Sunday, April 29, 2018

Interview with Paganland done by Patrick posted on 4-29-18



Interview  with  Paganland  done  by  Patrick

1.Hello Ruen and Lycane, please introduce yourselves to the readers.
- Ruen, Lycane: Hi, we are musicians from Paganland. Ruen is a founder, composer and keyboardist. Lycane is a drummer.

2.Paganland was formed in 1997. What gave you an idea to start this band? Who do you feel are Paganland's biggest influences?
- Ruen: An idea to create the band came spontaneously: we gathered the call of the soul. Originally it was a studio project of just two musicians, mine and Bilozor. Natural mysticism hidden in the greatness of the Carpathian Mountains, dense forests and clear mountain springs; all this influenced us.

3.How do you feel the band’s musical style has changed over the years?
- Lycane: Naturally, music changed over time. New musicians came, old ones left the band. There were new technical opportunities. But the basis is still the same - Pagan Metal.

4. Did the band started to work on new music for the next release? How long does it takes for the band to complete one song?
- Lycane: Each song needs a different amount of time, but basically everything goes without a hitch. The new material will be prepared in the summer. After that, we will record it

5.Are Paganland's previous releases still available to buy? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise available?
- Lycane: Old releases should be available for sale at the label - Svarga Music. But now we also think of several reissues with a new design, at new music labels. We also think about digital releases. Soon, I think, they will be available on all known resources like bandcamp, soundcloud and maybe iTunes. But for us physical releases are in the first place. We are planning to make some T-shirts and Longsleeves for fans also.

6. Does Paganland play live very often? Which shows are the most memorable for the band over the years?
- Lycane: We don’t play live very often. This is due to the fact that we are an underground band. Usually we organize concerts ourselves in our country. Now we are planning to visit some European countries and are always ready to discuss the opportunities to play gigs outside of our country. The most memorable concerts you can watch on our YouTube channel.

7. Are there any tours or shows planned for 2018, if yes where will the band be playing?
- Lycane: Yes, we plan to perform in Lithuania at the Infinite Agony Ritual III festival, and also planning a concerts in Finland and in Ukraine at Taras Bulba festival.

8. Ruen, you play the keyboards for the band. When did you interested playing keyboards for the first time?
- Ruen: I started to play keyboards in 1996.

9. Who are some of your favorite keyboardists? Besides the keyboards do you currently play any other instruments?
- Ruen: Some of my favorite keyboardists are - Steinar "Sverd" Johnsen (Arcturus), Olexiy "Saturious" Gorbov (Nokturnal Mortum), Oyvind Johan "Mustis" Mustaparta (Dimmu Borgir)... And I don`t play on any other instruments.

10. Lycane you handle the drums for the band when did you started playing drums? Are you self-taught or did you took lessons when first starting out?
- Lycane: I started playing drums in 2001. I'm self-taught. And I'm still studying how to play on a drums better... Unfortunately, the realities of my time and circumstances in the family did not allow me to normally practice on drums. Now I catch up. It is good that now there are resources like Youtube and various online drum lessons.

11. Who would you say are some of your influences and favorite drummers?
- Lycane: There are many favorite drummers, but I can highlight some of them: Nicholas Barker (Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir...), Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg (Mayhem, Kovenant, Shining...), Kjetil-Vidar "Frost" Haraldstad (Satyricon, 1349...), Zbigniew Robert "Inferno" Prominski (Behemoth, Azarath...), Nils "Dominator" Fjellstrom (Dark Funeral, Sanctification...


12.Paganland comes out from Ukraine pagan black metal scene. What are your thoughts about black metal scene in the Ukraine?
- Ruen: The Ukrainian black metal scene is one of the strongest in the post-Soviet space. It is melodic and specific in its own way. But not so well known in the Western Europe and other countries.

13. Who are your all-time favorite Ukrainian bands and are there any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
- Ruen, Lycane: There are a number of interesting musical projects, many of these bands are our friends. You can check out Zgard, Colotyphus, Eskapism, Stryvigor, Burshtyn, Raventale, Kaosophia, Ungolyantha and many others...

