Interview withTeutoburg Forest done by Patrick posted on 1-19-20

Interview with Donn vocalist all instruments of Teutoburg Forest done by Patrick

1.Hello Donn how are things going in the UK. this week? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello Patrick, things are great here thank you. I am Donn Philo Sophia the founding member of Teutoburg Forest and I create all the musical, visual and literate elements of the project.

2.When did you first discover black and death metal and who were the first bands that caught your attention? Are their any current bands that have caught your attention?

I grew up in the hills of North wales and had quite an isolated upbringing. My Dad introduced me to Metallica, AC DC, Van Halen etc but the first (brutal) band I heard was when my brother introduced me to slipknots ‘slipknot ’album. You must understand there was no community. No circle of friends that was interested in metal and at that time no internet. So this, thing, was mind blowing. Then I stumbled across the TV channel Kerrang and I was introduced to mainly Numetal, but then I saw Cradle of Filths ‘Her ghost in the fog ’which seemed to have another layer, another dimension to it which I didn’t understand, but I was intrigued . I bought ‘Lovecraft and Witchhearts ’and became acclimated with more complex musical structures and fascinating, but confusing lyrical topics which added another dimension of curiosity.

I was perusing through the CDs, and then I saw a logo that was sharp and emanated a sinister tone, which echoed a similar feeling that I got from of cradle of filth, but more intense. I looked at the back and the was wearing, what I would later came to know as ‘corpse paint ’and so I thought ‘why not?’. It was Mayhems; European legions and Grand declaration of war. Much like the leap from slipknot to cradle of filth. This shattered my expectations of extreme music. By this time we had the internet and I started looking into Mayhem. I found out they played a style of music called ‘black metal ’and so I started looking into that title, and then it exploded. Emperor, Burzum, Gorgoroth, Satyricon. If it wore corpse paint I would listen to it, and then it just grew from there.

The interesting point is that Black Metal was not introduced to me, but it was a slow discovery by following threatening tones and strange aesthetics. What would normally be a deterrent, was was lured me in. It was the result being inquisitive, open minded and the desire to wonder into the unknown. Profoundly, the fundamental essence and principles that lead me to Black Metal, would become the core tenants that shaped Teutoburg Forest.

3.Donn you started Teutoburg Forest back in 2006 when did you first get the idea to start this band? How did you choose Teutoburg Forest as the name of the band?

Out of arrogance to be honest. I listened to music and thought ‘I could do better than that’. But Over time that focus shifted from trying to be better than others, to trying to be better than my previous state. It is obvious that that came from a state of insecurity and trying to desperately assert oneself and be recognised in the world. But it was a powerful impetus, an acknowledgment of ones dark nature and the power you can wield with complete self conviction. The wisdom comes from knowing how to channel that power, otherwise that self assurance will turn into narcissism, resulting in an inability to recognise ones own faults blinding you from being able to see things as they are. Which is the direct contradiction of knowing thyself.

The name came from the battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9AD where three roman legions where ambushed and slaughtered. This meant that the Roman Empire never established itself past the Rhine and was so significant that it changed Europe’s history forever. One simple example of this is European languages, where Italian, French and Spanish are Romance language. Cross the Rhine and they are Germanic, totally different linguistic roots and consequentially different cultures because language shapes thoughts. I chose it because I am interested in history, and considering that I was entering into a scene which valued secret meanings, hidden gems to those who would engage. I thought it was an ‘occult ’depiction of the struggle between chaos and order, civilisation and the wilderness, slavery and freedom. Also the fact that the Romans were defeated because of subversive, sinister tactics of betrayal and infiltration from Arminius, it seemed fitting with the general tone I was going for.

4.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences over the years and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers who have never heard the band how would you best describe the bands musicial style?

The most influential bands were those who seemed to focus on the lyrical content equally as much as the music. Bands such as Behemoth, Watain, Absu, Ofermod too name but a few. I have always been interested in history, mythology, spirituality. And these people made it cool to be interested in academia, and used it to add another layer of interest within the project.

How to describe the sound; like putting the your soul to the grind stone. Consciously engaging with the deepest hatred that’s so malevolent that it wants to nullify existence itself. That’s the sound, but the purpose is to recognise your own capacity for darkness, to truly know thyself.

5.I believe Teutoburg Forest has been a one man band since the beginning have you thought of adding more members to make a full line up or do you prefer to work alone?

Yes it has been a one man band for the vast majority of its life span. Maybe less than a handful of times, has there been a practice with another musician with the intent of collaborating.

I’m in the process of finding musicians to take Teutoburg Forest live, but in regards to writing, I have found a process that accomplishes the intent and so I am willing to go with the flow.

6.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about being the sole member of the band? If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians past or present who would you like to work with?

The fact that everting relies on you is both the blessing and curse. You don’t rely on anyone, but you can’t rely on anyone. If something gets done it’s because you made it happen. Subsequently if it doesn’t happen, it’s because you haven’t done it. I have learnt a lot from working this way, about personal responsibility and learning the limits of what can feasibly been done. What you can reasonably expect from yourself and what you know you can improve on if you are put the time and energy into it. It’s a great teacher.

