Interview with Mike and Paragon Records done by Patrick
Hails
Here is a new interview with the great label Paragon Records. hope you will check out his releases and also they have a ALOT of great releases in their distro.black,death,thrash/heavy metal and some doom as well
Enjoy and spread the word
Regards
Patrick
Interview with Mike Z. owner of Paragon Rec and Hel's Trash done by Patrick
1.Metal hails Mike how is the world treating you? When did you first discover metal
1 Hey brother i am doing ok. Hating everything as always but not doing bad heh heh. I discovered metal when i was kid in middle school and when i discovered King Diamond on Head Bangers Ball watching the Family Ghost video it was all downhill and time to invert the crosses for life after that heh heh!!! Though i was already heading that way before i discovered metal that's for sure. However up to that point i never knew music could have such strong appearance and musicianship like that!!!
2.Who were some of the early bands that caught your attention? Who are some of the newer bands that have gotten your attention?
2 Well King Diamond as i mentioned before , Mercyful Fate, Metallica, Megadeth, etc... however it really was King Diamond/Mercyful Fate that got in my blood. That was really all i listened to for a few years with only listening to a few other bands albums and songs here and there and then i got really into the 80's early 90's death metal scene Death, Deicide, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Carcass, Bolt Thrower, Entombed, Cannibal Corpse, Pestilence, Dismemeber, Tiamat, Asphyx, Cemetary, Malevolent Creation, Broken Hope, Baphomet, Grave, Unleashed, Sinister, Morgoth, Gorguts, Suffocation etc... and from there it just got worse heh heh. There are always bands both new an also old who i have just heard or maybe have just gotten more into and of course just spinning the bands i have enjoyed for years. Always got metal spinning so i am going to just list some from both the old and new that i have been listening to as of late. Hope that is ok. Here goes... Blodsrit, October 31, Nocturnal Breed, Mondstille, Gloria Morti, In Slumber, Old Dark Angel, Slaughter, Sinister, Bestiar, Underdark [POLAND], Dig Me No Grave, Trojan [R.I.P.], Order Of Tepes, Fantom Warrior, Satan, Obliteration, Penetagram Chile, Goat Penis, Gorefest [R.I.P.], Incubus[UNITED KINGDOM R.I.P.], Code, Desolator[USA], Kampfar,, Enthroned, Legion Of The Damned, Sodamned, Hokedun, Carcass, Heathen, Incantation, Fleshcrawl, Nosvrolk, Agrypnie, Christicide, Agent Steel, Excel, Judas Iscariot, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Celebration, Iconoclasm, Mercyless, Artificial Brain, Root, Bloodshed Walhalla, Aura Negativ, Morbid Sin, Hell, Mongrel's Cross, Crashdiet, Stormlord, Below, Murder Rape, Darkflight, Embalmer, Elffor, Judas Priest, Vultyr, King Diamond [OF COURSE], Lake Of Tears, Manowar, Bullet, Sadus, Candelmass, Bolt Thrower, Malevolent Creation, Immortal, Demolition Hammer, Gwar, Dominus Morti, Gramary, Ierichon, Frost[HUNGARY,] Equinox, Devastation [Texas R.I.P.], Marduk, My Silent Wake, Portrait, Tiamat, Swallow The Sun, Wildfire [R.I.P.], Witchkiller, etc... Also some now mental stuff would be Love Spirals Downward "Ever" CD and Neverland "The Night Shadows" CD. And of course my label release are always spinning at some point!!! That is why i signed them in the first place.
3.When did you get the idea to start up Paragon Records? How did you come up with the name of the label?
3 This was my old partner Jim Mroz idea. The idea came from us putting out our first cd ourselves. Jim came up with the name of the label and i have no idea where it came from. Possible horror influenced as Jim is a big fan of this genre.
4.Paragon had some great releases in 2013 from Storm Breeder,Fornace and Elderblood just to name a few.can you please tell the readers about these and any other releases you have available?
4 Thanx for the nice words i agree completely. Here is info on all our 2013 releases. Starting from the last and leading down to our first release of 2013.
Fornace [Italy[ - Pregnant is the Night CD Traditional Black/Death Metal with a touch of 80's metal influences, also inspired by old Rotting Christ, Varathron, Denial Of God, and Mystifier!!! A band that has had several line-up changes over the years and has been honing it's craft since 2000! This a masterful piece of vicious Black/Death with killer atmosphere and some really nice bass work as well which adds to the overall spirit of the album .. This band is truly devoted to the root of Black/Death Metal.
http://www.myspace.com/fornace
Elderblood [Ukraine] - Son Of The Morning CD. Symphonic Black Metal. Majestic and truly unique Black Metal band from the Ukraine. Think of mid Emperor and mid Dimmu Borgir however with a classic approach and much more organic sounding. Their are hints that the band is from the Ukraine however they have their own sound and feel and offer up a truly masterful dose of heavy melodic black metal with excellent keyboards to add that extra touch that will lead you to the outer realms. Features former members of Nokturnal Mortumn. ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
www.elderblood.org
Root [Czech Republic] - Kargeras CD. Epic Dark Metal. Truly one of the most innovative bands to ever exist in the underground metal scene and in the metal genre as well!!!!! This also has to be one of their most diverse works to date with a unique feel that only Root can deliver! This is extremely hard to find in it's original format and a proper re-release for this is well overdue. If ever a band and a release truly deserved the word "CULT". This is it!!! FEATURES 11 MINUTES OF BONUS MATERIAL!!! NOT FOR TRENDIES AND NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID!!!!!!
www.rootan.net
Permanent Midnight [USA] - Under The Blood Moon CD. Black/Death metal done in truly a unique way. It has the traditional black and death voice however done with real sincerity and very extreme. This also manages to blend both styles in a way not often heard. You will hear influences raging from Early Cradle Of Filth , American Death Metal, Swedish death metal guitar tone and riffing, and a touch of Doom/Death Metal. The songs are simple, well crafted, and played with great intensity!!! BANG YOUR FUCKING HEAD, SOAK UP THE KEYBOARD MOMENTS, AND GET IN THE PIT!!! Raw, and in your face!!!! The best comparison i can make is early Thou Shalt Suffer as both bands are dark as hell, HOWEVER THIS RELEASE CLEARLY STANDS ON ITS OWN! Features a member of Funeral Dust. ALMOST UNDER 100 COPIES LEFT!!!
www.myspace.com/truepermanentmidnight
Storm Breeder [Australia] - The Knave CD Speed/Thrash/Heavy Metal. Truly a unique blend of these styles that features everything from blast beasts to female vocals with a very unique lead male vocal. You will hear influences from Death, old Metallica, Dawnbringer, Arghoslent, and even 90's Black Metal. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT THOUGH THIS IS PURE METAL!!!! Some say the band reminds them of Sabbat from the UK!!!! FEATURES A FORMER MEMBER OF MOURNFUL CONGREGATION. ALMOST UNDER 100 COPIES LEFT!!!
http://au.myspace.com/stormbreeder
Kozeljnik [Serbia] Null: The Acheron Of Mutiform Negation MCD WHICH INCLUDES 2 BONUS TRACKS FROM 2007 EP "WRECKED IN RUINS OF SOLITUDE". Once again Kozeljnik delivers some of the bleakest black metal to express just how void and shallow are existence truly is. This is a natural progression from "Deeper The Fall" and also retains the bands trademark style.Features Niklas Kvarforth of Shining as guest. This release is over 35 minutes long so i trade it as a cd since it can be sold for the price of one. ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aiZjb11bHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTIcCcfqbFo
5.What do you have in store for the Paragon Rec. fans and supporters in 2014 any upcoming releases to tell the readers about?
5 Here is the info starting from our latest to our first at the bottom so far for 2014 and there should be more surprises coming from Paragon Records coming in 2014!!!
Grey Skies Fallen [USA] - The Many Sides Of Truth CD. Melodic Doom/Death Metal with Progressive Elements. Originally known as Eve Of Mourning in 1996 and quickly changing their name to Grey Skies Fallen in 1997. This is another band that has been dwelling in the deepest catacombs of the underground honing their craft. With already 2 demos, 1 single, 2 eps, & 3 albums under their belt Grey Skies Fallen deliver a truly thought provoking and masterful piece of work that has a primal and organic feel!!! The band is influenced by such metal acts as Opeth, Katatonia, My Dying Bride, & Anathema,... however truly have a sound and approach that is all their own with many non-metal influences. I personally feel anybody who enjoys almost any form of metal or listens to music with an open mind will find this album not only enjoyable but thought provoking and truly challenging to the listener. Most impressive!!!!! WELCOME TO THE MANY SIDES OF TRUTH! Features members of Buckshot Facelift!!!! OUT MAY 6TH!!!!! SO IT SHOULD BE OUT BY THE TIME PEOPLE ARE READING THIS.
http://www.greyskiesfallen.com/
Heretical [Italy] - "Daemonarchrist "Daemon Est Devs Inversvs" CD. Originally known as Immolator and after 3 demos changing their name to Heretical they have been lurking and refining their dark craft since 1993!!! This being the bands third full length once again shows how the old mixed with the new can be such a brutal and destructive combination. This also is another prime example of how symphonic black metal can be creative and yet devastating!! You will hear hints of mid era Marduk in some of the riffing however other then that the band has an approach though not overly original is all their own as they incorporate their own dose of occult sounds and ambiance that will bring to mind other Italian greats as Evol [R.I.P.], Mortuary Drape, Necromass, Opera IX etc.... . They even incorporate the old school gang Thrash vocals, some nice lead guitar work, as well as Death Metal Influences!!! There is some violin and piano on a couple of tracks to add to the overall atmosphere to. A band that has resided for far to long in the deepest pits of the underground and mostly unknown until now will leave it's mark with this Epic Modern Black Metal masterpiece!!!! THE SECOND COMING OF DARKNESS IS HERE!!!!
http://hereticalofficial.bandcamp.com/
Panychida [Czech Republic] - Grief For An Idol CD. With already 2 demos,, 2 dvds, 1 ep, and 2 albums released the band has struck with their most professional and most complex work!!! The album features bagpipes, choirs, clean vocals, and even a guest appearance from Vganor [of HELHEIM/TAAKE]!!! With mixtures of raw melodic death metal to black n' roll all on one album this is the bands strongest and most focused song writing to date along with their most powerful production to really make the material hit hard...!!!! Panychida easily stakes their claim for their own brand of Pagan/Black Metal!!! NOT TO BE MISSED!!!! This is a split release with Werewolf Productions & Cursed Records.
http://www.panychida.com/
6.Are you currently looking to add any new bands to the Paragon family? What are some things you look for when signing and releasing a band?
