Hello to the readers of Winter Torment web-zine.Here is a new interview with Finland's atmospheric,female fronted band Amberian Dawn the band plays a mix of atmospheric metal with touches of other styles mixed in.If you are a fan of this band or of atmospheric metal then defintly take a few minutes to read this interview with the main music writer and band founder. And pick up a copy of the new cd "Innuendo"
enjoy the interview and take some time to check out the other reviews and interviews up on the site.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Tuomas Keyboardist,guitarist of Amberian Dawn done by Patrick
1.Hello Tuomas how are things with you these days? please introduce yourself to the readers?
Tuomas: Hello, I'm Tuomas Seppälä, the founding member of AD. I compose all AD's music and also play keyboards & guitar in band. Living here in Finland. Besides making music I love to travel in visit differnet countries.
2.When did you get the idea to form Amberian Dawn? What is the current line up of the band?
Tuomas: AD's story started at time I was playing keyboards in Finnish powermetal band called Virtuocity. Singer Peter James Goodman told me that I should start an own band after hearing some of my guitar instrumental demos. Also our bassist Tommi Kuri engouraged me to start a new band. So with Tommi we founded a band which originally had Goodman as vocalist. Later we decided to recruit a female singer and that's how it all started. Our current lineup is: Capri – vocals, Tuomas Seppälä keyboards & guitar, Emil Pohjalainen – guitar, Joonas Pykälä-aho -drums and Jukka Hoffren – bass.
3.How would you say Amberian Dawns music has changed over the years? Who are some of the bands biggest influences?
Tuomas: AD's music has changed a lot during all of these years. At beginning the music was more guitar driven and we had a different kind of singer. Nowadays I think AD is more keyboard & vocal driven. As composer I don't want to do same kind of music all over again. I want to try different kinds of styles and mix some new elements with those ”traditional AD-elements”. My biggest influences are probably from classical music. Besides that I like those old classics like Rainbow, Deep Purple and Dio for example.
4.The band is getting ready to releas the new cd "Innuendo" how long did it take you to write the music for the new release?I believe yo write the music for the band.How long does it usually take you to write one song?
Tuomas: The whole recording process took almost for a year. We started the pre-production last fall and we went to studio in early spring 2015. In summer the album was ready for mixing. The time I spend with one song varies a lot. I might use a lot of time with arrangements and it's possible that I've spend several hundreds hours of time with one song only. With some other songs on the other hand I may have needed time for just 5-10 hours with full arrangements.
5.Who usually writes the lyrics for Amberian Dawn?What are some subjects you all write about?
Tuomas: AD's lyrics are always written by vocalist since I want to concentrate just on music and I don't have anything to give relating to lyrics. So it's Capri at the moment handling that job...and as far as I'm concerned she's doing a great job with it too. I think her themes are quite common subjects like ”Love”, ”Hate”, ”Fantasies” etc..
6.Are there any plans to make a video for any of the songs off of "Innuendo"? Do you have a favorite song off the new cd you would like to make a video for?
Tuomas: So far there's already online a lyric video of ”Court of Mirror Hall”. Also just a couple of days ago we put online a music video of ”Fame & Gloria”. It's a great video and it's directed by the same producer who's behind our previous music video ”Magic Forest”
7.Are their any tour plans in support of the new cd? If yes where are some cocuntries you all will be playing?Who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?
Tuomas: We're starting an European tour next week with our label mates Delain and The Gentle Storm. We're going to do 12 shows together all around Europe. We're going to visit Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.
8.Amberian Dawn comes out of Finland's atmospheric metal scene what is your opinion of Finland's metal scene?
Tuomas: Metal music has been popular here in Finland for long time. We have a lot of traditions on that scene and a lot of good bands have made a worldwide breakthru. I think modern metal music here is heavier than before...But I don't listen to music so much anymore and also don't follow the scene so much so I'm not able to describe this matter more closely.
9.Who are your all time favorite finnish bands and artists? Are their any new bands or artists you feel the readers should check out soon?
