Sunday, May 26, 2013

The Orchis/A Thousand Winters/Infinite Fog Productions/1996 CD Review


  The  Orchis  are  a  band  from  the  U.K  that  plays  a  mixture  of  pagan,  neo,  psychedelic  and  dark  folk  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  1996  album  "A  Thousand  Winters"  which  was  released  by  Infinite  Fog  Productions.

  Drums  are  all  slow  playing  with  some  percussion  work  being  used  at  times,  while  the  flutes  bring a  very  60's  orientated  and  medieval  feeling  to the  music,  as  for t he  acoustic  guitars  they  use  finger picking  and  full  chords  and  combine  pagan,  neo,  psychedelic  and  dark  folk  together  to  create  a sound  of  their  own  along  with  some  electic  guitar  leads,  drone  sounding  synths  and  effects.

  Vocals are  mostly  clean  singing  female  and  male  folk  vocals  with  some  spoken  word  parts  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Nature  and  Paganism  themes, a s  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that a re  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  The  Orchis  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  pagan,  neo,  psychedelic  and  dark  folk  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Horseman"  "Arcadia"  "He  Walks  In  Water"  and  "Winter".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://infinitefog.bandcamp.com/album/orchis-a-thousand-winters

Paths Of Prakriti/Axis Mundi/Merlin's Nose Records/2011 CD Review


  Paths  Of  Prakriti  are  a  band  that  plays  an  occult  form  of  psychedelic  folk  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Axis  Mundi"  which  was  released  by  Merlins  Nose.

  Drums  are  all  slow  playing,  while  the  organs  and  keyboards  bring  a  very  psychedelic  60's  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  flutes  and  other  folk  instruments  they  bring  in  some  more  pagan  sounding  medieval  elements  to  the  recording.

  Acoustic  guitars  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  a  60's  to  early  70's  psychedelic  folk  sound  to  the  album,  while  the  electric  guitars  are  very  distorted  and  melodic  sounding  blues  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  folk  rock  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark,  old  school  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Paths  Of  Prakriti  are  a  very  great  sounding  occult  psychedelic  folk  rock  band  and if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Horse"  "Kali  Has  Woven"  "Devil's  Eye  &  Demons  Sigh"  and  "Heaven And  Hell".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Paths-of-prakriti-251651008197470/

Jahrtal/Reprisen & Instrumentalstuecke/Merlin's Nose/2009 CD Review


  Jahrtal  is  a  musician  from  Austria  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  combines  drone,  psychedelic  and  neo  folk  together  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2009  album  "Reprisen  &  Instrumentalstuecke"  which  was  released  by  Merlin's  Nose.

  Sound  effects  and  synths  bring  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  drone  to  the  recording  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  heavy  distortion,  while  the  flutes  and  other  folk  instruments  bring  the  psychedelic,  ethnic,  and  neo  folk  elements  to  the  album.

  Acoustic  guitars  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  in  more  folk  music  elements  and  there is  no  use  of  vocals  or  song  writing  present  on  this  recording  except  briefly  on  one  song  and  they  are  all  clean  singing  neo  folk  vocals,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Jahrtl  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  drone,  psychedelic  and  neo  folk,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Reprise  II"  "Reprise  VII"  "Im  Jahrtal"  and  "Reprise  XI".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.discogs.com/artist/785822-Jahrtal

In Gowan Ring/The Glinting Shade/Merlin's Nose Records/1999 CD Review


  In  Gowan  Ring  are  a  band  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  drone,  psychedelic  and  neo  folk  music  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  1999  album  "The  Glinting  Shade"  which  was  recently  re-issued  by  Merlin's  Nose  Records.

  Sound  effects  and  synths  bring  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  drone  to  the  recording,  while  the  acoustic  guitars  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  a  psychedelic  and  neo  folk  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  folk  instruments  when  they  are  utilized  they  bring  a  medieval  pagan  sound  to  the  album.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  folk  music  vocals  with  some  spoken  word  parts  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  nature  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.  

  In  my  opinion  In  Gowan  Ring  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  drone,  psychedelic  and  neo  folk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Two  Wax  Dolls"  "Cipher's  String  On  The  Tree  In  The  Garden  Of  Eden"  and  "Milk  Star".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.ingowanring.com/

Arrowwood/Beautiful Grave/Merlin's Nose Records/2013 CD Review


  Arrowwood  are  a  band  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  mixture  of  neo,  pagan,  psychedelic  and  dark  folk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2012  album  "Beautiful  Grave"  which  was  released  by  Merlin's  Nose  Records.

