Hails
Here is the last post of 2016 and what a great way to go out with the legendary Czech Republic's Root who discuss the bands past and the newest release "Kargeras-return from oblivion" so read forward and have a great new years eve and a great 2017 stay tuned for a lot of new reviews and interviews coming up.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Big Boss vocalist of Root done by Patrick
Hello Big Boss how are things going with you these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Big Boss: I´m great bastard and hate all:-))
Big Boss you formed Root back in 1987 what gave you the idea to start this band?And how did you come up with Root as the bands name?
Big Boss: The band formed as the recession but we realized a bit later that we like it. We found that right title and the band is here. The title was taken from the sentence Root of all Evil.
Besides the upcoming release of "Kargeras--Return From Oblivion does the band have any past releases or merchandise available? I know Root has had a tremendous career but do you have a personal favorite Root song and release?
Igor: We offer both all ROOT´s older releases and shirts. Check out our store at www.rootan.net
Big Boss: All our songs are our children. Would you love some of your children more than another one? I don´t think so. That´s it.
Root is getting ready to release their new release "Kargeras--Return From Oblivion" how long did it take to write the music for the new release?
Big Boss: I wrote both albums in 1993-1994 but the right time to make the music for the second part has come now as far.
I believe the lyrics on the new release are a concept What gave you the idea to do a concept release? And what is the concept based on?
Big Boss: It is a direct continuation of “Kärgeräs” album from 1996. My own closure of the story which I wrote back in the nineties. I promised once that one day I would finish that story and so I am keeping this promise. Many fans have been waiting for it since the first “Kärgeräs” album. Now they can finally get it and can enjoy another part of this story. I’m looking forward to listeners’ opinions about this new masterpiece. The album is simultaneously a gift directly to “Kärgeräs” album fans. It´s very important because there are many fans of ROOT who prefer just some of our albums. And “Kärgeräs” is the special one.
Root has played many shows over the years what have been some of your most memorable shows? And who were some bands you had the pleasure of sharing the stage with?
Big Boss: All shows are great and all bands too. I don´t prefer anything, only politics do this:-)
Igor: Most of gigs out of Czech Republic are more special because we don´t play in other countries so often. Really special trip was Calgary in Canada some years ago. Still remember also No Mercy Festivals European tour with Moonspell, Behemoth and Napalm Death in 2007.
Are their any tours or shows planned for the rest of 2016 or the beginning of 2017? What are some countries Root will be playing?Any idea who are the bands you will be playing with?
Big Boss: Maybe that very the first US show ever. ROOT is confirmed for Maryland Deathfest 2017. This is really special one. Otherwise we still play live over here in Czech Republic mostly, sometimes in Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Belgium, Poland, France, Canada, Serbia, England...etc.
And we played with Moonspell, Anathema, Apocalyptica, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Nifelheim, Pungent Stench, Behemoth, Destroyer 666, Enslaved, Napalm Death, Impaled Nazarene, Satanic Warmaster, Amon Amarth, Sodom and more and more...
Root comes out of the Czech Republic's metal scene what is your opinion of the Czech Republic's scene over the years?
Big Boss: There still appear new good bands and friends, some older bands play on – ROOT for example. I don´t prefer any band at all. Many old bands split up, of course.
Who are some of your all-time favorite band? Are their any new bands or projects you feel the readers should check out soon?
Igor: Maybe you guys should check out our projects;-)
Besides bands are their any good labels or distro's you can recommend to the readers?
Igor: Agonia Records actually. Quite a good business partner;-)
In your opinion what does Underground metal mean to you?
Igor: Don´t like this word at all. I understand why some people use it within the musical business but this word covers also some bad things. Many people and bands just hide behind this word. I think the real underground scene disappeared with the internet.
Are you or any of the members of Root currently working in any other bands or projects?
Igor: We´re still working on other projects. Big Boss will record his another solo album next year and other ROOT members help him with this a bit too. I still work on some new songs, as well as other guitarists.
Big Boss you take care of the vocals at what age did you become interested in singing and screaming? Is their anything special that you do to keep your throat and voice healthy?
Big Boss: I do not work on my voice at all. I smoke and drink I do not care about the voice. It is a gift from Satan, okay?
Who are some of your favorite vocalists? Besides handling the vocals do you play any other instruments?
Big Boss: My favorite is – Janis Joplin, Chris Farlowe, King Diamond, Denis Shaforostof....I play a little on keyboards, drums and bass....
When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Big Boss: He he he....you do´t want to know...hehehe
Thank you Big Boss for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Big Boss: We'll meet you in hell....Stay Proud !
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Reviews posted on 12-20-16 done by Patrick
Hello
Here are some new metal reviews to check out and hopefully want to hear more and buy the release when it is released.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my reviews and interviews this year.I hope to have ALOT more posted in 2017 so keep checking the web-zine out.
Regards and have a great new year coming up.
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Balfor--Black Serpent Rising cd {Drakkar Prod.}
Ukraine's Barbaric black metal band Balfor return with their newest cd Black Serpent Rising featuring eight tracks of destructive black metal.The band does have some elements of death metal and even a few somber and slower sections before going all crazed and fast paced.The guitarist knows how to play well executed guitar chords that are played in the fast,destructive pace but their are some well written and performed mid paced sections.The drums are done in the fast barbaric blasting drums but the drummer does slow to a more somber and slower pace in a few of the songs before going back to the hyper fast drum style.The vocalist are done with both raw,raspy black metal shrieks and some death metal growls used in a few songs.If you are familiar with Balfor's past releases then you know what to expect but if you are a new fan then imagine well written and played barbaric black metal that has both plenty of vicious and some slower,melodic black metal sections.
Label Contact
http://www.drakkar666.com/
https://balfor.bandcamp.com/music
Hammerfall--Built To Last cd {Napalm Rec.}
Sweden's traditional heavy metal masters return with their tenth full length release to date and their first for Napalm Rec.Hammerfall still carry the torch for traditional heavy metal with some rock and hard rock elements used in the bands sound I only listened to the bands first three releases then lost touch with what the band was doing.Then I got the promo for their newest release Built To Last which is a really good traditional heavy metal release.Their are both good metal anthems and a few slower heavy metal ballads that really work for the band. If you are a fan of Hammerfall's past releases you will like the new release Built To Last so be sure to buy this today.
Label Contact
https://shop.napalmrecords.com/
Here are some new metal reviews to check out and hopefully want to hear more and buy the release when it is released.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my reviews and interviews this year.I hope to have ALOT more posted in 2017 so keep checking the web-zine out.
Regards and have a great new year coming up.
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Balfor--Black Serpent Rising cd {Drakkar Prod.}
Ukraine's Barbaric black metal band Balfor return with their newest cd Black Serpent Rising featuring eight tracks of destructive black metal.The band does have some elements of death metal and even a few somber and slower sections before going all crazed and fast paced.The guitarist knows how to play well executed guitar chords that are played in the fast,destructive pace but their are some well written and performed mid paced sections.The drums are done in the fast barbaric blasting drums but the drummer does slow to a more somber and slower pace in a few of the songs before going back to the hyper fast drum style.The vocalist are done with both raw,raspy black metal shrieks and some death metal growls used in a few songs.If you are familiar with Balfor's past releases then you know what to expect but if you are a new fan then imagine well written and played barbaric black metal that has both plenty of vicious and some slower,melodic black metal sections.
Label Contact
http://www.drakkar666.com/
https://balfor.bandcamp.com/music
Hammerfall--Built To Last cd {Napalm Rec.}
Sweden's traditional heavy metal masters return with their tenth full length release to date and their first for Napalm Rec.Hammerfall still carry the torch for traditional heavy metal with some rock and hard rock elements used in the bands sound I only listened to the bands first three releases then lost touch with what the band was doing.Then I got the promo for their newest release Built To Last which is a really good traditional heavy metal release.Their are both good metal anthems and a few slower heavy metal ballads that really work for the band. If you are a fan of Hammerfall's past releases you will like the new release Built To Last so be sure to buy this today.
Label Contact
https://shop.napalmrecords.com/
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Omnizide interview done by Patrick on 12-17-16
Hails Here is a new interview with the Swedish black,death metal band Omnizide who are getting ready to release their new full-length "Nekroregime" as a joint release through Carnal Rec and Daemon Worship Rec. If you are a fan of well executed and played Swedish blackend death then be sure to pick up Omnizide's new cd today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Anders Guitarist and music writer of Omnizide done by Patrick
1.Hails Anders please introduce yourself to the readers and when did you become interested in playing and writing music.
Hails!
Well, I play the guitar in Omnizide and some other bands as well, not much more to say about myself.
I always listened to music. First Twisted Sister and that sort of stuff, then bands like Metallica, and later on the Earache bands (Bolt Thrower, Morbid Angel, Carcass etc).
Like many other in my generation I first discovered black metal when I read newspaper articles about the churchburnings and murders in the Norwegian Scene. As a teenager I though it was really fascinating and instantly got hooked on band like Darkthrone and Burzum. After a while me and Mikael thought we should try to create something similar ourselves and that's when I picked up the guitar and started to write music (well at least tried anyway)
2.When did you first meet Mikael and what gave you two the idea to start Omnizide ?How did you come up with the name Omnizide for the band and does it have a special meaning?
Me and Mikael grew up as neighbors but we didn't really start hanging out until we realized we shared a mutual interest for extreme metal.
It was actually Mikael who got me to play the guitar in the first place. We were both really into Scandinavian black metal and, like I said, we felt that we wanted to create something similar ourselves.
