Interview with He Who Binds Himself posted on 10-28-20

 

1. Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers?

He Who Binds Himself is:Nathan Gearhart – Vocals (most noted for his time in Vehemence) Steven M. Jasinski – Guitar (previously of Autumn’s End (founding member Chris Cannella now plays in Deicide) and Eroticide) Gabe Oso – Guitar (previous Inducing Terror)Mark Kozuback - Bass (most noted for his time in Vehemence) Drummer position recently vacated (Previously held by Andrew Schroeder most noted for his time in Vehemence), however an announcement w/ the new drummer will out be out shortly. See full bios/etc at our website http://www.hewhobindshimself.com (designed by Steve)

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

Gabe response -- I discovered metal in my Jr. High Years. Metallica was the 1st band I heard then soon followed Death. I’m constantly looking for new bands to listen to so what I'm currently listening to always changes. If I had to name a few bands I’d say Knives Out (razor to wrist records), Humanity’s Last Breath, and Bear Ghost.

Mark response -- Well if you mean “real metal” lol it was in 1995 or 96. I was 15 to 16ish Deicide was the first band I listened to. It was “Once Upon the Cross” and it was the album cover that intrigued me and made me want to listen to it. After that a co-worker introduced me to Death and I was beyond impressed with their musicianship. It was “Individual Thought Patterns” and it was like nothing I ever heard before. Then it was Suffocation. In my opinion the best Death Metal band of all time and “Pierced From Within” is the blueprint. Obviously many more bands and musicians have influenced me but those 3 were the foundation to my metal pyramid.

Steve response – Growing up as a kid my mother used to play a lot of Sonny and Cher and Elvis and the Monkees.. Later my brother exposed me to things like Ozzy (Black Sabbath) and Prince. Later, my music taste grew into things like DRI and Sick Of It All… Metallica… Slayer… Sepulture… but once I heard the first Deicide Deicide album, damn, all I listened to for a while…

3. He Who Binds Himself was formed in 2010 when did you first get the idea to start this band? Are you satisfied with how everything has progressed over the years?

Nathan response -- When HWBH started it was a means to depart from Vehemence and to stay home in Arizona and play Death Metal with friends. The goal was friendship first and music throughout. That goal has been achieved repeatedly throughout the years. The true teamwork that goes into a band is a very positive experience which continues to be enriching.

Steve response – The band was actually created by Nathan in 2004. Original members being Nathan and Gabe really. I came in around 2008. We changed the name for a while to “Nefaricede” but ended up going back to HWBH in 2010. A lot of this material has been floating around for a lot of that time. The band, as Nathan mentioned, was originally a side project. A means for a few friends to get together,write some tunes, just hang out… Over time as the other various project changed or moved in different directions, HWBH became the focal point and it finally has everyone’s full attention.                 

4. What is the current line-up of the band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?

(See above for members/line-up)

Mark response -- The influences of the group are really varied from member to member but we were all influenced by the first wave of death metal bands in the early 90s. Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Death, Morbid Angel, Suffocation and etc... These influences still remain but many more have been added over the past 20 years. It’s hard as a musician and artist to not be inspired by another great piece of work. It only wants to make you better. I can only speak for myself as to who influenced me besides the early death metal genre. The list is vast and diverse but most definitely Primus, Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, and Iron Maiden. This is because of their use of the bass guitar as more of a lead instrument and not a backup or an accompanying instrument to guitar. I wanted to do the same within a death metal project and that is He Who Binds Himself.

5. The bands self-titled debut full-length was released earlier this year how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

Steve response – A lot of this material has been floating around for a few years now. The only song that survived the purge from the original 2004 set list is called “These Eyes See Everything”… everything other than that was written starting around 2008... A couple others from 2016. The writing process usually begins with Gabe or I have a song idea or a handful of riffs. Sometimes it comes to the table as a completed song, sometimes we’ll just bring a few riffs in as an idea or a start and we’ll work it out from there… Lots of recordings, re-recordings, demos, sending things to each other in email or the cloud etc… Since the COVID break out, we’ve all been able to focus a bit on writing and are already ½ through a possible next album…

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

Nathan response -- Nathan Gearhart all lyrics for all songs, with one exception being the song "Alone and Suffering" which were written by Steven Jasinski. Overall the lyrics play on fear and dark emotions by reflecting the darker aspects of life. Broken families, murder, drugs, infanticide, religion, and just plain old anger all make their way into the albums references. For this album the music was written prior to the lyrics.

7. Besides the debut full-length does the band have any other releases still available for the readers to purchase? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase if yes what is available and where can readers purchase it?

Steve response – There’s a few demo recordings of a couple of these songs floating around the internet… bout otherwise this is our first real release with distribution support from Metal Devastation Records. We have CDs, T-shirts, Patches, some metal pins… most all that information can be found on our website http://www.hewhobindshimself.com or www.metaldevastation.com... We hope to have our own online store go live soon.