I do not look at other bands like that. I respect that it’s something different and take it for what it is. I am quite content with how things are, but again, I’ll accept the flow.

7.Voltigeurs is the newest EP that was released in 2019 how long did it take you to write the music for the new EP.?How long does it usually take for you to complete one song?

Voltigeurs is the remastering of two songs from previous albums and one new song to complete that era/chapter of writing/thinking/awareness. So it’s hard to say with Voltiguers. But I have written a new Album entitled ‘Enantiodromia ’which I will be releasing after Voltigeurs. That took about a year, but there were huge gaps because of technical issues including, having to write all he music again because the computer broke and my external hard drives were corrupted. So six months is probably the more accurate number.

8.Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics you wrote about on the new release? Which usually comes first the lyrics or the music?

I draw inspiration from the experiences I put myself through as a means to gain understand of how I would react as a means to understand myself. That continuous process of testing and refining the knowledge of self is the very essence of what drives the project. Hence why I describe the music as ‘putting the soul to the grind stone’.

This includes practicing the occult with the intent to become receptive to desired frequencies, to then summon those fragments into your perceived existence. This is the process of throwing yourself into situations that you don’t know if you are ready for, but in doing so, you learn the true nature about yourself, and in doing so destroy your own self imposed illusions about yourself. Will I break under pressure? What really matter to me? What will I compromise and what will I stand for? It like removing weeds and discovering what truly is, rather than a perceived sense of it. This is my intrinsic purpose of engaging with the practice. To know my Self.

Normally the concept comes first. The music is written to represent the idea, then I write lyrics whilst listening to the music so I get inspiration from both an emotional and logical perspective. Then it’s a rapid succession of vocals, instruments, vocals, instruments to get the right balance. You serve the song, which serves the intent

9.Besides the newest Voltigeurs release are the bands previous releases still available for the readers to purchase? Besides physical releases do you have any other merchandise currently available if yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?

The original trident trilogy; Chao ab ordo, Anti-subhuman scum and Cult of the individual, three albums written at once (the very embodiment of the limitless power it tapped into) limited to 100 copies each, but are available on Spotify and Bandcamp for digital download.

‘Horns curve into broke circles ’written under the title ‘Donn the Philosophy’. This album is the conscious descent into the qlipoth, opening with an invocation of Naamah, the portal to the subconscious is torn and the full fury of chaos is channeled into songs entitled ‘Malkuth transforming into Lilith‘ ’Revolt against solar singularity ’and ‘Rotten blood and dead seman as the foundation of creation’. The absolute manifestation of the destructive, vengeful, lawless energy which is barely contained.

10.What does Black Metal mean to you?

Consciously engaging with the unconscious. Exploring the shadow aspect of yourself, from the limitless well of creativity to acknowledging our darkest desires that we try to repress. For It was only when I recognised my capacity for malevolence did I no longer see myself exempt from the corrupting consequence of ignorance. innocence is the mantra for perpetual incompetence and so I see Black Metal as a tool to know thyself.

11.Donn you live in the U.K what is your opinion of England's black metal scene over the decades?

There are some great bands in the UK such as Inconcessus Lux Lucis, Funeral Throne, Deitus to name but a few. I have been out of the scene for some time but coming back into it, it seems to be quite active. There are some great festivals such as Legions ov Darkness in Cumbria, Bloodstock and Damnation festival so I think there is still life yet.

12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of England and are their any new bands that have caught your attention?

Akercocke is high on that list and Saor was probably the newest act from the UK I heard where I was highly impressed.

13.I believe your all your releases over the years have been based on Occult and Satanism when did you first become interested in studying these subjects?

I was always interested in religion, mythology and history even though I came from a completely secular environment. Maybe because I came from an absolutely A-religious environment that I felt a yearning for something that I wasn’t getting in the society. Finding Black Metal gave me inspiration, references and a direction to focus my attention and guide me through the darkness.

14.Who are some Satanists and Occultist that you enjoy studying? Besides Satanism and the Occult do you read and study any other subjects?

Kenneth Grants study of the qliphoth was invaluable in shaping my intellectual understanding of the subject. Dion Fortunes book ‘Mystical Qabalah ’was the most concise and rich explanation on the ‘Tree of life ’(and its tunnels) that I have read to date. Lon Milo DuQuette helped refine my practice of western ceremonial techniques. Mark Alen Smith provided an example of no nonsense, purely practical path. Vexior 218 showed me the anti-cosmic correlations between cultures. Thomas Karlssons ‘Qabalah, Qliphoth and Goetic magic ’might be one of the most important books I ever read because I found it, between the age of 18-19, and it was so concise that it pierced through the liminal fog and started the amalgamation between my emotional draw to these topics, and then providing a logical framework to truly engage with it. Merging the disparate elements and providing a torch in the dark. These are just a few examples, but I hope it implies that the path into the unknown requires true engagement with many fields and perspectives. And what I learnt most was that the path itself was the goal, that you never stop learning and you should keep that interest in life because that’s what will make life interesting.