Mikael came up with the name Omnicie (but we decided to spell it with a "Z")
It means the destruction of all life, total death. It suits our lyrical themes and our music very well.
3.Anders you and Mikael formed the band in 1995 how do you feel the bands music has changed since the beginning of the band until present day?
When we started none of us really knew how to play our instruments so the music was really simple an minimalistic. And very influenced by Darkthrone and that style of Scandinavian black metal.
Back then we were much better at drawing cool logos band taking band photos than actually writing and recording music so the early days just ended up in a couple of rehearsal tapes we mostly kept to ourselves.
Through the years we have discovered and got influenced by other types of extreme music (crust for example) and incorporated more death metal elements.
4. Omnizide is getting ready to release the bands second full length "NekroRegime" through Carnal Rec. And Daemon Worship Rec. How did you come in contact with these two great labels?
Björn, who runs Carnal Records, is an old friend of ours. So when we decided to reform the band it seemed natural to ask him if he was interested in releasing it. He is also very easy to work with and doesn't live too far from here.
We came in contact with Daemonic Worship through Carnal. They have collaborated on other releases.
5.Anders you take care of writing the music for the band how long did it take to write the music for the new release "NekroRegime"?
We started writing the songs right after the Nekromantik EP was recorded. The song "Shockwaves"as actually finished before that. I guess it took about a year or so to write all the songs.
We actually never intended it to become an album, we aimed to record another EP, but then we realized we had nearly enough new songs to make an album, and then the idea of a second album were born.
6.Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some of the subjects you all write about on the new release?
Me and Gaddur(drums) usually write most of the lyrics, but Nox contributes with some lyrics as well. And the lyrics for the first song (Himmelstrasse) were written by B-Force.
The lyrics of this album deals with things such as Necrophilia, Doom, Murder and WWII. And some other delicate subject as well.
7.Besides the new CD "NekroRegime" does the band have any past releases or merchandise available for the readers if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
I think some of our previous releases is still available through various distros and record shops. Easiest for the readers would probably be to contact Carnal Records directly, they may have some stuff left.
When it comes to merchandise we have handled that part for ourselves so far. We usually print a very limited amount of shirts (30-50 ex or so) each time so they are quickly sold out. However, we we probably make some Nekroregime"-related shirts in the not so distant future.
8.Omnizide comes out of the Swedish blackend death metal scene what is your opinion of the Swedish black and death metal scene over the years?
I think it started out strong in the late 80's and early 90's. Especially the death metal scene. But then it got really boring and I really grew tired of black metal and especially the sound of the late 90's.
However things have improved a lot. I think the Swedish scene of today is probably as strong as ever with lots of great new bands. And some older bands like Marduk still releases real quality stuff (I think Frontschwein is there best record so far).
9.Who are some of your all-time favorite Swedish bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Bathory (of course) is one of my favorite Swedish bands, as well bands as Nifelheim, Repugnant and Kaamos and such.
People should check out our labelmates in WAN, there really good. And the latest Kill album is really worth a listen.
10.Anders in your opinion what does black metal mean to you?
It's hard to explain.
Of course the lyrics has to deal with the "right" subjects, but to me it was always the music that was most interesting. The rawness and the feeling in black metal. It was a whole new experience compared to the death metal stuff I had listened to before and I was totally engulfed by black metal back in the 90's.
11.Besides writing and playing music what do you like to do in your free time?
Since I work full-time and have a bunch of kids I don't have that much free time. But I do enjoy fishing.
However music ris my main interest. I'm an eager record collector, so listening to and discovering new bands is how I spend most of my free time.
12.Thank you Anders for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Thanks for all support! Check out Nekroregime!
Band Site
https://www.facebook.com/omnizid
Label Contacts
http://www.carnalrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Carnalrecords.sweden/
http://www.daemonworship.org
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Anders Guitarist and music writer of Omnizide done by Patrick
1.Hails Anders please introduce yourself to the readers and when did you become interested in playing and writing music.
Hails!
Well, I play the guitar in Omnizide and some other bands as well, not much more to say about myself.
I always listened to music. First Twisted Sister and that sort of stuff, then bands like Metallica, and later on the Earache bands (Bolt Thrower, Morbid Angel, Carcass etc).
Like many other in my generation I first discovered black metal when I read newspaper articles about the churchburnings and murders in the Norwegian Scene. As a teenager I though it was really fascinating and instantly got hooked on band like Darkthrone and Burzum. After a while me and Mikael thought we should try to create something similar ourselves and that's when I picked up the guitar and started to write music (well at least tried anyway)
2.When did you first meet Mikael and what gave you two the idea to start Omnizide ?How did you come up with the name Omnizide for the band and does it have a special meaning?
Me and Mikael grew up as neighbors but we didn't really start hanging out until we realized we shared a mutual interest for extreme metal.
It was actually Mikael who got me to play the guitar in the first place. We were both really into Scandinavian black metal and, like I said, we felt that we wanted to create something similar ourselves.
Mikael came up with the name Omnicie (but we decided to spell it with a "Z")
It means the destruction of all life, total death. It suits our lyrical themes and our music very well.
3.Anders you and Mikael formed the band in 1995 how do you feel the bands music has changed since the beginning of the band until present day?
When we started none of us really knew how to play our instruments so the music was really simple an minimalistic. And very influenced by Darkthrone and that style of Scandinavian black metal.
Back then we were much better at drawing cool logos band taking band photos than actually writing and recording music so the early days just ended up in a couple of rehearsal tapes we mostly kept to ourselves.
Through the years we have discovered and got influenced by other types of extreme music (crust for example) and incorporated more death metal elements.
4. Omnizide is getting ready to release the bands second full length "NekroRegime" through Carnal Rec. And Daemon Worship Rec. How did you come in contact with these two great labels?
Björn, who runs Carnal Records, is an old friend of ours. So when we decided to reform the band it seemed natural to ask him if he was interested in releasing it. He is also very easy to work with and doesn't live too far from here.
We came in contact with Daemonic Worship through Carnal. They have collaborated on other releases.
5.Anders you take care of writing the music for the band how long did it take to write the music for the new release "NekroRegime"?
We started writing the songs right after the Nekromantik EP was recorded. The song "Shockwaves"as actually finished before that. I guess it took about a year or so to write all the songs.
We actually never intended it to become an album, we aimed to record another EP, but then we realized we had nearly enough new songs to make an album, and then the idea of a second album were born.
6.Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some of the subjects you all write about on the new release?
Me and Gaddur(drums) usually write most of the lyrics, but Nox contributes with some lyrics as well. And the lyrics for the first song (Himmelstrasse) were written by B-Force.
The lyrics of this album deals with things such as Necrophilia, Doom, Murder and WWII. And some other delicate subject as well.
7.Besides the new CD "NekroRegime" does the band have any past releases or merchandise available for the readers if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
I think some of our previous releases is still available through various distros and record shops. Easiest for the readers would probably be to contact Carnal Records directly, they may have some stuff left.
When it comes to merchandise we have handled that part for ourselves so far. We usually print a very limited amount of shirts (30-50 ex or so) each time so they are quickly sold out. However, we we probably make some Nekroregime"-related shirts in the not so distant future.
8.Omnizide comes out of the Swedish blackend death metal scene what is your opinion of the Swedish black and death metal scene over the years?
I think it started out strong in the late 80's and early 90's. Especially the death metal scene. But then it got really boring and I really grew tired of black metal and especially the sound of the late 90's.
However things have improved a lot. I think the Swedish scene of today is probably as strong as ever with lots of great new bands. And some older bands like Marduk still releases real quality stuff (I think Frontschwein is there best record so far).
9.Who are some of your all-time favorite Swedish bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Bathory (of course) is one of my favorite Swedish bands, as well bands as Nifelheim, Repugnant and Kaamos and such.
People should check out our labelmates in WAN, there really good. And the latest Kill album is really worth a listen.
10.Anders in your opinion what does black metal mean to you?
It's hard to explain.
Of course the lyrics has to deal with the "right" subjects, but to me it was always the music that was most interesting. The rawness and the feeling in black metal. It was a whole new experience compared to the death metal stuff I had listened to before and I was totally engulfed by black metal back in the 90's.
11.Besides writing and playing music what do you like to do in your free time?
Since I work full-time and have a bunch of kids I don't have that much free time. But I do enjoy fishing.
However music ris my main interest. I'm an eager record collector, so listening to and discovering new bands is how I spend most of my free time.
12.Thank you Anders for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Thanks for all support! Check out Nekroregime!
Band Site
https://www.facebook.com/omnizid
Label Contacts
http://www.carnalrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Carnalrecords.sweden/
http://www.daemonworship.org
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Ukraine's death,doom band Sorrowful Land interview is now up done by Patrick on 12-10-16
Hello
Here is a new interview with the Ukraine's atmospheric doom,death band "Sorrowful Land" who recently released their debut cd "Of Ruins" read on if you are a fan of atmospheric death,doom and be sure to pick up the debut cd today
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Max Molodtsov vocals and all instruments of Sorrowful Land done by Patrick
1. Hello, Max, please introduce yourself to the readers and tell us at what age did you become interested in playing and writing music?
Hi there, folks! Greets from Ukraine! Name’s Max, I’m musician from Kharkov, Ukraine and the mastermind of Atmospheric Doom/Death band Sorrowful Land. As I recall I was like 14 when I realized that I want to become a musician. My mom was the one who presented me an acoustic guitar and I started to learn how to use that thing J Firstly it was more pretending then real playing of course. I ran a Metallica CD and just hit the strings like a James Hetfield wannabe. Oh, God, it was awful and funny!
