interview w/mike z.owner of paragon rec.vocalist of dimentianon/sectioned.done patrick
metal hails!!!
here is a new interview i did with one my longest friends in the underground.if you have never checked out paragon records web-site/store defintly do it after you read this interview. tons of
metal{black,death,doom,thrash,grind,and more!} from some of todays bigger bands as well as huge variety of smaller more obscure bands,and labels. enjoy and keep the flames of metal alive and burning!! and mike is also the vocalist of dimentianon a very good blackend death metal bands.and sectioned a old-school pure death metal force.to check out the label and bands be sure to "click" the addresses at end of interview.
best regards
patrick and winter torment e-zine
http://wintertormentzine.blogspot.com
interview with mike z.co-owner of paragon records,vocalist for dimentianon and sectioned.done by patrick
1.metal hails brother!! how is your weekend been so far? please tell the readers a little about yourself.
Hey brother. i am ok. Just moved and went on vacation a little before that those things have been a little crazy. I am a 34 year old die hard metal head. That is all that is important i guess heh heh.
2.at what age did you start listening to metal? who were some of the first bands you listened to? was it long until you discovered the underground? who are some of your "current"favorite bands?
I first started with rock when i was a little kid and it gradually went over to metal as i wanted something heavier and with more substance. Some of the first metal bands i heard were the usual such as Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Bathory, Possessed, Kreator, SOD, MOD, Celtic Frost, Iron Maiden. Black Sabbath, Blood Feast, Hirax among some others.King Diamond was the one who changed it all for me though!! I discovered the underground in my teens when i first starting writing bands in 1991 i believe. The first band i wrote was Mega Slaugther from Sweden and i still have their 91 demo till this day and it's killer!!! I truly realized how big the underground was when i ordered the "gods of the pit" demo from belial of finland, because when he sent me the demo he sent me all these flyers of all these other bands who had demos and albums out that i didn't even know existed!! it really blew me away and it was truly an exciting time for me. i wanted to hear every single band i could get my hands on. I also use to order from Adipocere out of France for many obscure underground bands cds and 7"'s at the time. and though i am not in touch with him as much these days he is till a good contact of mine today. Some current favorites are Aldaaron, Embalmed Souls, Nomad, Allegiance, Beherit, Denial Of God, Blodsrit, Swallow The Sun, Burial Hordes, Aetherius Obscuritas, Faust, Asphyx, Necrophobic, Azaghal, Marduk, Cannibal Corpse, Gorgoroth, Forgotten Winter, Dreaming Dead, Deathevokation, Khors, Astrofaes, Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult, Megadeth, Kozeljink, Graveless, The Thorn, Deranged, Repossession, Act Of Fate [RIP], The Damnation, Thanatos, Frostmoon Eclipse, Blood Of Kingu, Death Invoker, Solgrav, Grafenstein, Sarkom, Osirion, Wisdom, Great Vast Forest, Dark Celebration, Spirit Of The Forest, Forgotten Words, Les Chants De Nihil, Svartsyn, Watain, Sinister, Requiem Aeternam, Darkestrah, Northwail, Velonnic Sin, Kozeljnik, Nihil Kaos, just to name a few and of course the one and only King Diamond/Mercyful Fate.
3.when did you guys form "dimentianon"? how did you all come up with band name does it have a special meaning?what is the "current"line-up? for the readers who have not had the chance to hear the band.how would you describe dimentianon's music?
Dimentianon was formed as a continuation of The Forgotten in 2002. But the way i personally see it the band was formed in summer of 1995 and we changed the name in 2002, end of story. The name Dimentianon comes from basically saying the name The Forgotten in Italian but we changed it by adding anon at the end. And it was Marc our original drummer who had this idea and our old guitar player Joe who added the anon at the end of it. Dimentianon's music is not easy to describe to a certain extent. But we are not the most original thing out there either. i always just like to say we are an "extreme metal band". but anybody who likes black metal, death metal, and even some doom or thrash can find things i think they would like with Dimentianon. We also do have an experimental side to us as well. It all fits in to what we call Dimentianon.
4.please tell the readers a little about each of dimentianon's releases? do you guys still have copies availble to the public? does the band have any other merchandise availble for the fans?