15.Besides working in Teutoburg Forest do you currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

I have several other solo projects though their purpose is purely to experiment with different formats and so I doubt they will be released. But we will see what happens. I particularly like one project entitled ’Sound in silence ’which is a soft rock, Fleetwood Mac esk (but with more intense tempos) there is an entire album written, but I need to develop my clean vocals before that is produced.

I have done some vocals for the blackened soundscape band ‘catacombs of doom ’but other than that I have been putting all my effort into refining Teutoburg Forest.

16.Thank you Donn for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Thank you Patrick for taking the time and effort to compile this interview and to those who engaged to the end. I enjoyed answering the questions and I hope that it has expanded people’s understanding about the projects purpose. To the readers, I hope to see you at a Teutoburg Forest show when it is fully active as a live band and feel free to contact me on any of the social media platforms if you want to know more.
Band Contacts
https://teutoburgforest.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/teutoburgforestbandofficial/

Interview with Pasi Vastamaki vocalist of Apocryfal done by Patrick posted on 1-11-20

Interview with Pasi Vastamaki vocalist of Apocryfal done by Patrick

1.Hello Pasi how are things starting out for you in the new year? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

I’m Pasi Vastamäki from Finland and I make the lyrics and handle the vocals in Apocryfal. The starting year has been dark and grim. It feels more like autumn than winter since there isn’t much snow on the ground, but fortunately that supports our last record though, heh.

2.When did you first discover death metal and who were the first bands that caught your attention?Are their any new bands that have caught your attention?

As I was young, I looked up to bands like Vader and Gorefest for the power that was in the shouting/growling vocals. The commanding style was something that I wanted to master myself. Since the early days, I have found much greater meaning and inspiration from Black Metal bands, since they often offer so much more in their lyrics. Also, I have found that breaking the usual boundaries with the vocals lets you deliver the message that you are trying to channel much more authentically and with much broader range. That’s why the vocal style varies within the songs and why we don’t label us strictly Death Metal anymore.

Some of the newer bands that I have found interesting: Fullmoon Lunacy, Abyssal Vacuum, Death Fortress and Mylingar.

3. Apocryfal was formed in 2009 when did you and the other members first get the idea to start this band? And how did you choose Apocryfal as the band name does it have a special meaning?

I wasnt the first vocalist of the band. They had 3 or 4 songs ready when I hanged out in the rehearsal room. I knew the drummer Juho Suomi and our guitarist Juha Lausamo from before and I liked their style and got invited to fill-in when their vocalist didn’t show up. That’s where our path started. The first songs were very much in vein with bands like Vader but like I said before, we have grown out to be something of our own and not defined by our pioneers anymore. Or so I hope. Apocryfal is a stylistic version of the word apocryphal which means some story or part of it that is often believed to be true, but which is probably just lies. Like someone could guess, it refers to religions.

4.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?For the readers who have never heard Apocryfal how would you best describe the bands musicial style?

I have spoken about this in the other questions. Our style is blackened death metal and nowadays it probably nods towards Icelandic Black Metal scene, even though we don’t have any clear idols from there. Our musical preferences vary a lot within the band so it’s not easy to compare us to any particular band. Crushing Black Death hopefully summarizes what we are or aim to be.

5.Crushing Black Death is the bands debut full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut?How long does it usually take the band to complete one song?

The songs take the time which they need. The whole process lasted 6 years since the EP mainly because we have grown up and had responsibilities pop up in our lives. Like army and such. I’m not going to tell some bullshit lies about the need to take those years for this release, but without the time, the material wouldn’t truly be so strong, and the songs wouldn’t have been the selected ones. We have had some scrap songs,but we have trashed them, since they haven’t been what we want to signal. So, it differs a lot. There are lots of bands which have tens of albums out and sadly, the quality reflects that as well. 

6.Pasi you handle the vocals for the band so I assume you write the lyrics for the music what are some topics you wrote about on the debut release? Which usually comes first the lyrics or the music?

I have done all our lyrics except when I have taken parts from the book of lies. Also, Truth Hath No Confines is taken from Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, which has been a great inspiration to me. I have done some lyrics beforehand, but it’s important to me, that the lyrics fit the song. You can force your lyrics into any song, but if the music doesn’t support the lyrics, you are doing things half-assed.

7.Besides the debut Crushing Black Death are the bands previous demo and EP.still available for the readers to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available if yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?

We have Aberration of Mind t-shirts available (graphics done by Costin Chioreanu) in sizes S and M. The physical copies of the first two albums are long gone. We are currently pondering with the idea of pressing a shirt with the Crushing Black Death’s drawing on the front, but we will see. The front cover was drawn by my father and we are more than pleased with the result. We will inform about these things in our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Apocryfal/

8.Has Apocryfal gotten to play live over the years or do you prefer working in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows and who are some bands you have shared the stage with?

We have done over 10 gigs in the past years. The highlight must have been the Steelfest open air 2014, where we played with bands like Vader, Primordial and Maveth (R.I.P.). The live shows aren’t really any necessity for us so we are not interested in playing every other month in our hometown, where the crowd would probably be 95% the same every time, like some other bands do. You get so much more from a band, when there is a decent gap between the live shows – and that goes for both the listeners and the artists as well.

