My Death Belongs To You/The World Seems To Be Fading/Funere/2020 CD Review

 

  My  Death  Belongs  To  You  are  a  solo  project  from  Switzerland  that  plays  funeral  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "The  World  Seems  To  Be  Fading"  which  was  released  by  Funere.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  The  slower  riffs  are  also  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  while  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  music.

  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Deep  death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  along  with  some  clear  vocals  also  being  utilized  briefly  and  the  guitar  leads  are  done  in  a  very  dark,  depressive  yet  melodic  style.  all  of  the  songs  also  stick  to  a  slower  direction.

  My  Death  Belongs  To  You  plays  a  style  of  funeral  doom/death  metal  that  is  very  slow,  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  darkness,  loneliness,  depression  and  melancholic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  My  Death  Belongs  To  You  are  a  very  great  sounding  funeral  doom/death  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  o0f  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Morning  After  Death"  and  "Thw  World  Seems  To  Be  Fading".  8  out  of  10.

    https://funere.bandcamp.com/album/the-world-seems-to-be-fading

  

Descend Into Despair/Opium/Funere/2020 CD Review

 

  Romania's  Descend  Into  Despair  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  continues  the  atmospheric  style  of  funeral  doom  metal  from  their  previous  releases  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Opium"  which  was  released  by  Funere.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  at  times.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  the  heaviness  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  all  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Deep  guttural  death  metal  growls  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  Screams  can  also  be  heard  at  times  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  songs  and  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  some  female  vocals  also  being  utilized  briefly.  Field  recordings  and  Lapsteel  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  album  as  well  as  the  pianos  and  keyboards  also  giving  the  songs  more  of  a  tragic  atmosphere,  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  and  choir  and  clean  male  vocals  can  also be  heard  on  the  closing  track.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  poetic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Descend  Into  Despair  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "antumbra".  8/5  out  of  10.

https://funere.bandcamp.com/album/opium

Vofa/Self Titled/Funere/Exhumed Records2019 CD Review

 

  Vofa  are  a  band  from  Iceland  that  plays  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2019  album  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  by  Funere  and  Exhumed  Records.

  Dark  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  clean  playing  a  few  seconds  later  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  All  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  synths  also  giving  the  music  more  of an  atmospheric  feeling  when  they  are  utilized.

  The  slower  and  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  are  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls.  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  some  screams  also  being  utilized  at  times  along  with  some  clean  vocals  also  being  added  on  the  second  track  and  all  of  the  music  also  sticks  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Vofa  plays  a  style  of  funeral  doom  metal  that  is  very  dark,  heavy  and  atmospheric  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Scandinavian  Cults,  Sumerian  Mythology  and  Cosmology  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Vofa  are  a  very  great  sounding  funeral  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "II".  8  out  of  10.

  https://funere.bandcamp.com/album/vofa

Scent Of Darkness/Insantitude/Masked Dead Records/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Scent  Of  Darkness  are  a  solo  project  from  Italy  that  plays  a  depressive  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Insantitude"  which  was  released  by  Masked  Dead  Records.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  synths  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  The  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  very  heavily  rooted  in  funeral  doom  metal  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.

  Vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  while  high  pitched  screams  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  Depressive  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  the  music  also  showing  an  influence  of  depressive  black  metal  at  times  and  all  of  the  songs  also  stick  to  a  slower  musical  direction,  classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  Scent  Of  Darkness  plays  a  style  of  funeral  doom  metal  which  is  very  slow,  dark  and  heavy  as  well  as  adding  in  a  touch  of  depressive  black  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  a  concept  album  based  upon  psychological,  social  experiences,  depression,  psychosis,  abandonment,  mistrust,  delirium ,  solitude  and  hope.

  In  my  opinion  Scent  of  Darkness  are  a  very  great  sounding  depressive  funeral  doom  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Trust  Issues"  and  "Whispers  From  Nowhere".  8  out  of  10.

    https://maskedeadrecords.bandcamp.com/album/insanitude

https://www.facebook.com/scentofdarknessofficial/
scentofdarkness.official@gmail.com

Riven/The Suffering/2020 Single Review

 

  Riven  are  a  solo  project  from  Belgium  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  experimental  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  single  "The  Suffering".