2. What were the first instruments you learned to play? Are there any instruments that you would like to learn one day?
Obviously – guitar. An acoustic one. I took some lessons, but then I abandoned these classes ‘cause they were way too boring and if you wanna play metal – attending musical classes ain’t the option.
3. Max, you formed Sorrowful Land in 2014, when did you get the idea to start this band and who are some of Sorrowful Land's influences?
The funny thing is that it was not totally my idea! Originally it was a duo. The story goes like: in April of 2014 I received a PM on my Facebook page from a dude I knew for quite some time. And that fellow was Peter Laustsen from a Swedish Melodic Doom band WHEN NOTHING REMAINS. How cool is that? It was he who offered me to create a collaboration project in more darker and heavier style then our main bands played. We both enjoyed Funeral Doom so we decided to give it a try. And then I came with the name “SORROWFUL LAND” and so on. But now it’s totally my solo-project. As for the influences I can name such bands as Doom:VS, Colosseum, Evoken, even a bit of Esoteric.
4. Sorrowful Land is signed to the great doom label - Solitude Prods. How did you come in contact with this label?
I knew this label for 5 years so far. I’ve been with them since they signed my main Gothic/Doom band – EDENIAN. All Edenian albums were released through the Solitude Productions. So it was not a question for me where to release a debut Sorrowful Land album. And it turned out great!
5. The band released the debut CD "Of Ruins…" How long did it take you to write the music for these songs? Max, you also write the lyrics for the band, what are some topics you wrote about on the debut album?
Yes, the album was released on November, 7th. It took me two years to complete the album. Main themes for the lyrics are my own feelings, experiences, soul-searching, some dark thoughts I carry within. Also I often use a classic English poetry of XIX century, adopting it for a song. You can find a lot of gems in old poetry.
6. Max, you handle everything for Sorrowful Land, when you started this band did you plan on working as “one-man band” or would you like to find other musicians to work with?
Let’s set it clear. When Sorrowful Land appeared – it was a duo (me & Peter Laustsen) and it meant to be this way. But time flows and things change. Since the beginning of 2016 Sorrowful Land came under my control. And it’s gonna be like this ‘cause I’m a “control freak” you know? If something goes wrong – I’m the one to blame, haha
7. If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians - who are some musicians you would like to work with? And what do you feel is the best and worst thing about being the sole member of the band?
Never thought ‘bout that yet. Time will show. Maybe some guest musicians will appear on the next album, who knows. As for the being a sole member of the band – the main thing here is that you’re in charge and the great responsibility is on your shoulders only. I’m ok with that. But sometimes I feel so lazy to record bass parts or compose some cool solo, so I go like “Oh, I need someone else to help me out with that shit”. I think I may call it a “worst thing”.
8. Besides the debut CD "Of Ruins…" does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers at this time? If yes, what is available and where can the readers buy it?
I’d like to say yes, but no. So for now only the debut CD is available for purchasing. You can order it here: https://www.solitudestore.com/en/product/sorrowful-land-2016-of-ruins/
9. Max, you live in Ukraine, what is your opinion of the Ukrainian death/doom scene? And who are some of your all-time favorite bands from Ukraine?
We have some pretty decent doom bands here in Ukraine. To name some: Endlesshade, Luna, Embrace of Silence, Eternal Void, WinterMor, Mental Torment. But the funny thing is that Ukrainian bands I like don’t play doom. I enjoy a power-metal band Morton, I think they’re doing great.
10. Besides atmospheric death/doom do you listen to any other forms of doom or music in general if yes, who are some of your most favorite bands and artists?
Indeed, I listen to almost every genre of rock and metal music: heavy-metal, thrash, death, melodic-death, black, gothic, progressive, power, etc. As for the favorite bands – TONS OF THEM!! To name a few: Metallica, Slayer, Kataklysm, Amon Amarth, Iced Earth, Kamelot, Nickelback, Trivium, Breaking Benjamin, Lacuna Coil, Epica, Draconian, and the list is almost endless
11. Besides working and playing in Sorrowful Land do you currently work with any other bands or projects if yes, please tell the readers a little about them?
As said before I have a female-fronted Gothic/Doom band called EDENIAN. It gathered in 2010, we released two full-length albums, EP and a couple of singles. One can easily find us on Internet and give it a listen ;)
12. Max, besides playing music you also recently started a webzine called “Shelter Of Doom”, when did you get the idea to start this webzine? Besides Atmospheric Doom do you want to cover and promote any other forms of doom or music in general? So far there are only reviews up, do you have any interest to do some interviews soon or is this a ‘zine only for reviews?
It’s true. Guys from Solitude Prods asked me if I want to write reviews for their upcoming releases and I came with idea of creating my own blog where I can share my humble opinion not only on Solitude Prods releases but every album or EP or even single that I like (or not). So Shelter Of Doom was created. And yes – it’s dedicated to doom-metal only. Also I’m having a thought about adding “Interviews” button.
13. Do you have anyone helping with the webzine or do you prefer to work alone? If any bands or labels are reading this - where can they send their music to be reviewed?
I prefer to do things myself ‘cause review is very subjective form of expression your own thought. And if you mean help with blog construction, then I must say it’s an easy thing to do, nothing special. Everyone who wants to be reviewed can PM me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EternalTom) and we’ll discuss the options.
14. Thank you Max for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thank you too, Patrick, for interesting questions! I had fun answering them. Words for readers would be: support metal scene, support Sorrowful Land, support Edenian and stay safe and doomy! \m/
P.S. Be sure to follow Sorrowful Land at
https://www.facebook.com/sorrowfulland/ https://vk.com/sorrowfulland https://soundcloud.com/sorrowful-land https://sorrowfulland.bandcamp.com/album/of-ruins
Follow Edenian at: https://www.facebook.com/edenianofficial/ https://vk.com/edenian_band Subscribe to the Shelter Of Doom here: http://shelterofdoom.blogspot.com/
Cheers!
Max.
Here is a new interview with the Ukraine's atmospheric doom,death band "Sorrowful Land" who recently released their debut cd "Of Ruins" read on if you are a fan of atmospheric death,doom and be sure to pick up the debut cd today
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Max Molodtsov vocals and all instruments of Sorrowful Land done by Patrick
1. Hello, Max, please introduce yourself to the readers and tell us at what age did you become interested in playing and writing music?
Hi there, folks! Greets from Ukraine! Name’s Max, I’m musician from Kharkov, Ukraine and the mastermind of Atmospheric Doom/Death band Sorrowful Land. As I recall I was like 14 when I realized that I want to become a musician. My mom was the one who presented me an acoustic guitar and I started to learn how to use that thing J Firstly it was more pretending then real playing of course. I ran a Metallica CD and just hit the strings like a James Hetfield wannabe. Oh, God, it was awful and funny!
2. What were the first instruments you learned to play? Are there any instruments that you would like to learn one day?
Obviously – guitar. An acoustic one. I took some lessons, but then I abandoned these classes ‘cause they were way too boring and if you wanna play metal – attending musical classes ain’t the option.
3. Max, you formed Sorrowful Land in 2014, when did you get the idea to start this band and who are some of Sorrowful Land's influences?
The funny thing is that it was not totally my idea! Originally it was a duo. The story goes like: in April of 2014 I received a PM on my Facebook page from a dude I knew for quite some time. And that fellow was Peter Laustsen from a Swedish Melodic Doom band WHEN NOTHING REMAINS. How cool is that? It was he who offered me to create a collaboration project in more darker and heavier style then our main bands played. We both enjoyed Funeral Doom so we decided to give it a try. And then I came with the name “SORROWFUL LAND” and so on. But now it’s totally my solo-project. As for the influences I can name such bands as Doom:VS, Colosseum, Evoken, even a bit of Esoteric.
4. Sorrowful Land is signed to the great doom label - Solitude Prods. How did you come in contact with this label?
I knew this label for 5 years so far. I’ve been with them since they signed my main Gothic/Doom band – EDENIAN. All Edenian albums were released through the Solitude Productions. So it was not a question for me where to release a debut Sorrowful Land album. And it turned out great!
5. The band released the debut CD "Of Ruins…" How long did it take you to write the music for these songs? Max, you also write the lyrics for the band, what are some topics you wrote about on the debut album?
Yes, the album was released on November, 7th. It took me two years to complete the album. Main themes for the lyrics are my own feelings, experiences, soul-searching, some dark thoughts I carry within. Also I often use a classic English poetry of XIX century, adopting it for a song. You can find a lot of gems in old poetry.
6. Max, you handle everything for Sorrowful Land, when you started this band did you plan on working as “one-man band” or would you like to find other musicians to work with?
Let’s set it clear. When Sorrowful Land appeared – it was a duo (me & Peter Laustsen) and it meant to be this way. But time flows and things change. Since the beginning of 2016 Sorrowful Land came under my control. And it’s gonna be like this ‘cause I’m a “control freak” you know? If something goes wrong – I’m the one to blame, haha
7. If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians - who are some musicians you would like to work with? And what do you feel is the best and worst thing about being the sole member of the band?
Never thought ‘bout that yet. Time will show. Maybe some guest musicians will appear on the next album, who knows. As for the being a sole member of the band – the main thing here is that you’re in charge and the great responsibility is on your shoulders only. I’m ok with that. But sometimes I feel so lazy to record bass parts or compose some cool solo, so I go like “Oh, I need someone else to help me out with that shit”. I think I may call it a “worst thing”.