8. Has He Who Binds Himself had the opportunity to play live over the years if yes what have been some of the bands most memorable shows? Who are some bands you have had the opportunity to share the stage with?

Nathan response -- Live shows are best when they feel like a true gathering of friends. My favorite memories will always be of playing with each of the friends I get the fortune to occupy the stage with. Playing live music is extremely cathartic for me, and I appreciate each band that we had the honor to share the stage with (too many to list...)

Gabe response -- We have been a band for over 10 years now. We have played many live shows. Testament was a memorable show, the shows thrown by Metal Devastation (Gerardo) are very memorable as well. Back in the day Unique Leader Records used to do tours with a bunch of extreme talent, we would get to play on those sometimes as well. A few bands are Testament, Dying Fetus, Origin, Deeds of Flesh, Brain Drill, Cryptopsy, Flattbush, Monstrosity etc etc...

9. What does Underground Metal mean to you?

Nathan response -- Underground metal is consistently evolving and shifting as music tastes mature with the constant addition of more and more musical groups into a community made up of participants which feeds upon and sustains itself. Ever present and ever changing.

Gabe response -- Underground Metal, well with social media now I’m not sure if there really is an underground metal anymore.

10. He Who Binds Himself comes out of Arizona's death metal scene what are your thoughts of Arizona's metal scene over the years?

Nathan response -- Arizona metal scene is diverse and full of talent! There are so many killer bands and to name any would be unfair to those unnamed. I must say that I would have to call out Nuctemeron as my personal biggest Arizona UGDM influence. I believe the constant feeling of support and respect we share with our fellow musicians is outstanding and deeply appreciated!

Gabe response -- AZ’s metal scene has talented bands with talented musicians. Unfortunately over the years people have changed how they attend concerts I feel. People don’t stick around for the whole show anymore and there is that pay to play monster that everyone loves. Maybe after this Pandemic, things will change and people will enjoy staying for whole shows again.

11. Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Arizona and are thier any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Nathan response (same as 10) -- Arizona metal scene is diverse and full of talent! There are so many killer bands and to name any would be unfair to those unnamed. I must say that I would have to call out Nuctemeron as my personal biggest Arizona UGDM influence. I believe the constant feeling of support and respect we share with our fellow musicians is outstanding and deeply appreciated!

Gabe response -- Locally I like Pelvic Meatloaf, Bear Ghost, and really a lot of my friend’s solo projects. Sick eyed, William Chestburgs songs of fortune, fun and wacky shit. If I was going to tell someone to check out something I’d say check out everything, look for new bands, and always keep your mind open to new stuff.

12. Besides working in He Who Binds Himself do any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo-projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Steve response – Most notably, Nathan, Mark and Andy were all previously in Vehemence.

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

Nathan response -- Free time is family time. Usually I am spending time with my wife and children (I have 5 sons, so yeah pretty busy with that...). Other than that my time goes to work and music.

Gabe response -- I like to do things with my family, watch wrestling (it’s still real to me damnit), video games, and my new hobby stage lighting also include MMORPG

Steve response – Video games are fun… I like to code websites on the side, I dunno why but that shit relaxes me, lolol.. Watch movies with my kids n’ stuff…

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

Nathan response -- Deeply appreciate the chance to connect with you and I hope you get a chance to listen to the He Who Binds Himself album!! We are so proud of the result and are hopeful it can capture your attention! Cheers and stay brutal!

Gabe response -- Be kind to one another and Party on Dudes!!!                                                                  Band Contacts                                                                                                                                                http://www.hewhobindshimself.com/                                                                                                          https://hewhobindshimself.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/hewhobindshimself                                                                                          

Begrabnis--Izanaena cd{Weird Truth Prod.} posted on 10-27-20

 Begrabnis--Izanaena  cd{Weird Truth Prod.}                                                                                                  Coming out of Japan's funeral doom scene is Begrabnis with their debut full-length.Izanaenra.Featuring four songs of crushing and desolate hyms that should please all fans of this genre of music.The guitars are played with slow and heavy guitar chords some of the slowest guitars i have heard in quite sometime.The vocals are low and deep anguished growls that fit Begrabnis music perfectly.The band does add some drone influences and elements into their funeral doom style.If you are a fan of funeral doom metal then be sure to pick up a copy of Izanaenia when it is released.                                                                         Band Contacts                                                                                                                                            https://www.facebook.com/Begrabnis                                                                                                           https://begrabnis-sendai.bandcamp.com/releases                                                                                           https://twitter.com/Begrabnis_snd                                                                                                                            Label Contacts                                                                                                                                        https://weirdtruth.jp/                                                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/weirdtruth/                                                                                                       https://twitter.com/weirdtruth

Interview with Mongrel's Cross done on 10-24-20

 

1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi Patrick and hails to bangers worldwide. Grand Mongrel here.

