Wednesday, May 7, 2014

October 2013-March 2014 reviews/interviews

New Reviews for everyone to read for 3-30-14


Metal Hails
sorry it has taken so long to get these up but I had some shit I had to take care of first. I am back and new Interviews amd Reviews will be up soon
best regards
Patrick and Winter Torment web-zine





Agony Face--Clx Stormy Quiblings {My Kingdom Rec]

Agony Face are from Italy and have done a good job of mixing older tech death metal gods like atheist,cynic and later era death.with some progressive metal.crazy,fast guitars with some really good solo's and and patterns.The drumming is flawless and executed just right with some really fast drumming to a more mid-paced drum.The vocalist are screams with some deeper growls.Over all this band does a good job of mixing early tech death metal with some progressive. .

http://www.mykingdommusic.net/













Blood Mortized-The Demon,The Angel,The Disease

Ahh old school Swedish death metal one of the best and purest forms of metal period.It has defintly been way over done the last few years but Blood Mortized know how to play it and also keep it fresh.The bands third masterpiece is now available from Chaos Music and is filled with old-school Swedish greatness.heavy,raw guitars that speed up to ungodly chaotic speeds.The drums are vicious and fast with some mid-paced breaks.Vocals are raw screams and some deep growls.Highly recommended to old-school Swedish death metal.

http:www.chaos-records.com
















DragonHammer---The XExperiment {My Kingdom Music]

Itally's DragonHammer play a mix of epic power metal and some heavy meta[ and progressive thrown in.Usually I'm not a fan of power metal.But I found myself really liking this band.The musicans do a great job of creating fast whirlwind guitars that do a great job of mixing powere metal and some progressive metal.The drumming is just as creative and wild for that matter with all out drum attacks to more mid paced controlled speeds.i usually don't like the vocals in power metai but these vocals are amazing not to high pitched perfect blend of hard rock melodic and aggressive,deeper vocal patterns

http://www.mykingdommusic.net/



















Glorior Belli--Gators Rumble,Chaos Unfurs cd [Agonia Rec.]

This release from France's Glorior Belli is a wild ride of musical genres The main styly I would say is black metal but the musicans aren't afraid to expirement with new ideas like sludge and old school rock.mixed with their fuzzed out harsh black metal.Glorior Belli mainly stay in the mid paced range with some faster tempo changes. Fans of the more artistic and creative black metal should defintly like this a lot.










Khaos Aeon--Koenigreich [self released]

Germany's Khaos Aeon have released their debut cd eight songs of heavy mid-paced black metal and an all out assult with vicous blasting drums,raw,fast guitars with some mid paced riffs entertwined.. Vocals are blackend shrieks/screams.If your a fan of fast un-relenting black metal defintly check out Khaos Aeon debut cd today.

http;www.khaos-aeon.de







Profanatica--Thy Kingdom Cum cd,LP [Hells Headbangers Rec]

U.S black metal legends return with a brand new release Thy Kingdom Cum.Carries on the bands tradition of writing the most raw,primitive black metal ever recorded.thin,raw guitars pounding,fast drums and some of the most harshest,demonic vocals ever that go perfect with Profanatica raw,uncomprimising sound Fans of the band should not be disappointed at all and if your new to the band just think of raw,primitive blackness.at it's best.

Label

http;//www.hellsheadbangers.com










Sheol--Sepulchral Ruins Below The Temple 12 inch MLP [Iron Bonhead Rec.]

U.K based Sheol play some very impressive death metal.The two members of the band A.B.S{Vocals,Guitar and Bass] and A.H.S [Drums,Guitars have created some pure straight forward death metal fast chaotic guitars,heavy bass and some extremely fast drum work.but the drums do slow to a more mid-paced sound.The vocals are low deep death growls and fit perfect with Sheol style. If your a fan of straight forward pure death metal then this is a band you will want to hear soon.



Label

http;www.ironbonhead.de










Skelthal--Morbid Ovation cassette [Disharmonic Rec.]

From France comes Skelthal is now out for all the maniacs to hear.four tracks of dark death metal.raw guitars that will run you over like a tank.with their sheer speed and intensity.Heavy mid paced riffs and some solo's. and the drumming is just as chaotic and unpredictable going from mid paced to all out fast beats.The vocals are gruff,raw death growls fans of autopsy,incantation will love Skelthal debut demo.



Label Contact

http;//www.disharmonicrecords.bigcartel.com
















Skoll--Grisera cd [Ewiges Eis]

Skoll is the side prject/band of the mighty M.[The true Endless] Among other bands he worked/works with.M handles the vocals,guitars for Skoll presents his the newnest cd a more folk inspired black metal band.four songs that feature quite a variety metal style from somber with acoustic guitar,that are done beautifuly before the the band picks up the pace with icy,raw guitars.The drumming is done extremely well with slow to mid paced drums.M. vocals show a range of emotion mainllllly using the black metal shrieks but their are also some deeper death growls used in a few songs and even some clean vocal patterns and chants. defintly worth the price if your a fan of folkish black metal










Temple Of Baal--Verses Of Fire cd [Agonia Rec]

Temple Of Baal one of Frances best black/death bands release their fourth cd to date.Ten songs of fast,vicious blackend death metal. Blasting drums that are done to perfection and flawless guitars that are played very fast and chaotic but also have a great deal of skill to back them up. Temple Of Ball are not all speed they do slow it down to a more mid-paced on some tracks.





Label contact

http;//www.agoniarecords.com










Valkyrja---The Antagonist Fire cd [W.T.C Prod.]