8. Besides the debut CD "Of Ruins…" does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers at this time? If yes, what is available and where can the readers buy it?
I’d like to say yes, but no. So for now only the debut CD is available for purchasing. You can order it here: https://www.solitudestore.com/en/product/sorrowful-land-2016-of-ruins/
9. Max, you live in Ukraine, what is your opinion of the Ukrainian death/doom scene? And who are some of your all-time favorite bands from Ukraine?
We have some pretty decent doom bands here in Ukraine. To name some: Endlesshade, Luna, Embrace of Silence, Eternal Void, WinterMor, Mental Torment. But the funny thing is that Ukrainian bands I like don’t play doom. I enjoy a power-metal band Morton, I think they’re doing great.
10. Besides atmospheric death/doom do you listen to any other forms of doom or music in general if yes, who are some of your most favorite bands and artists?
Indeed, I listen to almost every genre of rock and metal music: heavy-metal, thrash, death, melodic-death, black, gothic, progressive, power, etc. As for the favorite bands – TONS OF THEM!! To name a few: Metallica, Slayer, Kataklysm, Amon Amarth, Iced Earth, Kamelot, Nickelback, Trivium, Breaking Benjamin, Lacuna Coil, Epica, Draconian, and the list is almost endless
11. Besides working and playing in Sorrowful Land do you currently work with any other bands or projects if yes, please tell the readers a little about them?
As said before I have a female-fronted Gothic/Doom band called EDENIAN. It gathered in 2010, we released two full-length albums, EP and a couple of singles. One can easily find us on Internet and give it a listen ;)
12. Max, besides playing music you also recently started a webzine called “Shelter Of Doom”, when did you get the idea to start this webzine? Besides Atmospheric Doom do you want to cover and promote any other forms of doom or music in general? So far there are only reviews up, do you have any interest to do some interviews soon or is this a ‘zine only for reviews?
It’s true. Guys from Solitude Prods asked me if I want to write reviews for their upcoming releases and I came with idea of creating my own blog where I can share my humble opinion not only on Solitude Prods releases but every album or EP or even single that I like (or not). So Shelter Of Doom was created. And yes – it’s dedicated to doom-metal only. Also I’m having a thought about adding “Interviews” button.
13. Do you have anyone helping with the webzine or do you prefer to work alone? If any bands or labels are reading this - where can they send their music to be reviewed?
I prefer to do things myself ‘cause review is very subjective form of expression your own thought. And if you mean help with blog construction, then I must say it’s an easy thing to do, nothing special. Everyone who wants to be reviewed can PM me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EternalTom) and we’ll discuss the options.
14. Thank you Max for taking the time to fill this interview out. Do you have any final words for the readers?
Thank you too, Patrick, for interesting questions! I had fun answering them. Words for readers would be: support metal scene, support Sorrowful Land, support Edenian and stay safe and doomy! \m/
P.S. Be sure to follow Sorrowful Land at
https://www.facebook.com/sorrowfulland/ https://vk.com/sorrowfulland https://soundcloud.com/sorrowful-land https://sorrowfulland.bandcamp.com/album/of-ruins
Follow Edenian at: https://www.facebook.com/edenianofficial/ https://vk.com/edenian_band Subscribe to the Shelter Of Doom here: http://shelterofdoom.blogspot.com/
Cheers!
Max.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Hammerfall interview done by Patrick on 12-7-16
Here is a new interview with Sweden's heavy metal,rock legends Hammerfall who are getting ready to release their tenth release soon on Napalm Rec.And talk about the new release "Built To Last" and the bands future plans and shows/tours coming up in 2017.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Interview with Fredrik Larsson bassist of Hammerfall done by Patrick
1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers? How are things going in Sweden these days?
Hi! Fredrik Larsson here, bass player of HammerFall! Things are getting a bit busy now with rehearsals coming up and still a lot of promotion and preparing to do. And of course the usual stress with everything around Christmas. Other than that, it's all good!
It's mostly Oscar and Joacim that writes and I think Oscar started pretty much right after the last tour ended. There is a lot of planning to do and it's hard to know if you will write the perfect album in three months or in twelve so it's best to start early. I know he had a hard time getting the inspiration he needed so it took some time but he is also very structured and sat down a couple of hours every day just to get something down and in the end he'll get there. It's not a democracy in that case but it's always been Oscar and Joacim that had the vision for HammerFall and they have done a great job so far!
4.Are their any shows or tours planned in support of "Built To Last" if yes where are some countries the band will be playing?Any idea who are some bands Hammerfall will be touring with?
We have a hectic period beginning early January next year. We start off with a European tour together with Gloryhammer and Lancer and then we have a South America tour coming up and later on a North America tour with Delain. And that before the festival summer starts off. We haven't planned next fall yet but I'm sure we're gonna squeeze in a couple of more shows.
For me personally I would say the Ines we've done in Scandinavium in Gothenburg. That's where I saw most of my childhood idols, such as Accept, Iron Maiden, Anthrax and many many more. To be on the same stage is a fantastic feeling and something I wouldn't even dream of when I was on the other side of the fence as a kid. And I must mention a free concert we did in Gothenburg as well, that was truly amazing. There were people everywhere. We played on top of our biggest avenue and it was so crowded you couldn't see the end. Fantastic.
Well, we did a lyrical video to ‘The Sacred Vow’ and a proper video to ‘Hammer High’ which obviously are the singles. We usually just do one video per album so consider this a bonus.
Since I didn't play on most of the cover versions I have to say ‘Youth Gone Wild’. A song that I really liked when I was younger and still think is a killer song! I can't say that I think about cover songs, it's just a fun thing to do. Don't hold your breath for more covers though.
8.Hammerfall formed in the mid 90's what has kept the band going strong after all these years?
I think we've always done things by heart and not followed trends. We play Heavy Metal the way we think it should be and we still love this. If we wouldn't I think it would have shown and people would notice.
Yes, of course. We all like a lot of different music. I listen to a lot heavier music, thrash and groove or whatever the genres are called these days. I used to listen and play a lot of death metal as well but not so much right now. I know Oscar still listens to some old school death metal and we use to talk about it from time to time. We played together in Crystal Age, a death metal band, before I joined HammerFall.
10.When not working on new music or band business what do you all enjoy doing in your free time?
Right now, HammerFall is taking most of our time, but Joacim is really into Whiskey and Champagne. Oscar is a big MMA supporter and he also collects and play a lot of video games. Pontus works as a Front of House engineer and records a lot of bands both live and in his studio. David is into beers and peppers, he always have a new brand to speak about. And I try to get as much family time as I can before the tours start. I got two sons that really wants my attention all the time.
Thank you very much! I hope I'll catch you all out on tour somewhere or on a festival nearby. Bring some friends and make the party even bigger!
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Interview with Fredrik Larsson bassist of Hammerfall done by Patrick
1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers? How are things going in Sweden these days?
Hi! Fredrik Larsson here, bass player of HammerFall! Things are getting a bit busy now with rehearsals coming up and still a lot of promotion and preparing to do. And of course the usual stress with everything around Christmas. Other than that, it's all good!
2.Hammerfall is getting ready to release their new cd "Built To Last" through Napalm Rec. how did the band come in contact with this great label?
Well, we were kind of looking around for a new label since our contract was fulfilled and we wanted to do things in a different way instead of just doing it the same way we've always done. We had a casual meeting with Thomas ad he made some impressions on us so we started to investigate our options and we were even more convinced that this was the way to go. It feels like it's still I'm the beginning but so far we have a great cooperation.
3.How long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?Does the whole band work on the music or does one member usually write everything?
It's mostly Oscar and Joacim that writes and I think Oscar started pretty much right after the last tour ended. There is a lot of planning to do and it's hard to know if you will write the perfect album in three months or in twelve so it's best to start early. I know he had a hard time getting the inspiration he needed so it took some time but he is also very structured and sat down a couple of hours every day just to get something down and in the end he'll get there. It's not a democracy in that case but it's always been Oscar and Joacim that had the vision for HammerFall and they have done a great job so far!
4.Are their any shows or tours planned in support of "Built To Last" if yes where are some countries the band will be playing?Any idea who are some bands Hammerfall will be touring with?
We have a hectic period beginning early January next year. We start off with a European tour together with Gloryhammer and Lancer and then we have a South America tour coming up and later on a North America tour with Delain. And that before the festival summer starts off. We haven't planned next fall yet but I'm sure we're gonna squeeze in a couple of more shows.
5.What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
For me personally I would say the Ines we've done in Scandinavium in Gothenburg. That's where I saw most of my childhood idols, such as Accept, Iron Maiden, Anthrax and many many more. To be on the same stage is a fantastic feeling and something I wouldn't even dream of when I was on the other side of the fence as a kid. And I must mention a free concert we did in Gothenburg as well, that was truly amazing. There were people everywhere. We played on top of our biggest avenue and it was so crowded you couldn't see the end. Fantastic.
6.Are their any plans to mane a video for the new release? If you had your choice what song would you like to see made into a video?
Well, we did a lyrical video to ‘The Sacred Vow’ and a proper video to ‘Hammer High’ which obviously are the singles. We usually just do one video per album so consider this a bonus.
7.Hammerfall also plays a lot of cover songs of various bands and in 2008 did a cover album "Masterpieces" what have been some of your personal favorite cover songs to do? Are their any cover songs that the band has not yet done that you would like to record someday?
Since I didn't play on most of the cover versions I have to say ‘Youth Gone Wild’. A song that I really liked when I was younger and still think is a killer song! I can't say that I think about cover songs, it's just a fun thing to do. Don't hold your breath for more covers though.