  Nature  sounds  and  experimental  soundscapes  start  off  the  track  which  is  also  14  minutes  in  length  before  adding  in  some  drum  beats  and  clean  playing.  Spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  before  going  into  a  heavier  funeral  doom  metal  along  with  the  track  also  introducing  death  metal  growls  into  the  song.

  All  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.  When  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  and  melodic  style  along  with  the  keyboards  also  giving  the  track  more  of  a  tragic  atmosphere.

  On  this  track  Riven  remains  true  to  the  experimental  style  of  funeral  doom  metal  that  he  had  established  on  his  previous  release.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  plague  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  track  from  Riven  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/Riven-1800758369937308

https://rivendoom.bandcamp.com/  

Вий/Oblivium/Cursed Monk Records/2020 CD Review

 

  Вий  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Oblivium"  which  was  released  by  Cursed  Monk  Records.

  Distorted  amp  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  also  adding  in  some  high  pitched  screams  which  also  mix  sludge  and  black  metal  together  which  also  throw  in  deep  growls  at  times  along  with  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  funeral  doom  metal.  

  Some  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  some  of  the  music  also  shows  an  influence  of  stoner  metal.  The  riffs  also  add  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times  along  with  all  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  a  couple  of  tracks  also  introducing  spoken  word  parts  onto  the  recording,  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  a  brief  use  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  and  elements  of  d  beat  can  also  be  heard  on  the  closing  track.

   Вий  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  some  touches  of  black  and  stoner  metal.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  occultism,  mythology,  darkness  and  misanthropy  themes.

  In  my  opinion   Вий  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Thanatos"  and  "Anxietaten".  8  out  of  10,.

 

      

Sataray/Zania Morgan/Argyropeia/Scry Recordings/2020 Split EP Review

 

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  ep  between  Washington's  Sataray  and  California's  Zanai  Morgan  called  "Argyropeia"  which  will  be  released  in  2021  by  Scry  Recordings  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Sataray  a  solo  project  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  very  ritualistic  from  of  dark  ambient.

  Her  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  dark  ambient  style  synths  which  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys.  When  vocals  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  and  ritualistic  style  along  with  some  melodic  chants  as  well  as  all  of  her  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length,

Programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  briefly  but  keeping  the  focus  mainly  on  synths  along  with  one  of  the  tracks  also  introducing  whispered  vocals  onto  her  side  of  the  split  as  well  as  each  song  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  ritualistic  and  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sataray  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ritualistic  dark  ambient,  you  should  check  out  her  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Rain".

  Next  up  is  Zania  Morgan  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  dark  form  of  ritualwave.

  Her  side  of  the  split  starts  out  with  some  dark  ambient  style  soundscapes  and  synths  which  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  while  both  of  her  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Vocals  are  done  in  mostly  in  a  clean  darkwave  style  and  programmed  beats  can  also b e  heard  at  times.

  At  times  the  music  also  captures  a  very  ritualistic  and  ethereal  atmosphere along  with  some  nature  sounds  also  being  utilized  briefly  as  well  as  the  second  track  also  adding  in  some  spoken  word  parts  and  more  of  an  occult  atmosphere.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  ritualistic  themes.

  In  my  opinion   Zania  Morgan  is  a  very  great  sounding  dark  ritualwave  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  her  side  of  the  split.  RECDOMMENDED  TRACK  "Nyx  Ambrosia".

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

http://facebook.com/sataray7

http://instagram.com/sataray7

http://sataray.bandcamp.com/music

http://www.instagram.com/zaskia_morgan

http://zaniamorgan.bandcamp.com/releases    

    

Unalei/Galatea/2020 CD Review

 

  Unalei  are  a  musical  project  from  Italy  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  mixture  of  ethereal,  goth, progressive  and  folk  with  some  touches  of  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  album  "Galatea".

  Classical  music  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  along  with  a  brief  use  of  nature  sounds  while  the acoustic  guitars  also  bring  in  elements  of  folk  music  when  they  are  utilized.  Vocals  are  mostly  done  in  a  clean  style  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  some  symphonic  and  orchestra  sounds  and  the  electric  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style.  