Sweden's Valkyrja have released their third release 'The Antagonist Fire seven songs of violent straight forward black metal.The band takes no prisioners with their musical approach.With their guitars with fast riffs and some solos and mid tempo changes.Their drummer is godly on this release going from ultra fast blast beats to the more controlled mid paced style.The vocals are sick,demented blackend shrieks.Fans of violent Swedish black metal will love this release






Paragon Records Reviews

Hello Sorry for the delay and everything but here are some new reviews from the mighty Paragon Rec. hope you all enjoy them and more reviews and interviews are in the works.

Metal Hails













Elderblood- Son Of The Morning [paragon rec.]

Ukraine's ElderBlood play a symphonic and epic form of black metal that you will either love or hate.Personally I love this release as the band members are not trying to be someone else just playing what they love.The band uses a lot of emotion and their is some synths but they do it very well and it adds a nice layer of symphonic black metal.The vocals are blackend gruff screams that fit very well.If you are a fan of atmospheric black metal then defintly check this out soon.

http://www.themetalunderground.com/







Fornace--Pregnant Is The Night cd [Paragon records]

Originally released in 2012 through the Russian label Auto Dafe Mike from Paragon rec.heard a masterpiece and decided to release it.for the people who missed it the first time.Fornace comes out of the highly under-rated Italian black metal scene.Early ninietys black metal with some excellent melodic interludes and somber acoustic guitars before picking the pace with aggressive,faster black metal.their are some slower guitars almost doomish before going fast again.Fornace is a early nintes band but are not afraid to mix it up.with varied speeds.



http://www.themetalunderground.com/













Kozeljnik--Null:The Acheron Of Mutiform Negation Mcd [Paragon Rec.]

Serbia's Kozeljnik return with their second release for the mighty Paragon Rec. six songs of dark,eerie black metal.it's defintly black metal but

their is a lot going on with this band musically.mixing raw black metal guitars with some fast blast beats with some grim black metal.Kozeljnik also have a melodic side with deep clean male vocalsin a few of the tracks.Kozeljnik have released a great second release.




http://www.themetalunderground.com/













Permanent Midnight--Under The Blood Moon cd [Paragon Rec]

Permantent Midnight was a black,death band from the Pennsylvania scene.it's a shame they didn't last longer.After hearing this RE-release.Permanent Midnight play barbarbic black/death metal.Raw guitars pounding drums and demonic shrieks each song while primitive and straight forward the songs are different from one another.If you are a fan of nineties raw uncomprising black/death then get a copy of this before it sells out.




http://www.themetalunderground.com/
















Root--Kargeras cd [Paragon Rec]

Legedary Root from the Czech Repupbulic has been active in the scene for decades.and have had many releases as well as re-releases.Originally released in 1996 Kargeras is roots fourth masterpiece of dark heavy metal.slow to mid paced guitars excellent drums.Big Boss does a great job on his vocals.If you are a long time fan or a newer fan of Root this is a great release with some demo tracks incuded




http://www.themetalunderground.com/










Storm Breeder--The Knave cd [Paragon Rec.]

This is defintly not what I iwas expecting from Paragon Storm Breeder play semi melodic heavy metal.with a lot of great guitar work and solos.The music is not bad but not my favorite release from the label.The vocals are decent and the music is pretty good.If you enjoy progressive thrash with a lot of complex guitar work then defintly check this out soon.




http://www.themetalunderground.com/




Sunday, November 24, 2013

New Metal Reviews 11-24-13 done by Patrick

Hails!
here is some new reviews for everyone to check out while their on-line doing whatever it is you all do while your on here like.This time it's a little of doom,death and black mixed into one blog so hopefully you will find something to your liking!!
regards,and keep the flames of metal burning bright!



Disfigured Dead--Relentless cd {Butchered Rec/Sevared Rec.}
New York's Disfigured Dead's second release Relentless is a perfect title for their style of music.Ten songs of U.S brutal death metal with a early-mid ninties influence. Mid to fast paced guitars with some well played guitar riffs and solo's in the mix their is a mix of slower,heavier riffs and more thrashy/faster interludes.The drumming is just as frenzied and chaotic with fast and brutal blast beats before taking a slower approach to a more heavier mid-paced before picking up the pace again and attacking with blast beats.The vocals are brutal,deep growls.Defintly a must have for fans of mid-ninties brutal U.S death metal.

Label contact

www.butcheredrecords.com

www.sevared.com

band contact

http://www.facebook.com/disfigureddead




For-Blakaz Asko Herto MLP {Iron Bonehead Rec.}

Iron Bonehead Rec. unleashes the Sedish beast known as "For" on the bands newest Mlp "Blakaz Asko Herto" the band mixes in raw,heavy mid paced death metal with some dark haunting slow almost doomish guitar riffs and slow pounding drumming before the dark aggressive nature of the musicians takes over again with heavy mid-paced guitars and drumming.For never really go over the top with the speed or vicious style of death metal like some of Iron Bonehead's other recent bands instead sticking to the more morbid,dark heavy death metal style.

Label contact


http://www.ironbonehead.de







Malthusian-MMX111 Cassette,Cd {Invictus Prod}

Ireland's Malthusian have created some of the heaviest and bleakest death,doom metal these ears have heard in quite some time.Three songs of thunderous drums,heavy slow-mid paced guitars.The guitars are played at various speeds ranging from the normal slow,heavy chord to some faster,harsh mid-paced raw death metal riffs.The vocals are growls with some effects used that are done very effectively and fit Malthusian's music style and sound perfectly.If you are a fan of slow dreary,minimalistic death,doom then Malthusian is a band that is perfect for you.