8.Hammerfall formed in the mid 90's what has kept the band going strong after all these years?
I think we've always done things by heart and not followed trends. We play Heavy Metal the way we think it should be and we still love this. If we wouldn't I think it would have shown and people would notice.
9.The band comes out of Sweden's heavy metal scene besides heavy metal do any of the members listen/like any other forms of metal and music in general?
Yes, of course. We all like a lot of different music. I listen to a lot heavier music, thrash and groove or whatever the genres are called these days. I used to listen and play a lot of death metal as well but not so much right now. I know Oscar still listens to some old school death metal and we use to talk about it from time to time. We played together in Crystal Age, a death metal band, before I joined HammerFall.
10.When not working on new music or band business what do you all enjoy doing in your free time?
Right now, HammerFall is taking most of our time, but Joacim is really into Whiskey and Champagne. Oscar is a big MMA supporter and he also collects and play a lot of video games. Pontus works as a Front of House engineer and records a lot of bands both live and in his studio. David is into beers and peppers, he always have a new brand to speak about. And I try to get as much family time as I can before the tours start. I got two sons that really wants my attention all the time.
11.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Thank you very much! I hope I'll catch you all out on tour somewhere or on a festival nearby. Bring some friends and make the party even bigger!
Label Contact
Band Contact
Sunday, November 27, 2016
New reviews done by Patrick on 11-27-16
Hello
Here are a few new reviews a little bit of variety so hopefully you will find some metal to your liking.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Azaghal-Helvetin Yhdeksan Piiria{Nine Circles Of Hell} {Moribund Rec.}
Moribund Rec. is getting ready to re-release this classic which was originally release d 1999.This is defintly a classic black metal release playing raw,fast Finnish black metal.The guitars are played with a lot of skill and crazed riffs.The guitarist is not all speed and aggressive riffs their are some slower guitars even mixed with some atmosphere elements.The drums are played with both a hyper speed drums and some mid-tempo guitars entertwined in a few of the songs.The vocals are harsh,raw black metal screams.If you are a fan of Azaghal's type of music then be sure to pick this re-release up today.
Label Contact
http://www.moribundcult.com/
Fornicus--Hymns Of Dominion cd {Negative Earth Rec.
Kentucky's own Fornicus return with their newest release featuring eleven songs of of violent black metal with elements of both thrash and death metal mixed into the guitar chords.The guitars are well written and performed going from a aggressive fast pace to a more mid paced controlled speed.The drums are well written and performed with a mix of violent blasting sections to a more controlled fast pattern.If you liked Fornicus's previous releases you should defintly pick up Hymns Of Dominion today.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/fornicus666/?fref=ts
http://fornicus.bandcamp.com/music
Mordskog--XIII cd {Werewolf Rec./Hells Headbangers Rec.}
Mexico's Mordskog release their debut cd through the Finnish label Werewolf Rec. The band plays a semi fast black metal style that does go to a more mid paced style within a few songs.The guitars are done with some really well played and performed patterns.The guitarist does a good job performing both semi fast guitar riffs to a more controlled mid paced style.The vocals are black metal screams with some shrieks and gruff style death metal growls.If you are a fan of well written and performed black metal then be sure to pick up a copy of Mordskog debut XIII today.
Label Contatct
http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
Nebrus--Exta Malorvm cd {Razed Soul Prod.}
Nebrus are a duo from Italy that play a dark black metal style with some other metal elements used throughout the songs.The guitars are played at a heavy mid paced sound with some slower guitar chords in a few songs.The guitars do speed up to a faster pace but only in certain songs with some well written patterns and even a few solo's.The drums are in the same veing heavier,slow drum pattern but do speed up for a faster drum style.The vocals are a mix of low,grim death metal vocals and some raspy whispering type of vocals used in a few songs.Overall Nebrus play a great great style of heavy,dark black metal.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/NEBRUSband/
http://nebrus.bandcamp.com/
Sorrowful Land--Of Ruins cd {Solitude Prod.}
Coming out of the Ukraine's atmospheric death,doom is Sorrowful Land with their debut cd.Sorrowful Land play a very mature style of atmospheric death,doom the guitars are well written and performed with mainly slow,heavy guitar patterns and riffs.The drums are done with some precise and well arranged drum patterns that are mainly in the slower vein but do go for a mid paced style in a few songs.The vocalist does a good job with both death metal growls and some spoken clean vocals used throughout a few songs.If you are a fan atmospheric death,doom then be sure to pick up Sorrowful Land'S debut Of Ruins today.
Label Contact
https://solitude-prod.com/
https://solitudeproductions.bandcamp.com/
Versifist--Cipher 7inch {Vault Of Dried Bones/Iron Bonehead Rec.
Canada's Versifist return with a new 7 inch E.P featuring two songs.The first song is Bring Back The Dark which is a aggressive and chaotic blackend death song.The guitars are played with a lot of skill and power going from an all out assult of frenzied guitar riffs to a more controlled mid paced guitar pattern.The drums are played in the same style with mid paced drums to start out the song but the drummer does go for a more violent and fast drum pattern.The second song is ...In Tongues which is another solid and well performed song starting off with a mid paced music but does speed up a little but not nearly as fast as Bring Back The Dark.The guitars are played in the mid tempoed style but does get a little faster in the middle of the song.If you are familiar with Versifist's previous E.P then you know what to expect but if you are new to the band and you like well written blackend death metal that goes from crazed,violent patterns to a more controlled and mid paced style then be sure tp check out Versifist today.
Label Contact
http://www.vaultofdriedbones.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VaultOfDriedBonesOfficial
Here are a few new reviews a little bit of variety so hopefully you will find some metal to your liking.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Azaghal-Helvetin Yhdeksan Piiria{Nine Circles Of Hell} {Moribund Rec.}
Moribund Rec. is getting ready to re-release this classic which was originally release d 1999.This is defintly a classic black metal release playing raw,fast Finnish black metal.The guitars are played with a lot of skill and crazed riffs.The guitarist is not all speed and aggressive riffs their are some slower guitars even mixed with some atmosphere elements.The drums are played with both a hyper speed drums and some mid-tempo guitars entertwined in a few of the songs.The vocals are harsh,raw black metal screams.If you are a fan of Azaghal's type of music then be sure to pick this re-release up today.
Label Contact
http://www.moribundcult.com/
Fornicus--Hymns Of Dominion cd {Negative Earth Rec.
Kentucky's own Fornicus return with their newest release featuring eleven songs of of violent black metal with elements of both thrash and death metal mixed into the guitar chords.The guitars are well written and performed going from a aggressive fast pace to a more mid paced controlled speed.The drums are well written and performed with a mix of violent blasting sections to a more controlled fast pattern.If you liked Fornicus's previous releases you should defintly pick up Hymns Of Dominion today.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/fornicus666/?fref=ts
http://fornicus.bandcamp.com/music
Mordskog--XIII cd {Werewolf Rec./Hells Headbangers Rec.}
Mexico's Mordskog release their debut cd through the Finnish label Werewolf Rec. The band plays a semi fast black metal style that does go to a more mid paced style within a few songs.The guitars are done with some really well played and performed patterns.The guitarist does a good job performing both semi fast guitar riffs to a more controlled mid paced style.The vocals are black metal screams with some shrieks and gruff style death metal growls.If you are a fan of well written and performed black metal then be sure to pick up a copy of Mordskog debut XIII today.
Label Contatct
http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
Nebrus--Exta Malorvm cd {Razed Soul Prod.}
Nebrus are a duo from Italy that play a dark black metal style with some other metal elements used throughout the songs.The guitars are played at a heavy mid paced sound with some slower guitar chords in a few songs.The guitars do speed up to a faster pace but only in certain songs with some well written patterns and even a few solo's.The drums are in the same veing heavier,slow drum pattern but do speed up for a faster drum style.The vocals are a mix of low,grim death metal vocals and some raspy whispering type of vocals used in a few songs.Overall Nebrus play a great great style of heavy,dark black metal.
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/NEBRUSband/
http://nebrus.bandcamp.com/
Sorrowful Land--Of Ruins cd {Solitude Prod.}
Coming out of the Ukraine's atmospheric death,doom is Sorrowful Land with their debut cd.Sorrowful Land play a very mature style of atmospheric death,doom the guitars are well written and performed with mainly slow,heavy guitar patterns and riffs.The drums are done with some precise and well arranged drum patterns that are mainly in the slower vein but do go for a mid paced style in a few songs.The vocalist does a good job with both death metal growls and some spoken clean vocals used throughout a few songs.If you are a fan atmospheric death,doom then be sure to pick up Sorrowful Land'S debut Of Ruins today.
Label Contact
https://solitude-prod.com/
https://solitudeproductions.bandcamp.com/
Versifist--Cipher 7inch {Vault Of Dried Bones/Iron Bonehead Rec.
Canada's Versifist return with a new 7 inch E.P featuring two songs.The first song is Bring Back The Dark which is a aggressive and chaotic blackend death song.The guitars are played with a lot of skill and power going from an all out assult of frenzied guitar riffs to a more controlled mid paced guitar pattern.The drums are played in the same style with mid paced drums to start out the song but the drummer does go for a more violent and fast drum pattern.The second song is ...In Tongues which is another solid and well performed song starting off with a mid paced music but does speed up a little but not nearly as fast as Bring Back The Dark.The guitars are played in the mid tempoed style but does get a little faster in the middle of the song.If you are familiar with Versifist's previous E.P then you know what to expect but if you are new to the band and you like well written blackend death metal that goes from crazed,violent patterns to a more controlled and mid paced style then be sure tp check out Versifist today.
