Sunday, August 20, 2017
Reviews done by Patrick posted on 8-20-17
Draghkar--World Unraveled cassette {Blood Harvest Rec.}
California's Draghkar are a band who are getting ready to release their debut demo cassette.World Unraveled is three songs of heavy,aggressive old school death metal.The vocals are low,deep death metal growls.The drums are a mix of well played mid paced drum patterns mixed with some some hyperspeed blast beats used in a few of the songs.If you are a fan of {early} Autopsy,Exhumed and other 90's death metal then don't miss out on World Unraveled.
Label Contacts
http://www.bloodharvest.se/
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/
Letal Cross--Maldita Nacion cd {Self-Released}
Letal Cross are blackend thrash metal band coming out of the Chilean metal scene.And this is a review of the bands second demo featuring four tracks.The guitars are done with extremely fast and chaotic riffs but do slow to a more calmer and mid paced range.The guitarist does play a lot of aggressive and violent patterns but can also write well executed slower parts mixed in with the music.The vocals are raw,grim black metal screams.If you are a fan of old-school blackend thrash metal then be sure to check out Letal Cross today.
Band Contact
https://letalcrossmetal.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/letalcross
Narbeleth--Indomitvs cd {Folter Rec.}
Cuba's Narbeleth are back with their fourth release Indomitvs featuring eight tracks of cold black metal.The guitar work is done with a lot of skill and experience.Going from a raw fast and frenzied guitar pattern to a more controlled mid paced guitar pace throughout the songs.The drums are played with the same style going from a controlled mid paced to a more crazed fast drumming style.The vocals are black metal screams that are done with a lot of power.
Label Contacts
http://www.folter666.de/
https://folterrecords.bandcamp.com/
Profundis Tenebrarum--Disciples Of Venomous Death cd {Egregor Rec.}
Profundis Tenebrarum are a band who come out of Spain's black metal scene with their newest full length Disciples Of Venomous Death.Starting the release off with a well written and performed intro the music wastes little time in going full force with raging,fast black metal.The music is played with a lot of intense fast black metal but does slow to a more mid paced range in a few of the songs.The vocals are raw black metal screams that fit the band very well.If you are familiar with Profundis Tenebrarum past releases then you know what to expect but if you have never heard the band and like occult black metal then be sure to pick this release up today.
Label Contact
https://egregor-records.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/egregorrecords
Putrid Offal--Anatomy cd {Xenokorp Rec}
Putrid Offal are a long running French brutal death,gore band who released their newest release Anatomy.The first two songs are brand new songs are Anatomy and Didactic Exploration.Both songs are played in the same as previous Putrid Offal's releases combing both powerful,heavy riffs.Besides the two new songs their are re-recorded versions of Rotted Flesh and Gurgling Prey featuring some of the best death,grind out there today.The music is played with a lot of skill and chaotic fast drumming and guitars.If you are a fan of Putrid Offal's previous releases then be sure to pick this cd up today.
Label Contacts
http://www.xenokorp.com/
https://twitter.com/xenokorp
Purtenance interview done by Patrick Posted on 8-20-17
Interview with Purtenance done by Patrick
1.Hello how are things going with you these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
- Hi, we are doing pretty fine these days. I am Ville Koskela, vocalist of Purtenance. Other members of Purtenance are Harri Salo - drums, Juha Rannikko - guitar, Tero Aalto - bass and Simo Rouvinen - guitar. Harri and Juha are original members of Purtenance, they started the band back in the late 80’s. I Joined Purtenance in 2011 and Tero and Simo came along in 2015.
2.When did you first discover metal music and who were some of the first bands you listened to?
- Harri and Juha discovered metal in the early 80’s, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Slayer, Metallica etc. The usual ones that, guys of that time listened. My first experience with metal was in 88’ when I stole my brothers cassette of Twisted Sisters! But my mind was blown when Purtenance released ”Member of Immortal Damnation” in 1991. Harri is my cousin and I was so amazed of the sound that I heard, that still, this day, I get shivers when I listen that album and sing songs from it!
3.Back in the early 90's tape trading was a big part of the underground scene did you ever do much tape trading?