 Percussion's  bring  a  very  tribal  orientated  feeling  to  the  recording,  while  the  synths  and  sound  effects  bring  in  elements  of  dark  ambient  and  drone  to  the  music  while  also  adding  in  many  different  elements  of  influences  from  a  variety  of  different  folk  music  genres.

  Acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  combine  neo,  pagan,  psychedelic  and  dark  folk  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  while  also  mixing  in  some  flutes  that  enhance  the  pagan  elements  of  the  music.

  Vocals  when  they  are  utilized  are  mostly  clean  singing  female  vocals  along  with  a  brief  use  of  male  singing,  while  the  song  themes  and  lyrics  cover  cover  Paganism  and  Nature,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark  and  powerful  sound  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on t his  recording.  

  In  my  opinion  Arrowwood  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  neo,  pagan,  psychedelic  and  dark folk  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Under  Root  A  Winding  Star"  "Goblin  Market"  "Ballad  Of  The  Hang  Man"  and  "We  Are  Dark  Wells".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/forestfolk/

Aleppo Pine/Holy Picnic/Alone Records/2010 CD Review


  Aleppo  Pine  are  a  band  from  Spain  that  plays  a  very  dark  form  of  psychedelic  indie  folk  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2010  album  "Holy  Picnic"  which  was  released  by  Alone  Records.

  Drums  and  percussion  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  that  has  a  tribal  feeling  to t hem a t  times, while t he  flutes  and  other  folk  instruments  bring  a  very  70's  orientated  psychedelic  folk  music  sound  to  the  recording  and  there  is  no  use  of  a  bass  guitar  present  on  this  recording.

  Acoustic  guitars  use  alot  of  folk  chords  and  finger  picking  and  they  combine  psychedelic,  folk  and  indie  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of  the  own  mixing  in  some  guitar  slides  at  times  as  well  as  some  electric  guitar  solos  and  leads  as  well  as  some  rhythm's  using  some  distortion,  while  the  organs  and  keyboards  bring  alot  of  hippie  elements  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  mostly  clean  singing  male  and  female  vocals  along  with  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  metaphysical  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful  and  dark  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Aleppo  Pine  are  a  very  great  sounding  psychedelic,  indie  folk  rock  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Black  Wizard"  "Magic  Dolmen"  "3rd  Eye"  and  "Dead  Garden".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/Aleppo-Pine-104744169589306/

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Among Gods/Self Titled/PRC Music/2013 CD Review


  Among  Gods  are  a  band  from  Norway  that  plays  a  very  old  school  hybrid  of  death  and  doom  metal  with  elements  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2012  album  which  was  released  by  PRC  Music.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  some   fast  drumming  and  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  old  school  death  and  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  melody  and  black  metal  influences  being  thrown  into t he  riffing  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death/doom  metal  growls  with  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  old  school  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Among  Gods  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  old  school  death  and  doom  metal  with  some  elements  of  black  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Night  Procession"  and  "Crucifixion".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

http://prcmusic.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=252

Monday, May 13, 2013

Gamardah Fungus/Nuclear Winter/2013 CD Review


  Gamardah  Fungus are  a  band from  Ukraine  that  plays  an  instrumental  mixture  of  funeral  doom  metal,  sludge,  drone,  ambient  and  dark  jazz  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Nuclear  Winter".

  Drums  are  all  absent  from  this  recording,  while  the  synths,  devices,  and  field  recordings  bring  elements  of  dark  jazz,  ambient,  funeral  doom  metal,  and  drone  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  string  instruments  they  further  enhance  the  experimental  and  avant  garde  elements  of  the  recording  with  some  distorted  elements  being  utilized  at  times.

  Vocals  and  sing  writing  are  all  absent  from  this  recording  with  the  music  being  all  instrumental  except  for  some  spoken  word  samples  which  are  used  on  the  last  song,  while  the  song  themes  cover  the  theories  of  Carl  Sagan,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound  while  you  can s till  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Gamardah  Fungus  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  funeral  doom,  drone,  sludge,  ambient  and  dark  jazz  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Nuclear  Winter"  and  "Another  Earth".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/GamardahFungus/

Morgue Of Saints/Sleep/Death/2012 CD Review


  Morgue  Of  Saints  are  a  1  man  band  from  Montreal,  Canada  that  plays  a  very  very  experimental,    drone  form of  funeral  doom  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Sleep/Death".