  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  then  while  the  music  also  captures  a  goth  orientated  atmosphere  at  times.  When  female  vocals  are  utilized  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  an  ethereal  and  operatic  atmosphere  along  with  some  tracks  also  adding  in  percussion's.

  The  songs  also  use  a  variety  of  many  different  types  of  folk  instruments,  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  also  be  heard  as  well  as  one  track  also  introducing  whispered  vocals  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  songs  also  being  instrumentals  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  Italian,  Spanish,  Russian  and  English  and  is  a  concept  album  based  upon  the  discovery  of  roots  through  time  and  space.     

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Unalei  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ethereal,  goth,  progressive,  folk  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Anarada"  "Azalea"  and  "Lola".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.facebook.com/unaleiofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/unalei_music/

https://unalei.bandcamp.com/

Elven Sorrow Interview

 

 

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

Elven Sorrow is a Dark Ambient project that sometimes tends towards Dungeon Synth too. Its objective is to reach an artistic fulfilment with a minimalistic yet somewhat complex approach. Elven Sorrow is not only about the music, but also the hidden message it can transmit beneath its multiple layers of obscurity. To serve better the purpose of sending a message, the album has a conceptual narration with the desired hidden information. This project also serves as an escape from this down-to-earth reality into the surreal and abstract.

 

2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

On this first album, I have tended mostly towards the darker side of ambience, even though for the sake of creating a diverse soundscape I’ve also added other emotions, even positive ones (mostly on the more Dungeon Synth parts). Overall, the music follows the feeling transmitted in every part of the narration.

3.You also have a concept with this album, can you tell us a little bit more about it?

The concept of this albums flows with the music, and to achieve a better narration the album (which could be considered as a single song) is divided into 10 chapters, each following the same tale. The narration talks about a nameless warrior and his deeds and misfortunes throughout a life carved into the shape of a myth. Although I have personally written this myth, it’s intended to simulate the Greek mythology with the purpose of a reflection on the countless stories told throughout the centuries that have not reached us. Therefore, the concept of this album is our ignorance of so many tales from the past, some of them perhaps similar to the one told in this full-length. The name of the album is the most direct way to address to these lost myths, for they all are a rise and fall to be forgotten. 

4.You also have a background in black metal, how would you compare dungeon synth and dark ambient to black metal?

Dungeon Synth and Dark Ambient are two musical styles that are in my opinion very closely related to Black Metal. Perhaps not for the instruments used, but more for the darkness and mysticism that are intended to be transmitted. On one side Black Metal usually transmits these aforementioned concepts in a more violent and direct way and on the other side Dark Ambient and Dungeon Synth transmit them more peacefully, although the atmosphere does not commonly differ too greatly. Dark Ambient tends more than Dungeon Synth towards darkness, but Dungeon Synth is closer to Black Metal historically and can even be heard on numerous intros, outros or interludes of classic Black Metal albums. Therefore, from the view of someone who enjoys Black Metal, I think a mix of Dark Ambient and Dungeon Synth is the best way to transmit my music with the sole use of a keyboard.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Elven Sorrow?

The idea behind this name is the identification I would do of the feeling that higher beings, a clear example of this type of being would be an elf, may have if they gaze upon mankind. The music I compose and the messages I want to transmit are but a justification of their sorrow. As humanity decays quicker and quicker and gets every time more and more astray from nature and what lies beyond their understanding, Elven Sorrow will unfortunately grow.

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

The artwork of this album depicts an ancient and abandoned castle (specifically the castle of Montsoriu), and it is portrayed in the form of pointillism to accentuate even more its fading (or in general the one of all the past) from the minds of men. I chose the cover to be a castle because it is an ideal portrait of the past, and it may be one of the most common pictures imagined when thinking of yesteryears. The album cover has been hand-drawn by Hekate Chthonia.

7.Originally you are from the United Kingdom but now reside in Spain, can you tell us a little bit more about the move?

I have family in England and Catalonia, but the one with which I reside lives here. Nonetheless, perhaps in some years I may return to the United Kingdom.

