Sonoran Rebel Black Magick/True Western Doom/New Density/2019 CD Review

  Sonoran  Rebel  Black  Magick  is  a  solo  artist  from  Arizona  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  neo-folk,  western  music,  Americana,  experimental  and  acoustic  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  album  "True  Western  Doom"  which  will  be  released  on  June  21st  by  New  Density.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  and  are  done  in  more  of  an  avant  garde  style  while  demonic  yet  ritualistic  voices  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  Percussion's  are  also  used  quite  a  bit throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  also  brings  in  elements  of  neo-folk  as  well  as  clean  vocals  also  being  used  quite  a  bit  on  most  of  the  songs.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  the  music  also  brings  in  elements  of  country,  western  music  and  Americana  along  with  the  songs  also  capturing  the  darkness  of  doom  metal  along  with  a  brief  use  of  grim  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  some  electric  guitars  also  being  added  onto  some  of  the  tracks.

  The  heavy  riffs  when  they  are  utilized  also  bring  in  some  melodies  along  with  all  of  the  songs  sound  very  different  from  each  other  and  as  the  album  progresses  synths  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  music  and  when  spoken  word  parts  are  brought  onto  a  later  track  they  also  give  the  song  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling,  one  song  is  also  an  ambient  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  life  in  the  county,  desert  and  western  parts  of  the  country  with  more  of  an  occult  outlook.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sonaran  Rebel  Black  Magick  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  neo-folk,  western  music,  Americana,  experimental,  ambient,  electronica,  black  and  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Poetry  of  The  Desert  Tomb"  "True  Western  Doom"  and  "Tantra  Bandits".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dV2smwsXAH8           

Albireon/La Bellezza Di Un Naufragio 1998-2018/Toten Schwan Records/2019 Compilation Album Review

  Albireon  are  a  band  from  Italy  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  mixture  of  neo-folk,  ambient  and  experimental  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2019  compilation  "La  Bellezza  Di  Un  Naufragio  1998-2018"  which  was  released  by  Toten  Schwan  Records.

  Avant  garde  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  compilation  along  with  some  ambient  style  synths  a  few  seconds  later.  Acoustic  guitars  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  compilation  while  the  clean  vocals  bring  in  elements  of  neo  folk  and  at  times  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  sounding  while  the  electric  guitars  bring  in  heavy  and  melodic  riffs  when  they  are  utilized  as  well  as  showing  an  influence  of  metal.  Horn  instruments  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  All  of  the  tracks  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  one  song  also  introducing  melodic  guitar  leads  onto  the  recording.  The  acoustic  guitars  also  add  in  a  good  mixture  of  both  finger  picking  and  full  chords  and  as  the  compilation  progresses  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.

  One  song  also  introduces  female  vocals  onto  the  compilation  which  also  gives  the  music  more  of  a  medieval  feeling  while  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  a  later  track  is  an  instrumental,  whispered  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  they  also  bring  in  a  cover  of  Sonne  Hagal's  "Spighe".  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  Italian  and  English  and  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  collection  form  Albireon  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  neo-folk,  experimental  and  ambient,  you  should  check  out  this  compilation.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Canto  Del  Vento  Lontano"  "Snowflake"  "Nineta"  "Mr. Nightbird  hates  Blueberries"  and  "Spighe".  8  out  of  10.

  https://totenschwan.bandcamp.com/album/tsr-107-la-bellezza-di-un-naufragio-1998-2018   

Malfet/The Way To Avalon/Pacific Threnoodies/2019 CD Review

  Malfet  is  a  solo  artist  from  Northern  California  that  has  had  music  reviewed  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  rhythmic  form  of  dungeon  synth  and  this  is  a  review  oh  his  2019  album  "The  Way  To  Avalon"  which  will  be  released  in  July  by  Pacific  Threnodies.

  Field  recordings  start  off  the  album  before  adding  some  synths  onto  the  recording  which  also  brings  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  dungeon  synth.  The  synths  also  bring  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  as  well  as  taking  the  music  into  more  of  an  atmospheric  direction  at  times.