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

I grew up in a small area in Australia right on the beach and there weren't too many metallers getting about there in the 90's. I first discovered Metallica when I was about 10 years old and two years later I was on my way for a surf when I heard the infernal battery of blast beats coming from a garage. I stood out the front mesmerised by the sound and soon after a pale ghoul with long black hair and an old entombed shirt emerged. Turns out he had just moved up from Melbourne and had drummed for Blood Duster. He began showing me Morbid Angel, Dismember, all the 90's death metal bands but it was stuff like Impaled Nazarene's album Ugra Karma that really effected me. The imagery merging with that insane, satanic, cyberpunk metal gave me nightmares....and I liked it! Needless to say I was hooked immediately!

3.Mongrel's Cross was started back in 2009 what gave you the idea to start this band?Are you satisified with how things have gone with the band over the years?

Goet and I had worked together in another band called Netherkin in 2004 and it was actually in 2008 we decided that we needed to get back together and begin writing music again. We have had great times playing live and meeting other like minded souls all over Australia. In the last few years stripping it down to a three piece, four now with the mighty Proscriptor McGovern, and focusing on recording rather than live has worked out really well.

4.How did you choose Mongrel's Cross as the name for this band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?

One night we were sitting around listening to metal and I was brainstorming the potential band name. I knew I wanted the word Mongrel's in it but couldn't put my finger on the second word. A good mate chimed in and said "Mongrel's Cross." I said that's it! Our influences are from all the 80's and 90's greats. Mercyful Fate, Metallica, Dissection, Aeternus, Abigor, Gorgoroth, Destroyer 666...I could go on for quite a while.

5.For the readers who have never heard the band's music how would you best describe the music? How do you feel the bands musicial style has changed over the years?

I'd say recently we have incorporated a bit more of a heavy metal edge and therefore aptly call ourselves Arcane Heavy metal. That said there is a wide array of styles in Mongrel’s arsenal. Everything from 80's heavy metal to thrash, death and black metal. No "shoegaze" though.

6.Arcana,Scrying And Revelation is the bands third full-length release how long did it take to write the music for the new release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

We had it written within a year but took our time recording it and i quickly decided I wanted to step down from vocals as I don't have time to practice that art and would prefer to focus exclusively on guitar playing sorcery. These day Goet and I are sharing the riff writing process and we are a force to be reckoned with. For example we have another 8 songs completed for a follow up full length.

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

Goet and I shared responsibility for the lyrical content on Arcana also. Key concepts explored are mysticism, magick, man's internal struggle.

Religious perils. Music comes first always as we are very active musicians. Goet and I play guitar for many hours a week.

8.Besides the upcoming Arcana,Scrying And Revelation release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to purchase? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible if yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?

Yes I think HHB and some other distros carry some older releases. There is a bandcamp page up too where previous offerings can be found. We are in the process of doing up an exclusive Arcana shirt which will be unveiled shortly and ready for the official release of the album,

9.Has Mongrel's Cross played very many live shows over the years or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows?

Our last live performance was about 6 years ago. Finding dedicated members was proving very difficult so Goet and I decided to hone all our energy in to writing music. We had 5 years of playing live and got to play with many Aussie bands that we respect greatly, Innsmouth, Gospel of the Horns, Denouncement Pyre and many others. If the stars align we are going to look at coming back in to the live arena and you can expect some truly Arcane, Heavy Metal Magick.

10.What does Underground Metal mean to you?

For me it's got may different facets. There is the aural sensation that no other music has been able to come close to for me.There is the esoteric element which takes it to even further heights and then you bring in the imagery which creates another layer of atmosphere. For me there has never been another music scene which is as interesting and powerful

11.Mongrel's Cross comes out of Australia's legendary metal scene what are your thoughts of Australia's metal scene over the years?

I think we have produced many bands of world class quality. Bands like Armoured Angel, D666 and Bestial Warlust lit the fire early on. I suppose we have a different psyche here to other countries so the metal we make will embody some of that. Recently Brisbane has been a hotbed of metal magick with bands like Consummation and Paroxysmal Descent receiving widespread recognition.

12.Who are your all-time favorite Australian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Well I've been name dropping a little already but some favourites are Armoured Angel, D666, Bestial Warlust, Hobbs, G.O.T.H.,Innsmouth,Sacriphyx, Myrddraal, Urgrund, Astriaal, Carbon, Anatomy and Samhain.

13.Besides working in Mongrel's Cross do any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Goet has another project called Fate's Hand that is truly some magnificent Heavy Metal magick. It will be unleashed very soon.

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

Magickal endeavours are very important to me so daily practice of meditation and ritual is paramount. Goet and I both lkive in S.E. Qld so there are many outdoor activities we engage in. I live right near the beach and grew up surfing so I can often be found battling the mighty Absu. I've always been very interested in film and literature so I indulge in those a lot too.

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

Arcana, Scrying and Revelation is out November 27th so get ready for a high dosage of Arcane, Heavy Metal Magick!