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

I am currently searching for a label, but with the current situation they are all saturated and can’t really sign a brand new project. Despite that, I have received some interest from some label, but until autumn 2021 no one seems to be capacitated for any negotiation. If any label reading this is interested, I’m open to talk about any possible release.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of dungeon synth and dark ambient?

As I have released the album digitally and on my own, so promotion has been an issue and at the moment my music has reached few people, although it has currently reached people from Italy, Germany, UK and other places. I hope to reach more people when I release my next album or find a good label though.

10.What is going on with your black metal project these days?

I currently have enough material to make my debut album with my Black Metal project Gorguina, and at the moment I am recording the songs with the help of Akerbeltz Mercyless. In this band I compose as a duo with Hekate Chthonia. It is currently pretty advanced, so expect more news about it soon.

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

I have various musical projects in which I compose, although Elven Sorrow is currently the only one which has had an official release yet (together with my occasional guest guitar solos in Akerbeltz and Körgull The Exterminator). I am very interested in exploring numerous different musical styles instead of just sticking with one, but I do not wish to corrupt the sound of Elven Sorrow, so that’s why I prefer to divide my work into different projects. 

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?

I appreciate dozens of different musical styles, and almost all of them or based in Rock and Metal music. I have many different influences, and every day I try and grow more my music tastes, I actually listen to dozens of new bands a week since I collaborate with Bathoryzine. For Elven Sorrow though, I would say my main influences are Burzum, Mortiis (and all of his side projects), Wongraven, Svantevith and soundtrack composers like John Carpenter or John Williams to a lesser extent. In reality I don’t listen to many Dungeon Synth and Dark Ambient musicians, so that kind of helps me create my particular style with little outer influence.

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

Thanks for this interview and good luck in your future affairs.

https://elvensorrow.bandcamp.com/album/a-rise-and-fall-to-be-forgotten

Eremit/Desert Of Ghouls/Transcending Obscurity Records/2020 EP Review

 

  Eremit  are  a  band  from  Germany  and  on  this  recording  adds  some  elements  of  black  metal  into  their  atmospheric  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  ep  'Desert  Of  Ghouls"  which  was  released  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  which  also  captures  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal.  Both  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  screams  also  show  an  influence  of  black  metal.

    A  small  amount  of  melody  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments.  Clean  playing  is  also  added  on  the  second  track  along  with  a  brief  use  of  chants  in  the  background  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  wither  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  retro  stoner    metal  style.

  On  this  recording  Eremit  goes  for  more  of  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  as  well  as  adding  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  to  take  their  sound  to  another  level.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  horror  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Eremit  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  sludge  and  doom  metal  with  a  touch  of  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Beheading  The  Innumerous".  8  out  of  10.

https://youtu.be/PQJnun3yU4w

Jupiterian/Protosapien/Transcending Obscurity Records/2020 CD Review

  Brazil's  Jupiterian  have  returned  with  a  new  recording  which  shows  the  music  going  for  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  funeral  doom/death  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Protosapien"  which  was  released  by  Transcending  Obscurity  Records.

 Atmospheric  soundscapes  and  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  dark  yet  melodic  style.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  along  with  the  slower  riffing  also  adding  in  elements  of  funeral  doom  metal.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  while  the  screams  also  add  in  touches  of  black  metal.  The  music  also  brings  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal  along  with  some  spoken  word  parts  also  being  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.

  The  music  also  has  its  atmospheric  moments  along  with  some  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  blast  beats  when  the  music  finally  speeds  up  and  most  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Occultism,  Mythology,  Cosmos,  Science  Fiction,  Horror  and  the  writings  of  H.P  Lov3ecraft.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Jupiterian  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  funeral  doom/death  and  sludge  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mere  Humans"  and  "Earthling  Bloodline".  8  out  of  10.

Official Video Stream

Official Bandcamp

Jupiterian Facebook

Triskelis/Malicon/Ghost Record Label/Broken Bones Records2021 Full Length Review

  

   Triskelis are a solo project from Italy that plays a mixture of stoner, doom and dark metal and this is a review of his album "Malicon" which will be released in 2021 as a joint effort between Ghost Record Label and Broken Bones Records.