Label contact

www.invictusproductions.net







Mental Killing Spree-Centrifuge Of Man cd {Self-Released}

Ahhh the gods of brutal underground death metal return! after hearing the 2008 demo Vae Victis {which can be downloaded for free on the bands F.B page!} I was hooked on this german's bands catchy,brutal and just plain vicious death metal style. Fast,thick guitars that build from mid-paced guitars to all out whirlwind,fast guitar riffs and masterful played solo's.The drumming is precise with the fast,blast beats chatic in some songs while other structures are more heavy,mid-paced drum beats.Timm's vocals are vicious deep death growls with some higher screams and fit perfectly with M.K.S musical style perfectly with Mental Killing Spree's original brutal death metal style.Fans of brutal straight-forward death metal are urged to check this band out today!



Band contact

http://www.facebook.com/mentalkillingspree







Mortal Decay-The Blueprints For Blood Splatter cd {Comatose Music}

Legends of New Jersey brutal death metal return after eight years of silence The Blueprints For Blood Splatter this is defintly a great comeback release and must have whether you are a long time Mortal Decay fan or a new fan just learning about this great band.After listening to these songs it's obvious the hasn't lost any of the fire or passion it ever had for this style of metal the band plays and mixes in brutal death with some technical guitars and even some influences from mid-late ninties death/grind gods for one of the years of best and most brutal releases.Danny Nelson {who most probably know from Malignancy} and his brutal,sick growls,screams are a perfect fit for Mortal Decay's brutal death metal style. This release should please both long time Mortal Decay fans as well as bring in a lot of new fans to the band who appreciate quality brutal,vicious death metal with touches of grind.



Label contact

www.comatosemusic.com





Possession-His Best Deceit cassette tape {Iron Bonehead Rec.}

Possesion from Belgium have released their demo with a little help from the mighty Iron Bonehead Rec.Starting with a small intro the band kicks in with some raw,fast blackend thrash metal.Raw guitars that are extremely fast and frenzied mixed with intense drumming start out to mid paced and build up to a faster,thrashier momentum.Vocally Possession have blackend shrieks and screams the band is defintly influenced by old school blackend thrash but also has a lot of their own ideas and mixes it together quite well.Fans of aggressive original blackend thrash with some death influences should check out Possession.



Label contact

www.ironbonehead.de





Prayer Of The Dying-Gods Failed Creation cd {Self-Released}

Prayer Of The Dying from Malta have returned with a brand new release of all new material.Main man Martin Ciappara{vocals,instruments} has some friends,musicans that help him out on Gods Failed Creation.As always Martin does a great job of writing and creating a unique style of blackend death with some doomish element.On the song "The Desert Inside" features females vocals which are only used in a few lines {and if I am not mistaken this is the first time martin has ever used female vocals with Prayer Of Dying} which sound really good and fit nicely with Martin's musicial writing style so hopefully he will consider using more female vocals in the future {as long as he does over do it like so many bands do these days} If you have heard past Prayer Of The Dying releases and liked them defintly! get Gods Failed Creation as it is the bands most creative and strongest release to date.


Band contact

http://www.facebook.com/pages/prayer-of-the-dying









Suffer The Wrath-Divine Sign Mcd {Self Released}

Suffer The Wrath is a new band out of the U.S death metal underground.Divine Sign is just a small taste of whats to come until the band can release their monster of a full-length in 2014{as far as I know no release date has been set yet but keep watching their web-site,facebook for updates} the four songs on Divine Sign are as solid as they come espically for a debut release.The guitars are heavy and fast but are also catchy and memorable with some great solo's entertwined the music.The vocalist does a good job mixing in death growls with some thrashy screams.Overall Suffer The Wrath are a very impressive new band that should not be over looked so do yourself a favor and buy this today! support the underground.


band contact

www.sufferthewrath.com









Zloslut-Zlosultni horizont-Donosilac Prokletstva,ocaja I Smrti cd {Dark Chants Prod.}


Serbia's black metal masters return with a full length after a couple of Mcd's and singles the band has their debut full-length.founding member Hunter{vocals,guitars,bass} and Lord Gryma{drums} have written and released Zloslut's most mature and best release to date.Musically Zloslut's style is primitive,raw,mid-paced black metal.while the guitars are raw and sometimes harsh sounding they are well-played and have some good sections of excellent musicianship. Hunter's vocals approach is raw violent screams and vicious shrieks.Lord Gryma's drumming is really keeping pace with Hunter's

guitars and vocal patterns which range from mid-to fast range.If you enjoy raw,mid paced black metal that mixes in their own ideas should defintly check out Zloslut soon!



band contact

http://zloslutserbia.webs.com











Interview with Temple Of Baal done by Patrick 11-24-13

France's Temple Of Baal have been a favorite of mine their previous releases have been extremely masterful blackend masterpieces each one getting a little better {and more vicious} then the last.Well the fourth and newest one "Verses Of Fire" through Agonia Rec. is pure genius mixing the violent,blasphemies of black metal and brutality of death to a sound all of their own.
read on to hear what bass player Arkdaemon has to say about the newest Temple Of Baal cd,the scene and more!!
regards,
Patrick

Interview with Arkdaemon bass player for Temple Of Baal,done by Patrick


1.Hails Arkdaemon! thank you for taking the time to fill out this interview for Winter Torment.When did you first get the idea to form Temple Of Baal? How did you all come up with the name of the band?Does it have a special meaning?

Arkdaemon : Hey, thanks for the interview. Actually I'm not the creator of the band, Amduscias already had the full concept and the first tracks when he looked for musicians. It was a strange period, one-man bands was constantly appearing, multitrack recorders and drum machines were more and more easy to buy, and raw sound was almost a standard for black metal. I think from the beginning Amduscias wanted to have a full line-up, with a band spirit and the ability to perform live. So, a night, back in 1998, I think it was at Antaeus Mkm's place, we formed the first core of the band, it was way more Thrash-Black Metal, but the intensity and the original vision are still burning from that day.