9.Are their any shows or tours planned for 2020 if yes where will the band be playing?

No tours or shows planned. Again, we will inform about these in our Facebook, so subscribe if you are interested.

10.What does Underground Metal mean to you?

Something that operates by its own boundaries and not with those that the mainstream has set. That’s why I see attacks against bands or events as conservative acts rather than liberal acts since the meaning and purpose of the underground should be against what is set and settled.

11. Pasi you handle the vocals for the band when did you first start growling and screaming? Do you do anything special to keep your throat and voice healthy?

I have done metal vocals since the start of our band. The higher pitched screams started around 2012 and I have not rehearsed those a lot. I do them only for the record, so there were years of silence on that part. I started to rehearse those again like 1 month before the last album, but I’m pleased with those since I could transmit what I intended with that style. I keep good breaks from it and let my throat rest, so nothing special.

12.Who are some of your influences and favorite vocalists?

It’s hard to pick one favorite, since the styles differ so much, and some vocalist do better on studio than they do on stage. The usual tipping point is that when a good sounding studio vocalist sings live, and the voice can’t carry the whole show. Or if the vocals are mixed so that you cannot really do them live. Deicide’s latest put Glen Benton high on that list. Wasn’t really a fan before that. Corvus from Korgonthurus is probably my favorite Black Metal vocalist since he can really transmit the black energy that he intends to.

13.Apocryfal comes out of Finlands death,black metal scene what is your opinion of Finland's metal scene over the years?

Lots of circle jerking and holy pioneer bands that people wouldn’t dare to criticize. I think that Black Metal especially should stay in the underground but there are lots of ground rules that you cannot break, or else you are a poser or what not. I agree that lyrics should define what is BM and what is not and that is one of the strong points of Finnish BM scene. In US and UK there are lots of bands which label themselves as BM but then make some pitiful statements against hate or change and they make their lyrics about some fairies and other wimpy shit. They should really reconsider what they are trying to put forth – What is black about some hopeful fucking unicorn dreamland pictures that are sung on top of some cheerful melodies? Absolutely nothing.

14.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Finland and are their any new bands you could recommend to the readers?

Korgonthurus, Shape Of Despair, Maveth (not active anymore, check out Proscription), Saturnian Mist and Lordamor come first in mind. If I would have to pick just two, it would be the first ones mentioned. Highly recommend both their records and their live performances. Other than metal: Kuolema-duo, Leevi and the Leavings and Mika ja Turkka Mali (their Vysotsky works).

15.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Feels stupid to say this in this context but walking in the nature. I have a forest like 50 meters behind our home so that’s where I spend a lot of time. I also like reading biology (evolution and ethology especially) and psychology (errors in thought etc.). In the summertime I try to spend as much time as I can in our cabin which is isolated by the lake. 

16.Thank you Pasi for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Put out the light in the darkness that you have personally set ablaze and greet the Truth.

Band Contacts

https://www.facebook.com/Apocryfal/

https://apocryfal.bandcamp.com/

Verthebral--Abysmal Decay cd{Transcending Obscurity Records} posted on 1-1-20

Verthebral--Abysmal Decay cd{Transcending Obscurity Records}
Paraguay's old-school death metal band Verthebral return with their second full length release.Abysmal Decay contains nine tracks of well played and performed death metal that is rooted in the mid 90's death metal scene.The band's ability to write some memorable and catchy death metal tunes.The guitars are played with fast patterns that are well written and performed.The guitarist writes and composes some well executed patterns and solo's are mixed into the music.If you are a fan of Verthebral's debut release then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Abysmal Decay today.
                                                           Band Contacts
                                                      https://verthebraldeath.bandcamp.com/
                                                     https://www.facebook.com/VerthebralOfficial/
                                                            Label Contacts
                                                       https://tometal.com/
                                                      https://transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com/
                                                    https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords
                                                    https://twitter.com/transcendingobs

Apocryfal--Crushing Black Death Metal cd{Mara Prod.} posted on 1-1-20

Apocryfal--Crushing Black Death Metal  cd{Mara Prod.}
I was first introduced to this band in 2013 with their EP. Aberration of mind which was really good introduction.Crushing Black Death Metal is the bands debut full-length featuring eight tracks of old school death metal with some black metal elements used in some of the songs.The guitar work is a mix of both crazed fast guitar chords and patterns but do slow to a more calmer mid paced range.The guitarist does write some memorable guitar passages even adding some well played solo's in a few of the songs.The drumming is done with both fast,aggressive drum passages and some slower mid paced drums.The vocals are a mix of old school deep death metal growls and some raspy black metal screams,If you are looking for a band that creates and plays old school brutal blackend death metal then do not let Apocryfal's debut pass you by.
                                                                     Band  Contacts
                                                               https://apocryfal.bandcamp.com/
                                                             https://www.facebook.com/Apocryfal/
                                                                    Label Contacts
                                                               http://awakeninginthedark.pl/
                                                           https://maraproductions.bandcamp.com/
                                                        https://www.facebook.com/ars.manufaktura/

Interview with Daemoniac done by Patrick posted on 12-13-19

Interview with Daemoniac done by Patrick

1.Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers?
Ciao Patrick,sono Matt batterista dei Daemoniac,e fammi dire che è un piacere essere qui per presentare il nostro nuovo disco Dwellers of Apocalypse,in uscita il 19 di dicembre su Xtreemmusic.