Here are the releases when we were called the forgotten and a brief description of each
The Forgotten/rehearsal demo/1997
our first recording, sloppy and not very professional but truly it was a great experience making it and a very exciting time for the band. easily our most primitive and primal release to date. they were all made by the band members and their were not many of them spread.
to walk the forest black demo 1998
our first official release. and there were a 1000 of these pressed and it was self-released. very professional looking tape and layout. still probably one of the most professional looking underground releases to come out of long island new york or at least that i have seen. it was a better recorded versions of the 2 songs from the 97 demo. it was also out first recording with a full line up. the mix got fucked up and some things should have turned out sounding differently then they did but this is also where we really started experimenting with samples and kind of bringing these songs out in a more professional manner. it has a very cool aura going on the whole time to i feel.
casket full of noise cd 1998
this was something our old drummer marc did on his own and it included 5 discs i believe of rare rehearsals and even some songs that were never released till this day. it also included rare photos, interviews, and reviews of the band. they were maybe 15 of these made. i also believe marc made a smaller version of it with just 3 discs of material and nothing else and their were even less of these made.
the grave demo 1998
this was a song where i really first started putting in my lyrical ideas with our old guitar player ed. it was also when we started branching out from what the original idea of what the band was suppose to be according to ed's vision who found the band. it also was a promo tape just to keep our bands name out there that we handed out at shows we played and to some contacts. again very limited and they were all made by us and it was a raw and brutal recording more like the debut demo but not as sloppy as that . it simply was "the grave" song recorded twice. both versions were slightly different then the other. their also was a recording of the grave that featured only ed on vocals. i am not sure if it was put on this tape and may only have been put on the casket full of noise release. to long ago to remember but it was a viscous recording that's for sure.
l'aldila full length 2001
our first full length. a lot of line up changes lead to this recording and it was a rough recording for us that we did all ourselves. but again it is viscous and is a very unique recording. i personally think this is one of my best vocal performances to date. it had all of the personality traits that the band had developed to this point. this was also the first release on Paragon Records and these were pressed to a 1000 copies all in blue jewel cases. It also featured Will [ex-Biolich, Buckshot Facelift] on guest vocals.
the forgotten/rigor sardonicous split 2002
this was by far our most professional recording to this point, and also our first and only release on vinyl up to this point as well. we did this in a real studio and you can hear that. this also features one of our most popular songs to date namely azarel. their are some flaws of course but it was a really nice piece of wax. these were pressed to 500 copies.
After the split 7" we changed the name to Dimentianon and we stated it on the back of the split 7" as well.
Untitled Demo, 2002
this actually does have a title but only the band members know it. This featured songs that would later appear on our 2nd cd Seven Suicides. Again it was a raw and brutal recording but with the line up changes to the band at this point we were getting tighter and more professional as a band. These we did have made up in limited quantities and after we got rid of all of them i believe we made some up ourselves for awhile and spread them.
Seven Suicides
This was the 2nd album and of course the first under the new name. And though we were in a professional studio for this we did do this all ourselves and you can hear that as well. it was a primitive and brutal recording. This came out on Paragon Records as well and was pressed up to a 1000 copies. Once again it featured Will [ex-Biolich Buckshot Facelift] doing guest vocals.
Promo 2005
This was a promo that featured songs that would later appear on our 3rd album Hossanas Novus Ordo Seclurum. This recording was again done by us and though it was not recorded in a studio it had a better recording then our 2nd cd. It also showed the band was getting faster and writing even more complex material.
Promo 2007
This was the same promo as 2005 other then the fact the cover was different and also it featured one tracks that took the place of one of the tracks on the 2005 promo. again done by us and it had a a good brutal raw recording. It also featured Will [ex Biolich, Buckshot Facelift], and Will Ramher [Mortician] on guest vocals.
Amores Defuntus Tuus Mater
Another split with Rigor Sardonicous and this time it was a cd. This was recorded in a studio as well and again was done all by us. and to this day it is was probably the most professional recording we have. Though i feel it could have had a more heavier production. It also featured a re-recorded song off l'aldila. this was put out by Largactyl Records out of California and was limited to a 1000 copies and is still available
Hossanas Novus Ordo Seclurum
By far the most brutal recording up to this point and it featured some of our most diverse tracks as well as heaviest. it also featured a Rigor Sardonicous cover. It had several guest vocal appearances such as G [Evol RIP], Will [ex Biolich, Buckshot Facelift], and Will Ramher [Mortician] amongst others doing guest vocals.This was released by our long time friend Anthony on his label Non Compos Mentis. It was pressed to 1000 copies and is almost sold out.
Promo 2008
This is a live recording when we opened up for Obituary, Merauder, Incasntation, Malignancy among others. and is our first live recording that we released. this also was the last recording for 2 of our members at that time. it is a brutal and primal recording and you can get the feel of the energy we have live. their are a few mistakes and the recording is not the best. but it is good for a live raw recording and we did have it mixed as well to bring out a better sound. we have spread probably close 5000 of these give or take and we still are spreading them today. originally we made them all up ourselves on cdr, but just recently we had a 1000 pressed up ourselves onto actual cd. these will continue to be spread until all the covers are gone!!!
that is it thus far. these are the items below that are still available
Amores Defuntus Tuus Mater split cd $12
Hossanas Novus Ordo Seclurum cd $12
Promo 2008 promo cd FREE
the merchandise we have right now are our one sided logo dimentianon t-shirts which are $12. they come in s, m, l, x-large, xx-large sizes. they are limited and they are going fast. we have a few stickers left as well which are free also.