Tuomas: From Finnish bands I've always liked Stratovarius the most. It's a great band and full of virtuoso musicians. I'm happy that I've got Timo Kotipelto singing on one AD song (Cold Kiss 2012) and also Jens Johansson to play keyboards on many AD's songs (2010, 2012, 2014).
10.Thank you Tuomas for taking the time to fill this interview do you have any final words for the readers?
Tuomas: I would like AD to tour in US someday. I've been once in New York and spent some holiday there. It was a great city and I have some friends living there. I would like to visit that beautiful city again, maybe even next year already. I'm hoping that metal scene would stay strong in US, I know there's different kind of music in trend now. But I hope you all Stay Metal !!
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Brand new reviews done on 10-4-15
Metal Hails
Here is a new batch of metal reviews for you to sink your teeth into.If you are a band,label or P.R company interested in a review and possible interview feel free to contact me Thanks
More reviews and interviews coming soon
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Aetherious Obscuritas ---MMXV cd {Paragon Rec.}
Label Contact
Here is a new batch of metal reviews for you to sink your teeth into.If you are a band,label or P.R company interested in a review and possible interview feel free to contact me Thanks
More reviews and interviews coming soon
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Aetherious Obscuritas ---MMXV cd {Paragon Rec.}
Hungary's Aetherious Obscuritas return with their seventh masterpiece to date.With very well written guitar patterns that range from extreme and fast black metal to a more mid paced guitar tone.The drums are played with a lot of skills and talent with a variety of fast drum patterns to more of a mid range drum patterns.The vocals are a mixture of blackend shrieks and screams and even some very well done clean vocal patterns in a few of the songs.If you have heard Aetherious Obscuritas previous releases and enjoyed them then do yourself a favor and pick this cd up today.
Label Contact
Festering--From The Grave cd {Caverna Abismal Rec.}
Festering are from the ever growing Portugal metal scene combing old-school death metal with some thrash influences.This is the bands debut From The Grave which reeks of early to mid 90's death,thrash masters combing both some U.S and European metal but also the band knows how to create some excellent music so Festering don't get lost in the endless sea of retro bands coming out these last few years.Fast thrashing guitars race through each song combing both aggression and some well played mid paced sections.The vocals are a nice mix of gruff death metal growls and some thrashy screams.If you are a fan of the mid 90's death,thrash metal scene then Festering are a band you will want to check out soon.
Label Contact
Fornace--My Journey Is Ending But The Torment Will Be Eternal cd {Paragon Rec.}
Italy's furnace return with their second attack My Journey Is Ending But The Torment Will Be Eternal.The main difference from this release to their debut cd is the band has stopped using as much death metal influence and gone for a more straight forward black metal approach.The guitars are done with razor sharp blackend riffs that both fast but also uses some creative ideas in the music to keep it from sounding the same.The vocals are a mix of harsh tormented shrieks and some screams entertwined together.If you heard this bands debut and enjoyed their black metal then defintly give this second release a chance and if your new to this Italian blackend death metal band do yourself a favor buy this today.
Label Contact
Kaeck---Stormkult cd {Folter Rec.
Kaeck are from the Netherlands and play a violent and vicous black and war metal style.The guitars are played with a lot of speed and aggressive riffs.The drumming is top notch with a lot of chaotic blast beats and crazed drum patterns.The vocals are raw blackend screams and a few lines of clean singing.kaeck are great band to check into if you are a fanatic of blackend war metal with no comprimises.
Label Contact
Narbeleth---Through Blackness And Remote Places cd {Folter Rec.}
I believe this is my first time ever hearing a extreme black metal band from Cuba.Narbeleth do not disappoint either if you are a fan of fast to a more mid paced range of blackness then this is a band you will want to check out soon.Besides being a total black metal band their are also elements of war metal with outbursts of extreme fast guitars and drum blasts.But Narbeleth are more of a grim,raw band.If you are a fan of mid nineties scandavian raw black metal then defintly pick this cd up today.
Label Contact
Nocturnal Blood---Abnormalities Prevail cd/D.LP {Hells Headbangers}
Nocturnal Blood and Hells Headbangers have teamed up to bring a very special release from one of the Undergrounds best kept secrets.This releases showcases Nocturnal Blood's debut demo and various E.P'S and split releases all on one cd or a Dbl lp. For the fans that are new to this band their sound and style are rooted in the early black and death scenes.The songs featured on this release are very well written and performed but also keep the primitive sound alive within their music.If you are a long time fan then this is a collection you will defintly want to add to your collection today.