- Juha used to do that. He has remembered that time occasionally and tells that he used, at some point, record a cassette or two daily. He sent letters and cassettes around the world a lot. Fun times he has said, but very time consuming.
4.Purtenance was formed back in 1991 what gave you the idea to form this band?And who would you say are the bands biggest influences?
- Actually Purtenance was formed in 1989 by the name Purtenance Avulsion. Death metal was just the most extreme music to play and it was just the thing the guys were searching for. What I’ve been told, Napalm Death, Obituary, Cannibal Corpse and the like have been big influences for Purtenance. Even though, you can’t really found those bands from us, do you? At least very obviously.
5.Why did you all stop the band back in the mid 90's? And what gave you the idea to reform Purtenance in 2012?
- The very common answer why Purtenance went to hibernation - guys grew up. Work, families and lack of spare time were the biggest reasons. When in 2011, ”Member of Immortal Damnation” had it’s 20 year anniversary, Dave Rotten was contacting Harri and Juha, with whom I had been playing for a year together (I’ve played with Harri from 2006, in different project) at that point, and gave them proposal. He said that if Purtenance would return, he would sign a deal with us to release new stuff. So Harri and Juha asked me to join them in new lineup of Purtenance (they did ask other old members, but they had no interest, nor intention to join the band again) to play bass and do vocals. What can one say to that!!?? Of course! They were the first death metal band I’ve heard ever (I was 11 when they released their first album).
6.Paradox Of Existence is the bands newest release how long did it take to write the music for this release?
- Music was written during the first half of 2016. We started to record the song in autumn of 2016 and it took like couple of months. We had no deadlines and we took our time with it. We did the recording and mixing by ourselves and only mastering was done by someone else. It was mastered by Jaakko Virtalähde at Virtalähde Mastering. We have worked with him with ”Awaken from Slumber” and ”…to Spread the Flame of Ancients”. He just does the final touch to our sound on records. We are amazes every time by his work, he ”cleans” the filth of our mixes! Hah!
7.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics and what are some topics you all wrote about on the new release?
- I usually handle the duties of writing lyrics. At this release, Simo wrote lyrics for two of the songs, ”Vicious Seeds of Mortality” and ”Paradox of Existence”. My topics, as usual, wander around death, death and death. I’m simple and death provides endless stories to be told. As for topics concerning Simo’s lyrics, as far as I know, tells stories of deep dark aspects of life and everything. He’s writing style differs from mine and it gives us more diversity. He’s roots are more in black metal and mine are in punk and hardcore.
8.Besides the Paradox Of Existence release are any of the bands previous releases still available to buy? Besides the releases does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
- Good question. We have no knowledge other that in Xtreem Music’s webstore is the only official place to buy our stuff, www.xtreemmusic.com . Of course many other place maybe sells our stuff, but that’s the only one we know for sure. Selling is not our stuff, obviously as you can see…
9.What have been some of Purtenance's most memorable shows over the years?
- Well, both of our shows outside of Finland, Ritual Zombi Fest 2013 in Madrid and Obscene Extreme 2017 in Czech Republic, will surely be the most memorable, in my opinion. Our show at Finnish Death Metal Maniacs Festival will have very special in my mind also. It might not been our best performance, but the fact that Timo Häyrinen sang same time with Harri and Juha, for the first time in 20 years and last time ever, was pretty amazing for a fan that has listened Purtenance since he was 11…
10.Are their any tours or shows planned in support of the new release? If yes where will the band be playing?
- We only have one show booked at this moment. 15th of September we will play at Tampere, Finland, with Lucifericon and Lantern. No other shows are currently coming. Just last week we hooked up with Etrurian Legion Promotion and with them we have something in planning but nothing to tell at this point.
11.Purtenance comes out of the Finnish death metal scene what is your opinon of Finland's metal scene over the years?
- Finland’s metal scene has been, is and hopefully continues to be, very original. I mean, bands sound as themselves, most of the time. In the past death metal bands, even from the same town, used to sound something completely different than for example Swedish bands. Nowadays standards may have flatten the difference, but as long as there are the ”fuck that” attitude around, bands continue to have their distinctive sound and way of doing things.