2.What is the current line-up for the band?For the readers who have never heard Temple Of Baal's music how would you best describe it?

The current line up, besides Amduscias and me is completed by Skvm (drums) and Saroth at the guitars, who is replacing our previous guitarist, Alastor, who took part of the recording and composing of Verses of Fire. The best way to qualifies our music is certainly, in my mind, "Black Metal" but you can surely note that music-wise we are way closer now to Death Metal. While I really don't like genres and sub-genres and meticulous classifications, "Blackened Death Metal" comes a lot in reviews and third parties description, I think it may be the more efficient way to describe us.

3.Temple Of Baal just released their third masterpiece "Verses Of Fire" through Agonia Rec. how long did it take the band to write the songs for this release?Did the whole band take part in the writing process or does one or two members usually handle all the music writing?

It's actually our fourth album, I think we spent at least two years and a half to get the tracks in their final versions. Amduscias wrote 8 tracks and Alastor the two remaining ones. That's how we worked, they bring the tracks and the band as a whole work on the arrangements until we are all satisfied by the result.

4.Who usually handles the lyrics for Temple Of Baal songs? Where does the band draw inspiration for the lyrics?

Amduscias is, he has a vast culture and is highly intested in many different arts and cultures. Crowley, amongst others, inspired some tracks in Verses of Fire.

5.Are their any upcoming tours or shows planned for in support of "Verses Of Fire"? If yes where are some countries,places the band will be heading out to play?

Nothing totally confirmed now so I won't spoil anything, but there are many countries we never had the opportunities the play, as Germany, England, Eastern Europe etc. I have high expectations for the year to come. Playing live is a very important component of the band so we are doing our best to play when we can.


6.Who are some bands Temple Of Baal have shared the stage with over the last few years? If you could set up a "dream" tour who are some bands you would like to share the stage with?

I honestly can't list the bands we played with these last 15 years of existence, but our very last gig was already pretty impressive. It was the Wolf Throne fest, here in France, and there were no least than Antaeus, Demigod, Disma, Dead Congregation, Proclamation, Destroyer 666, Ritualization etc etc. It was one hell of a fest. I'd like to play with Archgoat and if you want an impossible wish, it would certainly be Funeral Mist.

7.Everyone has their own idea,opinion on what black metal means to them.So I was interested in your opinion what does black metal mean to you?

Black Metal means Satanism. It's pretty simple I guess. a more subject to opinion is what is Satanism to you. Some organisations or churches exist, but none of them are canonical representatives of the movement. So we have the luck to be free to find our own left hand path.

8.Temple Of Baal come out of the French black metal scene,there seems to be a good metal scene in France right now would you agree with this?What is your opinion of the French black metal scene?

There is more than 65 Millions of souls in France, of course you can find some good bands, why not ? I enjoy a lot of French bands, but I don't really care if you want the truth. I don't feel the need to prove than a french band deserves to be listened, at least not only because of that. My opinion on the French black metal scene is almost the same than in all other countries : a few maniacs,

9.Who are some of your all-time favorite French black metal bands? Are their any new bands that you can think of that the readers should check out soon?

The all time favorites would be two actually. Antaeus and Arkhon Infaustus, but it's hard not to speak of Mutiilation, Deathspell Omega, Belketre etc... "New" ones would be Necroblood, Ritualization, Christicide, but most of these bands are not really new I guess.

10.Coming back to the band for a moment you handle the bass for the band?When did you first starting playing the bass?Are you self taught or did you take lessons when you were first learning how to play?

I was a guitar player for an other band when Amduscias asked me to try the bass in his band, I began like that, I think I learned very slowly how to use the bass differently than a guitar and I still don't see myself as a proper academic bass player.

11.Besides the Bass do you currently play any other instruments?If yes which ones.

I'm still playing the guitar in Hell Militia.

12.Well Arkdaemon thank you for taking the time to fill out this interview with me.Do you have any final comments for the readers here at Winter Torment web-zine?

Thanks for your support. AMSG.




Monday, October 21, 2013

Interview with Craven Idol done by Patrick 10-21-13 done by Patrick

Metal Hails!
Here is a interview with a new band from the U.K's underground playing old-school blackend death with an aggressive touch to it.The trio has just released their debut cd "Towards Eschaton"{which I believe will also be released on vinyl for all of the old-schoolers out there} through the mighty Dark Descent Rec.
enjoy and defintly be sure to pick up a copy of Towards Eschaton you will not be disappointed!





Interview with Vrath vocals,guitarists for Craven Idol done by Patrick



1.Metal hails Vrath how is life going in the U.K? Please introduce yourself to the readers.


Life’s just fine here in North London. Winter is creeping in with warnings of its impending fierceness populating the headlines. Whilst these cautionary words may be alarming to some, as a native Finn I welcome the mellow breezes of hibernal Britain with soothing nostalgia to my homeland, which I left in the mid-nineties, having also lived in Germany, Switzerland and France also. I’ve been active in the UK metal scene for a decade now, playing in a number of bands.




2.At what age did discover the metal scene? Who were some of the first bands you listened to? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?




I’ve had the fortune of growing up in a somewhat musical family, where vinyls of acts like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC were regularly spun. As countless others, I was always attracted to the unique sounds of Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden, and in my early teens I became curious of what else was out there. Through Judas Priest, I became increasingly interested in the NWOBHM (although they are not generally accepted as a part of said movement), and perhaps the most pivotal bands for me were 1. Satan – who made me realise the richness of the ‘underground’, of a whole hidden scene. 2. Venom – for introducing me to a more extreme take of it all. I became absolutely possessed by Venom and so my journey into the extreme began.