Label Contact
Speedwhore---The Future Is Now cd {Witches Brew Rec.}
Germany's Speedwhore unlease their debut cd through the mighty Witches Brew Rec.Speedwhore play a mix of early 80's speed/thrash metal with some early black metal entertwined within the songs.Fast guitars that race through the songs but are not all speed oriented their are some really well written guitar parts and even some solo's thrown in a few of the tracks.The vocals are a mix of thrashy screams and some blackend thrashy screams.If you are a fan of early black/thrash then Speedwhore is a band you will defintly want to check out soon.
Label Contact
Thyrgrim---Dekaden cd {Talheim Rec.}
Germany's Thyrgrim return with their newest cd Dekaden the band plays a very well written black metal with some very creative patterns and styles .Going from mid paced black metal to a more atmospheric style.The guitars are done with a lot of experience and well written guitar patterns.The drumming is done with a lot of skills going from mid-tempo range to an all out assult on the eardrums.The vocals are black metal shrieks and screams that fit Thyrgrim's music perfectly.If you are a fan of well written and performed black metal then do not let Dekaden pass you by.
Label Contact
Tsar Bomb--Exterminanans IX:XI {Cimmerian Shade Rec.}
Tsar Bomb return with their debut full length cd Spain's Tsar Bomb play a violent mix of black and death metal with touches of war metal.The guitarist does a great job of slower mid paced riffs but then the next minute is playing some crazed vicious riffs for a nice balance.The drums are programmed but are done with a little variety going from non stop blasting blackend war type of drums to a more well done mid paced range.The vocals range from a brutal death metal growl to a more whispering type of vocals.If you are a fanatic of barbaric blackend death then
Label Contact
Tyrant GoatgalDrakona---Horns In The Dark 12'LP {Caverna Abismal Rec.}
Tyrant GoatgalDrakona come out of the Hungarian death metal scene combing heavy and fast death metal.Fast guitar riffs rage through the songs with moments of slower and heavier riffs in a few sections.But the band seems to be more at home when they are playing at crazed and explosive speeds and styles.If you are a fan of crazed and frenzied death metal with touches of war metal then defintly give Tyrant GoatgalDrakona a listen today.
Label Contact
Interview with Florida's Never To Arise done by Patrick on 10-4-15
Here is a new interview with Florida's own "Never To Arise" the band plays a mix of old-school brutal death metal and some elements of modern brutality that makes for a very good release.If you are a fan of brutal death metal then be sure to pick a copy of the bands brand new cd "Gore Whores On The Killing Floor".
regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Gordon D. vocalist,guitarist and drum programmer for Never To Arise done by Patrick
1.Hello Gordon when did you first discover brutal death metal? Who were some of your your first bands you heard? Who are some of your current favorite bands?
Hello, Patrick. Thanks for having me! I am old enough to remember when death metal became well known. My early favorites were Carcass and Obituary. With so many great bands over the years it's hard to pick a favorite. Actually my favorite current band is Melechesh, who are not a death metal band. As far as DM bands, Dying Fetus manages to keep putting out great releases, and the first 3 or 4 Decapitated CDs never get old to me. And I would say Nile is an old reliable too. Both them and Melechesh do the old Middle Eastern style riffs. I love that stuff.
2.When did you first meet Mike K.? Was it long before you two formed Never To Arise ? How did you two come up with the name of the band?
Mike and I met about 15 years ago. It took a few years before we decided to do a musical project together. This was in 2006. Our band name came about because we couldn't agree on anything else! And calling ourselves "Nameless Death Metal Band" was not an option.
3.For the readers who have never heard Never To Arise's music how would you best describe it?
I describe it as true death metal. We don't place a ton of limitations on ourselves. The rhythms are hard hitting and fairly straightforward. The guitar work is diverse and sometimes complex. The lyrics are violent but we are not afraid to be musical. In fact we pride ourselves on being able to go from brutal blastbeats to mid tempo catchiness to somewhat melodic passages.