12.Who are some of your all-time favorite bands coming out of Finland's metal scene? And are there any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
- Call me lame or anything you like but I really like old Amorphis and Sentenced. Before they were anything big, that is. From newer bands I definitely have to mention Galvanizer and Kruor (well they might not be that new but anyway). Galvanizer kick so much ass that it’s always to pleasure to see them play (I’ve seen them like seven times!).
13.In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground scene today? And what does underground metal mean to you?
- Worst thing is the narrow mindedness of people. They refuse to see anything but themselves. Best thing is that underground is alive. It has always been and it always will be. It does not follow trends and it does not care anything else. So the worst and best things are almost the same! Hah! Underground metal means to me total freedom to do what I want, almost like punk and hardcore scene let’s you. There are still too much ”rules” to follow to have that freedom that it’s absurd. To do what you want and enjoy don’t need to have rules, just respect and honesty for others and to yourself.
14.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- Spend time with my family, watch movies, walk outside in forests and sleep! Even that Purtenance isn’t that big band, it takes a lot of my spare time. Maybe it’s the sacrifice you have to make, to have a band that you care about.
15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
- Stay True! Stay as yourself! Death will take us all someday, don’t let it surprise you, live while you can!"
Band Contacts
https://www.facebook.com/Purtenance
https://www.instagram.com/purtenanceofficial/
Label Contacts
http://shop.xtreemmusic.com/english.main.index.php
https://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com/
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Interview with Ignominious done by Patrick posted on 8-13-17
Interview with Ignominious done by Patrick
1.Hails when did you first get the idea to form this band?And how did you choose the name Ignominious does it have a special meaning?
Hails! After some failed musical attempts I decided to take matters into my own hands and I got the idea to form Ignominious in winter of 2007. I always wanted a name that has negative meaning and not reserved by other bands. It's in English but it looks like a Latin word. Perfect for the band.
2.What is the current line up of the band and who would you say are the bands biggest influences?
We all are founding members the line up hasn't changed over the years. Mephyriz - bass / vocals, Netherial - guitars, Haermoth - guitars, Alastor - drums. The biggest influences of the band are 90's black metal albums. Without completness, Gorgoroth's first three albums, Obtained Enslavement's first, Taake's first, Those of the unlight and Opus nocturne from Marduk, demo of Strid and so on.
3.The Throne And The Altar is being released through Hidden Marly Prod. how did you come in contact with this label?
When we were looking for label who release Death walks amongst mortals we made a list. That was in 2011. If I remember well, our drummer, Alastor found it on the internet. We asked Shota Oishi, the owner of the label to release our material and he agreed. That was the first time we came in contact with Hidden Marly Productions.
4.How long did it take the band to write the music for The Throne And The Altar?Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?
The throne and the altar writing process took at least two years. I started to write the songs before the release of Death walks amongst mortals. The songs and the lyrics needed time to reach their final form. I'm the songwriter I have written every song.
5.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics and what are some subjects you all wrote about on the new release?
I have written every lyrics. The main lyrical line is death and passing later on. The lyrical topics on our new album include the fall of royal and ecclesiastical power, too.
6.Besides the new cd coming out does the band have any of the previous releases still available for purchase?Besides physical releases is their any other merchandise available if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Yes we have a lot of demo CDs at home and some of the Death walks amongst mortals album. We don't know how to sell them at the moment. We have a bandcamp page: https://ignominiousofficial.
7.Ignominious comes out of the Hungarian black metal scene what is your opinion of the metal scene in Hungary?
I have not followed the evolution of the Hungarian black metal scene for a long time so I don't have any opinion about it.
8.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Hungary?And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out?
I don't have any favourite Hungarian band but I can recommend you some. Old thrash metal / proto black metal bands like Tormentor, Fantom, Antichrist, Detonátor. A black metal band I like is Witchcraft. You should check them out. They have been active since 1996 and I played two shows with them between 2013 and 2014 as bass player.
9.Besides bands are their any honest and reliable distro's or labels you could recommend to the readers?
The only reliable distro / label I know that you should check is Neverheard Distro.
10.What does black metal mean to you?
Black metal has the perfect melodic world and atmosphere that assists me to express my views and feelings in musical way.
11.Besides playing in Ignominious do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects?