Label Contact
http://www.vaultofdriedbones.com/
https://www.facebook.com/VaultOfDriedBonesOfficial
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Self-Hatred interview done by Patrick on 11-13-16
Hello
Here is a new interview with the Czech Republic's death,doom band "Self-Hatred" who just released their debut cd "Theia" through the Russian label Solitude Prod. if you enjoy great death,doom with some atmosphere and other genres.Then be sure to pick this release up today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Michal S. keyboardist of Self-Hatred done by Patrick
1.Hello Michal please introduce yourself to the readers?How are things going with you these days?
First of all thank you for this interview invitation. We are Self Hatred - doom/death metal band from Pilsen – Czech Republic. I play the keyboards and take second place in our band for the oldest member. J Number one is our drummer Datel. We just played 2 last gigs of the year where we finally had a chance to introduce our debut album Theia to the audience in real. The real CD I mean J Things are going well nowadays. Personally I am looking forward to 2017. There is a couple of great gigs ahead of us. Most of them in abroad. Currently we work on new album which should be recorded in March 2017 (Hellsound studio).
2.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all formed Self-Hatred?
It is roughly 7 years since I first met Aleš and Štěpán. I just started a new job in Pilsen. During the break I went for a fag and the Smoking area outside of the building was the place were we seen each other for the first time. I could hear them speaking of some doom metal band they played at and asked more about it. This is how it has started. Between this moment and forming Self-Hatred also Stollice arised, where Aleš, me and Štěpán played together.
3.What is the current line-up of the band? And for the readers who have never heard Self-Hatred's music how would you best describe it?
Kaťas / growls, whispers, Pavel Janouškovec / guitars, Aleš Vilingr / guitars, Štěpán Eret / bass,Michal "Datel" Rak / drums, Michal Šanda / keyboards. If you are into a spirit of the 90’s doom scene, combining it with modern sound and specific interpretation, this is what you will get.Our music is dark, black, and cold. On the other hand even more romantic or sensitive people might be pleased.
4. Self-Hatred is signed to Solitude Prod. how did you all come in contact with this label?
Solitude Prod. also released album for Et Moriemur where Aleš, Pavel and Datel play. So we knew what they are capable of and when we sent out our materials to the labels, Solitude reacted in 2 days.
5.The band is getting ready to release the debut cd "Theia" does the whole band work on writing the music or does one member usually write everything?
Well, "Theia" is alive already. Writing the music is process of all of us. Normaly what we do is that Aleš or me come with an idea and we all work on it.
6.Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some topics the band writes about?
Katas is the lyrics master The ideas come out from what we experienced or what we are interested in. But if you want to point out some topics. It would be fears, melancholy, universe, love.
7.Besides the debut cd "Theia" does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers? If yes what is available and where can the readers buy your release and merchandise?
There are two T-shirt versions. You can go to our facebook web site to find out more. You can also purchase a sticker if the CD or the T-shirts are not enough and show the whole world that Self-Hatred is the way you chose.Alternatively you can order all above also through the following e-mail: selfhatred.doom@gmail.com. You can use Bandcamp and webshop if that is more suitable. The webshop will be offering merchandise of our befriended bands and ours of course. Et Moriemur and Quercus among others.
8. Michal you play the keyboards for the band at what age did you start playing the keyboards?Who are some of your favorite keyboard players?
It is a long time ago since I started. I think I was arround 20. That makes it 18 years back in time. To be honest I do not have any idols or icons I would obey. But I respect a lot of musicians. Especially classical music performers. If you want a name I will give you Lindsay Schoolcraft - Cradle Of Filth, Joakim Svalberg-Opeth. I adore Depeche Mode and what Ihsahn does with the keys for Emperor.
9.Besides the keyboards do you currently play any other instruments if yes what instruments do you play? Are their any instruments you would like to learn one day?
I do play the guitar a bit. And I should be supporting Katas with my vocal on the next album. The instrument I would like to learn one day is the cello. Because of it’s sound and the vibrations you get from the instrument while playing it.
10.Besides playing in Self-Hatred do you or any of the members of the band currently work in any other bands or projects?
Et Moriemur – Paja, Datel, Aleš. The rest of the members are only focused on SH.
11.Self-Hatred comes out of the Czech Republic's death/doom scene.I know that the Czech Republic has a strong death,black scene but don't know much of the doom metal scene.What is your opininon of the doom scene in the Czech Republic?
It actually moved from the North of Moravia to the west part of Bohemia (both are parts of the Czech Republic). Some years ago there were doom metal bands playing perhaps in around Moravia. Bands I would like to mentioned are: DISSOLVING OF PRODIGY, BLACK HEAVEN, HYPNOTIC SCENERY, R.E.T., SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY, ENDLESS and MYTHOPOEIA. Doom metal as we know it dissappeared in it’s traditional way. Our debut basicaly links with this era. Theia should pull up the memories of the good old times.
12.Who are your all-time favorite bands from the Czech Republic? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
SIlent Stream Of Godless Elegy, Dissolving Of Prodigy, Krabathor, Mythopoeia, Sorath , Et Moriemur, Somnus Aeternus.
13.Besides bands are their any good labels or distro's you can recommend to the readers?
It would be Pařát Productions. It‘s benefit for the czech doom metal scene is enormous. Thanks to Pařát the DISSOLVING OF PRODIGY vinyl reedition was released. But the credits are more. Apart from publishing printed magazine, I also recomend to visit the eshop. There is a tribute CD to be released soon. You will have a chance to hear one unreleased song we made especially for this project and never played live so far. More info to be found on Facebook or our website soon.
14.When not working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Drinking Becherovka. But because my lady is into sport a lot, I do also biking and hiking. Reading of books makes my day also. And my life is totally affected by Monty Python's Flying Circus.
15.Thank you Michal for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Live in joy
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/selfhatreddoom/
selfhatred.doom@gmail.com
Label Contact
https://solitude-prod.com/
https://solitudeproductions.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/solitude_bmm
Here is a new interview with the Czech Republic's death,doom band "Self-Hatred" who just released their debut cd "Theia" through the Russian label Solitude Prod. if you enjoy great death,doom with some atmosphere and other genres.Then be sure to pick this release up today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Michal S. keyboardist of Self-Hatred done by Patrick
1.Hello Michal please introduce yourself to the readers?How are things going with you these days?
First of all thank you for this interview invitation. We are Self Hatred - doom/death metal band from Pilsen – Czech Republic. I play the keyboards and take second place in our band for the oldest member. J Number one is our drummer Datel. We just played 2 last gigs of the year where we finally had a chance to introduce our debut album Theia to the audience in real. The real CD I mean J Things are going well nowadays. Personally I am looking forward to 2017. There is a couple of great gigs ahead of us. Most of them in abroad. Currently we work on new album which should be recorded in March 2017 (Hellsound studio).
2.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all formed Self-Hatred?
It is roughly 7 years since I first met Aleš and Štěpán. I just started a new job in Pilsen. During the break I went for a fag and the Smoking area outside of the building was the place were we seen each other for the first time. I could hear them speaking of some doom metal band they played at and asked more about it. This is how it has started. Between this moment and forming Self-Hatred also Stollice arised, where Aleš, me and Štěpán played together.
3.What is the current line-up of the band? And for the readers who have never heard Self-Hatred's music how would you best describe it?
Kaťas / growls, whispers, Pavel Janouškovec / guitars, Aleš Vilingr / guitars, Štěpán Eret / bass,Michal "Datel" Rak / drums, Michal Šanda / keyboards. If you are into a spirit of the 90’s doom scene, combining it with modern sound and specific interpretation, this is what you will get.Our music is dark, black, and cold. On the other hand even more romantic or sensitive people might be pleased.
4. Self-Hatred is signed to Solitude Prod. how did you all come in contact with this label?
Solitude Prod. also released album for Et Moriemur where Aleš, Pavel and Datel play. So we knew what they are capable of and when we sent out our materials to the labels, Solitude reacted in 2 days.
5.The band is getting ready to release the debut cd "Theia" does the whole band work on writing the music or does one member usually write everything?
Well, "Theia" is alive already. Writing the music is process of all of us. Normaly what we do is that Aleš or me come with an idea and we all work on it.
6.Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some topics the band writes about?
Katas is the lyrics master The ideas come out from what we experienced or what we are interested in. But if you want to point out some topics. It would be fears, melancholy, universe, love.
7.Besides the debut cd "Theia" does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers? If yes what is available and where can the readers buy your release and merchandise?
There are two T-shirt versions. You can go to our facebook web site to find out more. You can also purchase a sticker if the CD or the T-shirts are not enough and show the whole world that Self-Hatred is the way you chose.Alternatively you can order all above also through the following e-mail: selfhatred.doom@gmail.com. You can use Bandcamp and webshop if that is more suitable. The webshop will be offering merchandise of our befriended bands and ours of course. Et Moriemur and Quercus among others.
8. Michal you play the keyboards for the band at what age did you start playing the keyboards?Who are some of your favorite keyboard players?
It is a long time ago since I started. I think I was arround 20. That makes it 18 years back in time. To be honest I do not have any idols or icons I would obey. But I respect a lot of musicians. Especially classical music performers. If you want a name I will give you Lindsay Schoolcraft - Cradle Of Filth, Joakim Svalberg-Opeth. I adore Depeche Mode and what Ihsahn does with the keys for Emperor.