4.Never To Arise is getting ready to release their second cd "Gore Whores On The Floor" how long did it take to write the music for this release? Do you and Mike work on the music or do one of you usually write everything?
It took about 7-8 months, which was divided between 2010 and 2011. The music was actually written before our first CD was even released. So far it has been me writing just about everything, but if we are fortunate enough to do a third record we are going to make it a more collaborative effort.
5.Have you ever looked for a drummer to join the band or do you prefer to work as a two piece?
We like it being the two of us, but if the right situation came along working with a drummer would be fine.
6.Besides the new cd "Gore Whores On The Killing Floor" does the band have any other merchandise available for the fans? If yes where can the fans buy it?
Yes, our debut CD is called "Hacked To Perfection". It can be ordered here
http://cimmerianshaderecs.storenvy.com/products/7010378-never-to-arise-hacked-to-perfection
7.Has the band ever played live or do you prefer to work in the studio?
We are strictly a studio band.
8.Never To Arise comes out of the Florida brutal death metal scene what is your opinion of Florida's brutal metal scene?
At one time it was really special. These days not so much.
9.Who are some of your all-time favorite bands coming out of Florida ? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
Monstrosity, Malevolent Creation, Morbid Angel....basically any band who's name starts with the letter "M" ...hahaha. On the more serious side of things, I am not aware of any new bands that seem poised for greatness or anything.
10.Gordon you handle the vocals for the band when did you become interested in singing /growling? Do you do anything special to keep your voice and throat healthy?
The original idea when we formed the band and had some songs written was that I would attempt to do the vocals, and if it didn't sound very good we would get somebody else to do them. It turned out that both Michael and myself were satisfied with the performances. Its easier for me to take care of my throat because other DM vocalists are on the road playing gigs while I only have to use my voice for writing and recording.
11.Who are some of your influences/favorite vocalist?
Well, Chris Barnes is certainly an undeniable influence. Also the original vocalist for Sinister, Mike van Mastrigt. Mainly those two and some of the early '90s British vocalists. There are plenty of vocalists who are technically great but sound too samey. I like the ones who vary their cadences and put more emotion into what they are doing.
12.Besides the vocals you also handle the guitars when did you become interested in playing the guitars?Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first beginning?
Yeah I do all the rhythm guitar parts and an occasional solo. I didn't start playing until I was about 17. I am self taught.
13.Who are some of your influences/favorite guitarists?Besides the vocals and guitars do you currently play any other instruments?
Too many great guitarists to name. Some players would be Ed Van Halen, Tony Iommi, James Murphy, Piggy from Voivod, Tommy Vetterli and Bill Steer to name a few.
Guitar is the only instrument I can play, although I would love to be able to play drums.
14.Besides brutal death do you or Mike listen to other forms of music?
Oh, we listen to a wide variety of music. I have the heavier and rawer tastes, and Mike loves his prog, but we both have our non-metal "guilty pleasures".
15.What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I read a lot. Mainly history, true crime and social-political books. I also watch a lot of football and hockey. And drinking beer. Can't forget beer.
16.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out.Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thanks for the opportunity, I enjoyed it. My words for anyone reading this would be to educate yourself so you can formulate solid opinions based on fact. Don't believe the hype. Try before you buy. And if you ever feel like killing someone, listen to Never To Arise instead! That's what we're here for.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/Never-To-Arise-117489404980631
regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Gordon D. vocalist,guitarist and drum programmer for Never To Arise done by Patrick
1.Hello Gordon when did you first discover brutal death metal? Who were some of your your first bands you heard? Who are some of your current favorite bands?
Hello, Patrick. Thanks for having me! I am old enough to remember when death metal became well known. My early favorites were Carcass and Obituary. With so many great bands over the years it's hard to pick a favorite. Actually my favorite current band is Melechesh, who are not a death metal band. As far as DM bands, Dying Fetus manages to keep putting out great releases, and the first 3 or 4 Decapitated CDs never get old to me. And I would say Nile is an old reliable too. Both them and Melechesh do the old Middle Eastern style riffs. I love that stuff.