Hey Patrick, I’m Matt, the drummer of Daemoniac, it’s a pleasure to be here to introduce our new Album, Dwellers of Apocalypse, which will be available through Xtreem Music on the 19th of December.

2.When did you first discover death metal?Who were the first bands you listened to and who are some current bands that have caught your attention?
Come tanti ho scoperto il death metal quasi per caso,a quel tempo senza internet e youtube era piu’ difficile arrivare a certe sonorita’.
Ho letto qualcosa su questa band americana chiamata Obituary e corsi a cercare i loro dischi,quando partirono le prime note di The end complete mi resi conto che questo era il genere che avrei voluto fare.
Poi dopo ho scoperto il sound swedish di Dismember,Grave,Necrophobic ed è stato a more al primo ascolto.
Devo ammettere che oggi ho un approcio diverso con questo genere,devo dirti che sono curioso di sentire il nuovo album dei Benediction con Dave ingram alla voce.

Like many I discovered Death Metal by chance, at the time without internet, youtube, etc, it was more difficult to discover certain music.
I remember having read something about an American band called Obituary at the time and I ran off to try to pickup one of their albums. After hearing the first few notes of The End Complete, I knew it was a style of music I’d want to play.
After this I discovered the Swedish scene with Dismember, Grave Necrophobic and I fell in love right away.
To be honest, today I have a different approach to this music, but I’m very curious to hear Benedictions upcoming album, with Dave Ingram back on vocals.

3.Did you read a lot of fanzines when you first got into the underground metal scene?What were your some of your favorite fanzines that you read?What do you feel made a good fanzine?
In passato ne leggevo molte,e per un breve periodo da ragazzo ho anche collaborato con alcune di queste.
Mi piaceva molto Voices from the darkside,oppure Headfucker,e fammi dire che era un bel modo di promuovere la banda,la scena era in continuo fermento e c’era voglia di lavorare sodo per far crescere la scena.
Mi piaceva perché poi molte non si chiudevano in un genere,ma ci potevi trovare tutto,e poi te sceglievi cosa preferivi,oggi per i miei gusti ci sono troppe etichette

Back in the day I read a lot of them, during a brief period as a kid I also collaborated with some of them.
I really liked Voices from the Darkside and Headfucker, it was a great way to promote bands, the scene was in constant movement and there was a lot of people working hard to make sure it grew. I also liked the fact that they weren’t too locked down on just one genre or even sub-genre, they covered everything and it was up to you to pick what you liked, In my opinion there are just too many labels today.

4.Are their any current fanzines or web-zines that you try to keep up with?
Oggi leggo soprattutto quelle italiane come Loudandprideo Metalitalia,diciamo che oggi è cosi’ faciel reperire notizie ovunque che magari le fanzine fanno molta piu’ fatica ad emergere.

Today I mainly read Italian sites like Loud and Proud or Metalitalia, let’s just say that today it’s so easy to get news and information that perhaps it’s hard for fanzines to get any real exposure.

5.Daemoniac was started back in 2013 when did you decide to start this band? What is the current line up of the band?
La band è stata formata da Max e poi con me quando siamo usciti dagli Horrid,volevamo continuare a fare quello che ci piace,questo death metal old style con quel soun svedese marcio e cosi’ sono nati i Daemoniac.
Max è sempre stato nella band,io purtroppo per motivi personali ho saltato un disco ma adesso eccomi qui.
La line-up adesso è completa con un nuovo chitarrista e anche un bassista,ma l’annuncio lo faremo a breve.

The band was formed by Max and me after we left Horrid.
We wanted to continue to do what we love, old school death metal with that raw Swedish sound, with that in mind Daemoniac was created.
Max has remained in the band since day one, I unfortunately sat out on the first album due to personal reasons, but now I’m back again.
The current line-up is finally complete, with a new guitarist and Bassist, which we’ll announce shortly.

6.Dwellers Of The Apocalypse is the bands second full length that will be released in December 2019 how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?How long does it usually take to complete one song?
Devo ammettere che per me e Max lavorare insieme è estremamente facile.Ci conosciamo da sempre,abbiamo fatto 4 dischi con gli Horrid,per cui comporre è un processo molto naturale.Devi pensare che Dwellers è stato composto solo da noi due,perché la line-up si è completata solo dopo le registrazioni.
Abbiamo gia’ altri pezzi pronti proprio perché,come ti dicevo,il nostro modo di lavorare nasce dalla profonda amicizia che ci lega e dall’amare lo stesso sound e lo stesso modo di sentire e vivere questo genere.

To be honest, I find it very easy to work together with Max, we know each other since what feels like forever. We’ve made 4 albums together in Horrid, with all that experience the creative process feels completely natural. Keep in mind that the new Album was composed by just the two of us, as the line-up was completed after recording.We already have new material ready, because as I mentioned, things come easy when you have a profound friendship, the love for the same sound and the same view of this style of music.