 Percussions  are  all  slow  beats  that  have  a  minimalist  feeling  to  them,  while  the  synths   bring  a  very  atmospheric,  orchestra,  ambient  and  experimental  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  and  heavy  dark  riffs  that  combine the  heaviest  elements  of  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  and there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  and  song  writing  are  all  absent  from  this  recording  with  all  of  the  music  being  all  instrumental,  while  the  song  themes  cover  sleep and  death,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  with t he  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Morgue  Of  Saints  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  dark  ambient,  experimental,  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this   musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Sleep  II".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Bandcamp

Velvet Robe Interview


1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
As of late we have been recording new material with more of a traditional black metal sound to it. Going in a slightly heavier direction certainly. There will still be a good deal of atmosphere present in anything we do, and there a lot of other experiments in the works as well. Currently finishing the score to a Bela Lugosi film, if all goes according to plan it will be ready by summer’s end, or thereabout. We also have a new EP, “Night Soil”, that is done and should be out fairly soon on Yersinia Pestis.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the newer recording and how it differs from previous releases?
I believe you are speaking of “De incertitudine et vanitate scientiarum et atrium” as the new release. This was really more of an attempt at making something that uses the medium of recording itself as part of the arrangement, if that makes sense. Something for the listener to experiment with, make them more involved. The first and last track are fairly straight forward heavy drone songs, used more as atmosphere to set the stage. The middle two tracks, which were released on the cassette, are actually four separate tracks. It’s essentially the same idea as an 8-track cassette, track one is on the left signal of side one, track two is the right signal. If you leave your panning control in the center you are hearing tracks one and two played simultaneously. It was our hope that listeners would experiment with these tracks, layer them in different ways, change the arrangements perhaps, speaker placement if possible. If you have moveable speakers then you could put the left speaker say in one room and the right in another, or you could put one face down or under a table while you were conducting a séance there. Meanwhile the other speaker might be across the room and sound more distant or ambient. I’m rambling a bit, I apologize. This release was meant to be more a “ritual” in and of itself, less of a “musical album” per se.
3. Your lyrics cover a lot of occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your views on Occultism?
There seems to a great deal of misunderstanding these days concerning the word “Occult”. Or at least that is our belief. We think of the “occult” simply as knowledge. Knowledge beyond that deemed acceptable by the mores of society. In days of old when a man would seek this “outside” knowledge he was treated as dangerous, someone to be feared, in league with the devil. This certainly was not the case at all, but humans have a strange and often violent sentiment toward other humans seeking to better themselves. To quote the great author Ambrose Bierce from his work, “The Devil’s Dictionary”: “SUCCESS, n. The one unpardonable sin against one's fellows”. And so our take on the occult, we hope, is more in line with the actual definition of the word. Our interest in such obscurities and relics of days gone by or otherworldly happenings is due to our curiosity in nature and our thirst for knowledge, not simply for love of demons and witches, or angels and saints for that matter.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
The common attire among those who seek to know the unknowable, reach the unreachable, and obtain the unobtainable.
5. Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
We have been discussing the idea of doing a few live performances recently. There are a few difficulties that arise with performing some of the older material, but many of our new songs would work well. We would very much like to make something happen this year.
6. Currently you are signed to Yersinia Pestis, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?
They are an excellent label to work with. Total contempt for mainstream culture. I don’t seem to recall how our paths crossed originally.
7. Recently you put out a split with Merlin, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated?
Merlin is an extremely original group of musicans/people. They do not make music that simply reminds of you music you already like, which is unfortunately what a lot of bands do now. They have something very unique happening, and should be commended for that. We are very happy with the split.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of drone and doom metal?
All the feedback we’ve had so far has been amazing. This is not very approachable music, it takes a certain type of mind to appreciate it, and the amount of positive feedback we’ve gotten so far has come as quite a surprise. I think the drone crowd has latched onto it more than the doom scene, and that’s perfectly understandable.
9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
In the very near future it will certainly be more of a “band” feel, faster and heavier. We add new people into the lineup as needed for the track. Some tracks only require one man, others five. It keeps things from stagnating. There will certainly be plenty of drone and ambient elements or even albums in the future, but for now things are going to get louder and nastier.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Certainly classical organ. Bach especially. Though I doubt much of that actually shows through in the music itself, probably more in the mood. The earlier Ministry albums, mainly the slower cuts on those. Fairly recently we’ve been listening to Mortualia, Asylum, Topeth, Graveyard Ghoul, Blue Sabbath Black Cheer, Anguish, Cosmic Church, and Nosvrolok.
11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Film. Poetry. Having a nice long smoke of tobacco in a pipe. There’s really nothing like it. Actual pipe tobacco I mean. Dunhill’s “Early Morning Pipe” is a favorite of mine.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
"But soon," he cried with sad and solemn enthusiasm, "I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct. I shall ascend my funeral pile triumphantly and exult in the agony of the torturing flames. The light of that conflagration will fade away; my ashes will be swept into the sea by the winds. My spirit will sleep in peace, or if it thinks, it will not surely think thus. Farewell."