14. Besides bands are there any honest, reliable labels and distro's you feel the readers should check out soon?
- Lycane: I can highlight only Grand Sounds Promotion, Noizr and Bloodreddistribution. In general, everything is very bad with music labels in our country. Many bands are making self-released production or issued on foreign labels such as the Polish Werewolf or others.

15. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
- Ruen, Lycane: Thank you for your interest to Paganland. Support the musical underground. See you at our concerts!

                                                                Band   Contacts
                                        https://www.facebook.com/PaganlandOfficial/
                                                 https://paganlandofficial.bandcamp.com/
                        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0sn0Klluncg4WhRSi1JEkA/videos
                                                             
                                                       
                                                     
                                               

Friday, April 27, 2018

Interview with Tiran done by Patrick posted on 4-27-18

Interview with Tiran done by Patrick

1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers? At what age did you first start listening to metal music?
Hellz! Tiran from Russian underground Hell is here! First I have heard the metal music, when I was about 10 years old. Since then, Metal became not the the most loved music for me, but the definite way of life...I fill belly with it, quench my thirst with Metal ... sometimes it seems to me that soon I will start to shit with metal, too, hahah! Although, if I try to be a little more serious, then heavy music for me has really great importance. It has formed a large number of my life principles, which I still follow, even after many years. Probably, that's why, I still have not given up this occupation.

2.Who were the first bands you listened to and who are some of your current favorite bands?
My first Metal heroes were Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica and Helloween...I remember, how I really liked that woman from the Helloween cover "Better Than Raw" and I bought the cassette with the little money I had, hah! It was a real shock! That I heard - turned me inside out, it was all very powerful, aggressive and loud, but I definitely liked it! A little later, I heard Slayer, Sepultura, Death ... then the metal took me completely and it was already unstoppable. Now I listen to a lot of different metal music and not only, but the bands from which I started my acquaintance with this religion will forever remain my unconditional favorites.

3.You all started the band in 2000 what gave you all the idea to start this band? And how did you choose Tiran as the name of the band does it have a special meaning?
I decided to start the TIRAN band in 2005 after it became obvious that the band I was playing at that time Black Hearts can no longer be active and productive. At that time, most of the Black Hearts members ended up with me. The very name TIRAN is a slightly modified Russian transcription of the word TYRANT. I was often called by this word by our guitarist because I very severely chastised all the band members if they did not come to rehearsals or were late, huh! At some point we thought that TIRAN would be a good name for the band. It is easy to remember, it sounds the same in all languages and is metal enough, haha!

4.What is the current line up of the band? And for the readers who have never heard Tiran's music how would you best describe it?
With TIRAN's line-up have always been some problems. The only one who follows this path with me for almost ten years is Father. I even stopped paying attention to the constant changes of the band members, but I know for certain that I will continue, even if I stay completely alone! If you've never heard TIRAN, then do not do it, huh! First you will get a little nauseous, then you will start to spit and you want to turn off this shit, and in the end you realize your own insignificance and uselessness in this world, haha!

5.Apocalyptic Tales is the bands third full length does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?
From the very beginning of the TIRAN's history, I myself wrote all the music and lyrics. I bring ready songs or individual riffs to rehearsals and all together we work only on arrangements. I think this is the right approach. There are of course examples in music where a good song is born when several authors work together, but this is clearly not my case ... I am TYRANT, haha, haven't you forgotten?

6.I believe the lyrics are based around war and similar subjects when did you first become interested in studying and reading about these subjects? Is their a certain war or time in history that you like to read and study?

My father is fond of war stories and he has a fairly extensive library, to which I had access from childhood, provided that I behave well, ahah! My father was always very fond of reading about the Punic Wars and Napoleonic, and I was very interested in the First World War and the Civil War with the United States, but our tastes always coincided in the Second World War. Yes, muthafucka, it was a splendid meat grinder, the scale of which has not surpassed yet any conflict in the world. War is a natural state of a person. We are fucking bastards who are not capable to create, it's our nature. The whole history of mankind is a war, therefore it is perfectly normal that many people are interested in them to some exten.