6 Always but only as i am able to. Our funds are limited. We have to like the music first and foremost. The band has to be professional, a good attitude, and we can stand behind what they are doing. Also almost all of them have to agree to a simple but honest underground deal.
7.Mike you have been running Paragon Rec for many years now what keeps you motiviated for keeping the label going for so long?
7 It's just something i want to do. I always wanted to be a part of doing a label and also a band back when i was just ordering releases for myself so i could make my mark in the scene. And i got what i wanted. It also remains home for my band Dimentianon. I am just driven to do it. And no matter how crazy or not in the mood i am to do the work sometimes there is always something that draws me back almost daily. It's beyond me and not something i am in control of that's for sure. Rather be involved in life then just watching it pass me by.
8.What do you feel makes a successful label? Do you have any advice for someone who might be thinking about starting a label?
8 I really do not know the answer to this as Paragon Records is not what i would call a successful label. PARAGON RECORDS SURVIVES! Big difference. My advice is if you are coming here to make money then you have come to the wrong place. However if you are coming here for the passion of doing this and really live for metal then do your label your way and put out the bands you want [not what is trendy] and also do not put out to many releases a year. This has been a problem with the scene for years and continues to be a problem with why the scene gets saturated with so many bands that all sound the same or are not really that good.
9.What is your opinion on digital releases and downloads etc. are any of the Paragon releases on any download sites?
9 It's a new age we are in and i do sell our releases digitally through metal hits. It's of no personal interest of mine though however i do what i can to keep up with the times.
10.Each band on the Paragon roster is metal but with their own unique style and sound.So I was wondering would you consider yourself an open-minded towards metal and music in general?
10 Thank you for the nice words and for noticing that i could not agree more. I consider myself a very open minded person regarding metal and music in general. And our bands being very different to one another even if they are in the same genre is no accident. We are very picky with what we will sign and we want our bands to be different to one another. This is somersetting we are proud of. It keeps it fresh and interesting.
11.Coming back to the subject of labels you opened a sub-label Hel's Trash when did you decide to open a second label?
11 This was not my decision but my good friend Brian Varney of Graeskul/Weird And Pissed Off. He really wanted to do a tape label and asked me if it's ok if we made it a part of Paragon Records and i thought it was a great idea.Tapes are Brian and my personal favorite format. The label will also branch out to other things in the future.
12.How did you come up with the name for this sub-label? What have you released so far? Are their any new Releases coming soon?
12 Brian came up with the name so you would have to ask him. He has informed me it is quite complicated how he came up with it though. These are the releases thus far.
HT 01 - MIDNITE HELLION - The Fever CASSETTE Heavy Metal SOLD OUT!
HT 02 - BONEBREAKER - HEAVY METAL ATTACK-WARRIORS OF THE NIGHT CASSETTE Thrash Metal SOLD OUT!
HT 03 - COMMON ENEMY - AS THE WORLD BURNS CASSETTE Punk/Thrash SOLD OUT!
HT 04 - ARMOUR COLUMN - MAXIMUM COLLATERAL DAMAGE CASSETTE Power/Thrash SOLD OUT!
HT 05 - EMPTY - THE HOUSE OF FUNERARY HYMNS CASSETTE Black Metal ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
Their are 3 more tape releases planned for the future. Thy are as follows -
Sacrificial Blood - Dual Cassette Title to be announced.
Funeral Dust - Dual Cassette Title to be announced. Features a member of Permanent Midnight.
Aldaaron - Supreme Silence
However for right now the label is on hold.
13.When not working on label business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
13 Sex, sleep, half hour comedy shows [I am a junkie] detective shows [real not acted], cartoons, Simpsons, Star Wars, hanging with my girl, my friends, family, being alone most of the time.
14.Well Mike thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me.do you have any final words for the readers and supporters of Paragon and Hel's trash ?
14 Thanx for all the support you have shown me over the years brother i greatly appreciate it!!! Good luck with your web zine. Anybody looking to get in touch please do not hesitate i answer all my mail whether it be snail mail or email. All my contact info is below.Thanx to everyone for any support they have shown Paragon Records, Dimentianon, and Sectioned. Remember to keep metal sick and never loose heart!!!
PARAGON RECORDS
PO BOX 879
MIDDLE ISLAND NY
11953 USA
email - cultm@msn.com
http://www.paragonrecords.org/
http://www.reverbnation.com/#%21/dimentianon
Here is a new interview with the great label Paragon Records. hope you will check out his releases and also they have a ALOT of great releases in their distro.black,death,thrash/heavy metal and some doom as well
Enjoy and spread the word
Regards
Patrick
Interview with Mike Z. owner of Paragon Rec and Hel's Trash done by Patrick
1.Metal hails Mike how is the world treating you? When did you first discover metal
1 Hey brother i am doing ok. Hating everything as always but not doing bad heh heh. I discovered metal when i was kid in middle school and when i discovered King Diamond on Head Bangers Ball watching the Family Ghost video it was all downhill and time to invert the crosses for life after that heh heh!!! Though i was already heading that way before i discovered metal that's for sure. However up to that point i never knew music could have such strong appearance and musicianship like that!!!
2.Who were some of the early bands that caught your attention? Who are some of the newer bands that have gotten your attention?
2 Well King Diamond as i mentioned before , Mercyful Fate, Metallica, Megadeth, etc... however it really was King Diamond/Mercyful Fate that got in my blood. That was really all i listened to for a few years with only listening to a few other bands albums and songs here and there and then i got really into the 80's early 90's death metal scene Death, Deicide, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Carcass, Bolt Thrower, Entombed, Cannibal Corpse, Pestilence, Dismemeber, Tiamat, Asphyx, Cemetary, Malevolent Creation, Broken Hope, Baphomet, Grave, Unleashed, Sinister, Morgoth, Gorguts, Suffocation etc... and from there it just got worse heh heh. There are always bands both new an also old who i have just heard or maybe have just gotten more into and of course just spinning the bands i have enjoyed for years. Always got metal spinning so i am going to just list some from both the old and new that i have been listening to as of late. Hope that is ok. Here goes... Blodsrit, October 31, Nocturnal Breed, Mondstille, Gloria Morti, In Slumber, Old Dark Angel, Slaughter, Sinister, Bestiar, Underdark [POLAND], Dig Me No Grave, Trojan [R.I.P.], Order Of Tepes, Fantom Warrior, Satan, Obliteration, Penetagram Chile, Goat Penis, Gorefest [R.I.P.], Incubus[UNITED KINGDOM R.I.P.], Code, Desolator[USA], Kampfar,, Enthroned, Legion Of The Damned, Sodamned, Hokedun, Carcass, Heathen, Incantation, Fleshcrawl, Nosvrolk, Agrypnie, Christicide, Agent Steel, Excel, Judas Iscariot, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Celebration, Iconoclasm, Mercyless, Artificial Brain, Root, Bloodshed Walhalla, Aura Negativ, Morbid Sin, Hell, Mongrel's Cross, Crashdiet, Stormlord, Below, Murder Rape, Darkflight, Embalmer, Elffor, Judas Priest, Vultyr, King Diamond [OF COURSE], Lake Of Tears, Manowar, Bullet, Sadus, Candelmass, Bolt Thrower, Malevolent Creation, Immortal, Demolition Hammer, Gwar, Dominus Morti, Gramary, Ierichon, Frost[HUNGARY,] Equinox, Devastation [Texas R.I.P.], Marduk, My Silent Wake, Portrait, Tiamat, Swallow The Sun, Wildfire [R.I.P.], Witchkiller, etc... Also some now mental stuff would be Love Spirals Downward "Ever" CD and Neverland "The Night Shadows" CD. And of course my label release are always spinning at some point!!! That is why i signed them in the first place.
3.When did you get the idea to start up Paragon Records? How did you come up with the name of the label?
3 This was my old partner Jim Mroz idea. The idea came from us putting out our first cd ourselves. Jim came up with the name of the label and i have no idea where it came from. Possible horror influenced as Jim is a big fan of this genre.
4.Paragon had some great releases in 2013 from Storm Breeder,Fornace and Elderblood just to name a few.can you please tell the readers about these and any other releases you have available?
4 Thanx for the nice words i agree completely. Here is info on all our 2013 releases. Starting from the last and leading down to our first release of 2013.
Fornace [Italy[ - Pregnant is the Night CD Traditional Black/Death Metal with a touch of 80's metal influences, also inspired by old Rotting Christ, Varathron, Denial Of God, and Mystifier!!! A band that has had several line-up changes over the years and has been honing it's craft since 2000! This a masterful piece of vicious Black/Death with killer atmosphere and some really nice bass work as well which adds to the overall spirit of the album .. This band is truly devoted to the root of Black/Death Metal.
http://www.myspace.com/fornace
Elderblood [Ukraine] - Son Of The Morning CD. Symphonic Black Metal. Majestic and truly unique Black Metal band from the Ukraine. Think of mid Emperor and mid Dimmu Borgir however with a classic approach and much more organic sounding. Their are hints that the band is from the Ukraine however they have their own sound and feel and offer up a truly masterful dose of heavy melodic black metal with excellent keyboards to add that extra touch that will lead you to the outer realms. Features former members of Nokturnal Mortumn. ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
www.elderblood.org
Root [Czech Republic] - Kargeras CD. Epic Dark Metal. Truly one of the most innovative bands to ever exist in the underground metal scene and in the metal genre as well!!!!! This also has to be one of their most diverse works to date with a unique feel that only Root can deliver! This is extremely hard to find in it's original format and a proper re-release for this is well overdue. If ever a band and a release truly deserved the word "CULT". This is it!!! FEATURES 11 MINUTES OF BONUS MATERIAL!!! NOT FOR TRENDIES AND NOTHING MORE NEEDS TO BE SAID!!!!!!