Band Contacts  

https://mongrelscross666.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                           https://www.facebook.com/MongrelsCross                                                                                                                        Label Contacts                                                                                                                                                                            http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/                                                                                                                                      https://hellsheadbangers.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                          https://www.facebook.com/hellsheadbangers

                                                                                                      

Krushhammer--Speed Blacking Hell cassette{Hell D.Prod.|} Posted on 10-21-20

 Krushhammer--Speed Blacking Hell  cassette{Hell D.Prod.|}                                                               Speed Blacking Hell is the debut release from Krushhammer.The debut release contains four tracks of aggressive speed thrashing metal done in the early years of the genre.The guitars are played with fast and furious riffs and patterns that are delievered with skill and experience.The guitarist does write some memorable guitar patters even adding in some well played solo's in a few of the songs.The drums are played in the same vein with both fast and powerful drum passages.The vocals are a mix of high pitched thrashy screams and some raw and gruff screams.If you are a fanatic for speed and thrash metal done in the same vein as the early 80's then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Speed Blacking Hell today.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Band Contacts                                                                                                                             https://krushhammer666.bandcamp.com/                                                                                        https://www.facebook.com/Krushhammer/                                                                                                           Label Contacts                                                                                                                                         https://helldprod.com/shop/index.php                                                                                                        https://helldprod.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/helldprod/

Interview with Walter DJ for the show Walter's Wall Of Woe show done on 10-18-20

 

1.Hello Walter please introduce yourself to the readers?

I am Walter Greggs, 40 years old and I live in Phoenix, AZ. I Have a show called Walter's Wall of Woe.

2.When did you first start listening to rock and metal music and who were the first bands and artists you listened to?Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?

Oh man, well I started listening to metal at a very young age. My Mom loved Rock and Roll, (The Eagles, Bob Seger) and my Dad listened to Heavy Metal, (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) but when I was about 6 years old my babysitter gave me a copy of Metallica's Garage Days Album. No joke, I used to listen to it on an old fisher price record player for hours.

Currently, I've been listening to much more extreme metal. This year (2020) isn't all bad, I've been jamming new releases from Cytotoxin, Katalepsy, Stillbirth, Incinerate. Analepsy has been one of my favorite bands the last few years however, they can do no wrong.

3.What have been some of the most memorable concerts you have witnessed over the years?Who are some of your favorite bands and artists that you have had the pleasure to witness?

That's a hard one, let's see. Devastation on the Nation brings some sick acts through Phoenix every year, so I got to see Internal Bleeding with Frank Rini and that was a treat. Soreption is absolutely amazing live. Nile is one of my favorites live on stage. One of my most memorable concerts was Las Vegas Death Fest 11, I had the pleasure of broadcasting all three days of this event. So many great acts, but seeing the legendary Matti Way on stage with Liturgy A.D. was epic. He also did a couple guest spots with Kraanium and Pathology that weekend, the crowd came unhinged.

4.Did you ever read fanzines back in the 90's? If yes what were some of your favorite fanzines that you read?

Oh yeah, Pit Magazine was my go to publication. Most of the time it came with a compilation CD and that's how I would discover new music. I would also pick up some of the others in the 90's when they featured the more extreme bands, but Pit magazine was the Shit!

5.What do you feel made a good fanzine?Are their any current fanzines or web-zines that you like to read?

Zines that stay current and consistant with relevent information to the metal music industry, I don't really dig the ones that write like they are TMZ. I don't care who Tom Araya votes for, or who Chris Taylor Brown (Trapt) is trying to get his ass kicked by now. I want good interviews and strong editorial pieces on the relevence of our industry, something substancial and informative for the fanbase.

I subcribe to many Zines, Into The Pit With Annie (intothepitwithannie.com) is a good one, Her and I  share a lot of opinions on the scene. Frank Rini does album reviews for Teethofthedivine.com that I like to keep up on. There are so many out there these days, it's hard to keep up with all of them.

6.Were you ever into tape-trading if yes what were some of your favorite demo's and releases that you traded for?

I miss the tape trading days, fans appreciated music more back then. Some of my favorites  were Acheron "Rites of the Black Mass" and Baphomet "The Dead Shall Inherit" albums. Two albums that still hold a candle to todays death metal in my opinion, even with production value being Sub-par by today's standards.

Back in those days, when you bought an album from a band you weren't familar with you had to learn to like the album. There were no returns on tapes you didn't like, and there was no internet to research the band prior to your purchase. You were stuck with it like it or not, unless you could find someone to trade with of course.

7.When did you first get the idea to be a dj and what do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about doing a radio show?

I had a friend that moved across the country, he started a show for a radio station looking for new talent. There was a chat room you could log into and chat with the DJ's and that's how we got to hang out as friends long distance, it was a lot of fun. One day he contacted me about a writers position at That Metal Station, I had a little writing experience so I applied for the spot and got it. After a few months of that I decided to try my hand at live broadcasting my own show, I picked up a computer at a pawn shop for $30 and a cheap USB Mic and dove in.