We usually practice once a week as a band. It is not as often as we would like but with work and school it is the best we can do. The band has been in this situation for years so we are all use to it and we work the best we can with the time we have. Working on a new songs usually can take awhile but it depends how quick things come together. But even after a song is done and we jam it several times we sometimes go back and scrap it as we realize we do not like it after jamming it several times. But it can take several months if not a year sometimes to complete a song or a few songs or it can take a few weeks. We never know what is going to happen. We are all different and do not agree all the time on the ideas and we have to work with with the song to come up with something we all like.
6.does the whole band work on the music or does 1-2 members handle everything?who usually handles the lyrics? what are some subjects/topics you all write about?
On the music side everybody but me really works on it. i do not play an instrument. however i will give my view on whether i like a riff or an idea or not or even make a suggestion on a riff or drum part or something like that. Usually everybody or almost everybody in the band in the past has done lyrics for the band. For the most part right now though it is greg and i who handle them. but this will change as maureen, pete, and zolatn give more input by the day which is fine by me. A s far as topics we talk about some of the same topics as other bands do such as death , depression etc... But i personally try to touch on other topics that people would rather choose to ignore. As i feel they are far more interesting. And i will continue this as we go on. Also we have an approach to our lyrics that stands out i feel and you know it's us.
7.speaking of new dimenitanon music.has the band begun work on the new cd? how many songs will you have on the release?have you guys set a "release"date or time period you would like it done and released?
Yes we have, after we got the new line-up together, we started working on new songs, and in march and april of 2010 the new album will be recorded.
8.you are co-owner of the mighty paragon records! when did you guys decide to form the label? are you guys happy with how things have progressed over the years?
Jim found the label in late 1999. The idea behind the label was to put out the first album by our band The Forgotten since we were not getting the offers we wanted for the band at the time. Jim left at the end of May 2009 and i am now the owner of Paragon Records. i would not say we are satisfied really on any level and though it has been extremely frustrating we still really enjoy what we do or in jim's case enjoyed what we did. I personally really hope to make something big out of Paragon Records but on very different terms then most labels. But i will do this label until i decide i do not enjoy it anymore. But if we left a mark in the scene and all our bands, customers, traders, etc... were very happy with what you did then that personally means a lot to all of us.
9.you have released some great releases over the years.would you please tell the readers about some of your more "current"releases.
do you all have new/upcoming releases the readers should watch out for?
Thanx for the nice words i appreciate it. A lot of our releases are sold out. but here is what we have available right now
seges findere - bound by hatred 7" COMES IN 3 FORMATS BLACK/ARMY GREEN, BLACK/SMOKE
aetherius obscuritas - black medicine cd
faust - from glory to infinity cd
dark celebration - phlegeton: the transcendence of demon lords cd
khors - mysticium digi cd LITTLE OVER 30 COPIES LEFT!!!
copremesis - muay thai ladyboys cd VERY FEW LEFT!!!!
Here is what we have coming in 2010 so far.
Sectioned – Purulent Reality CD *Early 2010*
Khors – Flame of Eternity’s Decline / Cold DOUBLE CD SPRING/SUMMER *2010*
Darkestrah - The Great Silk Road CD [Repress] EARLY *2010*
Aldaaron - Nous Reviendrons Immortels CD EARLY *2010*
Aldaaron - Nous Reviendrons Immortels CD EARLY *2010*
Be sure to look out for these killer releases!!!!!!!!!
10.what would you say is the hardest and the easiest part about doing a label? do you have any advice for someone reading this who might be thinking of doing a label?
Time has to be the hardest. It requires a lot of your own time and it can be frustrating to do other things or just keep your mind focused on other things because the label is always on your mind. The easiest for me has to be i always come back to how much i enjoy it so much and know it's something i have always wanted to do. It makes it all worth while. My advice would be take it slow and make the label the way you want it to be. Do not sign to many bands all at once and allow your releases to have the time they deserve to get the exposure they need.
11.the distro section of paragon is huge with a lot of various metal styles and labels.but just curious if you had to pick what are your "personal"favorite genres of metal?
For me it will always be black metal and death metal!!! Their is always so much going on with those styles in my view. But i like some more atmospheric, doom/death, doom, heavy metal, gore/grind etc... bands to.
12.you gave me some pretty big news earlier this week.and that is in december.paragon will be ten-years old? when you all started the label did you ever think you would still be going strong after a decade? also you had some bad news one of the owners/workers will be leaving at the end of this year? will you guys try to have someone come in and fill his workload or will you just keep it the way it is?