Only our drummer, Alastor plays in a goregrind band called Enema Shower.
12.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you for the opportunity! Keep the black art alive! Mephyriz / Ignominious - Heralds of passing since 2007.
Band Contacts
https://www.facebook.com/ignominiousmetal/
https://ignominiousofficial.bandcamp.com/
Label Contact
http://hidden-marly.org/
https://hiddenmarlyproduction.bandcamp.com/
Syn Ze Sase Tri done by Patrick on 8-13-17
Interview with Syn Ze Sase Tri done by Patrick
1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hello there! I am Corb guitarist and vocalist of the most bloody and powerful metal band from Transylvania-Romania. And not only! Haha
2. Syn Ze Sase Tri was formed in 2007 when did you all get the idea to start this band?And how did you choose Syn Ze Sase Tri as the name of the band does it have a special meaning?
Me and the first members of Syn Ze Sase Tri we had sung together before Syn Ze Sase Tri, in several bands approaching genres of extreme metal generally, bands that have influenced and led to the birth of this band. The name itself is inspired by a pre-Christian prayer dedicated to a deity, prayer carved on a gravestone which was discovered by archaeologists here in Romania, which translated would mean “I’m with triple six”. This number, 666, being away from the occult meaning, in many cases in the pre-Christian mythology being assigned as the limit between the world of gods and men, a sacred number. The prayer itself was incorporated into the song “Ruga” (The Prayer) a song that ends our first album. The prayer became the perfect starting point for the whole concept of the band and the name gave the identity of who we are today as a band.
3.What is the current line-up of the band and who would you say are the bands biggest influences are?
On this album Syn Ze Sase Tri is:
Corb - vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, percussion, traditional instruments, synth and programables
Mos - electric guitars
Dor - drums
Suier - vocals
On this album we had an army of musicians which are playing in some of the greatests bands from Romania as guests, which I would like to mention with this occasion:
Ovidiu Ioncu "Kempes" (facebook.com/Kempes.Official)
Andy Ghost (facebook.com/altar.ro)
Robert Dohar
Constantin "Castor" Lapusneanu (facebook.com/GODtheHorde)
Dudu Isabel (facebook.com/duduisabel)
Alin Moise (facebook.com/
Andy Ionescu (facebook.com/taineband)
Cristi Gram (facebook.com/
Aura Danciulescu (facebook.com/scarletaura)
Adrian "Geagea" Marias (facebook.com/marias.adrian)
Nicolae Covaci (facebook.com/
Costin Adam (facebook.com/
Titi Dragomir(facebook.com/
Andrei Oltean (facebook.com/eanna.romania)
Me as the composer and founder of the band, i was very moved by the conceptual music. The Wall of Pink Floyd, or the music of King Diamond, Avantasia or even better Scenes From A Memory of Dream Theater were my guiding point. I always wanted to make music which has a story. I like to listen to something that keeps me nailed to the music for the entire album, not just on some tracks. But of course other bands from extreme music such as Dimmu Borgir, Emperor or Cradle of Filth, had a big impact over me so from all those Syn Ze Sase Tri was born. I listen to anything that sends an emotion, that has something to say. Otherwise is a waste of energy and time.
4.The band is signed to Code 666 Rec. How did you all come contact with this label?
In 2009 i joined Negura Bunget as full time member for 2 years, and in this time I got to knew Emi from Aural Music, and that was the moment when we started this collaboration which now is at the 4'th album and going on.
5.Zaul Mos is the band's fourth full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for this release?
I started working on it at the end of 2015 and it took me until the end of the recordings in May 2017. It was a continuous process of creation and recordings.
6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the band and what are some subjects you wrote about on Zaul Mos ?
I compose the music and the lyrics as well. For this album as for the previous 3 albums, the subjects are taken from the Romanian mythology, folklore and history. It is a fantasy, a fabulation, but it contains facts that have a deep foundation in our culture.
7.Does Syn Ze Sase Tri play live very often or do you prefer to work in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
Yea, we like to play live as much as we can. It is hard to book shows nowadays because the industry is overwhelmed, but we try to get to as many shows as possible.