7.Besides the upcoming Dwellers Of The Apocalypse does the band have any other releases or merchandise currently available?If yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?
Ovviamente si,abbiamo il nostro ep Lord of immolation,il primo full-lenght Spawn of the fallen oltre alle t-shirt,poi con l’uscita del nuovo disco ci sranno parecchie novita’ in fatto di merchindising.
Tutto questo materiale lo puoi acquistare tramite bandcamp o direttamente dal sito della Xtremmmusic

Our EP, Lord of Immolation and our first album, Spawn of the fallen along with some t-shirts are still available. If you’re interested, you can pick it up at our bandcamp site or straight from Xtreem Music. There will be a lot of upcoming news in terms of merchandising, so stay tuned.

8.Does Daemoniac play live very often or do you prefer to work in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows so far?
La parte live è quella che ci piace di piu’,nell’utlimo perido causa una line-up non completa ci siamo dedicati allo studio e alla creazione di pezzi,ma il palco ci è mancato e non vediamo l’ora,adesso che siamo al completo,di tornare live e di promuovere la nostra musica su piu’ palchi possibili.
Un ricordo molto vivo è stato di sciuro il mini-tour che abbiamo fatto tra Francia e Italia,davvero dei grandi show,ma poi è dfficile sceglierne uno,perché noi mettamo la stessa energia su ogni palco in cui suoniamo.

Playing live is probably what we like best, but due to the line-up we’ve dedicated ourselves to composing in this last period. Now that we’ve got a full line-up again, we can’t wait to get back up on stage!
A fond memory I have is the mini-tour that we did in Italy and France. Great shows, it’s difficult to pick a favourite though, we always try to give the same amount of energy every time we get on stage.

9.Are their any shows or tours planned in support of the new release?If yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will share the stage with?
Stiamo programmando una sacco di date per promuovere il nostro disco,alcune sono gia’ confermate altre le stiamo ancora valutando,appena sara’ tutto definito informeremo chiunque voglia vederci dal vivo su ogni data,per questo potete gaurdare la nostra pagina FB con tutte le news sui live,e credimi nei prossimi mesi ce ne saranno parecchie.

We’re planning a lot of shows to promote the new album, some already confirmed some we’re still considering. As soon as we’ve worked out all the details, we’ll start announcing the upcoming shows to anyone who would like to come see us. Just keep an eye on our Facebook to keep up to date because over the next few months there’ll be a lot of news!

10.What does Underground Metal mean to you?
Sai quello che mi è sempre piaciuto del termine underground metal è quello di non scendere a compromessi,di fare sattamente quello che ti piace fare,di avere una totale liberta’ artistica da farti stare bene,di non avere bisogno di soldi,di fama,ma solo di suonare la musica in cui credi

I think what I’ve always connected to the term underground metal is to not accept any compromises, to always do exactly what you had in mind with a total artistic freedom.
To never do anything for money nor fame, just for the satisfaction of playing the music you believe in.

11.Daemoniac comes out of Italy's death metal scene what are your thoughts of the Italian metal scene over the years?
L’Italia è un paese che ha sfornato in passato e ancora oggi parecchie band death metal di grande valore,in passato Horrid,Natron,Undertakers,Gory Blister e tantissime altre,e oggi ce ne sono sempre di nuove,alcune come Hodeou Divinity o Hour of Penance stanno facendo davvero grandi cose.
Devo ammettere che mi è difficile nominarle tutte perché sono veramante tante,siamo un paese in forte crescita da questo punto di vista.

Italy is a country which has produced and is still producing a lot of quality death metal bands.
Some older acts like Horrid, Natron, Undertakers, Gory Blister and many more. More recently we’ve seen bands like Hodeou Divinity and Hour of Penance just to mention a few, it would be impossible to mention all of them as there are a lot and the scene is in constant growth.

12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Italy and are their any new bands you could recommend to the readers?
Guarda come consiglio oggi a me piacciono molto i Coffin Birth in cui all’interno ci sono componenti di altre grandissime band italiane,quella che a me è sempre piaciuta,e a quanto ne so,si sono riofrmati sono gli Undertakers,dal vivo poi erano e credo siano ancora devastanti.

A band I could really recommend is Coffin Birth, which has a lot of members of other great Italian bands. Another one which I’ve always liked is Undertakers, which as far as I know have recently reunited, they are devastating live.

13.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Mi piace suonare il basso,non ci crederai ma quando devo liberare la mente da tutto mi metto a suonare il basso,sono partito da zero,sto studiando come un maestro,ed essendo tutto nuovo non ho competizione o obiettivi da raggiungere,ma solo la felicita’ di imparare delle cose nuove ogni giorno

I really like playing the bass, as weird as it may sound it really helps me completely unwind.
I’ve completely started from scratch and I’m currently studying with a teacher. Being totally new to playing bass I don’t feel any pressure or competition, I’m just happy to play and learn new things every day.