2.When did you first meet Mike K.? Was it long before you two formed Never To Arise ? How did you two come up with the name of the band?
Mike and I met about 15 years ago. It took a few years before we decided to do a musical project together. This was in 2006. Our band name came about because we couldn't agree on anything else! And calling ourselves "Nameless Death Metal Band" was not an option.
3.For the readers who have never heard Never To Arise's music how would you best describe it?
I describe it as true death metal. We don't place a ton of limitations on ourselves. The rhythms are hard hitting and fairly straightforward. The guitar work is diverse and sometimes complex. The lyrics are violent but we are not afraid to be musical. In fact we pride ourselves on being able to go from brutal blastbeats to mid tempo catchiness to somewhat melodic passages.
4.Never To Arise is getting ready to release their second cd "Gore Whores On The Floor" how long did it take to write the music for this release? Do you and Mike work on the music or do one of you usually write everything?
It took about 7-8 months, which was divided between 2010 and 2011. The music was actually written before our first CD was even released. So far it has been me writing just about everything, but if we are fortunate enough to do a third record we are going to make it a more collaborative effort.
5.Have you ever looked for a drummer to join the band or do you prefer to work as a two piece?
We like it being the two of us, but if the right situation came along working with a drummer would be fine.
6.Besides the new cd "Gore Whores On The Killing Floor" does the band have any other merchandise available for the fans? If yes where can the fans buy it?
Yes, our debut CD is called "Hacked To Perfection". It can be ordered here
http://cimmerianshaderecs.storenvy.com/products/7010378-never-to-arise-hacked-to-perfection
7.Has the band ever played live or do you prefer to work in the studio?
We are strictly a studio band.
8.Never To Arise comes out of the Florida brutal death metal scene what is your opinion of Florida's brutal metal scene?
At one time it was really special. These days not so much.
9.Who are some of your all-time favorite bands coming out of Florida ? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
Monstrosity, Malevolent Creation, Morbid Angel....basically any band who's name starts with the letter "M" ...hahaha. On the more serious side of things, I am not aware of any new bands that seem poised for greatness or anything.
10.Gordon you handle the vocals for the band when did you become interested in singing /growling? Do you do anything special to keep your voice and throat healthy?
The original idea when we formed the band and had some songs written was that I would attempt to do the vocals, and if it didn't sound very good we would get somebody else to do them. It turned out that both Michael and myself were satisfied with the performances. Its easier for me to take care of my throat because other DM vocalists are on the road playing gigs while I only have to use my voice for writing and recording.
11.Who are some of your influences/favorite vocalist?
Well, Chris Barnes is certainly an undeniable influence. Also the original vocalist for Sinister, Mike van Mastrigt. Mainly those two and some of the early '90s British vocalists. There are plenty of vocalists who are technically great but sound too samey. I like the ones who vary their cadences and put more emotion into what they are doing.
12.Besides the vocals you also handle the guitars when did you become interested in playing the guitars?Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first beginning?
Yeah I do all the rhythm guitar parts and an occasional solo. I didn't start playing until I was about 17. I am self taught.
13.Who are some of your influences/favorite guitarists?Besides the vocals and guitars do you currently play any other instruments?
Too many great guitarists to name. Some players would be Ed Van Halen, Tony Iommi, James Murphy, Piggy from Voivod, Tommy Vetterli and Bill Steer to name a few.
Guitar is the only instrument I can play, although I would love to be able to play drums.
14.Besides brutal death do you or Mike listen to other forms of music?
Oh, we listen to a wide variety of music. I have the heavier and rawer tastes, and Mike loves his prog, but we both have our non-metal "guilty pleasures".
15.What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I read a lot. Mainly history, true crime and social-political books. I also watch a lot of football and hockey. And drinking beer. Can't forget beer.
16.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out.Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thanks for the opportunity, I enjoyed it. My words for anyone reading this would be to educate yourself so you can formulate solid opinions based on fact. Don't believe the hype. Try before you buy. And if you ever feel like killing someone, listen to Never To Arise instead! That's what we're here for.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/Never-To-Arise-117489404980631
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