As a music journalist, I listen to music near incessantly. I can definitely confirm that there is a lot of soulless metal out there, void of any spirit and fully loaded with modern technological vanities.



But obviously music finds a way. In Dark Descent, Craven Idol have the fortune to work with undoubtedly one of the best labels around today – bands like Vorum and Lvcifyre are amongst the best there are. I am also utterly possessed by the new Zemial album Nykta – a release that truly defies/transcends trends and scenes. I also listen to loads of Realmbuilder.




3.When did you and the other members of Craven Idol first meet?Was it long until you formed Craven Idol? How did you all decide on the band name does it have a special meaning?




The core of Craven Idol is Vrath and Scourger. We met at a metal related event at university – both of us new to London and eager to start a band. A rehearsal room in the cellar of Scourger’s residence provided a meager but adequate platform for the writing of our debut demo. The creative chemistry between the two of us was immediate and I would say the band was born at our first rehearsal.



A literal reading of the name Craven Idol might be ‘cowardly object of worship’. The name was devised in reference to the human tendency to venerate things perceived to mask or mitigate our own failings. It is most applicable to the grief cult surrounding the person of Jesus, but can be seen to some extent in all religions and dogmatic movements.




4.What is the current line-up of the band? For the readers who have never heard Craven Idol's music how would you best describe it?




We are currently experimenting with a new line-up so nothing is set in stone. The formation on the album was Vrath – vocals, guitars, Scourger – guitars, Suspiral – bass, Volgard – drums.

Volgard unfortunately left the band during the album’s mixing process.



I find it next to impossible to put my music into words, as this would inadvertently lead to the use to misleading genre-tags. Craven Idol is the sum of a vast variety of musical fancies, reaching from Candlemass to Belial, from Bathory to Venom, from Manilla Road to Razor. If a tag is to be placed, I recommend ‘extreme metal’, as it’s a tag loosely associated with the emerging death and black metal acts of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s.



5.Craven Idol just released their debut full-length Towards Eschaton" through Dark Descent Rec. How did you all come in contact with the label?





I had been a fan of Dark Descent Records for years and once Volgard provided us with the album master I undertook my usual, unfailing routine of sending promos to labels. DD topped my list and I was delighted when the label expressed interest in releasing our debut. I’ve met label boss Matt Calvert since, a true die-hard, who revealed to me that Craven Idol was the very first band he signed based on a promo.




6.How long did it take Craven idol to write the songs for the debut?Did the whole band take part in the song-writing process or did one or two members handle all the song writing for the band?



As mentioned, the core of Craven Idol is Scourger and I, we are the primary song-writers of the band. We both write about half of the material. The material on the record was written between 2006 and 2012, song like ‘Left To Die’ stem from some of the bands initial writing sessions, and we’ve worked them to fit ‘Towards Eschaton’. Ex-drummer Volgard had a say in the cration process as well, being a brilliant song-writer. He was a big loss for us and we’re recovering.





7.Which usually comes first when writing a new song the lyrics or the music? Who usually writes the lyrics? What are some topics/subjects you all write about?





Music. Whilst I’m heavily inspired by lyrics for many of my other projects, I find that with Craven Idol there’s a certain aura that takes over when writing the music.

Scourger has been the solitary lyricist for the band thus far. The album covers themes ranging from necromancy and mythology to biblical scenes and prophecies; all of which orbit the central notion that humanity attaches irrational emphasis to deities, legends and beliefs not rooted in evidence. To do so is to drag civilisation towards Eschaton, the End Times.




8.Does the band have any upcoming shows or tours to tell the readers about?If yes where are some places Craven Idol will be playing?





We are making plans as I write this, but nothing definite as of yet.




9.Who are some bands Craven Idol has shared the stage with? If you could set-up a dream show/tour who are some bands you would love to share the stage with?






We’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with many of our idols, most notably Inquisition, Nifelheim, Impaled Nazarene and Sadistic Intent.

There are countless acts I would love to share the stage with… however, that would be too long a list to get into right now. See above for some of my current favorites.





10.Vrath you handle the vocals for the band when did you become interested in singing? Who are some of your influences,favorite vocalists?






I started by singing along to my parent’s vinyl collection as a young kid. Then during my adolescences I lived with my parents at a house in the south of France, which came replete with a stone-walled cellar. I managed to save up for a Marshall Valestate guitar amp and was free to make as much noise as I could. Waved on by the spirit of Venom and Bathory I did just that. As there was no one else there to do the singing, I had to learn myself; the metal scene in the south of France really is (was?) nearly nonexistent.



I’m inspired by a number of vocalists but have never set out to imitate anyone… so naming anyone would just be misleading. I’ve been compared to a number of US old school/extreme vocalists, which I suppose is accurate. Pronunciation is key.



11.Do you do anything special to keep your throat/voice healthy when recording or preparing for a Craven Idol show?





I had a few vocals lessons some years back that help with stamina and power. They are basic breathing exercises really, but they really do make a difference. I’ve never had any issues with singing/screaming hours on end, so no other precautions have really been necessary.






12.You also play guitars for the band when did you start playing the guitars?Are you self taught or did you take lessons? Who are some of your favorite guitarists?





I’ve been playing guitar for near 15 years now. Besides of some very basic guitar lessons from my father, I’m self-taught, although I must admit that Scythian guitarist Satyrus’ teachings completely revolutionised my playing style. So whilst I’ve never had actual lessons, I’ve taken pointers from countless guitarists. I’m very curious to learn and have been known to start side projects/play session stints just to learn a new style of playing.