www.rootan.net
Permanent Midnight [USA] - Under The Blood Moon CD. Black/Death metal done in truly a unique way. It has the traditional black and death voice however done with real sincerity and very extreme. This also manages to blend both styles in a way not often heard. You will hear influences raging from Early Cradle Of Filth , American Death Metal, Swedish death metal guitar tone and riffing, and a touch of Doom/Death Metal. The songs are simple, well crafted, and played with great intensity!!! BANG YOUR FUCKING HEAD, SOAK UP THE KEYBOARD MOMENTS, AND GET IN THE PIT!!! Raw, and in your face!!!! The best comparison i can make is early Thou Shalt Suffer as both bands are dark as hell, HOWEVER THIS RELEASE CLEARLY STANDS ON ITS OWN! Features a member of Funeral Dust. ALMOST UNDER 100 COPIES LEFT!!!
www.myspace.com/truepermanentmidnight
Storm Breeder [Australia] - The Knave CD Speed/Thrash/Heavy Metal. Truly a unique blend of these styles that features everything from blast beasts to female vocals with a very unique lead male vocal. You will hear influences from Death, old Metallica, Dawnbringer, Arghoslent, and even 90's Black Metal. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT THOUGH THIS IS PURE METAL!!!! Some say the band reminds them of Sabbat from the UK!!!! FEATURES A FORMER MEMBER OF MOURNFUL CONGREGATION. ALMOST UNDER 100 COPIES LEFT!!!
http://au.myspace.com/stormbreeder
Kozeljnik [Serbia] Null: The Acheron Of Mutiform Negation MCD WHICH INCLUDES 2 BONUS TRACKS FROM 2007 EP "WRECKED IN RUINS OF SOLITUDE". Once again Kozeljnik delivers some of the bleakest black metal to express just how void and shallow are existence truly is. This is a natural progression from "Deeper The Fall" and also retains the bands trademark style.Features Niklas Kvarforth of Shining as guest. This release is over 35 minutes long so i trade it as a cd since it can be sold for the price of one. ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aiZjb11bHQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTIcCcfqbFo
5.What do you have in store for the Paragon Rec. fans and supporters in 2014 any upcoming releases to tell the readers about?
5 Here is the info starting from our latest to our first at the bottom so far for 2014 and there should be more surprises coming from Paragon Records coming in 2014!!!
Grey Skies Fallen [USA] - The Many Sides Of Truth CD. Melodic Doom/Death Metal with Progressive Elements. Originally known as Eve Of Mourning in 1996 and quickly changing their name to Grey Skies Fallen in 1997. This is another band that has been dwelling in the deepest catacombs of the underground honing their craft. With already 2 demos, 1 single, 2 eps, & 3 albums under their belt Grey Skies Fallen deliver a truly thought provoking and masterful piece of work that has a primal and organic feel!!! The band is influenced by such metal acts as Opeth, Katatonia, My Dying Bride, & Anathema,... however truly have a sound and approach that is all their own with many non-metal influences. I personally feel anybody who enjoys almost any form of metal or listens to music with an open mind will find this album not only enjoyable but thought provoking and truly challenging to the listener. Most impressive!!!!! WELCOME TO THE MANY SIDES OF TRUTH! Features members of Buckshot Facelift!!!! OUT MAY 6TH!!!!! SO IT SHOULD BE OUT BY THE TIME PEOPLE ARE READING THIS.
http://www.greyskiesfallen.com/
Heretical [Italy] - "Daemonarchrist "Daemon Est Devs Inversvs" CD. Originally known as Immolator and after 3 demos changing their name to Heretical they have been lurking and refining their dark craft since 1993!!! This being the bands third full length once again shows how the old mixed with the new can be such a brutal and destructive combination. This also is another prime example of how symphonic black metal can be creative and yet devastating!! You will hear hints of mid era Marduk in some of the riffing however other then that the band has an approach though not overly original is all their own as they incorporate their own dose of occult sounds and ambiance that will bring to mind other Italian greats as Evol [R.I.P.], Mortuary Drape, Necromass, Opera IX etc.... . They even incorporate the old school gang Thrash vocals, some nice lead guitar work, as well as Death Metal Influences!!! There is some violin and piano on a couple of tracks to add to the overall atmosphere to. A band that has resided for far to long in the deepest pits of the underground and mostly unknown until now will leave it's mark with this Epic Modern Black Metal masterpiece!!!! THE SECOND COMING OF DARKNESS IS HERE!!!!
http://hereticalofficial.bandcamp.com/
Panychida [Czech Republic] - Grief For An Idol CD. With already 2 demos,, 2 dvds, 1 ep, and 2 albums released the band has struck with their most professional and most complex work!!! The album features bagpipes, choirs, clean vocals, and even a guest appearance from Vganor [of HELHEIM/TAAKE]!!! With mixtures of raw melodic death metal to black n' roll all on one album this is the bands strongest and most focused song writing to date along with their most powerful production to really make the material hit hard...!!!! Panychida easily stakes their claim for their own brand of Pagan/Black Metal!!! NOT TO BE MISSED!!!! This is a split release with Werewolf Productions & Cursed Records.
http://www.panychida.com/
6.Are you currently looking to add any new bands to the Paragon family? What are some things you look for when signing and releasing a band?
6 Always but only as i am able to. Our funds are limited. We have to like the music first and foremost. The band has to be professional, a good attitude, and we can stand behind what they are doing. Also almost all of them have to agree to a simple but honest underground deal.
7.Mike you have been running Paragon Rec for many years now what keeps you motiviated for keeping the label going for so long?
7 It's just something i want to do. I always wanted to be a part of doing a label and also a band back when i was just ordering releases for myself so i could make my mark in the scene. And i got what i wanted. It also remains home for my band Dimentianon. I am just driven to do it. And no matter how crazy or not in the mood i am to do the work sometimes there is always something that draws me back almost daily. It's beyond me and not something i am in control of that's for sure. Rather be involved in life then just watching it pass me by.
8.What do you feel makes a successful label? Do you have any advice for someone who might be thinking about starting a label?
8 I really do not know the answer to this as Paragon Records is not what i would call a successful label. PARAGON RECORDS SURVIVES! Big difference. My advice is if you are coming here to make money then you have come to the wrong place. However if you are coming here for the passion of doing this and really live for metal then do your label your way and put out the bands you want [not what is trendy] and also do not put out to many releases a year. This has been a problem with the scene for years and continues to be a problem with why the scene gets saturated with so many bands that all sound the same or are not really that good.
9.What is your opinion on digital releases and downloads etc. are any of the Paragon releases on any download sites?
9 It's a new age we are in and i do sell our releases digitally through metal hits. It's of no personal interest of mine though however i do what i can to keep up with the times.
10.Each band on the Paragon roster is metal but with their own unique style and sound.So I was wondering would you consider yourself an open-minded towards metal and music in general?
10 Thank you for the nice words and for noticing that i could not agree more. I consider myself a very open minded person regarding metal and music in general. And our bands being very different to one another even if they are in the same genre is no accident. We are very picky with what we will sign and we want our bands to be different to one another. This is somersetting we are proud of. It keeps it fresh and interesting.
11.Coming back to the subject of labels you opened a sub-label Hel's Trash when did you decide to open a second label?
11 This was not my decision but my good friend Brian Varney of Graeskul/Weird And Pissed Off. He really wanted to do a tape label and asked me if it's ok if we made it a part of Paragon Records and i thought it was a great idea.Tapes are Brian and my personal favorite format. The label will also branch out to other things in the future.
12.How did you come up with the name for this sub-label? What have you released so far? Are their any new Releases coming soon?
12 Brian came up with the name so you would have to ask him. He has informed me it is quite complicated how he came up with it though. These are the releases thus far.
HT 01 - MIDNITE HELLION - The Fever CASSETTE Heavy Metal SOLD OUT!
HT 02 - BONEBREAKER - HEAVY METAL ATTACK-WARRIORS OF THE NIGHT CASSETTE Thrash Metal SOLD OUT!
HT 03 - COMMON ENEMY - AS THE WORLD BURNS CASSETTE Punk/Thrash SOLD OUT!
HT 04 - ARMOUR COLUMN - MAXIMUM COLLATERAL DAMAGE CASSETTE Power/Thrash SOLD OUT!
HT 05 - EMPTY - THE HOUSE OF FUNERARY HYMNS CASSETTE Black Metal ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
Their are 3 more tape releases planned for the future. Thy are as follows -
Sacrificial Blood - Dual Cassette Title to be announced.
Funeral Dust - Dual Cassette Title to be announced. Features a member of Permanent Midnight.
Aldaaron - Supreme Silence
However for right now the label is on hold.
13.When not working on label business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
13 Sex, sleep, half hour comedy shows [I am a junkie] detective shows [real not acted], cartoons, Simpsons, Star Wars, hanging with my girl, my friends, family, being alone most of the time.
14.Well Mike thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me.do you have any final words for the readers and supporters of Paragon and Hel's trash ?
14 Thanx for all the support you have shown me over the years brother i greatly appreciate it!!! Good luck with your web zine. Anybody looking to get in touch please do not hesitate i answer all my mail whether it be snail mail or email. All my contact info is below.Thanx to everyone for any support they have shown Paragon Records, Dimentianon, and Sectioned. Remember to keep metal sick and never loose heart!!!
PARAGON RECORDS
PO BOX 879
MIDDLE ISLAND NY
11953 USA
email - cultm@msn.com
http://www.paragonrecords.org/
http://www.reverbnation.com/#%21/dimentianon
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Interview with Chain Of Dogs done by Patrick
Chain Of Dogs are a great band out of The Netherlands that do a great mix of Folk music/metal and Thrash Metal. The band has a new cd "Burning Bridges In A World Of Death" out on Witches Brew Rec.
Regards
Patrick
nterview with Chain Of Dogs done by Patrick
1.Hails Chain Of Dogs please give a history on the band? What is the current line up for the band?
We started in 2005, a bunch of metalheads and punks who wanted to have a band that was somewhere in the middle between folk metal and celtic punk (as we thought most folkpunk was not heavy enough, and most folkmetal was too slow). We've come a long way since then and have developed our own type of "thrash folk".