7.Besides the upcoming Apocalyptic Tales are the past releases still availible to for the readers purchase? If yes what is availible and where can the readers buy?
Good question! I still have some small stocks of "Reborn Chaos" CD and "Necrophiliac Dreams" EP, so if you suddenly need them, you can find me on facebook or other social networks, or you can write to wod-prods@mail.ru, and rest assured, sooner or later, I will answer, huh! At the expense of other releases, not sure at all. Maybe some copies have remained in stocks of the publishing labels. Although, if you are satisfied with listening to music in the digital format, you can always find all of our major releases on Bandcamp!

8.Does Tiran get to play live very often or do you prefer to work in the studio?
Rather, the first. It seems to me that playing live is always more interesting, although the ability to record your music is also important. But many bands that I like to watch live in a recording are simply impossible to listen to. They are so torment themselves "good" and "qualitatively" to write down their material "good" and "qualitatively", so they kill all the energy of their music by the studio impositions, effects and lotions. In music, after all, feelings and emotions must be laid, but where else can it be shown except at the shows?

9.What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years? And are their any shows or tours planned in support of Apocalyptic Tales if yes where will the band be playing?
Work on AT strongly exhausted me morally, so almost immediately after its release, I began to work on ideas for new songs. We, of course, played a few concerts here in Russia, timed to the release of the album and made a great presentation in our hometown, but we did not plan for larger tours. In November this year we will go on a small tour to Bulgaria. I think it should be fun!


10.Besides playing in Tiran do you or any of the members currently play with any other bands or solo projects?
Yes, almost all the participants of the current TIRAN line-up are involved in other projects. Kill - our current drummer beats the drum set in Infornal Fuck and one of the best Russian death metal bands Monastery Dead, I tear my throat into the black / thrash band Sibireal and play bass in a band called School Of Rock that plays classic heavy metal - this is the project of our guitarist Moshna. So, only Father from the line-up is wholly devoted to TIRAN. Maybe he will one day expel all and get a new super-line up, huh!

11.Tiran comes out of Russia's thrash, death metal scene what is your opinion of the russian metal scene?
Russia is a huge country ... not just big, but devilishly huge! A large territory, large distances between cities and a whole chasm between the minds of people. The underground movement, of course, tries to unite the time zones, but this is not easy. Recently, interest in heavy music has been noticeably lower, but nevertheless, in the central part of the country there is still a bunch of activists / bands, magazines,organizers / who are faithful primarily to music and continue to do their thing. I will not name specific names because I'm afraid of forgetting someone, but we have old bands that have been active since the 90s and a few relatively young good bands in almost every subgenre of metal, whether it's thrash, black, heavy , or something else ... Behind the Urals is boiling its own life, there as it were, its own separate world. Sometimes bands from those edges manage to become more famous not only in their region and those I heard are really cool and original. I think that it would be possible to write a huge book on the theme of the Russian underground, but nobody wants to do it for it, because it will be unrealistically difficult! What can we say about that small space in our interview, huh!

12.Who are your all-time favorite Russian bands and are their any new,upcoming bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
- As I said, I can't tell about all of them, but if you really want to hear the names, please ... Monastery Dead, Bestial Deform, Grond, Pyre, Grenouer, Jinx, Cist, Nakka, The Hellchroniks, Enclave of Dreams, The Death Plane, Alkonost, Little Dean Bertha, Tales Of Darknord and a few dozen first-class bands. But listen to these although, I think, you will not be disappointed, whatever the direction of the metal you do not prefer!