Yes that is correct. I really am not sure to be honest with you. Never thought about it that much until i realized it was going to be 10 years this coming year heh heh!!! but it was a little shocking when it did finally cross my mind. Buddy one of the workers not owners is leaving at the end of the year. Greg and i will keep it between us and of course you Patrick will be helping us out with the my space site. Thanx brother!!!!
13.in your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground today? and what does "underground metal"mean to you? Worst. their are so many things.
Though the internet and such things as my space have helped things out it really has done a lot of damage to the underground. anybody and i do mean "ANYBODY" can be involved in the underground. and though it can make things easier you get a lot of people in this scene who just do not belong at all.
The shit talking or a lot bands saying i do not like 90% what is out their today is just annoying and makes no sense at all. I mean if you do not like 90% what is out their then you simply are not into the underground and do not care about it. their are some great bands that are out their!!! Just dig for them. I HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE AND I QUOTE "ONLY A FOOL IS APART OF SOMETHING HE HATES"!!!!!
Once your successful you are sell out mentality is just silly. It always amazes me that people had no problem with Celtic Frost, Possessed, Venom etc... being successful in the 80's but for some reason on the other hand will have a problem with bands like Vader, Cannibal Corpse, Watain, Marduk, Cradle Of Filth etc... doing the same thing. Again just jealously in my opinion most of the time. And again bands who do not what to tour the world and just want make albums and maybe never want to play live or just do a few shows on special occasions is a great thing to, but neither side should look down on what the other is doing. We all have different goals.
Some bands who fit into this so called "ELITE" category are also some of the most trendy and god awful bands i have ever heard. They should leave the scene or be removed as they have no idea the real history of the underground and truly what it stands for.
As far as the best things. The underground offers some of the best music you will ever hear. And you will meet some of the most dedicated and honorable people you will ever meet in your life here as well!!
What it means to me is simple. LIVE IT... BREATHE IT... BLEED IT...!!!!!!!
14.as if doing dimentianon and paragon rec. were not enough you also do vocals in the band sectioned.when did you join/form sectioned? what is the "current"line-up? how would you describe sectioned's music?
I joined Sectioned in 2006 the same year it was formed. The current line-up is as follows.
Zoltan - guitars
Sici - guitars
Cibi/Robin - Bass
Pete - drums
M - vocals
the music is pure death metal!!! If you like bands in the Swedish, Florida vein, as well as old Morgoth, Old Pestilence, you will like Sectioned.
15.in the past you have mentioned that a few of the members are from the great country of hungary.do you all find it hard to write/record music being in two different countries?
No not really. Zoltan writes everything and then records it to a drum machine. Which in all truth is better then most bands studio recordings heh heh!!! He then mostly leave the lyrics for me and i work out where i should be singing. Though it would be easier if we lived in the same country it really is not bad at all.
16.i know earlier this year you traveled over to hungary to play a few shows with sectioned
how many shows did the band play? how do you feel the shows went?
We only played one show which was a festival. The other show and again this one was a festival as well got canceled the day of the first show. It was very disappointing at the time. However the first festival was great. Though we had a few mistakes on stage, we were very heavy with a lot of energy on stage, and the crowd really got into it!!! Also we had such a great time hanging out their for the weekend we ended up not even caring about the second festival that got canceled heh heh!!!
17.how would you say the fans/crowds were different in hungary compared to the u.s? or did you notice much of a difference? any plans for sectioned to play/tour the u.s next year?
The crowd/fans was great!!!! Yes i noticed a difference. They are a lot more lose into being themselves i think then people are here. At least in New York anyway. Most people want to fit into something here i think instead of just being who they are. Even though they will tell you the opposite. Sectioned is looking to hopefully tour parts of Europe in 2010. But this is in the works and their are no concrete details i can give yet.
18.well brother i believe we are done.thanks a lot for taking the time out of your busy schedule to fill out this mamoth interview! once again congrats to you all for keeping paragon rec.alive ten years.hope to see it going strong for another 20-30.do you have any final comments for the readers?
20 or 30 huh heh heh??!!! i am not sure about that. But i can honestly say i will be a metal head until i am dead heh heh!!! Thanx to everybody for their support to Paragon Records through the years we truly appreciate it. Thanx to you Patrick for this great interview. Anybody wishes to contact me or Paragon Records my info is below. And remember Never Lose Heart!!!!!!
www.paragonrecords.org
http://www.myspace.com/paragon_records
www.dimentianon.com
www.myspace.com/dimentianon
http://www.myspace.com/sectionedx
email - cultm@msn.com
PARAGON RECORDS
PO BOX 879
MIDDLE ISLAND NY
11953 USA