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Black Chalice/Obsidian/2012 Demo Review


  This  is  a  review  of  another  demo  from  Black  Chalice  with  the  musical  style  being  very  melodic  sounding  funeral  doom  metal  with  the  demo  being  released  in  2012  and  called  "Obsidian".

  Drum  programming  ranges  from  slow  to  mid  paced  beats  which  gives  the  music  a  miminalist  feeling,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars,

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  funeral  doom  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark  and heavy  sounding  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  atmospheric  and  melodic  sounding  doom  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads  which  have  a  post  rock  feeling  to  them  at  times.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  to  deep  funeral  doom/death  metal  growls  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  female  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark,  depressing  and  metaphysical  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  with  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  another  great  sounding  demo  from  Black  Chalice  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  melodic  and  atmospheric  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "They  Took  Everything"  and  "Obsidian".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Black Chalice/Years Of Flame/2011 Demo Review


  Black  Chalice  are  a  1  man  band  from  Maine  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  demo  "Years  Of  Flame".

  Drums  programming  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced  beats  which  gives  the  music  a  very  militant  feeling,  while  the  bass  playing  has a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars,  as  for  the  synths  which  are  only  used  briefly  they  bring  a  very  dark, a tmospheric  and  ambient  sound  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced   heavy  funeral  doom  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark  sounding,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  doom  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  utilize  influences  from t he  early  90's  doom/death  metal  bands.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  funeral  doom/death  metal  growls  along  with  a  brief  use  of  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams  and  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  depression  and  metaphysical  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  heavy,  dark,  raw  and  primitive  sound with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Black  Chalice  are  a  very  great  sounding  dark  and  heavy  funeral  doom  metal  band and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Empirical  Solitude"  and  "Years  Of  Flame".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Velvet Robe/De Incertitudine Et Vanitate Scientiarum Et Artium/Versinai Pestis/2012 CD Review


  This  is  the  final  review  of  a  recording  from  Velvet  Robe  which  continues  their  drone,  occult  and  funeral  doom  metal  hybrid  with  the  album  being  released  by  Versinia  Pestis  in  2012  and  called  "De  Incertitudene  Et  Vanitate  Scientiarum  Et  Artium".

  Drums  are  all  absent  from  this  recording,  while  the  sound  effects  bring  elements  of  ambient,  drone,  experimental  and  avant  garde  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  riffs  that  combine  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  distortion  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and there  are  no  guitar  solos  and  leads  and  present.

  Vocals  are  all  spoken  words  demonic  ritualistic  chanting,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  UIn  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Velvet  Robe  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  ritual,  occult,  avant  garde,  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Four  Great  Beasts/How  To  Raise  A  Spirit".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Velvet Robe/The Celestial Intelligencer/Versenia Pestis/2012 CD Review


  This  is  another  review  of  a  recording  from  Velvet  Robe  which  continues  their  drone,  occult,  and  funeral  doom  metal  hybrid  with  the  album  being  called  "The  Celestial  Intelligencer"  and  released  by Versinia  Pestis  in  the  year  of  2012.

  Drums  are  all  slow  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  organs,  ukelin  and  ambience  bring  a  very  dark  ambient  and  drone  sound  to  the  recording,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  riffs  that  combine  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their own  along  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  distortion  and  some  dark  sounding  melodies  being  thrown  into t he  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

 Vocals  range  from  deep  demonic  growls,  high  pitched  screams  which  have  a  black  metal  feeling  to  them  and  some  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes,  as for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  Velvet  Robe  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sword,  Candle,  Bell"  "The  Final  Curse  Upon  The  Land"  and  "The  Old  Customs  Remain  And  The  Ancient  Gods  Live  On".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Velvet Robe/Bartzabel's Fore/Versina Restis/2012 7 Ich Review


  This  is  another  review  of  a  recording  from  Velvet  Robe  which  continue  their  drone,  occult  and  funeral  doom  metal  hybrid  with  the  7  inch  being  called  "Bartzabel's  Fire"  which  was  released  by  Versina  Pestis  in  the  year  of  2012.

  Drums  are  all  slow  playing  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording,  as  for  the  synths  which  are  only  used  briefly  they  bring  a  very  dark  and  occult  sound  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  riffs  that  combine  drone  and  funeral  doom  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  distortion  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  demonic  growls,  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  and  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Velvet  Robe  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of drone  and  funeral  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  7  inch.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Bartzabel's  Fire".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Velvet Robe/La Seance Haunted/Versina Pestis/2011 CD Review


  Velvet  Robe  are  a  band  from  Boston,  Massachussets  that  plays  a  mixture  of  drone,  occult  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "La  Seance  Haunted"  which  was  released  by  Versina  Pestis.