  A  very  dark  sounding  intro  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  stoner  metal direction. The  music avoids  the use of a regular guitar along with the slower sections off the songs also adding in the heaviness of doom metal, .

  Synths can also be heard in some parts of the recording while all of the music is instrumental.  At times the music also brings in elements of black and dark metal along with the music also having it's atmospheric moments and all of the music sticks to either a slow or mid tempo direction, one track also adds in a brief use of clean playing.

  Triskelis plays a musical style that takes stoner, dark and doom metal and mixes them together to create a sound of his own as well as keeping everything instrumental while the production sounds very dark.

  In my opinion Triskelis are a very great sounding mixture of stoner, dark and doom metal and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this solo project. RECOMMEND TRACKS INCLUDE "Gormarn" "Tiev" and "Ruatt". 8 out of 10.

  https://www.facebook.com/triskelisofficial/

https://soundcloud.com/triskelis

Daniele Brusaschetto & Paolo Spaccamonti Interview

 

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

 

D: Paolo and I have known each other for several years. We previously collaborated on various projects and, in 2014, we published "Burnout (August Sessions)", then in 2020, "Burnout II" together. These works are entirely instrumental and are composed, essentially, with our two guitars and with the addition of rhythms/glitches/noise placed in throughout.

 

P: Burnout is an openly “side” project with no pretensions whatsoever, except to produce good music and play together when we feel like it. It is a concept inspired by the burnout syndrome, a specific psychophysical attribute to which socio-health workers like me and Daniele are subjected to every day.

 

2. So far, you have worked on 2 albums together. Musically, how do they both differ from each other?

 

D: The first is more rarefied; it was more a work of subtraction than of addition, lean and dry sounds, clean guitars and short-lived songs. The second, on the other hand, has more distorted guitars, that cement-walls-of-granite sound on obsessive arpeggios... long, heavy and hypnotic droning doom pieces.

 

P: Right. In the first release, the songs are almost small "songs", each with its own aesthetic and color. In the second release, we let ourselves go to these long streams of consciousness instead, closer to concrete flows. We have grown up.

 

3.This is also the first album you’ve worked on together in 6 years?

 

D: Yep.

P: Yes. As I said, both of us also have other jobs, in addition to our respective solo projects. There is no planning and no rush in Burnout. When we want to make a record, we do it.

 

4. Since both members are also in other musical projects, how does this project differ musically from your other work?

 

D: I must say that in recent years, aside from my solo project, I have not worked much with other side projects... The Spaccamonti/Brusaschetto synergy is one of the very few collaborative "things" that I carry on with pleasure. Burnout always starts from improvised guitar parts recorded in studio, which are then cut/mixed with the computer over months or even years. Brusaschetto solo, on the other hand, is a rigorous machine of precise and iron guitar composition that finds full development in the rehearsal room with my wonderful power trio. Here, I dedicate myself to a more "usual" metal math stoner style...

P: Each of my projects has its own specific ritual and method. In my solo records, for example, almost everything is written. Improvisation is more part of collaborative projects, like the one with Daniele or the one with Jochen Arbeit (CLN). The common thread that binds all the works in which I am involved together lies in a certain underlying melancholy, which I just can't get rid of.

 

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

 

D: The artwork was entirely made by Rosa Lavita, a talented Italian graphic artist. A skull-balloon consumed in a slow and tiring escape from reality, but escaping is useless as he is already dead... I like to think of it so.

 

P: Rosa has been collaborating for years with Toten Schwan Records, the label that produced the album. After listening to the tracks, she sent us two drafts and we liked them both. She immediately understood the mood, hitting the target. We were lucky, as it is not always so obvious.

 

6. Have you done any live shows together or open to the idea?

 

D: No gigs carrying around the various Burnouts; never been done. Yes, of course, it would be interesting…but only if there is a fair and certain economic compensation.

 

P: Surely it would be interesting, but in fact, there has never been a real and sensible occasion... I can’t hide the fact that I like the idea of not offering the album live. For once, let's bypass the promotion nightmare. Burnout is born and dies as a cassette only.