The easiest part of the show? That's a hard question, I guess the easiest part is the motivation to get on air weekly. I don't care if there are 10 or 10,000 listeners, if I can turn somebody on to a new band or artist then I feel satisfied and motivated in what I do.

The Hardest part about the show? I would have to say is learning new techniques and different ways to improve the shows. When I started I barely knew how to use a computer for more than surfing the web, let alone knowing any sort of editing software. I am constantly learning new ways to promote the show and it's content, finding new tricks to sound better on air or create my own content to add to the show. When I started doing interviews I learned very quickly that you can't just hold your phone up to the mic and take a call and expect the recording to be quality enough to post  to Youtube for listeners to hear again, buying new hardware/software and knowing how to use it can be challenging at times.

8.How long have you been doing the Walter's Wall Of Woe radio show? Are you satisfied with how  things have progressed with the show over the years?

Well the name "Walter's Wall of Woe" was given to me by the editor of the site at the time Eric Walls, with a little help from the station owner Scott Green. It was what we named my column for the written content I did in the beginning, I continued with the name when I started broadcasting. That was in 2015, so about 5 years now.

I'm extremely happy with the progression of the show to date, I've had the opportunity to interview some of my favorite artists in the indusrty and work with some great people in the world of metal media. I've always been more intrigued with what goes on behind the scenes in this indusrty and the show allows me to experience and be part of that.

9.I believe the show is broadcast through the internet radio station That Metal Station when did you first discover this radio station and are you satisfied with them so far?What day and time does your show broadcast?

Like I said before, I was introduced to the station by my long time friend Harley. I am very satisfied with my home at TMS. I actually left for a period of time and started my own station with a colleague, after that didn't work out I thought about hanging it up for good. The Owner at TMS asked if I wouldn't mind coming back to do some guest spots on the station during the beginning of the pandemic, it was so much fun being back on air again. The staff there welcomed me back and I was asked to continue my show full-time, it was hard to say no, the crew I have the pleasure of working with are amazing and I have everything I need to create a quality show at TMS. I love it here.

My show airs Friday's 1pm Eastern standard time at thatmetalstation.com You can also find it on the Tunein app for your mobile devices.

10.What styles of metal and music in general do you showcase on your show? If any bands,labels or PR.companies are interested in submitting promo's where can they send the music to?

I play everything in the extreme metal genre. Black Metal, Death Metal, Slam and Brutal Death Metal. I'm the Bubba Gump of extreme metal haha.

If anybody wants to send me their presskit for airplay consideration you can email me at Wallofwoe@gmail.com

11.I believe you live you live in Arizona  what is your opinion of the metal scene in Arizona over the years?

Oh Arizona is sick! There are so many talented artists and bands in this state, everything from radio rock  to the most obscure noise you can think of. I am pretty fortunate to be here, great bands, awesome venues, you can literally show hop on any given weekend. I hope it is still this way when the pandemic is over and we go back to living our normal lives, I hope there is still a scene, we will rebuild.

12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Arizona and are their any new ones you could recomend to the readers?

Ahhh, my homies in Atoll are my favorites, but their are so many. I hate this question because I feel like i'm gonna leave someone out. I would recommend checking out Lago, Dead Swarm, He Who Binds Himself, Deadspawn, I, Pariah, Through the Earth, Malnourished, Arboroth, Black Phantom, Scattered Guts, Dead World Reclamation, Fetal Discourge #FetalDicks, Oppressor God, and the extremely talented Singularity.

That is a few, I could keep going but I don't want to ruin the format of your page haha.

13.When you need to take a break from preparing on your next show what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love keeping fish actually, I have four aquariums that I take care of. African Cichlids, South/Central American Cichlids, Tropical fish, all fresh water. I also game a little bit, Borderlands 3 is my go to right now, and the Tony Hawk remakes. When I have the chance I love to travel the state with my beautiful Girlfriend.

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

Thank you so much for having me, I respect what you do and know the time it takes to make this a thing. You're awesome my friend.

Just be nice out there people, stop genre hating. Metal is a vast world, if you see someone walking down the street wearing a metal T-shirt throw them the horns \m/ There's no need to bash people in the scene for liking the metal they like. It's time to reunite the fans and make metal a driving force in the entertainment indusrty.

Oh and to the bands out there doing your best to do everything in house on your own, Check your Metadata! If you don't know what it is, google it. Or email me, I would be happy to help.