13.What does underground metal mean to you?
The underground is also a very broad concept. Complex and multifaceted. We probably needed to choose the encyclopedia format for the conversation, haha! Personally for me, the creative underground (not necessarily musical or metal, as you said) is a kind of shelter, a shelter from everything that surrounds us in everyday life, a place where it is not so important how much you earn, what you are dressed in and how successful you are by the standards of the public, but the art dominates in all its manifestations, without limits and limitations. The underground is not aimed at obtaining commercial benefits, and therefore it is freed from canons and conventions, and by creating something you do not need to equal the interest of the consumer, you can simply create what you want and as you see it. What could be more beautiful? You know, I'm sitting now, drinking beer, answering your questions, listening to SODOM "Tapping The Vein" and feeling just fine. So I can call the Underground my second home, and be sure, I will defend my house to the last drop of blood!

14.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am interested in so many things and the only thing that limits me is the availability of free time. I like spending time with my children, reading books, picking my collection of records, I try to travel as far as possible, recently I like a big tennis ... unfortunately, in this matter, I probably can not please you with something unusual, huh!

15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you for your questions and interest in TIRAN. Eat vitamins, wash your hands before eating and don't forget that for the rituals only the pure blood of babies and innocent virgins is suitable! Amen.

                                             
                                                          Band  Contact
                                                         https://www.facebook.com/TIRANofficial/                        
                                                     

Interview with Northwind Wolves done by Patrick posted on 4-27-18



Interview  with  Northwind Wolves  done  by Patrick


1. Hello please introduce yourself to the readers and how are things in California this week?
Well hello, my name is Noor, I'm the Singer/Guitar player for NorthWind Wolves. We're a Melodic Black metal band from L.A.
Things in California are usually cold still for this time of year, it must be because we're working on new material...


2. When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all formed Northwind Wolves?
Astaroth and I have a long past , we're best friends and a few of the highlights from our past were when we met a a music store, the various bands we've been in together for over a decade, we've been room mates, and we've taught each other alot about black metal and guitar playing in general.
Oddly enough, we met Brett while we were playing a show, we had another drummer at the time who forgot one of his drum pieces and Brett agreed to let him borrow the piece from his kit. We stayed friends after that, and eventually Brett decided to jam with us full time! This was all probably close to Ten years ago as well. Brett's been jammin' with us since the Sinstorm days.
Lennis was the last one to arrive , he and Brett actually have been jamming separately for over a decade as well, in some metal bands like Tchildress. Lennis has been in our line up for over a year now.

3. What is the current line up of the band? And who would you say are Northwind Wolves biggest influences?
Noor- Vocals/guitars
Astaroth-Guitar
Brett- Drums
Lennis - Bass Guitar
Its actually quite tough to decide that, as you guys probably know , Brett was in the Faceless , Animosity, and alot of other bands with a similar sound. Brett and Lennis we're in Tchildress and other Technical Death metal bands and they bring that sort of Energy to our music. They are more open minded and have alot wider influences than I have. Astaroth is more similar to my tastes musically, and he branches out into some more of the modern DSBM and Post - Black bands.
Personally I'm a traditional 2nd wave elitist when it comes to my musical taste.I'd say over all we collectively can claim extreme metal bands as our influence primarily, but I'd say half the band is strictly influenced by Black metal, and the other half influenced by all forms of extreme metal.


4. Dark...Cold...Grim is the bands debut full length which will be released through Black Lion Rec. when did you and the band come in contact with this label?
Actually I had seen the Energy of this record label from afar and I had to be part of what was happening over there in Sweden. I sent Oliver our material and he decided it would be a good fit to let us join his Raggedy pirate crew. So together we've aiming for more Northwind Wolves releases and Music videos for the fans next.

5. How long did it take the band to write the music for the debut release? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member write everything?
 Our First album was composed by me, produced mostly by Brett with help from Astaroth.

6. Who usually handles writing the lyrics and what are some topics you all wrote about on the debut?
I actually write my own lyrics , can you believe that? I try to use Black metal as a canvas of chaos which draws from the extremes of human emotion, From the Depression of a dying old man, to the fears of the unknown in a child's mind, this world will eat you up alive, and we need music to help us through some of those tough times. Sometimes the most real things are those that are the ugliest and untouched by materialism and the lust for profit.