  Programmed  beats  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  elements  of  folk  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  music  and  at  times  the  music  also  captures  the  atmosphere  of  a  fantasy  movie  or  television  show  soundtrack.  Nature  sounds  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  tracks  also  show  an  influence  of  classical  music  and  spoken  word  parts  are  added  onto  the  closing  track.

  On  this  recording  Malfet  remains  true  to  the  rhythmic  style  of  dungeon  synth  from  his  previous  release  as  well  as  also  keeping  most  of  the  music  instrumental.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  song  themes  focus  on  Arthurian  Legends  along  with  some  inspirations  from  the  Marion  Zimmler  Bradley  Avalon  novels.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Malfet  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dungeon  synth,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Within  Llyn  Ogwen"  "Tintagel's  Brume"  and  "Briosque  Juvenis".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il7b_kKJmx0  

Zachary Lucky/The Ballad Of Losing You/Nordvis Produktion/2019 CD Review

  Zachary  Lucky  is  a  solo  artist  from  Saskatchewan,  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  neo-folk  and  country  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  album  "The  Ballad  Of  Losing  You"  which  will  be  released  on  June  28th  by  Nordvis  Produktion.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  and  they  bring  in  elements  of  folk  as  well  as  being  the  dominant  instrument  on  the  recording.  Vocals  are  all  done  in  a  clean  singing  country  style  along  with  some  slides  also  being  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  as  well  as  a  decent  amount  of  stringed  instruments.

  Finger  picking  can  also  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  country  influences  are  more  rooted  in  the  past  instead  of  the  present.  All  of  the  songs  are  ballads  along  with  the  music  also  bringing  in  elements  of  Americana  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  a  slower  direction.

  Zachary  Lucky  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  neo-folk  and  mixes  with  a  60's  or  70's  style  of  country  music  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  real  life  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Zachary  Lucky  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  neo-folk  and  country  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ramblin  Mans  Lament"  "Merry  Month  Of  May"  "Waitin'  For  the  Day"  and  "Helsinki".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwGMIPFjaC4 

Empty Chalice 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?
I have to be honest: nothing. Everything is always changing in life, and that is the matter. And this is the beauty of life, whatever it happens, it has to goes on. And let it be. I’m on different sides now, not about music.

2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I think that “Mother Destruction” is a natural prosecution of the album “Emerging is Submerging”, for something about the concept, the imaginary behind the musical concepts, and the themes I’ve decided to face with this opus. Anyway, is a more “mature” album; in this new album is present a continuous stream of ideas and meanings, which are running in complete freedom, with no chains. Is beyond thought, beyond the surface. I’ve directly experience my  innermost self. The sounds is more introspective, is more “quiet”, is more “ambient” I think.

3.What are some of the themes you explore with your music?
I explore nothing at all than the meaning of life; its purpose, the stillness and the power of the consciousness. In my music there is more light than you all can imagine.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Empty Chalice'?
I’m sorry,but is not enough time to reveal the meaning behind the monicker Empty Chalice. Maybe one last S/T album will explain the meaning of this name.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Is a graphic and artistic elaboration of one of my dreams, by the Italian artist Omega Kunst. Is the start of one of my dream.

6.On the new album you also had a few quests, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and also their contributions to the recording?
Peter Verwimp is a shaman from Belgium; he’s really active in the European music scene, he have great skills with drones and guitars, and creating ambient and haunting atmospheres with his voice; and he’s a real friend. Kurgan Hors is an individual who lives near me, in the north Italy; he’s really young and at the same moment really able to play many instruments. This one was the first time I’ve decided to involve him for a collaboration; nothing had to be spoken, he has done everything totally free. And this is a miracle, a really positive experience! Thyme and Ryan are individuals from USA; I’ve contacted the couple many months ago just to start something about a collaboration; the first step was a track released on their bandcamp page (called “The Prophet”), and then, we’ve moved forward to improve a track with a text, that I wrote 3 years ago. I’m glad that the voice of Thyme have fulfilled the atmosphere and pathos of the lyrics and the sounds. The sounds is perfect.