We've had a lot of lineup changes over the years but kept going and have released a demo, two EP's and by now, two full-length albums. We've played a lot in the Netherlands and our neighbouring countries, toured through Europe and played with acts like Heidevolk, Arkona and Suidakra. In late 2012 we decided to split up, but our two founding members rebooted the band last summer with the current line-up:
Olaf Nijssen – vocals and mandolin
Arne Gerits – violin, whistles and vocals
Samana Rikers - vocals, acoustic guitar and whistles
Kenneth Martens – drums
Tim Skerka – guitars
Remy Maes – bass guitar
2.How long did it take the band to write and record 'Burning Bridges In A World Of Death'?
As it is actually a compilation CD it took us about 8 years... The two EP's are on it: Deathworld (2012) took us about 9 months to write, produce and release, Bridgeburners (2008) was done within 4 months. The demo was recorded and released in early 2006, I think most of the songs were written in a few months. It was recorded in one or two sessions of about 5-6 hours. We've had another recording session somewhere in early 2007 of which you will only find one track because the rest was re-recorded for the first full length in 2010. One track is a remixed version of the opening track of that album. Remastering the compilation cd took about two weeks.
3.Who usually writes the lyrics for the band? What are some topics/subjects you all write about?
All the lyrics of our own songs have been written by Olaf. We have two major themes - the first is the folk metal "standard" of singing about where you're from but then without the pagan religious part or the back-to-nature angle. Where from an industrial region that's been shaped by mining industry in the past, and the lyrics in our own dialect are about that part of our history. The other ideas are brought in by the dark fantasy, horror and SF books and movies we read or watch, most of our English lyrics and the band name are based on those.
4.How has the response been for 'Burning Bridges In A World Of Death from the fans and the press?
Very good! People are glad we combined the EP's in a proper release - we self-released the EP's on a really low budget because labels usually don't go for EP's of unknown bands, as they cost just as much as a full length to produce. Also it was a good way to re-release the less embarrassing of the demo tracks. We've had great reviews too, ratings varying from 7 to 9 out of 10. Usually the lower grades were from people who didn't like the demo tracks: the recording and performance were less than perfect as we were playing for about 6 months when we recorded it.
5.How did you come in contact with Witches Brew Rec.? Are you happy with the job they've done so far?
We were contacted by Cheryl of Witches Brew back in the days when Myspace was still a great format for bands. We had quite a lot of followers and had just posted some of the recordings from our 2007 session and she liked them. When we released the Bridgeburners EP we sent a copy to WB and they were very enthusiastic about it, which resulted in the cooperation for our first full length, "Gebroake, Gehange en Gewroake". We are very happy with the job they're doing and we're planning to continue our cooperation for another couple of releases!
6.Are there any Chain Of Dogs tours/shows coming up that the readers should watch out for?
At the moment we're in the process of writing new songs. We're not going to play a lot of gigs before summer but we are now booking for the rest of the year. One big gig we will be doing is playing at Metaldays festival in Slovenia, it's our first large multiple-day open air and we're really looking forward to it.
7.Who all are some bands you have shared the stage with? If you could set up a dream tour/show who are some bands you would love to play with?
We've shared the stage with bands like Heidevolk, Arkona and Finsterforst. We've toured through Europe with a package called Black Trolls over Europe with Suidakra, Waylander, XIV Dark Centuries, Odroerir and Cruadalach. We've played at festivals where bands like Ensiferum, Immortal and Primordial were playing.
Our dream tour would be something like Finntroll, Skyclad, us and maybe a lesser-known Dutch band to open up. Or a combo of something like Dropkick Murphys and Equilibrium and a mix of some other folkpunk and folk metal bands, with us in the middle.
8.Have you all started writing any new songs for the next release? How long does it usually take to compile a song?
We have started writing, the first new song is almost ready and we're beginning with the next couple of songs. A song can take us as little as a few weeks up to half a year, although it's usually not worth it if it has to take that long. Somebody writes a song in Guitar Pro or makes a rough recording of it and then we take it into the rehearsal room, where we work on transitions, breaks, vocals and individual instruments. We're not the type of band where jamming in a studio suddenly produces loads of new songs.
9.Are any of the members currently working with other bands? If yes please tell the readers about them?
At the moment, Tim, Kenneth and Remy are involved in other bands. Tim is playing guitar in a rather inactive (at the moment) S.O.D.-tribute band called "Z.O.D.", Kenneth is also the drummer for progressive rock/metal band "Unwritten Pages" and Remy plays bass in a skaband called "Jean and the Piepkes".
10.Chain Of Dogs comes out of The Netherlands so I was curious what is your opinion on The Dutch metal scene?
We don't have a very strong link with the Dutch metal scene, because we're from the southern province of Limburg which is actually wedged between Germany and Belgium. It's often been easier for us to get gigs in these countries than in the Netherlands because of that. A lot of the metal bands in our region are biased towards metalcore, deathcore and death metal, although some great bands in completely different genres hail from here as well. It used to be a struggle for us to balance that with our type of thrashy folk metal, and in the "Holland" parts of the country it often still is.
11..Who are your all-time favorite bands from The Netherlands? Are there any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
The first two bands that come two mind are Heidevolk and Carach Angren. Not necessarily because everyone of us likes their music, but more because of the way they managed to get out of this sinkhole called the Netherlands by working hard and spread their music all over the world. Some interesting new Dutch folk metal bands are Jötnar, Anwyn and Nachtval. There are always a lot of new bands who deserve the attention, so it's best to keep your eyes and ears open and try anything you might like.
12.Well Chain Of Dogs we have reached the end of the interview do you have any final comments for the readers?
Well, get in touch with us! Like and contact us on Facebook and let us know what you think of our new cd. Come see us live if you have the chance so we can have a couple of beers and a nice slice of roasted hobbit together! Howls!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
New Reviews for 4-29-14
Metal hails
here are some new reviews for everyone to read we have a little bit of everything this time death,black,thrash etc..... expect more reviews and interviews to be posted very soon
Patrick
Bleeding Fist---Death's Old Stench cd [Moribund rec.]
Slovenia's Bleeding Fist are one of my favorite bands off of the Moribund roster.Death's Old Stench is a collection of unreleased songs the songs are still in the vein of Bleeding Fist but seem to be more controlled and grim with some faster parts.Guitars are more controlled with some occasional faster parts and speed while keeping the pace.The drumming is top notch and done extremely tight.If you are a Bleeding Fist fan defintly check this one out not as violent or chaotic as past release but still a great collection of unreleased material.
Label contact
http://www.moribundcult.com
Demonic Rage--Venomous Wine From Putred Bodies LP.[Iron Bonehead Rec.}
The Chilean scene strikes again this time with Demonic Rage who play powerful death metal the way it is supposed to be played.Thunderous drumming with some fast blasting parts along with the more mid-paced heavy drums.The vocals are done in the style of early death metal bands with death growls and some gruff vocals.Demonic Rage are not creating anything new or innovative but they do this style with a lot of passion and justice. Anyone who is into violent death metal needs this releases today.
Label Contact
http://www.ironbonehead.de
Despot---Satan In The Death Row [self-release,]
Despot is a one man black metal band from Brazil Marcelo Murrer handles the vocals and istruments .Marcelo plays the guitars mid-to sometimes fast riffs and some solo's with some thrash and death metal influences.The vocals are done really well with screams and screechy vocals.Musically it is done really good for a one man band with some really well played guitars the drums are programmed but sound pretty good for a machine with some good beats not like a lot of bands who just use it for insane blasts through each song.Anyone who wants to hear this can check out his Bandcamp siite
http://www.despotband.bandcamp.com
Evil Night--Storm Hymns Of Filth cassette tape {Hells Headbangers Rec}
Finland's Evil Night have released their new demo tape through Hells Headbangers Rec. black,thrashing metal insanity.The vocals are harsh screams and some shrieks.Drumming is really well done with some extremely fast beats but played with a lot of skill and talent.this is a really good band and release if your a fan of black thrashing metal then pick a copy up before their gone.
http://www.hellsheadbanngers.com
Gravehill--Death curse cd {Dark Descent]
Gravehill are death metal legends playing the style they want to and not following any trends.Vicious guitars are played with fierce heavy guitars with some killer drumming is top notch with some chaotic heavy drumming.The vocals are done really well death growls with some gruff styled vocals in a few songs. This a death metal masterpiece defintly pick up a copy today.
Label Contact
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com
Heretical--Daemon Archchrist "Daemon Est Devs Innersvs {Paragon Records}
Wow Paragon strikes again with another great band from Italy Heretical {formely Immolator} Hereticial play a very interesting style of brutal black metal with some atmospheric black metal mixed in some of the songs.Fast and extremely well played guitars with some slower parts mixed in so it's not all speed riffs.Drumming is done with a lot of fast blasting drums but they do slow it down to a mid-pace on some tracks.Vocalist does a good job of black metal screams mixed with some clean vocals and even some chanting on a song.Hereticai are one of the best black metal bands I've heard in awhile.
Label Contact
www.themetalunderground.com
Incursus--Adaestuo 12" MLP {Forever Plagued Rec}
Incursus play a good style of black metal playing with a raw production the guitars are done very well fast but not over-board The band does slow it down a few times to a more mid-paced range before picking up the pace again.The guitars are very creative and some crazy riffs in them not always found in black metal bands but done great. Incursus are very good at creating and pulling off a raw,grim piece of black metal with this release.
Label Contact
http://www.foreverplaguedrecords.com
Infernal Curse--The End Is Up On US {Iron Bonehead Rec.}
Infernal Curse release their MLP "The End Is Upon Us"and what a release it is dark mid-paced mid paced blackend death masterpiece.Four songs of mid-tempo death/blackend metal semi-fast guitars with some great riffs and few solo's thrown in the mix.The vocals are rough death growls and some screams.with a lot of power on them. Drums are done to a mid paced speed but do speed up on some of the tracks.Infernal Curse are one of the best new bands I've heard if your a fanatic for death blackend metal then pick this up now.
Label Contact
http://www.ironbonehead.de
Killgasm--A Stab In The Heart Of Christ cd {Moribund Records}
This is Killgasms second full length cd and what a release violent blackend grind.extremly fast whirlwind guitars with some crazed riffs the guitars do slow down a few times but not many.Drumming is done good with some variety in them along with the blast beats galore.The vocals are grim black metal shrieks and even some thrashy screams entertwined.If your a fan of blackend grind you will love Killgasm's latest release.