 

7. The new album as released on 'Toten Schwan Records'. How would you compare working with this label to other labels that you have both worked with in the past?

 

D: I've always worked with small independent labels that produce music out of pure passion. Toten Schwan is one of them, and it was a huge pleasure and honor to have come out under the protection of its energetic wings. Covid permitting, everything went smoothly, and Marco was extremely available to all our proposals, opinions, inquiries and second thoughts... Thanks, Marco, for your patience!! ;-)

 

P: We had a great time with Toten Schwan. Although the album is admittedly 'carbonaro', Marco has managed the various passages with all the precautions and care possible. It was certainly not an easy year, and this also affected our release, but for this reason it was even more precious to release it. A breath of fresh air in an otherwise impossible year.

 

8. On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your recordings by fans of experimental music?

 

D: The world is so big, and we are so small... As far as we know, those who have listened to the album liked it. The specialized journalists have reviewed it very well and the general feedback seems more than positive to me.

 

9. What is going on with some of the other musical projects these days that both of the band members are a part of?

 

D: Eh…we rehearse in the rehearsal room as much as possible. Many new songs have been composed... And I can't wait to be able to play live again!

 

P: I'm completing a couple of new projects in the studio, which I hope will see the light in 2021. And then I'd like to resume the live soundtrack of the film Vampyr, with Ramon Moro and of “The Man with the Camera" with Stefano Pilia. We hope to be back on stage as soon as possible; we can't take it anymore.

 

10. Are there any plans to team up again on another album in the future?

 

D: It would be very, very nice. It only needs a lot of time and expendable energy... The right conditions are there, but for now we have to keep the listeners on their toes.

 

P: I'm sure it will happen sooner or later. But for now, it is still too early.

 

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

 

D: The artists who have influenced me are many...and they cover a bit of all musical genres. I am particularly attached to everything that is extreme music, from metal to industrial, electronic, exasperated psychedelia etc. But for some time now, I have mainly listened to classical music, very little else.

 

P: The same goes for me. I travel a lot in periods. In these past months, for example, I’ve been obsessed with the soundtracks of the latest films by Jarmush (Sqürl), some electronics (Autechre, Nicolás Jaar), black music like the Sault collective and the good old Dj Muggs, which never disappoints.

 

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

 

D: Buy the "Burnout II" cassette before the copies run out! :-D

 

P: Remember to support art. In a world dominated by the poor in spirit, there is a great need for beauty.

http://paolospaccamonti.com/

 http://www.danielebrusaschetto.net/

Ulcerate/Stare Into Death And Be Still/Debembur Morti Productions/2020 CD Review

 

  

Ulcerate  are  a  band  from  New  Zealand  that  has  had  music  reviewed   before   in  this  zine  and  on  this  recording  plays  a  technical  form  of  death  metal  with  elements  of  black  and  sludge  metal  and  this  is  a  review   of  their  2020  album  "'Stare  Into  Death  And  Be  Still"  which  was  released  by  Debembur  Morti  Productions.

  Atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length.  Dark  sounding  melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal  growls  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  technical  style  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  elements  of  sludge  metal  are  also  added  into  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along  with  the  fast  tremolo  picking  showing  an  influence  of  black  metal  as  well  as  some  dissonant  structures  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing.  one  track  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  recording  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  prof4essional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death  reverence  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Ulcerate  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  technical  death  metal  with  some  elements  of  black  and  sludge  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Lifeless  Advance"  "Inversion"  and  "Dissolved  Orders".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.ulcerate-official.com
http://www.facebook.com/Ulcerate
http://ulcerate.bandcamp.com

Czern/Zgliszcza/Selfmadegod Records/2020 CD Review

 