I wouldn’t say that I have pack of favorite guitarists… as with vocals I aim to play/sound like no-one else… to the great misfortune of many a band-mate.




13.In your opinion what does the term "Underground metal" mean to you?





There really are countless underground metal scenes today. Underground metal has come to mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Alas, oftentimes the notion of being part of a ‘scene’ has overtaken what’s important: the music itself. I could talk ceaselessly about the things that are wrong with metal, but kindred spirits will know what I mean.



On the other hand the underground is about a freedom of expression, and the networks that I am part of all swear by the same gods of old… the only true gods of metal. We are torchbearers, sworn to keep alive the spirit of a time when metal was pure and fresh, rather than over-polished, commercialised rubbish.




14.You and the band come out of the great U.K underground metal scene.There seems to be a growing metal underground scene within the U.K. would you agree?What is your opinion of the metal scene in your country?





As mentioned above, as with any scene, the majority of bands involved are worthless garbage, usually formed to abide by meaningless trends. The metal scene worldwide is suffering from the curse of worship… no longer is originality the goal, but rather the precision of mimickery.



Outside London the UK metal scene is very small indeed, unless you’re into mallcore that is. Any band that has toured the UK, has undoubtedly made bad experiences playing in a pub cellar to the landlord and his dog. There simply isn’t the demand for metal.

From time to time a good promoter will come along – for example the lads of Bro UK up north in Newcastle. Despite their efforts they are damned to face the lack of interest of lazy ‘metal fans’, who rate downloading and procrastination higher than attending a gig.



This said, there have been great leaps forward in the UK scene in the last decade or so, but obviously I’m bias, as I enjoy a very limited amount of new bands… so even the injection of five decent groups into the mix would feel like a watershed of talent.




15.Who are some of your all-time favorite metal bands from the U.K?Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?



I’m a great admirer of the NWOBHM, talking bands like Satan, Desolation Angels, Witchfinder General, Pagan Altar, Venom, Witchfynde, Angel Witch, just to name a few.

The current scene is also has plenty to offer in form of Esoteric, Grave Miasma, Cruciamentum, Sepuku, Indesinence, Lvcifyre, Salute, Spearhead, Razor Of Occam, The One, Macabre Omen, The Wounded Kings, Funeral Throne,etc. I can also recommend checking out my other bands Scythian, Sepulchral Temple and Crom Dubh. Scourger also drums for the epic doom pioneers Solstice, as well as speed metallers Deceptor.




16.Well Vrath thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out.Do you have any final comments for the readers before we end the interview?





All hail the winter torment! Stand up against the raging tide!

http://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/towards-eschaton


To order the cd or LP of "Towards Eschaton" {or anyone of the GREAT Releases of D.Descent rec.} go to.
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com

Monday, October 14, 2013

Interview with D.J Heretic{Ber.} of Blasphemous Serenades,The Inquisition done by Patrick

Here is a new interview with a D.J Heretic from BER. after hearing his black metal show "Blasphemous Serenades" I knew I wanted to interview D.J Heretic and learn more about the man and his shows.Enjoy the interview and be sure to check out the BER site for showtimes and tune-in!! for all the quality metal you can handle.





Interview with D.J Heretic of Blasphemous Serenades and The Inquisition radio shows 10-14-13{on B.E.R} done by Patrick



1.Metal hails D.j Heretic How is your week going so far my friend? Please tell the readers a little about yourself.



It's Monday for me at the moment and I have the day off of work, so it's about as good as a Monday can be. Hahaha.



About myself, I'm 42 years old, married, kids, a house, a dog, a cat. I'm retired from the US Navy after 22+ years of active service and just really enjoying no longer being at the beck and call...



2.At what age did you first start listening to rock/metal music?Who were some of the early bands you listened to? Who are some of your current favorite bands?

I started listening to rock/metal in 1983, when I was 12. I started out with Van Halen, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Quiet Riot, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, etc.

I'm pretty much into the majority of metal styles and bands I listen to a lot are Enslaved, Borknagar, Death, Aosoth, Gorguts, Vintersorg, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor, Blut Aus Nord, Behexen, Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, Rainbow (mostly Dio era), Deep Purple, Dio, Whitesnake (yes, Whitesnake), Fleshgod Apocalypse, etc. I'm sure that's a good representation of my tastes.



3.When did you discover the internet-radio station BER? Was it long until you joined their ranks as a d.j? How did you come up with the name of your radio shows?



I started to listen to BER in May of 2010 after I went to Maryland Deathfest and met someone that was a DJ on the station. It was then August of 2010 that I started hosting "The Inquisition" on BER.

4.Are The Inquisition and Blasphemous Serenades the first shows you have ever d.j'd for?I believe you told me you did a college radio show as well.Is this something you thought of doing professionally when you were younger or more of hobby/just for fun?



Actually, No. When I was 17 in highschool (1988/1989) I was friends with a guy that went to college in my home town and was the student station manager of the college FM radio station. They were short of DJs to fill out a metal day, and my best friend Jess & I were asked if we'd like to try it out. We did and considering the size of the school, station and our town it was a pretty successful run for us.

After that, I was in the navy and did nothing radio wise, until I started on BER.



5.For the readers who have never heard your radio shows on BER. how would you describe. What styles of metal,music do you play on them?



We have a bit of it all (except Nu-metal) none of us seem to like that much. Death, black, power, symphonic, Brutal death, doom, sludge, stoner, pagan, viking and even punk are all represented on BER.