14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Grazie a te Patrick per la possibilita’ di far conoscere i Daemoniac a piu persone,e date un ascolto a Dwellers of Apocalypse,non ve ne pentirete

Thank you, Patrick, for giving us this opportunity to let more people know about Daemoniac and if you get a chance have a listen to Dwellers of Apocalypse, you won’t regret it!
Band Contacts
https://daemoniacofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DAEMONIAC666/
https://twitter.com/daemoniacband
Label Contacts
http://www.xtreemmusic.com/
https://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/xtreemmusic666/
https://twitter.com/xtreemmusic666
/

Interview with Porta Nigra done by Patrick posted on 12-9-19

Interview with Porta Nigra done by Patrick

1.Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers?
My Name is Tobias and I play guitar and write lyrics in PORTA NIGRA.

2.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you started Porta Nigra? How did you choose Porta Nigra as the name for the band and does it have a special meaning?
I met the drummer already in the late 1990ies. We played in the band MEMBARIS for about 13 years, toured and released several albums. I left the band in 2012 and started PORTA NIGRA together with him to find a slightly different musical approach, with different sound, image and lyrics than we could do in a more "traditional" Black Metal outfit. We worked as a duo many years and now have been joined by "Tongue", the creative force behind the group CHASO INVOCATION. We three are the core but have many companions, who provide with their talents. For instance ideas for synth or solo-guitar. We also have a very skilled bassplayer who left his mark on the recent record.
The name, quite frankly, has no specific meaning. I am often inspired by words that sound good, and I think the name consists of two latin words that have a good sound and are not overly used. The "vibe" of a bandname is filled with the music, artwork and lyrics anyway. Thats when we accociate something with a name. A name alone is nothing. PORTA NIGRA means "black gate" which can be interpreted in various ways, but its not really important.

3.For the readers who have never heard Porta Nigra's music how would you best describe it?Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?
The first two records were like "anti Black Metal" where we tried out several different things which let to rather eclectic soundpictures including references to Doom, Thrash Metal as well as Rock and Ambient etc., all embedded in a rather theatrical context heavily inspired by decadent German and French literature. The new album is definetly a way back to our roots that lay in 1990ies Black Metal. Fast, melodic, hymn-like, theatrical but also raw.
The biggest influence on me probably had the band Killing Joke. But thats more mentally. I think its impossible to hear that in our music. My favorite metal band of all time is Dødheimsgard.

4.Schöpfungswut is the bands third full-length which will be released in early 2020 how long did it take the band to write the music? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?
Writing process was really fast, maybe a couple of month. However it took very long to record and release it in the way we wanted it to be. Rehearse it, find the right sound, the right musicians, a new vocalist, the right studio, the right label etc. All in all over four years, which is painfully long.
I am usually behind most of the creative aspects, but all members in the band have strong characters and strong talents. So they bring themselve in and really make it what it is in the end. I am not a solo-artist, it is a group effort with a leader.

5.Besides the upcoming Schöpfungswut release are the bands previous releases or merchandise currently available? If yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?
We have copies of our first album "Fin de siècle" (CD) as well as a few shirts left. Who is interested can check our Facebook and write to me.

6.Does Porta Nigra play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows so far?Who are some bands you have shared the stage with?
In the older days we played live with MEMBARIS and shared the stage with those bands that were hip in that days like Shining, Horna, Antaeus, Secrets of the Moon etc. PORTA NIGRA by now is a strict studio band, because thats what I am interested in the most: write better songs, get a better sound, better lyrics...trying to make the perfect album. Its a bit tough because these days you have to play live to make yourself heard and get the music out. And maybe it will happen one day, but at the moment I am occupied with writing music.

7.Are their any tours or shows planned in support of the new release?If yes where will the band be playing?
See above

8.What does Black Metal mean to you?
Black Metal was the spark that set the torch in me on fire when I was young and let to a burning passion for the creation of music. However, there comes also many bad aspects with Black Metal. It is often dull these days, even boring at times. I am listening to a lot of different music, so I can not say it means a lot to me anymore. But I owe this burning passion for creativity to it. Thats already a lot. And of course many timeless albums I hold dear.

9.Besides Porta Nigra do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects?
CHAOS INVOCATION, OBSCURE INFINITY, MEMBARIS are some of the bands the members of PORTA NIGRA are involved with. All of them worth checking out. If you wanna hear an extreme and passionate Black Metal album check out "Grenzgänger" by MEMBARIS.

10.Porta Nigra comes out of Germany's black metal scene what are your thoughts of the German black metal scene?
I think Germany in general is weak when it comes to Black Metal. Our golden era was the Thrash Metal era. However, we had a strong run around the millenium with Lunar Aurora and Nagelfar releasing fantastic records, but in general the scene is not very strong. There is a lot of talk and pretending, jealousy, back stabbing. I have the feeling Black Metal is mentally too challenging for us Germans, haha.

11.Who are your all-time favorite German bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
If we talk metal I would have to say Bethlehem. Rope Sect is a newer German band that really stood out for me.