Contact Walter on Social Media Sites                                                                                                           Wallofwoe@gmail.com                                                                                                                               https://www.facebook.com/walterswallofwoe/                                                                                         https://twitter.com/WalterWoe                                                                                                                     Radio Station's links                                                                                                                                   https://www.thatmetalstation.com/                                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/thatmetalstation/                                                                                              https://twitter.com/Thatmetalstatio

Sarcator-Self-Titled cd{Redefining Darkness Rec.} done on 10-18-20

 Sarcator-Self-Titled cd{Redefining Darkness Rec.}                                                                     Sweden's Sarcator return with their debut full-length release.The Self-Titled release contains eleven songs of well composed and executed thrash metal with some elements of black metal mixed into the music.The guitars are played with a mix of fast,chaotic thrashing guitar passages and some slower more calm mid paced guitar parts.The vocals are a mix of raw and gruff black metal screams and some deeper growls are used in a few of the songs.Both vocal patterns fit Sarcator's style perfectly.The band has out done themselves on the debut full-length playing aggressive thrash metal with touches of early black metal to create a memorable debut release.                                                                                                                                                                  Band Contacts                                                                                                           https://sarcator-se.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/sarcatorband/                                                                                                                   

                                                                             Label Contacts                                                                                                                         http://www.redefiningdarkness.com/                                                                                                         https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                         https://www.facebook.com/redefiningdarkness                

Dark Psychosis-- The Edge Of Nowhere cd{Moribund Rec.} done on 10-15-20

 

Dark Psychosis-- The Edge Of Nowhere cd{Moribund Rec.}                                                                    I have to be honest i wasn't sure if i would like Dark Psychosis but being a fan of Xaphan's other bands Masochist and Summoning i wanted to atleast check this band and release out.And i am glad i did The Edge Of Nowhere is the third release featuring ten songs of well composed and arranged musicial passagesThe music is a mix of black metal,thrash and even some psychedelia among other influences and genres crafted into the music.The guitar work is done with some razor sharp fast guitar patterns that are done with alot of skill and experience.Xaphan does perform some slower more melodic guitar passages even using some acoustic guitars in a few of the songs.The vocals are a mix of grim black metal screams and some gruff deatth metal growls.Their are even some well sung clean vocal patterns used throughout the songs.Dark Psychosis combine both extreme metal influences and some dark wave to create a very unique sounding release if you are a open minded music fan then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Edge Of Nowhere today.                                                                                                                                           

                                                                               Band Contact                                                                                                                                                https://darkpsychosis.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/darkpsychosis/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Label Contacts                                                                                                                              http://www.moribundcult.com/                                                                                                                     https://www.facebook.com/MoribundRecordsOfficial

Depravity--Grand Malevolence cd {Transcending Obscurity Rec.} Posted on 10-11-20

 

Depravity--Grand Malevolence  cd {Transcending Obscurity Rec.}

Depravity are a brutal death metal band coming out of Australia's scene.Grand Malevolence is the bands second full-length featuring eleven tracks of brutal death metal that uses both old school and newer death metal as influences.The guitars are played with a mix of fast,furious guitar patterns that are both memorable and well performed.The guitarist is not all speed and agreesion as he plays some mid paced guitars that are done with alot of skill and experience even adding in some well performed solo's. The vocals are brutal death metal growls and some old school gruff growls are used in a few of the songs.  Depravity have crafted one of the best death metal releases of 2020 so if you are a fan of quality death metal then be sure to pick up a copy of Grand Malevolence when it is released                                                                                                                                                                          Band Contacts                                                                                                                                     https://depravityaustralia.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                  https://www.facebook.com/Depravitydestroy/                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/depravityaus/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Label Contacts                                                                                                                                             https://tometal.com/                                                                                                                                   https://transcendingobscurity.bandcamp.com/                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/transcendingobscurityrecords                                                                   https://twitter.com/transcendingobs

                                                                       

                                                    

Odem--Timeless Past Above cd{Moribund Records} posted on 10-10-20

 

Odem--Timeless Past Above cd{Moribund Records}                                                          Odem are a Russian death metal act that will release their second full-length Timeless Past Above through Moribund Rec.Containg six tracks of brutal death and some elements of black metal are used in a few songs.The guitars are played with heavy and some fast paced guitar patterns.The guitarist can write some very memorable passages even adding some progressive style guitar patterns to the music to give it a unique sound and style.The drumming is done with alot of skill and a mix of fast,chaotic drums and some slower,heavier drum patterns.The drumer does write some excellent drum passages that showcase both a heavier mid paced and some blasting drums. Vocals are deep death metal growls that are powerful and fit the bands musicial style perfectly.This is my first encounter with Odem but if you are looking for a band that creates a unique blend and style all their own then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Timeless Past Above  today.                                                                                                                   Band Contacts

                                                       https://odem.bandcamp.com/                   

                                        https://www.facebook.com/odemofficial                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/odem.deathmetal/                                                                                    Label Contacts                                                                                                                         http://www.moribundcult.com/                                                                                                     https://www.facebook.com/MoribundRecordsOfficial                                                                         https://twitter.com/MoribundRecords

Interview with King Of Wyrms posted on 10-8-20

 

1.Hello Michael, please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hey everyone my name is Michael Sanchez the sole musician behind the Blackened Death Metal project King Ov Wyrms, I also play in the Blackened Prog Metal band Pain Patterns and I spent some time with the Power Metal act Judicator. I currently run a small home studio called Odyssey Sound Studios which is where I’ve produced the King, Pain, and some of the Judicator materials I’ve recorded.