9.Besides the keyboards do you currently play any other instruments if yes what instruments do you play? Are their any instruments you would like to learn one day?
I do play the guitar a bit. And I should be supporting Katas with my vocal on the next album. The instrument I would like to learn one day is the cello. Because of it’s sound and the vibrations you get from the instrument while playing it.
10.Besides playing in Self-Hatred do you or any of the members of the band currently work in any other bands or projects?
Et Moriemur – Paja, Datel, Aleš. The rest of the members are only focused on SH.
11.Self-Hatred comes out of the Czech Republic's death/doom scene.I know that the Czech Republic has a strong death,black scene but don't know much of the doom metal scene.What is your opininon of the doom scene in the Czech Republic?
It actually moved from the North of Moravia to the west part of Bohemia (both are parts of the Czech Republic). Some years ago there were doom metal bands playing perhaps in around Moravia. Bands I would like to mentioned are: DISSOLVING OF PRODIGY, BLACK HEAVEN, HYPNOTIC SCENERY, R.E.T., SILENT STREAM OF GODLESS ELEGY, ENDLESS and MYTHOPOEIA. Doom metal as we know it dissappeared in it’s traditional way. Our debut basicaly links with this era. Theia should pull up the memories of the good old times.
12.Who are your all-time favorite bands from the Czech Republic? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
SIlent Stream Of Godless Elegy, Dissolving Of Prodigy, Krabathor, Mythopoeia, Sorath , Et Moriemur, Somnus Aeternus.
13.Besides bands are their any good labels or distro's you can recommend to the readers?
It would be Pařát Productions. It‘s benefit for the czech doom metal scene is enormous. Thanks to Pařát the DISSOLVING OF PRODIGY vinyl reedition was released. But the credits are more. Apart from publishing printed magazine, I also recomend to visit the eshop. There is a tribute CD to be released soon. You will have a chance to hear one unreleased song we made especially for this project and never played live so far. More info to be found on Facebook or our website soon.
14.When not working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Drinking Becherovka. But because my lady is into sport a lot, I do also biking and hiking. Reading of books makes my day also. And my life is totally affected by Monty Python's Flying Circus.
15.Thank you Michal for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Live in joy
Band Contact
https://www.facebook.com/selfhatreddoom/
selfhatred.doom@gmail.com
Label Contact
https://solitude-prod.com/
https://solitudeproductions.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/solitude_bmm
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Interview with Germany's Barbarian Wrath Rec. done by Patrick on 11-6-16
Hello
Here is a new interview with the legendary German record label Barbarian Wrath.The owner BW. talks about the label's early days and current label work along with other topics.If you are a fan of old-school death,black and thrash metal then be sure to check this label and distro selection out.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Interview with BG. owner of Barbarian Wrath Rec. done by Patrick
1.Hello BG please introduce yourself to the readers? At what age did you find yourself getting into metal music and who were some of the early bands you listened to?
You mean there's still people out there who don't know me...? O_o I got into Metal at the age of 12 through a class mate at school. That was back in 1979. He had a slightly older cousin who already was into Metal and we started listening to his AC/DC and MOT�RHEAD albums while playing "Defender" on our ATARI 2600 video games. Those were the times... :) I got into other bands mostly by chance since there was nothing even remotely resembling a Metal press or Hell forbid, a Metal radio in Germany. I got into ACCEPT in 1983 when I had a class mate record me a FOREIGNER album and he put "Restless And Wild" on the flip side. It was his Dad's record and he thought I'd like it.... Needless to say the ACCEPT side got a lot more playing time, hahaha. There are similar stories about how I got into IRON MAIDEN or SAXON in those years. All that changed in 1984 with the advent of Metal Hammer which was quickly followed by fanzines which used to be sold in one of the local record stores.
2.I believe before you started Barbarian Wrath you were owner and operater of Nazgul's Eyrie how long was this label open for? And what made you decide to stop it?
Guilty. NAZGULS EYRIE lasted (on paper) from 1993 to 1999 and was directly followed by BARBARIAN WRATH. When you look at release dates however you'll see that the really active time was between July 1994 and July 1996 followed by a long period of agony caused by bad business decisions which cost me a lot of money and my sanity. When I had finally paid off the financial aftermath I changed the name and gave it another go which I'm happy to say went somewhat more smoothly. However, the name of NAZGULS EYRIE was burnt and spent so I came up with something more personal instead. The fact that everyone and their grandmothers were running around with pseudonymes based on Tolkien may have also played a minor role in my decision.
3.In 2000 you formed Barbarian Wrath Rec. what gave you the idea to start up a different label? And how did you choose Barbarian Wrath as the name for your new label?
I sort of explained that in the previous question already. It's not a different label in my mind, it's the same thing, just run in a slightly more professional way :D The name came up at some point based on my nickname at the time. My gentleman-like behaviour caused me to be referred to as the "Bavarian Barbarian" by the guys of COUNTESS at first and by pretty much everyone soon after. Since I was coming back (well, trying to) with a vengeance from the NEP disaster the "Wrath" part just fell into place :)
4.What have been some of your personal favorite releases over the years?And are their any upcoming releases the readers should watch out for?
I feel like a father to all my releases and like a father I love them all for what they are even when they annoy me at times. Since I have returned from a well deserved time out in January 2014 (This time without bothering to change the name...) there has been a steady stream of 24 releases so far which is more than I managed to release in the entire decade before. Of course people should watch out for all my releases as well as those of my darling wife through WITCHES BREW. :)
5.What are some things you look for when signing and releasing a band? And are you still on the look out for new bands to work with or is the Barbarian Wrath Rec roster full at this time?
I want to be surprised. The big cancer of today is predictability. Be that movies, books or bands, if I already know how things will end 10 minutes in, why bother ? Of course a band may still be entertaining in a live situation (Usually because I drink them better...) but why would I bother to release something by those guys. It's sometimes rough to have to tell that to people and not all take it gracefully either but it's my damn money and I decide what to spend it on :) I'm always looking for bands who manage to make me perk up. It doesn't happen often anymore since I'm a jaded old bastard but it does happen and when it does I usually find a way to place such a band in my roster.
6.Do you run the label by yourself or do you have some help from friends or family? Would you have any advice to the readers who might be thinking of starting a distro or a label themselves?
I have help. My wife does all the tedious background work so I can concentrate on signing bands and smoking cigars. Which suits me just fine, hehehe. Seriously though, since I have a full time job besides running BW and she doesn't it makes sense that she runs the distro and her own label WITCHES BREW. The distro is exclusively hers and she decides what to carry. Usually she goes for the more exotic stuff (as in from an exotic place, not an exotic mix of musical styles with a hint of Metal as an afterthought...). Seeing that there are more distros than buying fans in Germany and they all carry the same stuff I think she's right trying to stick out and do something original for a change.
7. BG are you currently looking for new labels or bands to work and trade with? If yes what styles of metal do you carry in your distro?
As I just typed, I always look for new stuff that I find impressive and surprising. All distro questions go to my wife :)
8. BG you live in the metal filled country of Germany what is your opinion of the German metal scene over the years to present day?
I think Germany is vastly overrated. I'm sick of Germans strutting around like their shit don't stink and all they really do is buy what glossy magazines serve them and treck to Wacken every year. There are real people besides me of course (quite a few actually) but this picture of Germany being the great Metal nation is inherently wrong. You don't see any Metalheads on the streets and when you do they won't talk to you because they don't like (or, more likely don't know) the band on the shirt you're wearing. So, as far a scene (as in people working together to achieve a common goal) goes, Germany is burnt and salted ground. If you count the number of role-playing fools who'll simply consume whatever glossy magazines tell them to, we got a few million of those.
9.Who are your all-time favorite German bands? And are their any new bands that you feel the readers should watch out for?
All time favorite German band... hmmm.... Nope, I don't really have a favorite band but I can list you favorite albums by German bands. The thing is, every band seems to come to a point eventually where they lose me. For instance, I worship AVENGERs "Prayers Of Steel" album but I find RAGE just barely tolerable even though it's the same people who wrote those songs and recorded the album.
I can't tell you about new bands because I'm trying to sign them and I don't want any competition.
10.Besides bands are their any good labels or distro's you feel the readers should check out soon?
I feel that WITCHES BREW get's far to little attention. There is a bunch of fucking brilliant bands there continously releasing jewels of Metal and WB get neither glory nor sales for it and it's a bloody shame.
11.Do you still try to go out to local shows or do you prefer to stay in?
I still go to shows when I can though mostly I go to small festivals. We got an entire string of those that we go to every year. Seeing a cool band whom you previously had not known is the high point of every festival. Local shows to me are going to N�rnberg or M�nchen which both are 1 hour trips. Really local shows don't exist because my area is pretty much exclusively settled by the types I described in question # 8.
12.When not working on label business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What is this "free time" you speak about...?
13.In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground metal scene today? And what does underground metal mean to you?
The best and worst thing is the internet and computers in general and for pretty much the same reason. Life has sped up incredibly since the 90s and everybody has access to everything. Underground to me means to do something for passion with monetary gain being a nice side effect should it happen, but not a driving force. Which is the exact reason why I never tried going "pro". I enjoy the freedom of releasing whatever I want, I don't have to worry about sales because the money to pay for our beer comes from a different source.
14.Were can the readers find Barbarian Wrath news and releases to purchase?