6.If any bands or labels,P.R companies etc.. are reading this where can they send you submissions for you possible air-play?


They can send it to me directly at Heretic@brutalexistenceradio.com or they can send it to submissions@brutalexistenceradio.com and it will then be forwarded to the DJs that it best fits their show(s).



7.What would you say makes a good radio show? Would you have any advice for anyone reading this who might be thinking of trying out their own radio show sometime soon?



The first and easiest answer is a love of the music you play. I've listened to a lot of radio in my life and if the DJ doesn't care or doesn't like what they're playing it's pretty obvious and that's a huge turn off.


After that, to do a show on a station like BER, you need a pretty good collection. We play what we own. There is no library of tunes like a big stations and not all of us have the contacts to get freebies from bands or labels. I have been lucky enough to make friends of some bands/band members and they graciously send me stuff to play, but I'd say about 90% of what I play on my shows is stuff I have bought myself.



8.I know you have been a "fan" of the metal scene since the eighties so I was wondering how do you feel the metal scene has changed over the years?Do you feel technology has helped the scene grow over the yrs. or do you miss the days of "printed" fanzines,tape-trading etc..?



Well, one way that technology helps is the world wide reach of the internet. There really is no more mystery in music buying. You can hear entire albums online before you ever buy it.

Of course, technology has also made it easier to steal music per se. I love being able to BUY digital downloads, especially when I want to debut something on one of my shows and can't run out to a store to buy it in time. I'm not a fan of illegal downloading though. That's not really supporting the scene in the right way.

Growing up, one of my favorites things was to run to the local book shop to pick up the latest Circus, Hit Parader, etc magazine (yeah, I'm dating myself...Hahaha). I'll be honest though, at this point in my life I'm just as happy to get all my news online. I have a family and kids and my house is already cluttered. Old magazines laying around is the last thing I need.




9.In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground?And what does the term "metal underground" mean to you?



The term to me, means hard working musicians that are doing music that they love and just trying to fulfill dreams of being in a band. Growing up I wanted to be, but I was never able to succeed because of the amount of time the Navy took up in my life. I was briefly in a band that never made it out of the garage, but it was a great time and I’ll have those memories forever.

The best of the underground are the bands that do it because they love it. They write and record and just want nothing more than to get their music out to the world. I’ve had people that send me their music and when I play it on air on BER, they are just over the moon happy to know that the music is getting out there and it’s going to be heard.

The worst: that’s a more difficult question. I think to my mind it might be the attitude of “unless it’s underground” it sucks. The elitist mindset that if more than 100 people like it or listen to it at one time, it must be mainstream and suck. As an example, I’ve heard people say that Emperor only had one good album, and then they started to suck. Ok, why? Is it because after “In the Nightside Eclipse” they started to experiment and grow and mature as musicians? THAT is crap...any band that puts out the same album time after time after time...well, that’s what sucks.






10.Besides the radio-shows I know you enjoy reading books,is reading something you have always enjoyed?Who are some of your favorite authors? What about books?I know a lot of books get turned into movies do you usually watch the movie or do you feel they loose something from the print to big screen?



I've been an avid reader since I was around 8. I'm a fan of sci/fi & fantasy, Historical novels and philosophy. Favorite authors include: JRR Tolkien, Roger Zelazny, David Eddings, Jeff Shaara, Anne Rice (she's hit or miss with me, but I like a lot of her stuff), Dan Brown & Thomas Harris. I'm also a big, big, BIG fan of Star Wars and read a lot of the novels.

As for movies made of books, I will generally watch them, but I'm also almost always hyper-critial and hate when they take way too much artistic license. I enjoy the Lord of the Rings movies, but I also don't like how much they were altered (The Two Towers especially, it's nothing more than a decent movie VERY LOOSELY based on a good book).





11.Speaking of movies do you watch a lot of movies or mainly read and listen to music? what are some of your favorite movies of all-time? What makes a good movie in your opinion?



I listen to music & read much more than I watch movies, but that hasn't always been the case. Some of my favorite movies are Star Wars (all 6 of them...YES, even the prequels). Excalibur, Silence of the Lambs & Red Dragon, The Harry Potter movies, Dredd (the good one, not the one with Stallone, though that movie is a guilty pleasure of mine too, simply because I'm a huge fan of Judge Dredd), Lincoln, Gettysburg, Gods & Generals, The Lion King, Evil Under the Sun, Death on the Nile, Star Trek (most series & movies) and Cheesy 80s horror movies.

A good movie captures and holds my imagination and removes me from the real world for a time.

Also, my current favorite anything is Doctor Who.



12.Who are some of your favorite actors and actresses?



Oh wow, this question should be easy, but it's not. hahahaha

Gary Oldman is a huge fave...he can play just about any type of character with flare.

Christopher Lee, David Niven, Peter Ustinov (whom I share a birthday with), Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Alex Kingston, Billie Piper, David Tennant, Christopher Eccelston, Richard Harris, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Sally Field. A lot of older ones as you can see...hahahahaha


13.Well Heretic thank you for taking the time to fill out this interview! keep up the killer work on the shows I've enjoyed them for awhile now.Do you have any final comments for the readers be we end the interview?