7. Besides the debut Dark...Cold...Grim does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers to buy?If yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Right now we're working on get some full live concerts online for the fans, we're also in the writing phase for a second album we hope to release sometime in about a year. So fans of Northwind Wolves can know we're going to be around for a while releasing more and more music, we're not one of those bands that mysteriously disappears.
Our Link for Merch/ Music is this one https://northwindwolvesblacklion.bandcamp.com/


8. Does Northwind Wolves play live very often or do you prefer to work in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows so far?
We're mostly a live band, but we are comfortable in the studio as well.


9. Are their any tours or shows planned in support of the debut if yes where will the band be playing?
Not yet, but we'd like to pair up with some European black metal bands who are touring the west coast of USA anytime in 2018, we've been practicing and we feel like now is the time to get out there this year.


10. What does black metal mean to you?
Black metal is an untouchable form of protection, though people have tried to exploit it , the moment you try to do that your music becomes tainted and the fans can tell. Black metal is one of the last true forms of art, where the artists dont prostitute themselves in order to appeal to the masses. Black metal is the last Bastion of the free thinkers of this world, and this is our last stand against the army of conformists and mind police...

11. Northwind Wolves comes out of California's black metal scene what are your thoughts on the scene in California?
The scene here is very mixed, alot of people dont really know where the line between black and death metal is, or if it even exists anymore. I've met alot of metal people who dont even know who the bands are on the shirts they wear, and those who are die hard fans who know every detail about the musician's lives. So yeah its a mixed bag...

12. Who are your all-time favorite bands from California?And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Oh, thats tough, well If i don't merely have to choose from black metal , I'd say Most of the Thrash from the 80's from California was pretty sick and among some of the best material in metal.


13. Besides bands are their any honest and reliable labels and distro's you could recommend to the readers?
Yeah , Black Lion Records! You've got to be pretty good to get in though, these guys really filter their
music.

14. Thank you for taking the to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Not really, Thanks for the opportunity though, it means alot that you guys help get the word out there about our music.

                                                     Label  Contacts
                                                 https://blacklion.nu/
                                                https://blacklionrecords.bandcamp.com/
                                               https://www.facebook.com/blacklionrecordsswe
                                                 
                                                        Band  Contacts
                                                   http://www.northwindwolves.com/
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/Northwindwolves666/
                                                 
                                                     

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Pact--Enigmata cd {Moribund Records}


Pact--Enigmata  cd {Moribund Records}
Occult U,S blackend death metal band Pact  return with their  third full length release.Enigmata  contains eleven powerful well written and performed blackend death metal.The guitars are done with a lot of  skill and writing ability going from a fast and frenzied guitar pattern.The guitarist  does write  some excellent guitar structures and adds some  well played  solo's throughout  the  songs.The drumming is equally as good with a mix of blasting,fast drums to a more heavier mid paced  drumming style.The vocals are a mix of deep,gruff death metal growls and some raspy black metal scrreechy screams.If you  are a fan of Pact's previous  releases  then do yourself a favor  and pick up  a  copy of the new release  once it is  released.

                                                                        Label  Contacts
                                                              http://www.moribundcult.com/
                                                              https://moribundrecords.bandcamp.com/
                              https://www.facebook.com/MoribundRecordsOfficial

                                                                  Band  Contacts
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/Pact-222722964605519/

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Interview with Adversvm done by Patrick posted on 4-8-18




Interview with Adversvm done by Patrick


1.Hello how are you doing this week please introduce yourself to the readers?

I'm fine thanks. I am the songwriter, guitarist and vocalist of ADVERSVM.

2.When did you first get the idea to start Adversvm and how did you come up with the name for the band?
When I had the desire to create a sound that is as sinister as possible. My purpose was a punch into the face of rock'n'roll music with an intense sound of morbidity. So I started to write the first songs in 2015. The band name I chose for the countercurrent to all mundane streams on earth and adversity to the status quo. And also as countercurrent to the usual mainstream Black and Death Metal of all decades.