Label Contact
http://www.moribundcult.com
Nervosa---Victim Of Yourself {Napalm Rec.)
Nervosa are a Brazilian Thrash band .But the one thing that sets Nervosa apart from most thrash bands is their all female but don't write these ladies off as they are a powerful raging thrash force.taking Influences from the the gods of the scene and putting their own brand of vicious thrash. Thrashing fast guitars that have some great riffs and solo's.The drumming is equally as godly fast drums with some great structures. The vocals are thrashy screams done excellent anyone who is a thrasher at heart needs this release. this is a band that is a force to be recond with.
Label Contact
http://www.napalmrecords.com
Ormgard-Ormblot cd {Forever Plagued Rec}
If anyone thinks Swedish black metal is dead or their are no more good bands then you have never heard Ormgard's new cd "Ormbard" semi fast to a more mid paced guitar tone.Ormgard have some Atmosphere entertwined within their grim style and it sounds really good.The vocals sound demonic shrieks but are done very well.If your a fan of Swedish Black metal then do yourself a favor and pick this up today!!
Label Contact
http://www.foreverplaguedrecords.com
http:www.facebook.com/foreverplagued
Pact---The Infernal Hierarchies Penetrating The Threshold Of Night cd {Moribund Rec.}
Pact have released their second cd for the mighty Moribund Rec. Pact have crafted their sound to a fast guitars blasting drumming.The guitars areplayed with a lot of speed and aggressive riffs but they are played very well.The drummer is equally as good if you enjoyed the first cd from Pact then you will defintly like this one as well.
label Contact
http://www.moribundcult.com
Panychida---Grief For An Idol {Paragon Rec.}
This is my first encounter with Panychida and this band is amazing black metal with a lot of pagan influnces the music has some death metal influences as well as a flute,bagpipes and chants.This band knows how to write some great metal with some variety in the songs.vocally the band uses shrieks and screams with some whispering vocals this is a great release if your looking for something different
Label Contact
http://www.themetalunderground.com
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Interview With GraveHill done by Patrick
Metal Hails
Here is a new interview I just received from Mike and Gravehill.If you are not familiar with Gravehill and love old-school death metal that is played heavy you are missing out on one of the best bands in the world. I could go and on but instead i'll shut up and let Mike tell you all about it.
Interview with Mike Abominator vocalist for Gravehill done by Patrick
1.Hails Mike how is your week starting out? When did you all get the idea to form Gravehill? When did you all get the idea to form Gravehill?
MIKE: All is well when I wake up in the morning Patrick! I can't complain from there on out. Life is too short! hahaha. Gravehill was actually formed in the year 2000 by Thorgrimm and some other, old friends of ours Mike Apocalypse and Shane Bastard Demon. Those guys were spewing out some dastardly, old style death metal, rooted in the 1980s and ugly as fuck. At the time, I was just a friend that hung around at their practices and did drugs and drank booze. Once they called it quits, I was bummed out. Fast forward to 2006 and Thorgrimm and I were chatting one day and it was decided to get a full on old school death metal band going. I mentioned that I FUCKING LOVED the name Gravehill and the whole concept about the band. The mission and how the band attitude was, everything about it. We actually wanted to get Mike Apocalypse involved but he lived up north and was focused on other projects at the time. But he gave me his blessing to move forward with it and Gravehill was back. We got going with writing and getting ready for our live debut throughout 2007 and the first shows and tours, along with the demo, all came about in that year of 2007.
2.What is the current line up for Gravehill? For the readers who have never heard Gravehills music how would you describe It?
MIKE: Our current line up is Myself on Vokills and Diatribes, CC DeKill on the First Axe of Death, Hell Messiah on the 2nd Axe of Death, Corpse on Blower Bass and Mt. Death Metal Thorgrimm on Coffins and Drums. Gravehill's "music"(sic) is a putrid stench of rotten death metal terror that reeks of blood, piss and booze. Pure caveman metal that attacks the senses and rapes the soul. It's simple and straight forward metal of death that will make you shit yourself. Sounds fun as fuck ey?!??!
3.How did you all come in contact with the great label Dark Descent Rec.? Besides the Death Curse cd do you all have any other merchandise available?
MIKE: Back in late 2010, our time with Ibex Moon Records had come to an end. And we needed a label that could step up to the plate and get our next album out. We had just been asked to play the esteemed Maryland Death Fest and our goal was to get our 2nd album out by the date of the fest, so we could sell it there. We had a short list of labels to speak with and Dark Descent was on that list. Matt was honest and up front and said he could do what we wanted, it was that simple. So we decided to jump on with Dark Descent Records. I had been in contact with Matt since his early days of the label and I always enjoyed what he was putting out, especially those killer demos he helped with. So it was a "no brainer" so to speak.
Yes, we have a few CD copies of our debut album "Rites of the Pentagram" and both vinyl and CD copies of our 2nd album "When All Roads Lead to Hell". We also have many different shirt designs and different types of patches available.
4.Gravehill recently released their third cd "Death Curse" How long did it take you all to write the songs for this release? Does the whole band work on the music or does 1-2 members handle everything?
MIKE: Once we got our guitar players in the mix, back in Jan 2012 (CC DeKill and Hell Messiah replaced Bodybag Bob and Matt Hellfiend) we started writing right away. We banged out 4-5 songs right away, then wrote the rest throughout 2013. We were actually all done writing the album in mid 2013. The whole band contributes. I think CC DeKill wrote most of the riffs on "Death Curse". Hell threw in a couple 2-3 as did Corpse and I, who threw in 2 or 3. Grimm helps shape the ideas/structure of the songs. As do I at times. But I feel this is a true collaborative effort. Someone will come in with a riff or 2/some ideas for a song and we all help put it together like a puzzle. It's a great formula.
5.Who usually takes care of the lyrics? what are some subjects you all write about?
MIKE: I handle all of the lyrics. Grimm will come up with songs titles quite a bit. Between him and I, we usually come up with good shit. But I will write all of the lyrics within a song. The guys all have their ideas as far as cadences, where to put chorus parts and backing vocals. And I look to them for advice as to how stuff fits and sounds. So again, we are a team in that aspect. MOST of the stuff that I come up with the guys will like. The subjects I write about include, but are not limited to: Satan, Death, Killing, Blood, Murder, Going to Hell, Massacres, War,ya know, all of the good stuff! haha. Mostly just a big pot of killer,dark subject matters out there.
6.Does Gravehill have any tours/shows planned for 'Deathcurse"? If yes where are some places you will be playing? Who are some bands you will share the stage with?
MIKE: We will be supporting New Zealand maniacs Diocletian on their short west coast tour stop in mid May. That will include stops in the Bay Area and Portland, Oregon. Then we head out to the forest to slay at the annual FESTUM CARNIS FESTIVAL with Nunslaughter, Inquisition, Witchaven, Night Nurse and many, many others during that 3 day massacre. We are currently in talks with some promoters about another big festival in the Bay Area up north later in the year, but nothing official just yet. And we are also in talks with some local friends about doing a big show here in L.A. with a legendary death metal band or two, but I can't mention anything just yet as it's not official. SO STAY TUNED MANIACS!!!!!!!!!!!
7.Who have been some bands you've played with in the past? Any great shows stick out as your favorite one? If you could set up a dream tour/show who are some bands you would love to play with{past or present}
MIKE: Fuck man, so many. I guess the bands that really stick out in my memory as the best we have shared the stage with are Massacre with Kam Lee, Aura Noir, Entombed, Napalm Death, Cardiac Arrest, Hirax, Voivod, Nuclear Assault, Immolation, Repulsion, Destroyer 666, Cianide, Machetazo, Nunslaughter, Impaled Nazarene, Miasmal, Acheron, Extreme Noise Terror, Macabre, Ghoul, Toxic Holocaust, Exhumed, Sadistic Intent, Incantation, Doom, Goreaphobia, Mortician, Embalmer, Insanity, Impiety, Order From Chaos, Nausea, Dead Conspiracy, Bone Sickness, Bloody Phoenix, Dead Congregation and the list goes on.
8.In your opinion what does the underground mean to you?
MIKE: Life. Plain and simple. For those who understand and "get it", THIS is our LIFE! The underground is where it all starts. This is where you find stuff for the first time. I'm a lifer! Not afraid to admit it. I never "grew" out of it. It is everything to me. My friendships made! My music and noise made! The memories! The connections of pure happiness! It's a special thing!! It means the world to me. The deep underground noise movement has kept me alive, out of prison and for the most part, TOGETHER in mind and spirit. The positive influence it has had on me in my life is IMMEASURABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9.The band comes out of California metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in California?
MIKE: There are some of the best and most die hard heads here in California. From the coasts down in San Diego, all the way up to Eureka and the Oregon border, there are some of the greatest people around that support what we do! At the same time, it's very hard to get people to come to shows at times since there are so many bands and gigs that might happen at the same time and everything is so spread out. We are all spoiled in the big city with many options as to just what to do with any given day/night! hahaha. Venues in the underground are also hard to come by at times as they come and go and seem to close down quite a bit. Another down side to our scene here is the amount of hipsters that seem to like "certain" metal bands that have a "buzz" attached to them at times. These fuckers are like a plague I tell ya! The trendies don't offer real support and they come and go like all of those lost venues. They stand around the venue with their arms folded and their "cool" band shirts and fancy mustaches. On the bright side, when we can pack the place full of maniacs and the Decibel Rituals are ravaging, all is right in our death metal universe.
10.Who are your all-time favorite bands from California?Are their any new bands you can recommend to the readers?
MIKE: Some of our biggest influences and a lot of my all time favorite bands are from California. Autopsy, early Slayer, Dark Angel, Cryptic Slaughter, Terrorizer, Possessed, Exodus, Cirith Ungol, Exhumed, Vio-Lence, Sadus, W.A.S.P., Dystopia, Insanity, Spazz, Capitalist Casualties, Nausea, Morgion, Excruciating Terror, Attitude Adjustment, Infest, Final Conflict, Sacrilege BC, Excel, Holy Terror, Verbal Abuse, old Suicidal Tendencies and many more! Some killer newer era bands I like from California are Unholy Lust, Madrost, Scolex, Icon of Phobos, Execution, The Death Kings, Witchaven, Necrot, Old Coven, Mortuous, Ritual Torture, Ghoulgatha, Bloody Phoenix,
11.Mike you handle the vocals for Gravehill when did you start singing in bands?Who are some of your favorite singers?