12.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Support underground labels like SOULSELLER RECORDS. They have a fantastic catalog of old and new gems of Black Metal. Check it out.
Pre-order on CD and Vinyl Formats: U.S. https://soulsellerrecords.aisamerch.com/ World: https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sch-pfungswut https://www.facebook.com/PortaNigraBand/ http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/ https://soulsellerrecords.aisamerch.com/ https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SOULSELLERRECORDS/

Interview with Horned Almighty done by Patrick posted on 12-5-19

Interview done with Horned Almighty done by Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourselves to the readers?

The cult was formed in the year of our Horned Lord 2002. We hail from the shores of Denmark and have been puking our black vomit and bile upon the world for nearly 20 years. Formed by S. (vox) and Hellpig (guitars) respectively, and shortly after joined by Harm (drums), this trio has been the core and foundation since the birth of the cult – now accompanied by Haxen (bass). A total of six studio albums over the years plus various splits and ep’s and numerous live ceremonies should very much define our existence so far…

2.When did you first discover metal music and who were the first bands you listened to?Who are some of the current bands that have caught your attention?

I (S.) discovered extreme metal in the early nineties, firstly death metal and shortly after black metal. First it was Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse etc and then I discovered Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone and the likes. Some of the new interesting names in the scene are Andavald, Misotheist, Tragediens Trone, Qayin Regis among others…

3.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all started Horned Almighty?

Hellpig and I have known each other since 1995 and had a previous band called Mareridt (Nightmare). We did a couple of ep’s back then, before we quit. A couple of years later the urge to create dark and sinister music returned and thus Horned Almighty was conceived. First as a mere project, but the entity became stronger and grew into a conscious being, which needed all of our attention and has been a part of us ever since…

4.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?

In the beginning, the goal was a musical return to what inspired us to begin with – classic Norwegian black metal. Our first recordings were crude and very much in the vein of the wellknown formula. One gamechanger though, was our drummer Harm who had his own unique drumming style. Mixing the energy of punk and crust with regular black metal soon became our trademark in the early days, which gave us a definition of a mixture between Darkthrone, Celtic Frost and Motorhead. The style has not changed since then, but has been perfected into a mix of black, death, doom and thrash – but the main influence is still black metal.

5.To Fathom The Master's Grand Design is the bands newest release that will be released early next year.How long did it take the band to write the music on the new release?Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

The album has been written over the course of five years. Many obstacles occurred along the way, which postponed the album, making it one of the hardest we ever wrote – sometimes to the point of existential doubt… Material slowly took form and finally evolved into the manifest that is To Fathom the Master’s Grand Design! We’re old school, almost everything is written together as a band. This method is more time consuming, but works best for us and gives us all a much more personal relation with the material

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the new release?Which usually comes first the lyrics or the music?

I do all of the lyrics and have done so since the beginning. Mostly they are written prior to the music, it happens when I have enough inspiration and ideas for them . The new album is a concept album of the destruction of man - History has proven that evil exists on many planes, from the forces of nature to the human psyche. The higher laws of nature are cruel and unrelenting, without sense or remorse, nor compassion for mankind. Each song is a historical manifest of the demise of man, resulting in a massive epitaph for humanity…

7.Besides the upcoming To Fathom The Master's Grand Design release are the bands previous releases still available for the readers to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?

The first two albums Black Metal Jesus and The Devil’s Music are getting harder to come by, due to low pressings. The rest should be available for those who seek. Some of our previous works are also available from us, along with various merchandise – all through our bandcamp: https://hornedalmighty.bandcamp.com/

8.Does Horned Almighty play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?Who are some bands you have shared the stage with?

We are most definitely a liveband – we do not write or compose anything, which can not be manifested into our liverituals. Our endeavors are widely available on social media for those interested. Each ceremony is an intense culmination of energy, darkness, wrath and redemption, which should hopefully leave the spectator partially devastated, partially redeemed! We have shared the stage with quite a lot over the years, such as Dismember, Gorgoroth, Enslaved, Shining, Archgoat, DHG, Bloodbath, Vader and many many more!

9.Are their any tours or shows planned for 2020 if yes where will the band be playing?

No tours planned, only a couple of one off rituals so far.

10.What does Underground Metal mean to you all?

Everything, since it’s been a part of us most of our lifetime and this will hardly change. The scene, the ones in it, the mentality, the innovation, the creativity – it is what drives us to do what have done, what we will do in the future and why we are doing it. It is a symbiosis of giving and taking, an alpha and omega of the true essence of higher existence…

11.Besides Horned Almighty do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Yes, but none which are important in relevance to the cult of the Horned…

12. Horned Almighty comes out of Denmark's blackend death metal scene what is your opinion of the metal scene in Denmark over the years?

The scene here is stronger than ever, especially the underground. Bands like Solbrud, Orm, Genfærd, Phrenelith, Taphos, Wulfaz, Afsky, Serpent’s Lair and Gespenst are among those worth of mentioning. Great things are happening within our narrow walls indeed!

13.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Denmark?Are their any new bands you could recommend to the readers?

I have no alltime favorite band from Denmark, a lot I find good though. See answer above

14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

The Grand design awaits and you are all a part of it!

S./Horned Almighty Anno MMXIX
Band Contacts
https://hornedalmighty.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hornedalmighty