 Czern  are  a  band  from  Poland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  post  metal  and  hardcore  punk  with  some  elements  of  black  and  death  metal   and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2020  album  "Zgliszcza"  which  was  released  by  Selfmadegod  Records.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  elements  of  sludge  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  the  slower  sections  of  the  music.  A  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  vocals  being  done  in  a  growling  style  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  brings  in  blast  beats  and  elements  of  black  metal.  One  of  the  tracks  also  introduces  atmospheric  soundscapes  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  post  metal  style  melodies  also  being  added  into  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  as  well  as  the  music  also  capturing  the  raw  energy  of  hardcore  punk  at  times,  tremolo  picking  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  faster  riffing  and  the  songs  also  add  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  Czern  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  sludge,  post  metal  and  hardcore  punk  and  mixes  them  together  with  some  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Polish  and  cover  veganism,  anti  fascism  and  anti  chauvinism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Czern  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  post  metal  and  hardcore  punk  with  some  elements  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Strach"  and  "Krzyk".  8  out  of  10.

 https://czern.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/wszystekczern

Kalabrian Syndrome/Self Titled/Submersion Records/2020 EP Review

 

 Kalabrian Syndrome  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  an  instrumental  mixture  experimental  and  stoner  metal  with  some  elements  of  ambient,  drone,  psychedelic,  blues  and  jazz  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2020   ep  which  was  released   by  Submersion  Records.

  Atmospheric  sounding  drones  start  off  the  ep  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  stoner  metal  direction  while  the  melodies  add  in  touches  of  blues  rock.  All  of  the  music  is  also  instrumental  along  with  some  bass  guitar  leads  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  distorted  style.

  A  lot  of  the  music  also  sounds  improvised  while  the  music  also  has  its  psychedelic  and  experimental  moments.  Elements  of  avant  jazz  can  also  be  heard  in  the  song  structures  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks  also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  as  well  as  all  of  the  tracks  also  sounding  different  from  each  other  and  towards  the  end  touches  of  ambient  can  also  be  heard  and  the  closing  track  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing.

  Kalabrian  Syndrome  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental,  ambient,  drone,  psychedelic,  jazz,  blues  rock  and  stoner  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  keeping  everything  instrumental  while  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Kalbrian  Syndrome  are  a  very  great  sounding  instrumental  mixture  of  experimental  and  stoner  metal  with  some  touches  of  ambient,  drone,  psychedelic,  jazz  and  blues  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ashtomouth"  and  "Villa  Romantica".  8  out  of  10.

  https://www.facebook.com/KalabrianSyndrome

    

Lament Cityscape/The Old Wet/2020 EP Review

 

  Lament  Cityscape  are  a  duo  from  Wyoming  that  has  had  music   reviewed  before   in  this  zine  and  on  this   recording   plays  a  mixture  of  avant  noise,  ambient,  post  punk,  industrial,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2020  ep  "The  Old  Wet".

  Ambient  style  soundscapes  and  synths  start  off  the  ep  while  also  adding  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  while  also  mixing  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs  add  times.  Vocals  are  done  in  mostly  a  shouting  industrial  metal  style  along  with  the  slower  riffs  also  adding  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  metal.

  Programmed  beats  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  the  guitar  leads  are  also  done  in  a  very  distorted  style.  The  music  also  mixes  elements  of  both  the  post  styles  of  metal  and  punk  along  with  each  track  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  and  the  music  also  adds  in  some  touches  of  avant  noise,  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  some  clean  vocals  also  being  utilized  briefly.

  On  this  recording  Lament  Cityscape  takes  the  industrial, post and sludge metal styles of metal and  mixes  it  with  ambient  and  post  punk  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Lament  Cityscape  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  avant  noise,  ambient,  post  punk,  industrial,  sludge  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Among  The  Dead".  8  out  of  10.

http://www.facebook.com/LamentCityscape
https://www.instagram.com/lamentcityscape
https://www.youtube.com/user/lamentcityscape
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7BKlBNGP2YrJQ2wHTWFgot

Elven Sorrow/A Rise And Fall To Be Forgotten/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Elven  Sorrow  are  a  solo  project  from Spain   that   plays  a  mixture  of  dark  ambient  and  dungeon   synth  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released   2020  album  ''A  Rise  And  Fall  To   Be Forgotten".

  Nature   orientated   soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  dungeon  style  synths  that  also  use  a  variety   of  many   different   sounding   keys.  The  track  is  also  over  40  minutes  in  length  while  also  adding  in  elements  of  dark  ambient   and  all  of  the  music  is  also  instrumental  and  the  music   also  captures   the  atmosphere  of  a  fantasy   soundtrack .