MIKE: I actually started playing guitars and bass back when I first started in 1990. I did backing vocals here and there, but never really fronteda band until Gravehill in 2006. My favorite singers are Sam Cooke, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Little Richard, Ozzy Osbourne, Otis Redding, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford and James Brown. As far as heavier music: Kam Lee, Chris Reifert, Cronos, Tom Angelripper, Evil Chuck, John Tardy, LG Petrov, Per Boder, Mike Perun, Adam Scott, Scott Carlson, Ross Dolan, Tom G Warrior and many more.
12.Do you play any other instruments? If yes what are they?
MIKE: I do play. Guitar, bass and I fuck round with keyboards and piano (but I'm horrible at it! haha)
13.when not working on band stuff what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
MIKE: Spare time is few and far between for lifers like us! hahaha. We all have 2 or more bands going, or are very active in attending gigs and fests. But we are lucky to live in California with tons of shit to do. I try to not be too fat or lazy though, yet it's hard! hahaha. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, going to other gigs, visiting with friends, hanging with family, hiking, watching movies and good TV shows, hiking and getting outside (the GREAT outdoors!), cooking, reading, writing and a few other hobbies. Since we live in such a spread out enviroment, a lot of us here in California spend A LOT of our time in our cars/trucks.
14.Well we have reached the end of the interview thank you for taking the time to fill this out.Do you have any final words/comments for the readers?
MIKE: Mighty Hails to you Patrick for the interview! EVERYONE.... GO GET "DEATH CURSE" NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! For CDs/Vinyl, go to:http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/ For official shirts go to: www.warlordclothing.com/ ALSO, A MIGHTY HAILS TO ALL FROM OUR HORDE OF DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEE YOU IN HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is a new interview I just received from Mike and Gravehill.If you are not familiar with Gravehill and love old-school death metal that is played heavy you are missing out on one of the best bands in the world. I could go and on but instead i'll shut up and let Mike tell you all about it.
Interview with Mike Abominator vocalist for Gravehill done by Patrick
1.Hails Mike how is your week starting out? When did you all get the idea to form Gravehill? When did you all get the idea to form Gravehill?
MIKE: All is well when I wake up in the morning Patrick! I can't complain from there on out. Life is too short! hahaha. Gravehill was actually formed in the year 2000 by Thorgrimm and some other, old friends of ours Mike Apocalypse and Shane Bastard Demon. Those guys were spewing out some dastardly, old style death metal, rooted in the 1980s and ugly as fuck. At the time, I was just a friend that hung around at their practices and did drugs and drank booze. Once they called it quits, I was bummed out. Fast forward to 2006 and Thorgrimm and I were chatting one day and it was decided to get a full on old school death metal band going. I mentioned that I FUCKING LOVED the name Gravehill and the whole concept about the band. The mission and how the band attitude was, everything about it. We actually wanted to get Mike Apocalypse involved but he lived up north and was focused on other projects at the time. But he gave me his blessing to move forward with it and Gravehill was back. We got going with writing and getting ready for our live debut throughout 2007 and the first shows and tours, along with the demo, all came about in that year of 2007.
2.What is the current line up for Gravehill? For the readers who have never heard Gravehills music how would you describe It?
MIKE: Our current line up is Myself on Vokills and Diatribes, CC DeKill on the First Axe of Death, Hell Messiah on the 2nd Axe of Death, Corpse on Blower Bass and Mt. Death Metal Thorgrimm on Coffins and Drums. Gravehill's "music"(sic) is a putrid stench of rotten death metal terror that reeks of blood, piss and booze. Pure caveman metal that attacks the senses and rapes the soul. It's simple and straight forward metal of death that will make you shit yourself. Sounds fun as fuck ey?!??!
3.How did you all come in contact with the great label Dark Descent Rec.? Besides the Death Curse cd do you all have any other merchandise available?
MIKE: Back in late 2010, our time with Ibex Moon Records had come to an end. And we needed a label that could step up to the plate and get our next album out. We had just been asked to play the esteemed Maryland Death Fest and our goal was to get our 2nd album out by the date of the fest, so we could sell it there. We had a short list of labels to speak with and Dark Descent was on that list. Matt was honest and up front and said he could do what we wanted, it was that simple. So we decided to jump on with Dark Descent Records. I had been in contact with Matt since his early days of the label and I always enjoyed what he was putting out, especially those killer demos he helped with. So it was a "no brainer" so to speak.
Yes, we have a few CD copies of our debut album "Rites of the Pentagram" and both vinyl and CD copies of our 2nd album "When All Roads Lead to Hell". We also have many different shirt designs and different types of patches available.
4.Gravehill recently released their third cd "Death Curse" How long did it take you all to write the songs for this release? Does the whole band work on the music or does 1-2 members handle everything?
MIKE: Once we got our guitar players in the mix, back in Jan 2012 (CC DeKill and Hell Messiah replaced Bodybag Bob and Matt Hellfiend) we started writing right away. We banged out 4-5 songs right away, then wrote the rest throughout 2013. We were actually all done writing the album in mid 2013. The whole band contributes. I think CC DeKill wrote most of the riffs on "Death Curse". Hell threw in a couple 2-3 as did Corpse and I, who threw in 2 or 3. Grimm helps shape the ideas/structure of the songs. As do I at times. But I feel this is a true collaborative effort. Someone will come in with a riff or 2/some ideas for a song and we all help put it together like a puzzle. It's a great formula.
5.Who usually takes care of the lyrics? what are some subjects you all write about?
MIKE: I handle all of the lyrics. Grimm will come up with songs titles quite a bit. Between him and I, we usually come up with good shit. But I will write all of the lyrics within a song. The guys all have their ideas as far as cadences, where to put chorus parts and backing vocals. And I look to them for advice as to how stuff fits and sounds. So again, we are a team in that aspect. MOST of the stuff that I come up with the guys will like. The subjects I write about include, but are not limited to: Satan, Death, Killing, Blood, Murder, Going to Hell, Massacres, War,ya know, all of the good stuff! haha. Mostly just a big pot of killer,dark subject matters out there.
6.Does Gravehill have any tours/shows planned for 'Deathcurse"? If yes where are some places you will be playing? Who are some bands you will share the stage with?
MIKE: We will be supporting New Zealand maniacs Diocletian on their short west coast tour stop in mid May. That will include stops in the Bay Area and Portland, Oregon. Then we head out to the forest to slay at the annual FESTUM CARNIS FESTIVAL with Nunslaughter, Inquisition, Witchaven, Night Nurse and many, many others during that 3 day massacre. We are currently in talks with some promoters about another big festival in the Bay Area up north later in the year, but nothing official just yet. And we are also in talks with some local friends about doing a big show here in L.A. with a legendary death metal band or two, but I can't mention anything just yet as it's not official. SO STAY TUNED MANIACS!!!!!!!!!!!
7.Who have been some bands you've played with in the past? Any great shows stick out as your favorite one? If you could set up a dream tour/show who are some bands you would love to play with{past or present}
MIKE: Fuck man, so many. I guess the bands that really stick out in my memory as the best we have shared the stage with are Massacre with Kam Lee, Aura Noir, Entombed, Napalm Death, Cardiac Arrest, Hirax, Voivod, Nuclear Assault, Immolation, Repulsion, Destroyer 666, Cianide, Machetazo, Nunslaughter, Impaled Nazarene, Miasmal, Acheron, Extreme Noise Terror, Macabre, Ghoul, Toxic Holocaust, Exhumed, Sadistic Intent, Incantation, Doom, Goreaphobia, Mortician, Embalmer, Insanity, Impiety, Order From Chaos, Nausea, Dead Conspiracy, Bone Sickness, Bloody Phoenix, Dead Congregation and the list goes on.
8.In your opinion what does the underground mean to you?
MIKE: Life. Plain and simple. For those who understand and "get it", THIS is our LIFE! The underground is where it all starts. This is where you find stuff for the first time. I'm a lifer! Not afraid to admit it. I never "grew" out of it. It is everything to me. My friendships made! My music and noise made! The memories! The connections of pure happiness! It's a special thing!! It means the world to me. The deep underground noise movement has kept me alive, out of prison and for the most part, TOGETHER in mind and spirit. The positive influence it has had on me in my life is IMMEASURABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9.The band comes out of California metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in California?
MIKE: There are some of the best and most die hard heads here in California. From the coasts down in San Diego, all the way up to Eureka and the Oregon border, there are some of the greatest people around that support what we do! At the same time, it's very hard to get people to come to shows at times since there are so many bands and gigs that might happen at the same time and everything is so spread out. We are all spoiled in the big city with many options as to just what to do with any given day/night! hahaha. Venues in the underground are also hard to come by at times as they come and go and seem to close down quite a bit. Another down side to our scene here is the amount of hipsters that seem to like "certain" metal bands that have a "buzz" attached to them at times. These fuckers are like a plague I tell ya! The trendies don't offer real support and they come and go like all of those lost venues. They stand around the venue with their arms folded and their "cool" band shirts and fancy mustaches. On the bright side, when we can pack the place full of maniacs and the Decibel Rituals are ravaging, all is right in our death metal universe.
10.Who are your all-time favorite bands from California?Are their any new bands you can recommend to the readers?
MIKE: Some of our biggest influences and a lot of my all time favorite bands are from California. Autopsy, early Slayer, Dark Angel, Cryptic Slaughter, Terrorizer, Possessed, Exodus, Cirith Ungol, Exhumed, Vio-Lence, Sadus, W.A.S.P., Dystopia, Insanity, Spazz, Capitalist Casualties, Nausea, Morgion, Excruciating Terror, Attitude Adjustment, Infest, Final Conflict, Sacrilege BC, Excel, Holy Terror, Verbal Abuse, old Suicidal Tendencies and many more! Some killer newer era bands I like from California are Unholy Lust, Madrost, Scolex, Icon of Phobos, Execution, The Death Kings, Witchaven, Necrot, Old Coven, Mortuous, Ritual Torture, Ghoulgatha, Bloody Phoenix,
11.Mike you handle the vocals for Gravehill when did you start singing in bands?Who are some of your favorite singers?