  Drums  are  all  slow  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  synths  and  sound  effects  bring  elements  of  ambient,  ritual  and  drone  to  the  recording along  with  some  folk  instruments,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording  and  they  are  the  bring  instrument  on  this  album  with  no  use  of  a  regular  guitar.

 Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  screams  which  brings  a  black  metal  feeling  to  the  recording  along  with  some  spoken  word  samples,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  while  you  can  still  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Velvet  Robe  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  drone,  occult  and  funeral  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The Lambs Are  All  Allight"  "Kharis  Lives"  and  "Another  Time  Like  This.... 8  out  of  10.

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Anlipnes/Inanis Caelum/Gris Records/2010 CD Review


  Anlipnes  are  a  band  from  Turkey  that  plays  a  very  atmospheric  form  of  funeral  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2010  album  "Inanis  Caelum"  which  was  released  by  Gris  Records.

  Drums  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark  ,  atmospheric,  ambient  and  gothic  sound  to the  recording  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  violins,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  are  all  slow  to  mid  paced  funeral  doom  metal  riffs  that  utilize  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  in  the  riffing  which  have  a  90's  doom/death  feeling  to  them,  while  the  lead guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  melodic  sounding  guitar  leads.

  Vocals are  mostly  deep  funeral  doom/death  metal  growls  along  with  some  clean  singing  female  and  ,ale  vocals  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  parts  and  whispers  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  high  pitched  screams  that  have  a  black  metal  feeling  to  them,  while  the  lyrics  cover  deep  and  depressing  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sound  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Anlipnes  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  funeral  doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Empty  Skies"  and  "Last  Sunset".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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Friday, May 3, 2013

Sadgiqacea/False Prism/Candlelight Records/2013 CD Review


  Sadgiqacea  are  a  band  from  Pennsylvania  that  plays  a  very  heavy  ambient  and  experimental  form  of  sludge  with  a  black  metal  edge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "False  Prism"  which  was  released  by  Candlelight  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  synths  and  sound  effects  when t hey  are  utilized  bring  elements  of  ambient  and  experimental  to  the  recording  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  sludge  riffs  that  are  very  heavy  and  use  a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  in  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  post  metal  elements  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  soft  and  clean  playing  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  to  high  pitched  sludge  screams  which  have  a  black  metal  influence  to  them,  while  the  lyrics  cover  inner  struggles,  spirituality  and  the  dualistic  nature  of  evil,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  sound  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Sadgiqacea  are  a  very  great  sounding  sludge  band  with  a  black  metal  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "False  Segments"  and  "True  Darkness".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Project:Void/The Anthropegenic Process/badGod Music/2013 CD Review


  Project:Void  are  a  project  that  plays  harsh  power  electronics  noise  mixed  with  death  industrial  as  well  as  some  black  metal  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "The  Anthropegenic  Process"  which  was  released  by  badGod  Music.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  beats  that  have  a  tribal  feeling  to  them  at  times,  while  the  noise  effects,  programming  and  synths  combine  harsh  noise  and  power  electronics  with  death  industrial  to  create  a  sound  of  their own.

  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal/noise  screams  along  with  some  deep  demonic  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  hateful  and violent  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark,  brutal,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it  with  some  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Project:Void  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  harsh  noise,  power  electronics  and  death  industrial  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ghosts"  "Praey"  "Nihil"  and  "Blood  Visions".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

https://www.facebook.com/projectvoid1/

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

GraVil/Thoughts Of A Rising Sun/2013 CD Review


  GraVil  are  a  band  from  the  United  Kingdom  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  melodic  sounding  hybrid  of  death  and  industrial  metal  with  elements  of  hardcore  and  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  album  "Thoughts  Of  A  Rising  Sun".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them,  as  for  the  synths  when  they  are  utilized  they  bring  elements  of  industrial  to  the  recording.

  Rhythm guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  brutal  and  melodic  death  metal  with  industrial  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  while  also  adding  influences  from  hardcore  and  black  metal  in  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  to  add  some  darker  elements  to  the  music.

  Vocals  range  from  high  pitched  hardcore  screams,  deep  death  metal  growls  and  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  human  nature  and  historical  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album.

  In  my  opinion  GraVil  are  a  very  great  sounding  heavy  and  melodic  hybrid  of  death  metal,  industrial  and  hardcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band. RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Enemy  Within"  "Thoughts  Of  A  Rising  Sun"  "Through  The  Eyes  Of  Spartans"  and  "March  Of  Th  Titans".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

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