The best shows so far for us were the ones in which we opened for the biggest names in metal, such as Dimmu Borgir, Mayhem, Dark Funeral or Carach Angren. Why? Because at that level of organisation and the importance of the events, we had our chance to prove in the same conditions and to the same public that we are close to their level, a fact that the public shared with us, and was somehow our certitude that we are doing the right thing.
8.Are there any tours or shows planned for the new release? If yes where will the band be playing?
In september we will have a european tour, THE ELDER GOD TOUR, which will be the first leg of the promotional tour of the new album, tour that will be continued in the spring and throughout the rest of the 2018.
You can see us live in september as follows:
16/09/2017 - Osijek, HR - Exit Club
17/09/2017 - Bjelovar, HR - Mario Pub
18/09/2017 - Wien, AT - Viper Room Club
19/09/2017 - Zurich, CH - Ebrietas Pub
20/09/2017 - Munich, DE - Garage Deluxe Club
21/09/2017 - Praha, CZ - Fatal Music Club
22/09/2017 - Bratislava, SK - Fuga Music Club
23/09/2017 - Poprad, SK - Rock Fabric Club
24/09/2017 - Kosice, SK - Colloseum
9.Has Syn Ze Sase Tri ever made a video for any of their songs? Are there plans to make one for any of the songs off the new release? If you could which song would you like to see made into a video?
Sadly until now we did not manage to make any real music video, and we will not make one until we will be able to make a professional one. We have in plan to make one but it will take a lot of time, effort and money because it will be very cinematic. Something like our version of Lord Of The Rings. Haha. I hope that next year we will make it, and for sure you will hear about it too.
10.Besides working in Syn Ze Sase Tri do any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes could you please tell the readers a little about them?
Two of my band mates, the drummer and the lead singer are playing in some other bands like Malpraxis and An Theos, bands that are also very good and have their own identity and message. I cannot say much about their activity in those bands because i am focused on Syn Ze Sase Tri, but for sure i can recommend them to be listened. Check them out!
11. Syn Ze Sase Tri comes out of Romania's black metal scene what is your opinion of the Romanian metal scene?
I have a very good opinion. We have here a lot of good bands, take your time and search for Trooper, Bucovina, Gothic, Target, Kempes, Altar, Seven, God the barbarian horde, Alin Moise, Taine, Awake, Scarlet Aura, Transsylvania Phoenix, L.O.S.T., Malpraxis, Necrovile, Clitgore, E-an-na, Cargo, Resita Rocks, An Theos, Ashaena, and those are just a few that comes to my mind right now.
12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Romania? And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
All the bands i mentioned above. I strongly recomend them!
13.Besides working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love riding motorcycles, horse riding, carving, painting, working with leather and organic materials, nature, reading, anything that can give me a state of relaxation but in the same time to give me the opportunity to become much better as human. The good thing is that many of these things help me a lot with the band. So it combines the use with the pleasure.
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Listen to our music and you will find out other great musicians who joined us on this album, buy our CD's, come to our gigs, and support our band. But don't forget to do this with all the bands. Without you, we cannot exist. Without us you have nothing to listen to. So try to support the metal scene as much as you can. Not just the big bands. Once they were like us.
Follow us on our facebook page and visit our website www.synzesasetri.ro
Rock on and get bloodstained! \m/
Band Contacts
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Metal reviews done by Patrick posted on 8-12-17
Angelcide--Black Metal Terrorism cd {Elegy Rec.}
Angelcide return with a brand new release containing their brand of raw,violent black metal.The music is is played with both razor sharp fast sections mixed with some slower controlled sections within the music.The guitars range from cold mid paced guitar parts but the guitarist does speed up to a more aggressive fast guitar range.The vocals are raw,grim black metal screams.If you enjoyed Angelcide's previous releases then defintly pick up a copy of Black Metal Terrorism.
Label Contact
Ignominious--The Throne And The Altar cd {Hidden Marly Prod.}
This is my first encounter with the Hungarian black metal band Ignominious who play a great style of raw early ninties black metal.The music is a blend of raw black metal with some touches of melodic black metal passages.The vocals are done with raw black metal screams that done with a lot of power and emotion.The guitarist mainly plays the slower,mid paced range with some faster guitar patterns in a few songs.The drumming is done in the same range with some very well written and performed patterns.If you are a fan of raw early ninties black metal mixed with some atmospheric parts then be sure to buy a copy of The Throne And The Altar today.