Thanks for taking the time to get to learn more about me. Thanks to those that have listened and will continue to listen to not only my shows but ALL the show on BER, we greatly appreciate it.

www.brutalexistenceradio.com

If any bands,labels would like to contact D.J Heretic directly can contact him through this email.
heretic@brutalexistenceradio.com

OR if you play band more along the lines of a brutal death,grind,technical,doom etc... then be sure to send it to this email email and it will be sent to the d.j/show which it fits best. submissions@brutalexistenceradio.com



Sunday, October 6, 2013

Interview with Cvinger done by Patrick 10-6-13


Dark Greetings,
Here is a new interview I did with a new black metal from Slovenia! the band has not been around for long but has already releady a impressive Self-released debut MCD "Monastary Of The Fallen"
the band will be a force to be reckon within the black metal underground in the next few years if they keep releasing fierce,quality black metal like that on that on the Monastary MCD.So check out the interview and then check out the band's sites and SUPPORT D.I.Y,Underground metal/music and BUY THE RELEASE!!
blackest regards,
Patrick


Interview with Cvinger,done by Patrick


1.Greetings how are things going in Slovenia for you all? Please introduce the members of the band to the readers.How did you guys come up with name of the band does it have a special meaning?


Lucerus
Hails it has been better, economy is fucked, but hey isn't it everywhere. Cvinger is a 3 member band with guitarist Bagot drummer Krieg machine and vocalist & bass Lucerus. The Cvinger is an old Slovenian name for a cemetery wall where people who committed suicide were buried. Also it was a first defence wall in the midlevel ages.



2.For the readers who have not heard Cvinger's music yet how would you best describe it?


Lucerus
We play very blasphemous type of black metal. No happy stuff just pure dark, evil, misanthropic music.

3. Cvinger just released the debut Mcd "Monastery Of Fallen" how long did it take the band to write the songs for this release? How has the response been from the metal fans the metal press so far for this release?


Lucerus
It took us six months to write, record and mix it, and I enjoyed every second of it. The response is good for a new band on the scene without any gigs. The reviews are quite good and a lot of people like our music. Most of them come out of states, Brazil, France, Portugal even some from Norway.



4.Where can the fans buy "Monastery of Fallen? Does the band have any other merchandise at this time you all are selling besides the E.P?


Lucerus
You can buy our EP on our bandcamp or official band site www.cvinger.com. You can also get a T-shirt of monastery of fallen and our demo/single abyss of horns. We have also some packages that include T-shirt and the EP Monastery of fallen. On ebay seller Metal Monastery has our stuff and he is also direct support.



5.Does Cvinger play very many live shows or you do all prefer working in the studio?Who are some bands you have shared the stage with?


Lucerus
We haven't played any gigs yet but we also haven't searched for them, so I can say that at this moment we are a studio band. Next year we are going to have some festival gigs in Europe. And maybe if there will be a chance we will come to states to.



6.If you all could set up a "dream" show who are some bands you would love to share the stage with?


Lucerus
If you are asking me about black metal bands than I must say Mayhem, Marduk, 1349… and death metal bands Morbid angel, Deicide, Nile.



7.Cvinger just made a video for their song "Monastery Of Fallen" when did the band decide to make a video? how long did the process take to make the video?


Lucerus
We already started making the video in January but we weren't satisfied with the material that we shot back then so we reshot it three weeks a go. We filmed it one day and we used another three days to put it together and produce it.



8.Are you guys happy with how everything turned out with the final video?Do you have any plans to make more videos in the future?


Lucerus
Yes we are happy with it. This is and will be the only video for this EP. We will shoot another one for the full length album that will probably come out before the summer of next year. And we hope that it will beas good as this one, or even better. Harder and darker then this one.



9.Coming back to the music for a moment has the band started working on new music for the next Cvinger release? Any idea will it be a full-length or e.p?


Lucerus
Like I said we are writing new material for a full length album that is coming out next year before summer.



10.When the band begins working on a new song song how long to usually finish the music?Does the whole band work on the music or just one member handle on the writing process?


Lucerus
Bagot and Krieg are writing the music I write the lyrics. After that we put all the things together and shape them in to songs. After that I start with all other ideas as clean vocals, gregorian chants, latin recitals, and so on..



11.Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?What are some topics,subjects the bands writes about?


Lucerus
It depends who has an idea first. If Bagot has a song already written I listen to it and then I write the lyrics, this goes both ways.
I write about what I see, feel, and think. I don't care what kind words or phrases I use, what I want is that people who listen to my words think about them and maybe I give them a new perspective.



12.Everyone has their own ideas/opinons on what black metal means to them.So I was curious what does "black metal" to you all?


Lucerus
I can speak only for myself… when i listen to black metal or when I write songs in this genre is like I am unleashed from the modern world and all it's shit. I am free and connected to the spiritual world.


13.The band comes out of the great country of Slovenia so I was curious what is your opinion of Slovenia's metal scene?


We have some great bands here and some of them have a lot of concerts around the Europe. The only problem that I see in the Slovenian metal scene is that slovenian listeners don't support the home bands as they do all the other bands that come from other countries. We are a small country and we should stick together.



14.Who are some of your all-time favorite metal bands?Are there any new bands coming out of Slovenia that the readers should watch out for?



Lucerus
Well all those that I said I would love to have a concert or a tour with. Morbid angel, Marduk, Deicide, 1349, Nail, Dark funeral, Incantation..
Somrak is a great slovenian black metal band, it's not a new one but it is one of my favorites so I recommend them, check them out.



15.Well we have reached the end of the interview thank you for taking the time to fill this out.Good luck to you all and the band I look forward to hearing more from Cvinger.Do you have any final comments for the readers?


Lucerus
Yes. I would like to say thanks to all who support us to all our fans and friends. This is just the beginning of the darkness so called Cvinger
Shortly we will start with writing the full length Cvinger album. And we will update you about everything on our Facebook/cvinger666 and on our official web site.



Cvinger contacts
http://www.cvinger.com

"Official" Facebook "like" the bands page for all the lates news,videos,merchandise
updates http://www.facebook.com/cvinger666