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

I believe I first heard Metal when I was in early elementary school, my father had me around a lot of music growing up but when I first heard Iron Maiden I was hooked. I first got into the NWOBHM movement like crazy so I was snagging Maiden, Priest, Tygers Of Pan Tang, and Venom albums like crazy. Around my late middle school years, I got dragged into a heavy Thrash metal binge with bands like Overkill, Testament, Megadeth, and Slayer but it started to grow more into my still current love for Black Metal and Death Metal. Nowadays I try to give myself something new to listen to at least once a week, I’ve been really big on Hail Spirit Noir, Havukruunu, Craft, Panzerfaust, Jinjer, and Wormwitch. A bit of an odd mix.

3.When did you first get the idea to start King Of Wyrms? How did you choose King Of Wyrms as the name of the band?

I believe King was started back in 2015 by myself and the bassist for Pain Patterns at the time Reymundo Romero. I really wanted to do something that was more aggressive than Pain Patterns (which tends to focus more on obscurity), something that paid tribute to the bands that heavily influenced my love for early Death Metal like Morbid Angel and Bloodbath. At the time when I was writing the songs I was channeling a lot of my early youthful hatred towards religion, so we had some song names that were more anti-religious based. Rey brought forward the name King Of Worms in the namesake of it being the slanderous name given to Jesus Christ “The King of Worms, King of nothing" and it just fits perfectly.

4.I believe you are the sole member of King Of Wyrms when you started this band did you plan to work alone or would you like to find some new musicians to make a full-line-up?

Originally it started out with the intent to have a full band, I still would like to make it a full band however I grew very impatient with the many lineup changes we’ve had already been about maybe eight-member swaps? Eventually, I ended up just being the only person that wrote anything, I had all the material done and all I was really lacking was just some solid vocals and some “good" drums because I’m a terrible drummer haha Jesse Lujan the singer from Pain Patterns is essentially my vocal coach, he got me whipped into shape and gave me the confidence to take on the project for main vocals and that’s pretty much where it stands today. With the hopefulness of this debut album being well received, I’m in the process of talking to some musicians about possibly filling out or contributing to the follow-up release for King Ov Wyrms.

5.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about the sole member of the band? If you had the opportunity to work with many musicians who would you like to work with?

The hardest part is understanding that you really can’t do everything as best as you would like, essentially being your own worst critic. Point being made there’s a lot of times I feel my vocal performances were lacking at times no matter how much I re-recorded them and same with the drums, I played what I could and then fixed the rest of it with Midi but I’m not mentally a drummer so I feel my creative choices for beats and patterns could have been improved. If I took the time to keep fixing these small mistakes then I’d be sitting on this album for another five years which is where I threw in the towel, I’d rather get it out with the energy I have now. I would love to experience a session with Ihsahn, Mikael Akerfeldt, and Steven Wilson. Those guys are some of my biggest idols and I just love watching their studio videos and how they work their creative process, just to experience that or be around that workflow I feel would be endlessly rewarding.

6.King Ov Thornes is the debut release how long did it take you to write the music for the debut release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

This may sound really bad to some people but it took me just two nights, two separate writing sessions and I did about four songs each run. It all was purely just a whirlwind of inspiration, not just “how simple a King song could be". My process is pretty common regardless of what I’m working on, I start with just my guitar directly into my recording interface and I just start riffing away (with or without theory is up in the air). Once I grab something that catches my attention I track it, let it playback, and continuously build until I feel its come full circle. Usually, it takes me about anywhere from 2 hours to over 12 but that’s also because I can never leave a song unfinished, for some reason I just don’t have the ability to start something and come back to it later it just doesn’t work out for me.

7.Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some subjects written about on the debut? Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?

I drew a lot of inspiration from my childhood on this one, that was the main subject of what I guess started King. I had a lot of complications understanding religion and being almost forced to by the world around me in my youth and it made me very aggressive towards the ideas, that’s where the songs Maggots and Thorne Bearer really came from with my youthful self rejecting faith. Threnody was another part of my youth, amongst my early teens feeling that extreme hatred it caused me to harm myself physically a lot even to the point of attempted suicide which left me hating myself and everything around me. I grew out of that chaotic mindset a better man but it was a time in my life I felt I had no control and that anger and lack of control was what I wanted to embrace on this album which was very therapeutic in a way by putting myself back mentally somewhere I left a long time ago. The rest of the material was just my appreciation towards literature with Lovecraft references and conceptual theories about demonology and the occult. For myself I start with a song name, then I try to write some music that will embrace whatever perception that song name gives in advance and if I can complete the music with song to lyrics it’ll stay, if not it gets a new name and some appropriate lyrics but I never can start with lyrics in that case.