Label Contact
Nuclear Warfare--Empowered By Hate cd {MDD Rec.}
Germany's Nuclear Warfare play a very intense and violent form of thrash metal.Empowered By Hate is a very well written and performed release.The vocalist does a good job with raw thrashy screams with some deeper gruff vocals that really fit the bands music.The guitarist can write and perform some very crazed and fast guitars.The guitarist is not all speed as their are some very well written solo's and mid paced sections mixed with the music.If you enjoy well written and performed thrash metal be sure to pick up Empowered By Hate today.
Label Contact
Winds Of Leng--Horrid Dominion {digital release Self-Released}
Coming out of Arizona's black death metal scene is Winds Of Leng with their debut release Horrid Dominion.Starting off with a intro of wind and dark musical soundscapes that is a perfect intro to the bands brutal and vicious blackend death metal style.The drumming is a mix of heavy,pounding mid paced drum patterns but do speed up to a more crazed hyperspeed blast beats throughout the songs.The guitars are played with extremely fast and chaotic guitar patterns.But the guitarist does slow to a more controlled mid paced guitar tone and some well played solo's .The vocals are low,deep death metal growls with some raw thrashy screams.If you are a fan of barbaric blackend death metal then defintly pick up a copy of Horrid Dominion.
Band Contact
Interview with Hatemoon done by Patrick posted on 8-12-17
Interview with Hatemoon done by Patrick
1.Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers? When did you two first meet?
Tohmar: We are Tohmar and Tuathail (ancient Norse spellings of our respective surnames). Both of us got involved in black metal in the early 2000's around the birth of "suicidal black metal" (later called "DSBM") and each had a solo project in this style. We got in contact because our bands were signed to a label from Texas called Desastrious Records and were scheduled to be on a scheduled 4 way split to be released by the label. Unfortunately, the split never saw the light of day, but throughou it we became longtime allies.
2.Was it long before you two decide to form Hate Moon? How did you choose Hate Moon as the name of the band?
Tuathail: As for the name Hate Moon, it was just something I came up with at the time of the first demo and it wasn't a solid name for the band but we decided it was a name we both liked anyway.
3. Hate Moon is a two man band would you like to add more musicians to make a full line-up or do you prefer to work as a two piece?
Tohmar: Things have been very efficient as they are and thus I'd be hesitant to make any changes. It would be cumbersome to rely on any additional parties that would likely have little to offer in playing instruments that we are perfectly capable of playing ourselves.
4.The Imprisoning War is the bands new release which will be released through Folkvangr, how did you all come in contact with this label?
Tohmar: I am a good friend of Itay Karen of the band "Afar." He sent me a copy of the tape that was released via Folkvangr and I really liked the presentation. I did some research on the label and believed that they would be a good fit for Hate Moon. Since this all came together just as we had completed the album I decided to reach out and see if they were interested in this release.
5.How long did it take to write the music for this release? Do you both work on the music or does one member usually write everything?
Tuathail: For this release, The Imprisoning War, I wrote all the music. But this does not mean that I will be the one solely writing all the music for the project in the future. The length of time that took me to write this album was probably around a week or so. I can't really remember since the album was written some time back ago.
6.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics for the band and what are some subjects you wrote about on The Imprisoning War ?
Tohmar: I wrote all of the lyrics and was inspired by stories of the Norse Gales after a family member had traced our family back to Tomrair, an ancient Nordic viking king of Dublin. I had always been interested in ancient nordic romanticism in art, music, movies ect. Video games were also a major influence- specifically the Legend of Zelda series (from which the title of the album was lifted) and the Elder Scrolls series. I didn't publish the lyrics because I feel they can limit one's interpretation of the music- for example, the listener may want to appropriate the music to the theme of a fantasy novel they are reading while they listen.
7.Besides the new release does the band have any other releases or merchandise available for the readers? If yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Tohmar: This will be the first public release made by the band. We had traded our demos amongst friends via burned CDs but have never pressed any official material. There are no plans for any merch at this time.