  At  times  the  music  also   gets  very  tragic  sounding  while  also  capturing   the  atmosphere  of  black  metal  at  times.  Some  of  the  music  also  adds   touch  of  neo  classical  and  synths  are  the  only  instruments  present  on  this  recording.

     Elven  Sorrow  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark  ambient  and  dungeon   synth  and  mixes   them  together   to  create   a  sound  of  his   own  while   keeping   everything   instrumental  along  with  the  song  themes  narrating  the  life  of  a  nameless  warrior  in  the  style  of  a  myth  to  force reflection  upon  all  the  legends  and  deeds  lost  in  time  and  the  production   sounds  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Elven  Sorrow  are  a  very  great   sounding  mixture  of  dark  ambient  and  dungeon   synth  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical   genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project. 8  out  of  10.

  https://elvensorrow.bandcamp.com/album/a-rise-and-fall-to-be-forgotten

Farmacia/Self Titled/Wraith Productions/2020 Full Length Review

 

  Farmacia  are  a  duo  from  Argentina  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  industrial  and  synthpop  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  album  which  was  released   by  Wraith  Productions.  

  Elements  of  synthpop  start  off  the  album  along   with   some  clean  vocals  a  few  seconds   later  while   all  of  the  drum  beats  are  programmed.  At  times  the  music   also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while   also  mixing  in  elements  of  industrial  and  some  of  the  songs  also  add  in  touches  of  80,s  dance  music.

  All  of  the  tracks  also  sound  very  different   from  each  other  while  the  music  also  has  its  avant  garde  moments.  Some  tracks   also  add  in  touches  of  underground  electronic  music  along   with  one  track  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  and  as  the  album  progresses   a  brief  use  of  saxophones  can  also  be  heard.

  Farmacia  plays  a  musical   style  that  takes  experimental,  industrial  and  synthpop  and  mixes  them  together   to  create  a  sound  of  their   own.  The   production sounds  very   dark  while  the  lyrics   are  written  in  Spanish  and  cover  dark   and  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Farmacia  are  a  very  great   sounding  mixture  of   experimental,  industrial  and  synthpop  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical   genres, you  should   check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE   " El  núcleo  de la  tierra"  ''El  lado  oscuro"  ''Todo  parece estar  perfecto" and  "Rosa''.  8  out  of  10.

https://www.wraithproductions.net/artists/farmacia
https://farmacia24hs.tumblr.com
https://www.facebook.com/FARMACIAmusica
https://twitter.com/farmacia24hs
https://www.instagram.com/farmacia24hs

      

  

Maltash/Sabotage Yourself/Tartarus Records/2020 Cassette Review

 

  Maltash  is  a  solo  project  originally  from  Lebanon  but  now  resides  in  Belgium  and  plays  a  very  dark  form  of  industrial  with  some  elements  of  punk  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2020  album  "Sabotage  Yourself"  which  was  released  by  Tartarus  Records.

  Underground  industrial  sounds  and  programmed  beats  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  shouts  and  clean  vocals  also  being  utilized  on  some  of  the  tracks.  Electric  guitar  riffs  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music  while  aggressive  screams  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording.

  Melodies  are  also  added  into  some  of  the  riffing  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  also  bring  in  elements  of  doom  metal.  All  of  the  drum  beats  are  also  programmed  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  synths  onto  the  album  as  well  as  some  of  the  drum  beats  also  adding  in  a  good  amount  of  brutality.

  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  one  track  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  music  also  capturing  the  raw  aggression  of  punk  rock  at  times,  the  last  two  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  towards  the  end  growling  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  dystopian,  nihilism,  violence,  injustice,  vulnerability,  distance  and  empathy  themes.   

  In  my  opinion  Maltash  are  a  very  great  sounding  industrial  solo  project  with  some  elements  of  punk  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dystopian  Dream"  and  "Unnatural  Selection".  8  out  of  10.    

https://www.facebook.com/Fakeauthority/