There are a number of social media pages for the label that I keep up to date, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, the usual. Just type "Barbarian Wrath" in a search engine and you'll get 3 pages of links :)
As for buying my releases, the first and foremost spot to do so is WITCHES BREW. Besides German postage being rather cheap even for worldwide shipping she has a constant stream of other releases going through her distro so you have to be deaf and blind (Which, apparently you're not or is this text in Braille, eh ?) to not find something interesting.
In the USA (and North America) we are officially distributed by HELL'S HEADBANGERS and in Japan (and East Asia) by ROCK STAKK and we are looking for other partners in territories not yet covered.
15.Thank you BG for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
You're welcome :) I haven't done one of those in quite a while so I enjoy the chance to talk. Well, type :D As a final word I would ask you all to give small bands and labels a chance and look beyond the circle jerk you find in your magazines. It's worth it. Trust me.
Stay in the loop
@ https://www.facebook.com/BarbarianWrath666
@ https://plus.google.com/+BarbarianwrathOrg
@ https://www.linkedin.com/company/barbarian-wrath
@ https://twitter.com/BarbarianWrath
@ https://www.youtube.com/c/BarbarianwrathOrg
@ https://barbarianwrath.bandcamp.com
@ https://soundcloud.com/barbarianwrath
@ https://soundcloud.com/barbarian-wrath-ii
@ https://barbarian-wrath.tumblr.com
@ https://www.pinterest.com/BarbarianWrath/
Here is a new interview with the legendary German record label Barbarian Wrath.The owner BW. talks about the label's early days and current label work along with other topics.If you are a fan of old-school death,black and thrash metal then be sure to check this label and distro selection out.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
Interview with BG. owner of Barbarian Wrath Rec. done by Patrick
1.Hello BG please introduce yourself to the readers? At what age did you find yourself getting into metal music and who were some of the early bands you listened to?
You mean there's still people out there who don't know me...? O_o I got into Metal at the age of 12 through a class mate at school. That was back in 1979. He had a slightly older cousin who already was into Metal and we started listening to his AC/DC and MOT�RHEAD albums while playing "Defender" on our ATARI 2600 video games. Those were the times... :) I got into other bands mostly by chance since there was nothing even remotely resembling a Metal press or Hell forbid, a Metal radio in Germany. I got into ACCEPT in 1983 when I had a class mate record me a FOREIGNER album and he put "Restless And Wild" on the flip side. It was his Dad's record and he thought I'd like it.... Needless to say the ACCEPT side got a lot more playing time, hahaha. There are similar stories about how I got into IRON MAIDEN or SAXON in those years. All that changed in 1984 with the advent of Metal Hammer which was quickly followed by fanzines which used to be sold in one of the local record stores.
2.I believe before you started Barbarian Wrath you were owner and operater of Nazgul's Eyrie how long was this label open for? And what made you decide to stop it?
Guilty. NAZGULS EYRIE lasted (on paper) from 1993 to 1999 and was directly followed by BARBARIAN WRATH. When you look at release dates however you'll see that the really active time was between July 1994 and July 1996 followed by a long period of agony caused by bad business decisions which cost me a lot of money and my sanity. When I had finally paid off the financial aftermath I changed the name and gave it another go which I'm happy to say went somewhat more smoothly. However, the name of NAZGULS EYRIE was burnt and spent so I came up with something more personal instead. The fact that everyone and their grandmothers were running around with pseudonymes based on Tolkien may have also played a minor role in my decision.
3.In 2000 you formed Barbarian Wrath Rec. what gave you the idea to start up a different label? And how did you choose Barbarian Wrath as the name for your new label?
I sort of explained that in the previous question already. It's not a different label in my mind, it's the same thing, just run in a slightly more professional way :D The name came up at some point based on my nickname at the time. My gentleman-like behaviour caused me to be referred to as the "Bavarian Barbarian" by the guys of COUNTESS at first and by pretty much everyone soon after. Since I was coming back (well, trying to) with a vengeance from the NEP disaster the "Wrath" part just fell into place :)
4.What have been some of your personal favorite releases over the years?And are their any upcoming releases the readers should watch out for?
I feel like a father to all my releases and like a father I love them all for what they are even when they annoy me at times. Since I have returned from a well deserved time out in January 2014 (This time without bothering to change the name...) there has been a steady stream of 24 releases so far which is more than I managed to release in the entire decade before. Of course people should watch out for all my releases as well as those of my darling wife through WITCHES BREW. :)
5.What are some things you look for when signing and releasing a band? And are you still on the look out for new bands to work with or is the Barbarian Wrath Rec roster full at this time?
I want to be surprised. The big cancer of today is predictability. Be that movies, books or bands, if I already know how things will end 10 minutes in, why bother ? Of course a band may still be entertaining in a live situation (Usually because I drink them better...) but why would I bother to release something by those guys. It's sometimes rough to have to tell that to people and not all take it gracefully either but it's my damn money and I decide what to spend it on :) I'm always looking for bands who manage to make me perk up. It doesn't happen often anymore since I'm a jaded old bastard but it does happen and when it does I usually find a way to place such a band in my roster.
6.Do you run the label by yourself or do you have some help from friends or family? Would you have any advice to the readers who might be thinking of starting a distro or a label themselves?
I have help. My wife does all the tedious background work so I can concentrate on signing bands and smoking cigars. Which suits me just fine, hehehe. Seriously though, since I have a full time job besides running BW and she doesn't it makes sense that she runs the distro and her own label WITCHES BREW. The distro is exclusively hers and she decides what to carry. Usually she goes for the more exotic stuff (as in from an exotic place, not an exotic mix of musical styles with a hint of Metal as an afterthought...). Seeing that there are more distros than buying fans in Germany and they all carry the same stuff I think she's right trying to stick out and do something original for a change.
7. BG are you currently looking for new labels or bands to work and trade with? If yes what styles of metal do you carry in your distro?
As I just typed, I always look for new stuff that I find impressive and surprising. All distro questions go to my wife :)
8. BG you live in the metal filled country of Germany what is your opinion of the German metal scene over the years to present day?
I think Germany is vastly overrated. I'm sick of Germans strutting around like their shit don't stink and all they really do is buy what glossy magazines serve them and treck to Wacken every year. There are real people besides me of course (quite a few actually) but this picture of Germany being the great Metal nation is inherently wrong. You don't see any Metalheads on the streets and when you do they won't talk to you because they don't like (or, more likely don't know) the band on the shirt you're wearing. So, as far a scene (as in people working together to achieve a common goal) goes, Germany is burnt and salted ground. If you count the number of role-playing fools who'll simply consume whatever glossy magazines tell them to, we got a few million of those.
9.Who are your all-time favorite German bands? And are their any new bands that you feel the readers should watch out for?
All time favorite German band... hmmm.... Nope, I don't really have a favorite band but I can list you favorite albums by German bands. The thing is, every band seems to come to a point eventually where they lose me. For instance, I worship AVENGERs "Prayers Of Steel" album but I find RAGE just barely tolerable even though it's the same people who wrote those songs and recorded the album.
I can't tell you about new bands because I'm trying to sign them and I don't want any competition.
10.Besides bands are their any good labels or distro's you feel the readers should check out soon?
I feel that WITCHES BREW get's far to little attention. There is a bunch of fucking brilliant bands there continously releasing jewels of Metal and WB get neither glory nor sales for it and it's a bloody shame.
11.Do you still try to go out to local shows or do you prefer to stay in?
I still go to shows when I can though mostly I go to small festivals. We got an entire string of those that we go to every year. Seeing a cool band whom you previously had not known is the high point of every festival. Local shows to me are going to N�rnberg or M�nchen which both are 1 hour trips. Really local shows don't exist because my area is pretty much exclusively settled by the types I described in question # 8.
12.When not working on label business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What is this "free time" you speak about...?
13.In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground metal scene today? And what does underground metal mean to you?
The best and worst thing is the internet and computers in general and for pretty much the same reason. Life has sped up incredibly since the 90s and everybody has access to everything. Underground to me means to do something for passion with monetary gain being a nice side effect should it happen, but not a driving force. Which is the exact reason why I never tried going "pro". I enjoy the freedom of releasing whatever I want, I don't have to worry about sales because the money to pay for our beer comes from a different source.
14.Were can the readers find Barbarian Wrath news and releases to purchase?
There are a number of social media pages for the label that I keep up to date, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, the usual. Just type "Barbarian Wrath" in a search engine and you'll get 3 pages of links :)
As for buying my releases, the first and foremost spot to do so is WITCHES BREW. Besides German postage being rather cheap even for worldwide shipping she has a constant stream of other releases going through her distro so you have to be deaf and blind (Which, apparently you're not or is this text in Braille, eh ?) to not find something interesting.
In the USA (and North America) we are officially distributed by HELL'S HEADBANGERS and in Japan (and East Asia) by ROCK STAKK and we are looking for other partners in territories not yet covered.
15.Thank you BG for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
You're welcome :) I haven't done one of those in quite a while so I enjoy the chance to talk. Well, type :D As a final word I would ask you all to give small bands and labels a chance and look beyond the circle jerk you find in your magazines. It's worth it. Trust me.
Stay in the loop
@ https://www.facebook.com/BarbarianWrath666
@ https://plus.google.com/+BarbarianwrathOrg
@ https://www.linkedin.com/company/barbarian-wrath
@ https://twitter.com/BarbarianWrath
@ https://www.youtube.com/c/BarbarianwrathOrg
@ https://barbarianwrath.bandcamp.com
@ https://soundcloud.com/barbarianwrath
@ https://soundcloud.com/barbarian-wrath-ii
@ https://barbarian-wrath.tumblr.com
@ https://www.pinterest.com/BarbarianWrath/
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