8.Where can the readers purchase Lord Ov Thornes when it is released? Besides the debut release does the band have any other merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase?

When Lord Ov Thornes is released it’ll be available on most if not all popular streaming sites such as Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, etc. And it’ll be available for digital purchase respectively on those sites. For the few physical copies that will be printed, they will be digipaks that I'll be selling directly off of our King Ov Wyrms Bandcamp while supplies last. As for merchandise we are currently working on a few shirt designs but nothing has been in the printing process yet, all our merch will be directly available off of our Bandcamp page just like the CDs and digital downloads. Go check out our bandcamp page at https://kingovwyrms.bandcamp.com

9.Michael you handle writing all the music for the band when did you first become interested in playing and writing music?

I’ve always known I wanted to be a musician ever since I was a young boy just watching my fathers Eagles live concerts on TV, something about music just captivated me at a young age and bewildered me. I experimented with quite a few different instruments before I picked up my guitar skills, I started with Piano, dabbled with Violin and Flute but I don’t have the lungs for wind instruments, I even did some time learning Choir but that didn’t end well either haha. Once I picked up a guitar it all clicked and from there I was able to start branching that theory over to bass.

10.What was the first instrument you learned to play and are you self-taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?

I started out learning piano in school with a music teacher for one of my classes, it went well and she did help nurture my interest in music even though I was a stubborn metalhead in a beginner's piano class. I was mostly a self-taught musician until I was getting ready to go to college for classical guitar. I picked up a piano teacher at a local music store who really shaped my musical skills into something valuable, although he wasn’t a guitar teacher that could teach me properly he did give me these challenges to where I would create obscure voicing for my chords and I believe that really became a key point of my playing to this day.

11.Are their any instruments that you would like to learn to play one day?

I honestly would love to learn Saxophone, Jorgen Munkeby helped interest me in that instrument with the work he did for Ihsahn. Before I heard his music I had no idea the soundscapes a Saxophone can create which can add some heavy emotion into music.

12. You also, handle the vocal duties for the project when did you first start growling and screaming? Do you do anything to keep your throat and voice healthy? Who are your favorite vocalists?

I first started by attempting backing vocals for Pain Patterns live maybe around 2017, Jesse Lujan was very supportive in teaching me proper technique and getting me that confidence a vocalist needs. I typically don’t do much conditioning but I do use warm-up techniques before I get into any vocal session as to not stress myself out. Steve Tucker of Morbid Angel is a huge influence for me, that just sheer force and depth of his voice is very intimidating but still very natural sounding which is something I tried to achieve. Mikael Akerfeldt is another one of my tops, his work in early Bloodbath and Opeth really inspired me to try and scream.

13.King Of Wyrms comes out of Arizona's death black metal scene what is your opinion of Arizona's metal scene over the years?

It's very interesting for sure, there’s a lot of hidden talent here and tons of musicians that have been cycling through many notable acts in every genre here. The metal community in general is extremely supportive of each other however which makes it very strong.

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

Well for starters I’m a huge Abigail Williams fan, I believe I’ve heard that Job For A Cowboy was also from Arizona but I can’t say that I truthfully know that, and of course the mighty Sacred Reich who just rip. As for new artists, I’d highly recommend Swarm Of Serpents, Deadspawn, Anira Angol, and Shadows of Algol for that black and death metal. For some more tech and deathcore type stuff, my dear friends in Oppressor God and Evasion have been putting out some quality material for years.

15.What does Underground Metal mean to you?

To me Underground is a label I don’t typically like to use, it sounds more like a nice way of saying “underrated". There are so many talented and well built self-sufficient acts that I’ve met that I feel don’t deserve that title just because they aren’t signed to a label or on bigger tours. To some it's not offensive but I don’t like to use the term, its too much of an open term to use without accidentally offending someone’s respectable reputation.

16.Besides working in King Of Wyrms do you currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

I also work in the Progressive Black Metal band Pain Patterns which is mostly my main project. I started Pain Patterns back in 2012, the band featured a ton of different lineup changes and musical approaches to the point where we just ended up getting coined a Prog metal band in Arizona even though as musicians we regularly stick to Black and Death metal approaches with influences of our personal music studies like Jazz and Classical music. For Fans of Black and Death metal with a bit of Obscurity I’d highly recommend checking out our albums Flood of Worry and The Dawn Collective. My only other semi-active project is a symphonic black metal project I’ve been working on for a few years, I don’t have too much details I can spare at the moment but I will say it will make its debut hopefully in the beginning of 2021 with a full length album and it’ll hopefully feature some unique guest musicians.

17.Thank you Michael for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?

Just a huge thank you to the fans and everyone for taking the time to listen to any of my work with King Ov Wyrms or Pain Patterns and of course thank you guys for giving me some time to share some words with you and the readers.

Band Contacts

https://kingovwyrms.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.facebook.com/KingOvWyrms