Tuathail: We do hope to put out our demos at some point though.
8.What does black metal mean to you?
Tuathail: Black Metal is an art and a form of expression to me, personally. Overall I do think it is the sound of darkness and evil but I also think it can have a positive message too. It is the genre of music I became to adore since it feels like the music comes from one's soul or to tell a story.
Tohmar: It's the dark side of European music and culture that many seem to be strangely attracted to/afflicted with. Along with darkness and extremism it is also tradition, identity, courage, challenge and struggle. To me it's the musical equivalent of the joy I've found in video games, movies, and literature that portray villianess and authoritative characters in an exciting fashion.
9.Besides working in Hate Moon do either of the members currently work with any other bands or projects?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Tohmar: Yes- although I reserve the "Tohmar" pseudonym for Hate Moon alone. I'm excited to announce that I will be reviving my ambitious solo project "Wall of Water" and will be starting up a new band called "Deus Vult." In Wall of Water, I explore a contemporary/experimental metal path and Deus Vult will be reviving the most traditional of underground metal sounds. I aim to release an album with each band in 2018 and use both to promote my Christian views.
Tuathail: The only project I am in as of now is my band "Thy Vast Despair". This project was started in 2005 and also the project that lead me to meet Tohmar. I haven't released much under the name of Thy Vast Despair but I have been writing music for years for the project. I am in the process now of recording an album for the project and planning on putting out some unreleased material that was recorded in the passed. There were other bands I was in and the reason I put Thy Vast Despair on the side. Unfortunately these bands never lasted but the music that was recorded for these projects I hope to still release at some time. To be more personal, working with Tohmar on Hate Moon has been the only successful project I worked on with another person and it still will be successful.
10.Hate Moon comes out of the Pennsylvanian black metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in Pennsylvania these days?
Tuathail: There isn't much of a scene here. Like Tohmar said, there are a lot of crust punks or just punk fans in general that are in this "scene". But overall here in the area of Pennsylvania where I reside it is more of a fad of is popular. A few years ago and probably still true now, it was popular to overly obsessed with 80s "black metal" or "death metal" bands that released only one demo. By this I mean they would get shirts made of the this forgotten band and lamely attempt to dress "80s metal". I guess you can say the Pennsylvanian metal scene is a joke really which is a shame but I hope one day it will flourish again.
Tohmar: Although the band is based in Pennsylvania, I know little about what's happening there as I grew up in New Jersey and currently reside in Brooklyn. I've never cared much for PA bands as most of the musicians involved are crust punks with whom I have little in common.
11.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Pennsylvania? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Tuathail: I always really liked the Doom Metal band In Ruins from Pennsylvania and also Death Metal band Incantation. Also there are the classic Black Metal bands from Pennsylvania like Blood Storm and Crucifier. But personally I also always like the projects of my old friends, Everwinter/Plague. Very great projects till the one member died which ended the projects and Plague was going to be on the 4 way split with Tohmar and I mentioned earlier. The only newer band I like is Haethen but I think they are actually from New Jersey but they played a bulk of shows here in Pennsylvania and I think one point resided here. As far as other bands, they are usually junk and just worshipping (mimicking) classic bands. Then you have a bands like Woe that are fucking horrible and terribly uncreative. It seems like a common theme for newer bands here to make a mockery of Black Metal.
12.When not working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Tohmar: I enjoy the pursuit of knowledge especially in regards to history, political theory, philosophy, faith, and culture. I avoid movies, enjoy (mostly older) video games, and spend much of my personal time with family, friends, and community. Lately I have been doing freelance writing for political/cultural publications and plan to do more of this in the future.
Tuathail: I enjoy art, both create it and go to museums, I like hiking through the forests or watching movies when I am not writing music. Writing music is a big hobby of mine really.
13.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Tohmar: Tradition, heritage, family, culture, nature, faith, community, and collectivism are immensely important to the happiness and mental health of the individual. I cannot stress this enough. Thanks again for your time Patrick, its always a pleasure to a part of Winter Torment.
Tuathail: Only thing I have to say to the readers is stay true to yourself. I would also like to you thank you as well Patrick for your time and interviewing us. I hope to hear again from Winter Torment in the future.
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