'bass  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  that  also  add  in  a  touch  of  ambient  while  spoken  word  parts  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  some  heavy  and  melodic  riffing  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.

  All  of  the  tracks  sound  very  different  from  each  other  while  a  great  amount  of  programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  along  with  the  music  stick  mostly  to  a  mid  tempo  or  fast  musical  direction  as  well  as  the  songs  also  mixing  in  elements  of  darkstep..

  Phobetor  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  drum'n'bass,  darkstep  and  extreme  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  darkness.

  In  my  opinion  Phobetor  are a   very  great  sounding  mixture  of  extreme  metal,  drum'n'bass  and  darkstep  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  musical  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bloodbath"  and  "The  Kill  Freg".  8  out  of  10.

https://section8recs.com/r/phobetor-the-abyss/9570  

Martyr Lucifer/Gazing At The Flocks/Seahorse Recordings/2018 Full Length Review

  Martyr  Lucifer  better  known  for  his  work  in  progressive  black  metal  band  Hortus  Animae  is  a  solo  artist  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  goth,  darkwave,  post  punk  and  alternative  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2018  album  "Gazing  At  the  Flocks"  which  was  released  by  Seahorse  Recordings.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  synths  bring in  elements  of  darkwave  along  with  the  solos  and  leads  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  as  well  as  the  riffs  adding  in  influences  of  goth  metal  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  utilized  at  times.

  When  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  more  o  a  goth  rock  style  while one  song  also  introduces  acoustic  guitars  onto  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  female  vocals  also being  used  briefly, elements  of  alternative  rock  can  also  be  heard  in  a  great  portion  of  the  songs  and  as  the  album  progresses  an  instrumental  is  also  added  onto  the  recording  and  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  one  song  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  black  metal  screams.

  Martyr  Lucifer  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  goth,  darkwave,  post  punk,  alternative  rock  and  a  touch  of  black  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  hos  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  metaphysical  and  poetic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Martyr  Lucifer  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  goth,  darkwave,  post  rock  and  alternative  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bloodwaters"  "Wolf  of  The  Gods"  "Someone  Super  Like  You"  and  "Spider  Queen".  8  out  of  10.

http://martyrlucifer.net/

https://www.facebook.com/MartyrLucifer

https://www.instagram.com/martyrlucifer/

    

Night Machine/Themes Of The Dead/2018 Full Length Review

  Night  Machine  are  a  solo  project  from  Tennessee  that  plays  an  80's  and  horror  inspired  form  of  synthwave  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2018  album  "Themes  Of  The  Dead".

  Ambient  style  synths  which  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  start  off  the  album  while  also  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  a  horror  movie  soundtrack  along  with  soem  avant  garde  elements  being  utilized  at  times  as  well  as  some  tracks  also  adding  in  programmed  beats.

  All  of  the  tracks  sound  different  from  each  other  while  all  of  the  songs  are  instrumentals  along  with the  music  being  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  80's  era  of horror  films  as  well  as  the  music  bringing  in  a  more  update  approach  by  adding  in  some  elements  of   extreme  metal  without  the  use  of  traditional  instruments  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  programmed  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard.

  Night  Machine  plays  a  musical  style  that  mixes  80's  era  synthwave  and  horror  soundtrack  music  along  with  some  touches  of  extreme  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  while  keeping  everything  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Night  Machine  are  a  very  great  sounding  horror  inspired  synthwave  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  magic  (The  Witch)"  "Countess  (The  Vampire)"  "Chapel  District  (The  Ripper)"  and  "Old  Scrath  (The  Devil)".  8  out  of  10.

https://nightmachine.bandcamp.com/

  

Rigor Sardonicous Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new ep?

Greetings and thank you for this talk.  The ep comes out 11/11 at 11 AM UTC in remembrance of the end of WW1.  We have been silent for several years and plan on doing more now that we got these 4 new songs out.



2.Recently you have released a new ep, what are some of the things the band has done different musically on this recording that you where not able to do on your previous releases?

It is Rigor Sardonicous to the fullest extent, perhaps a little more grown as bands do over time.



3.This is your first release since 2012, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

Life happened and I got involved in another project, Teloch Vovin, so the focus was not on RS.  Otherwise Rigor Sardonicous has been quiet for that time.



4.The band has been around since 1988 but has a lot more heaviness than the doom/death metal bands of that era, do you feel you were ahead of your time?

In some ways yes.  We did what we did because nobody else was doing it.  We found that the slow parts of many death metal songs had this intensity and energy about them but they were usually just transitions in songs so we built our style off of that primarily.



5.The band has been around for 30 years, what is it that motivates you to keep going after 3 decades?

We still feel largely the same with the same amount of hate and anger so we need it to help us deal with this miserable world. And still there is nobody that sounds like us and we consider that a good thing.



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

Death and all death things death-inspired.  For this ep the first song “The Smiling Dead” is about WW1 as was “Blood Of The Seraphim” from our 2007 release “Amores Defunctus Tuus Mater”. The second song “The Hound” is based on the H.P. Lovecraft tale.  The third song “The Unsepulchered Dead” is about going out into the world and dealing with the living dead of this life, and the last song “Intereo Parum Infantia” is about dead and dying children and these lyrics were left over from our 2008 album “Vallis Ex Umbra De Mortuus” which is based on that theme.



7.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Rigor Sardonicous'?

The name from Glenn, the founding member of Rigor Sardonicous, after reading a short story titled “Mr. Sardonicus” and we have toyed with that title in many ways in some of our song titles.  It is a blend of the dead and smiling.



8.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?

This was an impromptu design that a fan created many years ago and we felt this was a good opportunity to utilize it.



9.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 were never a live band and have played only a few shows since Glenn hates performing.  This is the reason why we released “Vivescere Exitium”, a free to download show from 2009.



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

Not at the moment, though I enjoy performing live but if it can be arranged to do a show I will, but likely never a tour.



11.Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

This is our first release since our early days that we did a self-release.  Between 2004 – 2012 all of our releases were through labels.  This ep came about suddenly when a recording session for my other band did not go as smoothly as was expected and in the meantime while waiting for that I got inspired to resurrect Rigor Sardonicous.



12.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of doom and death metal?

We have been rightly hailed and intensely despised.  We never fit so well into the mold that people expect and some thought we were a joke.  Like all worthwhile artistic endeavors one should do it for themselves and then allow others to discern their own manner of intent regarding it.



13.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

It is hard to say exactly when another release will be issued but it will happen.  This ep was composed over a weekend but expect more of what we do.



14.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?

We are influenced by the same and that has always been varied and this includes non-metal sources.  Whatever piques our interest may apply to inspire Rigor Sardonicous but primarily it is the lack of it that moves us the most.



15.What are some of your non-musical interests?

I love going out in nature, hiking, and climbing mountains in solitude.  And porn, just like everyone else reading this…



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

Thank you to all who choose to bear us.  Find us on the interwebs on Bandcamp, where all of our music is available, along with the ever-distressing facebook.

Bandcamp

Facebook

Homepage