7.Have you done any live shows or would be open to them in the future?
I hope to play live again in a near future; I’ve received some invite to play for some small festival, but nothing I can assure at the moment.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of death industrial and dark ambient?
I have to be honest answering to this question too: I don’t know, and, trust me, is not what I care at his best. I’m glad and happy if someone, few persons, will take the album and receive good moments and vibes while listening. With no prejudice, without anything bad in his mind. If everything goes naturally, it will be fine.

9.What is going on with 'Gopota' these days?
Gopota is stopped at the moment; me and Vitaly have not talk since many months ago. I think that he is busy more than me at the moment.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
I see only the present.

11.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?
I like Gregorian chants, or simple ambient music; during the last period (2 months) I’ve continued to listen and listen again Hardangervidda of Ildjarn-Nidhogg, as example. Now I’m listening, daily, the new Darkthrone’s album, “Old Star”; I really needed this album!!!

12.Does Occultism play any role in your music? No

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Support the label, which I really thanks for the production and for the professional attitude and great empathy shared from the beginning till the release of the album. Toten Schwan Records, in the person of Marco Valenti, will continue to reveal real diamonds of the independent music scene. Support who work with passion, as Marco!

https://emptychalice.bandcamp.com/

Cult of Terrorism/megvaltozhatatlansag/Toten Schwan Records/2019 CD Review

  Cult  Of  Terrorism  are  a  solo  project  that  plays  a  mixture  of  ritualistic  soundscapes  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2019  album  "megvaltozhatatlansag"  which  was  released  by  Toten  Schwan  Records.

  Experimental  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  while  the  synths  also  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  along  with  some  clean  playing  also  being  added  into  some  parts  of  the  music.  Some  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  most  of  the  music  is  done  in  an  instrumental  direction.

  Programmed  beats  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  ritualistic  sounding  at  times.  The  synths  also  bring  in  a  variety  of  many  different  sounding  keys  while  all  of  the  songs  sound  very  different  from  each  other  as  well  as  capturing  a  cinematic  atmosphere  at  times  and  the  last  3  tracks  also  bring  in  some  session  work  from  Valerio  Orlandini,  Testing  Vaul  and  meanwhile.in.Texas  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard.

  Cult  Of  Terrorism  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  dark  ambient  and  ritualistic  soundscapes  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own  while  keeping  most  of  the  music  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  dark.

  In  my  opinion  Cult  Of  Terrorism  is  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  ritualistic  soundscapes  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  solo  project.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mitochondria,  O  Sindrome  Di  Lee  Tour"  and  "Notturno  [Il  Tuo  Cuore  E'  Scacro".  8  out  of  10.

streaming BANDCAMP
STREAMING youtube

Humanfobia/Phi/2019 EP Review

  Humanfobia  are  a  duo  from  Chile  that  plays  a  mixture  of  experimental,  noise,  witchhouse  and  dark  ambient  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2019  ep  "Phi".

  Dark  soundscpaes  start  off  the  ep  along  with  the  music  also  getting  very  experimental  and  avant  garde  sounding  at  times.  When  synths  are  utilized  they  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  as  well  as  some  touches  of  noise  music  also  being  used  at  times  and  the  female  vocals  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  ritualistic  feeling.

  Elements  of  witchhouse  are  also  used  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  music  also  gets  very  atmospheric  sounding  at  times.  All  of  the  songs  also  sound  very  different  from  each  other  along  with  the  songs  also  capturing  the  atmosphere  of  either  a  horror  movie  or  a  nightmare  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  re-mixes.

  Humanfobia  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  experimental,  noise,  witchhouse  and  dark  ambient  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  ghost  legends  of  Thailand  and  Laos.

  In  my  opinion  Humanfobia  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  experimental,  noise,  witchhouse  and  dark  ambient  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  duo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Mae  Nak"  and  "Phi  Pop".  8  out  of  10..

https://humanfobia-official.bandcamp.com/album/phi-ep-2019