MIKE: I actually started playing guitars and bass back when I first started in 1990. I did backing vocals here and there, but never really fronteda band until Gravehill in 2006. My favorite singers are Sam Cooke, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Little Richard, Ozzy Osbourne, Otis Redding, Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford and James Brown. As far as heavier music: Kam Lee, Chris Reifert, Cronos, Tom Angelripper, Evil Chuck, John Tardy, LG Petrov, Per Boder, Mike Perun, Adam Scott, Scott Carlson, Ross Dolan, Tom G Warrior and many more.
12.Do you play any other instruments? If yes what are they?
MIKE: I do play. Guitar, bass and I fuck round with keyboards and piano (but I'm horrible at it! haha)
13.when not working on band stuff what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
MIKE: Spare time is few and far between for lifers like us! hahaha. We all have 2 or more bands going, or are very active in attending gigs and fests. But we are lucky to live in California with tons of shit to do. I try to not be too fat or lazy though, yet it's hard! hahaha. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, going to other gigs, visiting with friends, hanging with family, hiking, watching movies and good TV shows, hiking and getting outside (the GREAT outdoors!), cooking, reading, writing and a few other hobbies. Since we live in such a spread out enviroment, a lot of us here in California spend A LOT of our time in our cars/trucks.
14.Well we have reached the end of the interview thank you for taking the time to fill this out.Do you have any final words/comments for the readers?
MIKE: Mighty Hails to you Patrick for the interview! EVERYONE.... GO GET "DEATH CURSE" NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! For CDs/Vinyl, go to:http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/ For official shirts go to: www.warlordclothing.com/ ALSO, A MIGHTY HAILS TO ALL FROM OUR HORDE OF DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEE YOU IN HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Italy's Heretical done by Patrick
Metal Hails
here is a new interview with Heretical from the Italy underground Black Metal scene .The band Heretical has released their new cd through Paragon Rec. called " 'Daemonarchrist "Daemon Est Devs Inversvs.
defintly worth checking this band out as soon as you can.
Interview with Azmeroth guitarist for Heretical done by Patrick Ode To War webzine
1.Hails Azmeroth!! thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me. Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Azmeroth: Of Course. Heretical were born in 1994 when didn’t exist any kind of Black Metal yet, at least here in Sicily. At that time, it wasn’t absolutely easy to talk about extreme music, all were almost exclusively interested to the Grunge. Initially we were known as Immolator, and with that moniker we recorded three demoniac tapes: De Profundis ’94; Demonmetal ’95 and I.n N.omine R.ex I.nferi ’96; then, in 1996 after a series of problems we were forced to change name in the actual one, Heretical. Since 1996 to present we produced two albums, De Occulta Philosophia ’98, Ars Infera ’01 and two EP’s, Shub Niggurath ’97 and De Praestigiis Daemonum '04 and a series of demos and rehearsal tape.
2.The band was originally formed in 1994 under the name "Immolator" why did you decide to change the name and how did you come up with Heretical? Does it have a special meaning?
A: If I remember correctly, there are two main reasons. The first regards the similarity with Immolation, and such situation didn’t satisfy us; second reason was about OWL (first bassist and co-founder of the band) that in 1996 was fired from the band taking for himself the merits of the band’s name and creating too much confusion. Therefore, to avoid future problems about the rights, we decided to change name in HERETICAL, taking inspiration directly from a famous song of Possessed, “the Heretic”.
3.What is the current band line-up today? For the readers who have never heard your music how would you best describe it?
A. Today the Heretical’s line-up is formed by Azmeroth Szandor - Guitars (Bass Studio); Orias Howard - Keyboards and Vocals; Arymon Nema - Drums and the newcomer Argus Szator – Guitars.
It isn’t simple to describe my music, but I can try. Especially I want to describe our last album, a record more instinctive and direct which presents experimental tracks and new solutions that we have adapted to our style. We are very satisfied to final result. The new songs are very hard, violent black metal.
4.How did the band come in contact with Mike and Paragon Rec.? Are you happy with the job he did for the cd release? Do you all plan to work with him again?
A. I simply sent Deamonarchrist the promo to Mike and he immediately contacted me to propose me to be part of Paragon’s rooster. After months of consultations we decided by mutual agreement to collaborate. I’m absolutely satisfied also because Mike was very fast and we have an excellent treatment. I hope to carry on to collaborate with the Paragon Rec. in the future, even if I want to say that the Paragon will deal out the new album throughout the U.S. while for Europe will be the Beyond Production to deal out it.
5.How long did it take you all to write the cd 'Daemonarchrist "Daemon Est Devs Inversvs"? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one or two of you usually handle everything?
A. Really it was very simple to compose this album. I think I took a couple of months to compose it, while the recording was very complicated, we spent almost 4 years . To 90% I composed the songs, as for all the
albums of Heretical but unlike the previous albums in Deamonarchrist there was a good agreement with the other members of the band.
6.Who usually takes care of the lyrics? What are some topics you all write about?
A. The lyrics of the new album were written by me and Orias, in the specific case of Deamonarchrist we wanted to talk about the horrors of the Christian church, it is not a concept album but it has a theme that embraces each song.
7.Does Heretical play very many "live" shows/tours? Who are some bands you have shared the stage with? If you could set up a dream tour who are some bands {past or present] you would love to play with?
A. We don’t love very much playing live, because in Italy there are no spaces suitable for supporting a worthily black metal especially in the south, though things are slowly changing. Open for Venom and Danzig, it would be a dream.
8.Heretical comes out of the Italy scene I have been a fan of Italy metal for some years now what is your opinion of Italy's scene?
A. Honestly I don’ t see a big scene, metal is slowly dying in Italy. I don’ t think we are ready to a musical scene ... I am very sorry to say but it's the truth.
9.Who are some of your all-time favorite Italy bands? Are their any new bands you can tell the readers about?
A. For many years I loved Death SS, even if today doesn’t have the fascination a few years ago, then the Necromass, Bulldozer, Schizo, Nuclear Symphony, Electrocution. Among the modern bands I cite Krigere Wolf, Deathwork, Dormin, Khephra and many other.
10.You started Heretical back in 1994 what is your opinion of the metal scene today compared to the 80's and early 90's?
A. I am a nostalgic, today everything has changed. I miss so many things from the past, there’ s no the enthusiasm and the emotion of the past. Metal is in the process of extinction. There isn’t the passion that was once upon a time. Today we talk more and more about money and less and less of lifestyle, attitude, darkness.
11.What does Black Metal mean to you?
A. The life.............
12.Are you or any members of Heretical working/playing in other bands or solo projects?
A. I have many collaborations and projects as Lucifuge, Krigere Wolf, Deathwork, I also collaborated in the past with the historic thrash metal band Schizo ...
13.Azmeroth you play the guitars for the band when did you become interested in playing the guitars? Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first learning?
A. I am totally self-taught and that's okay. I would liked to study music, but it was impossible to do . I started playing for the first time when I heard the sound of an earthquake as Venom, thanks to them, I approached to the Black Metal.
14.Who are some of your influences/favorite guitarist? Do you play any other instruments?
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A. My favorite guitarists are Mike Scaccia and Brian McPhee. Yes!!! I also play bass guitar and drums.
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15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have anything you would like to add before we close the interview?
A. I would to remember that is came out our new album Deamonarchrist, a powerful record angry and dark.
Paragon Records
http:www.themetalunderground.com
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Interview with Despot done by Patrick
Here is a new Interview I have done with Marcelo of Despot if your a fan of Black metal then you really need to check this one-man band out from the Brazilian underground
Patrick
Dark Hails! when did you first get into metal? Who were some of the first bands you listened to? Who are some of your favorite bands today?
I got into Metal in 1996, when I was 11 years old. The very first Metal record I bought was Metallica's Kill 'em All. That same year I went to a Black Metal concert. The line up was legendary, though I did not know how much back then: Mystifier, Impurity and As Prophecies. After that show my interest in Metal veered towards the darkest things I could find and it's been this way since, though with time I discovered a lot of excellent music outside of Metal. Some of my favorite bands today are Celtic Frost, Triptykon, Mercyful Fate, 1349, King Crimson, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Candlemass, Gorguts, Bathory, Deathspell Omega, Judas Priest, Running Wild, Sarcofago, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Absu, Beherit, Mystifier, Yes, Death and Darkthrone, to name a few.
2.When did you get the idea to start Despot? How did you come up with the name for the band? Does it have a special meaning?
I took a break from playing guitar from 2005 to 2008 due to having to go to college and working a full time job. The problem was that even though I was not playing or writing anything, I kept hearing music in my head and I needed to realize those ideas. In 2008 my life was a lot more stable and I had more time to dedicate to music, so I bought a new guitar and started writing the music that would eventually become the first two Despot demos. This is how Despot was born.
About the name, I always liked small, catchy names for Black Metal bands. I considered other names too, but one of my favorite Sodom tunes, "Ausgebombt", has this verse:
"Political tyranny exercised by morbid despots".
I always liked the way Tom sang this line so I went with Morbid Despot, but I quickly ditched it in favor of just Despot. The word sends out a negative vibe too, so it fits the Black Metal aesthetics nicely.
3.Has Despot always been a one man band? Are you looking for reliable members to join Despot or do you prefer to work alone?
Yes. My wife wrote some of the lyrics for "Satan in the Death Row". Also, currently I'm working with a long time friend and audio nerd and he'll be doing the engineering of Despot's new EP, "The War Poems". Right now I'm not looking for other members because I don't have the time and energy to keep a fully functional band. But I might in the future. Who knows?
4.If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians past or present who would you love to work with?
I'd love to play in a band with Devin Townsend on guitars and vocals, Derek Rody on drums, Steve DiGiorgio on bass, Rick Wakeman on keys (one can dream, right?) and myself on rhythm guitar.
5.How long did it take you to write the songs on "Satan In The Death Row"? Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics?
I started writing the songs on "SITDR" about 6 months before I recorded them. The lyrics were all inspired by real life and fictitious accounts of religious and ideological persecution.
6.How has the response been from the fans and the press?
The response has been very positive. I only got positive reviews so far.
7.Is "Satan In The Death Row" still available if yes where can the fans buy it from?
Yes! You can stream it or download it for free (or pay as much as you want) at Despot's bandcamp page:
http://despotband.bandcamp.com
You can also buy it from iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/album/satan-in-the-death-row/id864167151
It will soon be available at other large mp3 stores like Amazon.