3.I believe Adversvm is a one man band would you like to find more musicians to work with or do you prefer working alone?
I started ADVERSVM with my drummer and some session members for the debut album. Meanwhile there are some more musicians involved in the band so ADVERSVM was never a one man band.


4.What do you feel is the best and worst thing about being in a one man band?
I don't see advantages in a one man band and prefer to work with other musicians who can understand the idea and path of ADVERSVM. The collaboration with individual styles on the same path I consider as the strongest way to create great art.

5.If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians past or present who would you like to work with?
Carlo Gesualdo would be great. The spirit of his madrigals combined with sinister tunes would bear a noble sound.

6.Aion Sitra Ahra is the debut release how long did it take to write the music for the debut release?
Writings and recordings took a year.

7.Where did you draw inspiration for the lyrics on the debut release?
In the years of my spiritual workings I studied some different paths of religious gnosis. The only direction I thought about for the beginning of ADVERSVM was the qliphotic current. True dark art shall rise with the abyssic power of the other side.

8.Besides Aion Sitra Ahra does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers?
Not yet. First, AION SITRA AHRA will be released by Iron Bonehead Prod. as CD, LP and digital version in May 2018. Next releases will be an EP or split and the second album in 2019.

9.Does Adversvm play live or is this strictly a studio project?

It is still a studio project. Perhaps we will play live gigs in the fututre. Currently I am too busy with writing and working on new songs.

10.When not working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?

I like to close my eyes to see a starless void.

11.Besides Adversvm do you currently work in any other bands or solo projects?

No, I invest all my free time to work on ADVERSVM.

12.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you for the interview. Hallowed be the end time divine!

                                                                 Label   Contact
                                                         http://www.ironbonehead.de/
                                                      https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/
                                                     

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Jungle Rot--What Horrors Await reissue {Victory Records} posted on 4-4-18


Jungle  Rot--What Horrors Await  reissue {Victory  Records}

Wisconson's legendary  Jungle Rot will  be  re-releasing  their  fifth cd  What Horrors Await through Victory Rec.Originally  released in 2009 What Horrors Await  is fourteen songs of  old school death metal greatness.The  guitars are played  with a lot of  skill  and  well written and performed patterns.Mainly played in the mid paced range  but the  guitarist does  speed up to faster pace in some of  the  songs.The drums are done  with heavy mid paced drum patterns,The drummer does play  some well written  and performed drum patterns and some faster drums throughout  the songs.The vocals are old school death metal growls with some gruff growls and screams are used in some of the  songs.If you  are a  fan of Jungle Rot I  highly  recommend  getting a  copy of What Horrors Await today and if you are new to Jungle Rot  and you  enjoy high quality  old school death metal  then  be sure to buy this today and find the  bands past  releases  excellent death metal.

                                                                      Label   Contacts
                                                          http://www.victoryrecords.com/
                                                         https://www.facebook.com/VictoryRecords
                                                            https://twitter.com/victoryrecords
                                                                 Band  Contacts
                                                             http://www.jungle-rot.com/
                                                         https://www.facebook.com/igotjunglerot
                                                               

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Wendigo--Hymns D' Outre-Tombe Cassette {Nekrart Prod.} posted on 4-1-18


Wendigo--Hymns D' Outre-Tombe  Cassette {Nekrart Prod.}

Nekart will be re-releasing Wendigo's  debut demo  with  two bonus  tracks that  have  been remastered.The vocals  are raw black metal screams that are done with a lot of power.The guitar work is extremely  fast and  aggressive with  some well written and played slower mid paced patterns.The drums are equally  as fast with  some well played  drumming patterns the drummer does slow to  a more mid paced and calmer mid paced drum patterns.If you  are a fan of cold,raw  black metal then do yourself  a favor  and pick up a  copy of Hymns D' Outre-Tomb  today.

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