8.I read you are working on some new E.P'S when do you think they will be available? Are you looking for a label to release these or do you think you will release them?
The new EP's are part of a very ambitious project. It's a monument to long-term thinking. There will be 3 EP's titled "The War Poems" and they will be released in between full lengths. The plan is to release a full length every two years with EP's in between them. I released a full length last year (2013), so the first EP in the trilogy will come out later in 2014. Another full length is due for 2015 and the second EP will come out in 2016. After the third full length hits in 2017, the final EP will come out in 2018.
Right now I'm leaning towards finding a deal with a label, but if I can't find any I'll release them myself.
9.What does Black Metal mean to you?
Black Metal is a channel for negativity and despair. It manifests itself in the form of a wide variety of music. What is and what isn't Black Metal is open for interpretation and this ambiguity gives the style an aura of mystery and confusion that I love. I like toying with the idea of pushing the boundaries of the genre as far as I can while still retaining its oppressive, uninviting vibe. This allows me to write music that isn't based on Black Metal but that is still unmistakably Black Metal.
10.When did you start playing the guitar, are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?Who are some of your favorite/influences guitarist?
I started when I was 11 years old. I took lessons from 3 different teachers, none of them fans of extreme Metal, but I learned a lot on my own. I also have a ton of music theory and guitar books that are part of my daily practice routine.
My preference for guitarists changes a lot with time. Currently I can safely say that my favorite guitar players are Adrian Belew, Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour. I know this is kind of disappointing coming from a Black Metal guitarrist, but what can I do?
11.Marcelo you also handle the vocals when did you start singing? Who are some of your favorite singers?
I started doing vocals back when I started Necrocult. I shared vocal duties with the other guy in the band and our performances were wild, to say the least.
I really like the harsh vocals of Satyr from Satyricon, Paul Ledney from Havohej/Profanatica, Tom. G. Warrior from Celtic Frost and Triptykon, Rainer Landfermann from Bethlehem (you know, the guy who did that absolutely insane performance in Dictius te Necare), Fenriz and Nocturno Culto from Darkthrone, Quorthon from Bathory, Proscriptor from Absu, Wagner from Sarcofago and Diego from Mystifier. There are others I like, of course, but these guys are standouts in my book.
I'm also a huge fan of the clean vocals of Adrian Belew of King Crimson, Messiah Marcolin from Candlemass, Jon Anderson from Yes, Aaron Stainthorpe from My Dying Bride, Mats Léven from Candlemass and especially Therion, King Diamond, James Hetfield from Metallica before he lost his shit, Maynard from Tool, Bruce Dickinson from good ol' Maiden, Nick Holmes from Paradise Lost. Albert Witchfinder from Reverend Bizarre, and many others.
12.Marcelo you live in Brazil what is your opinion of the Brazilian/South American scene? Who are your all time favorite Brazilian bands? Are there any New Brazilian bands you feel the readers should check out?
I'm going to be honest with you: I don't feel like I'm part of a scene in any way. I don't hang out with groups of metalheads, I don't go to many live shows and I generally keep to myself. I think that musical taste doesn't define anyone's character and is not something relevant enough for me to bond with other people. It might make it easier to start conversations and such, but in the long run it's not enough.
When I was a kid, still finding out about the bizarre and contradictory world of Black Metal, I used to get a lot of hostility from older guys who didn't like the idea of a kid being into the music they liked. I mean, I was 12 and getting threats of physical violence from dudes in their late 20's. The result of this hostility is that you go to a Metal concert in Belo Horizonte and there are very few kids and the bands are just a bunch of 40-something guys whose lives went nowhere. That's the scene in Belo Horizonte for you. It sucks and it's obviously dying.
Most Brazilian bands I know of are more, say, conservative in their approach to writing music. If you're into the more traditional side of Black Metal I'd definitely recommend you check out In Nomine Belialis from Belo Horizonte.
13.Are you currently working with any other projects or bands? If yes please tell the readers about them?
Nope - Despot is the only musical output you're getting from me, though I can't say I won't get involved with other music in the future.
14.Well Marcelo we have reached the end of the Interview do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thanks for the interview! My message to the readers is this:
If you want to support Despot head to the bandcamp page, download the album, share it with other people who might like it and make sure you visit the Facebook page and "like" it so you can get updates directly from me.
Oh, and now you can make your iPod/iPad 1000% times more badass by buying "Satan in the Death Row" from iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/album/satan-in-the-death-row/id864167151
Here are the links:
http://despotband.bandcamp.om
http://facebook.com/despotbrazil
Monday, April 14, 2014
Interview wihth Skelethal done by Patrick
here is a new Interview I have done with Skelethal from France. the band recently released their new MLP "Deathmanicvs Revelation" through Iron Bonehead Rec. enjoy the interview
there are plenty of new Interviews and reviews coming
thanks for the support
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Jon Whiplash Drums and bass for Skelethal done by Patrick
1.Hello Jon please introduce yourself to the readers and when did you first meet Gui Haunting?
So I'm Jon Whiplash and I play in both bands, Infinite Translation (Thrash) in which I play bass guitar and Skelethal (Death Metal) in which I play drums and I played bass just for the last records.
I met Gui Haunting for the first time during a gig (I don't remember which one) but it's when he joined Infinite Translation that we really learnt to know each other.
2.When did you guys form Skelethal? For the readers who have never heard the band how do you describe your music?
Skelethal starts in the early 2012.
This is a Death Metal band. « Old school » is not really the good word because we think it's the only way to play pure Death Metal. We are influenced by a lot of bands and styles. The Swedish style is our biggest influence ( Entombed, Carnage, Dismember ), we are also influenced by others Death Metal bands ( Death, Autopsy, Bolt Thrower, Morbid Angel, Pestilence, Massacra, … ) but we both love 80's Thrash Metal, we listen to it as much as Death Metal, and I think you can hear it in our riffs. Gui is also influenced by the English Crust and Hardcore bands from 80's ( Doom, ENT, Heresy, Unseen Terror … )
3.It is yourself [drums,bass] and Gui Haunting[vocals,guitars] have you looked for other members to make it a full band or do you prefer to keep it a two piece band?
At the begnining, it was cool to be just two. Our personnalities fit very well but the will to perform live quickly came to feel.
That's why now we are four. Simon (Maleficence) and Hélène (Oratores Maleficum) joined the band as live session players. They both play guitar so Gui Haunting take the bass and vocals for the gigs.
4.How long did it take you all to write and record the songs on Deathmanicvs Revelation? do you both take part in the writing process or does one person do it all? Who usually writes the lyrics?what are some topics you all write about?
The songwritting process is often the same. Gui arrives at the rehearsal with ideas of riffs and structure, we develop it together and find the best drums rhythm. Solos and Lyrics (which talk about Death, Darkness and rotting stuffs) are the last steps. They are also songs on which I wrote the guitar parts. We are complementary, Gui's more attentive on the riffs and I'm more on the rythm.
About Deathmanicvs Revelation's recording we really did the whole by ourselves : recording and engineering. We did that at my school in September 2013. We had a lot of trouble with the equipment, so it got on our nerves, fortunately we were tight with our parts. We began with the drums, then all the guitars, the bass and we finished with the vocals. The recording process took like one week and after that and few time of enginnereing, I could start to draw the cover.
About the lyrics, Gui usualy write them even if sometimes we write together. For example, some part of lyrics was missing before the recording session of the demo so we wrote the lyrics beyond the beach eating ice cream. However, I wrote the 'Putrefaction' s one.
5.How has the response been from the fans and the press for 'Deathmanicvs Revelation'?
Deathmanicvs Revelation just came out so it's hard to tell. But the songs was available by digital listening and the first reviews are really hopeful.
6.Have you all started writing new music for the next release? how long does it usually take for you all to complete a song?
Yeah we have 3 songs which we are working on and are supposed to be on our next 7 '' EP.
The time to complete a song is very variable cauz' when gather, we have to balanced gigs rehearsal and writing time. So it depend is we have to practise for gigs or not.
7.Jon you live in France what is your opinion on the French metal scene?
I think France is not really a « metal » country, the largest part of the population have a bad idea about this kind of music. There is only a fistful of maniacs, especially in Brittany, where you can find bands like Hexecutor, Perversifier, Cadaveric Fumes, Demonic Oath … Those guys are all real Metalheads with the true spirit, whom we had great partytime with. Here in the North of France we are lucky to be near belgium, because their scene is really more active than the French one !
8.Who are your all-time favorite French bands? Are their any new bands coming out of France that the readers should watch out for?
I will mention Agressor (Neverending Destiny) and Massacra (Final Holocaust)
About the coming out bands, check question 7.
9.In your opinon what does underground metal mean to you?
Cheap beers.
Seriously, small festivals, moving your ass to the other end of Europe to support bands who really deserve it, never suck a cock to grow up your band.
Keep the listening of Tapes and Lps cauz many of underground bands don't release CD or shitty mp3.
10.Jon you handle the bass for the band when did you start playing the bass? Who are some of your favorite bass players?
I started the bass with Infinite Translation. In the begining of the band, we hadn't bass player. I played guitar but I took the bass when we started to perform live as I had a bass guitar at home.
After a few gigs, we realized that the trio was a good combination. It's only after like 3 or 4 years together that Gui Haunting joined the band.
My favorite bass player is Steve Di Giorgio and Dan Lilker. They both have a fucking sound and I love the way they play.
11.You also play the drums for Skelthal when did you start playing the drums? Are you self taught or did you take lessons?
I started to play the drums when I was 9 but I was'nt really good.
My parents enrolled me at the conservatory to learn music theory and when I had to choose an instrument, I chose the drums.
I had a no serious band during my high school in which I played drums but at the end, the « band » splitted up and I stopped to practise drums.
I came back behind the drums specially for Skelethal.
12.Who are some of your influences/favorite drummers? Do you play any more instruments?
My favorite drummer is Nicke Andersson (Entombed). He brings crazy stuff that make a simple guitar riff, a fucking auditory pleasure.
I also really dig in the Pete Sandoval's style.
As I said before, I 'play' some guitar but just to write song.
13.Thank you Jon for taking the time to do this interview with me.Do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you and cheers to all readers.
