Pandemic Outbreak interview done by Patrick posted on 3-29-17

Hello

Here  is  a  new   interview  with  the  Polish  Thrash,Speed  metal  band  Pandemic Outbreak  who  recently  released  their  debut  E.P Rise Of The Damned  on  cassette  tape.Anyone  into  old-school  Speed,thrash  metal  should  defintly  check  this  band  out today.

Regards

Patrick

fiendformetal@live.com

https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en

https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher

Interview  with  Pandemic  Outbreak   done  by  Patrick

1.Hello  please  introduce  yourselves  to  the  readers? And  at  what  age did you  discover  metal  music?


We discovered metal when we were teenagres. We were like 13/14 years old.


2.Who  were  some  of the  first  bands  you  all  listened  to?Who  are  some  of your  current  favorite  bands?


We started from most popular rock/punk bands like:AC/DC, Nirvana, Metallica Etc. At present we listen to every band, from black and death metal Obituary, Caracass, Toxic Holocaust, Death, Sadus, Dying Fetus to classics local bands from our city and neighborhood  like Terrordome, Thermit or our good friends Hellvoid, Frenatron.


3.You  all  formed Pandemic  Outbreak   in  2015  when  did you  all get the idea to  form  the  band?

Mencel: I came up with the idea in the middle of 2014 when my band „Mechanix” split up.

I met Szymon Wójcik in Słupsk (city near Gdańsk) and we decided to make a band. I found rehearsal room and thats how it began. Stared writing material and after couple of months Szymon Goralewski (bass guitar) and Kacper Lisiecki (rhytm guitar)


4.What  is  the  current  line-up  for  Pandemic  Outbreak   and  for  the  readers   who  have  never  heard the  band  how  would  you  best  describe  the  music?


 Our first line up is a typical thrash while the newest is a combination of death and thrash with black metal influences.

5.Pandemic  Outbreak   is  getting  ready  to  release  their   debut EP. "Rise Of The Damned"  does  the  whole  band  take  part  in the  writing   the  music  or does  one  member  usually  write everything?


The first Ep was wholly written by Mencel once upon the time when band consisted of guitarist and drumer. Later on when our first rhythm  guitarist left, we found Paweł, who is now our band's sex toy and also helps with writing riffs. Lyrics are still a monopoly of Mencel.


6.Where  can  the readers  buy your  debut  EP and does  the  band  have  any  other  merchandise  available  at this  time?If  yes  what  is  available  amd where can  the  readers  buy  it?


Currently our merch is poor, we have only our CD's and cassettes that can be bought at the concert or ordered from us via facebook.


7.Has   the  band  started  writing  new  material  for the  next  EP  or  will you  all  work on  a  full length release?


Yeah, the new EP is in progress but it is completely different than our first CD and we want to know how will our fans react to it.

 
8.Does Pandemic  Outbreak    play  "live"  very  often  or  do you  prefer to  work  in  the  studio?What  have  been  some of the  bands  most  memorable  shows  so  far?


We play live concerts mostly in our City. One of the best concerts we remember was a gig in Gdańsk called DreadFest at the beginning of 2016. 7 bands, big stage and a lot of friends in the crowd.

9.Who  are  some  bands  that  Pandemic  Outbreak   have  shared  the  stage  with?And  are  their  any  upcoming  shows  or  tours   that  the  readers  should  watch  out  for?

We played with a few more or less famous bands like Evil Invaders or Terrordome. But the best is still ahead. We were offered a concert with Nervosa and we are waiting for more details. We are also going to play with Lich king in may and that is confirmed. This summer we also gonna play at small gig near Szczecin called Mayhem Bonfire (Ognisko Masakra) organised by our friends From Frenatron.


10.In  your  opinion  what  does  underground   metal  mean  to  you?


Underground to us is the passion to this kind of music. Small concerts where everybody knows each-other in a clubs that sometimes are total mess and there is no place for commercialism. Concerts played for a bunch of people who want to grab a beer and mosh.


11.I  know  that  Poland  has  a  pretty  big  death and  black  metal  scene  but  what  is  the  Polish  thrash  metal  scene  like?

It is not a good time for thrash. A few years ago there was a time that one of my friends called a “thrash metal supremacy”. Everybody was playing thrash, listening to thrash Etc. Gigs were played all the time and it was a blast. Hard mosh, fast riffs and nobody was giving a fuck about any injuries. Broken and bleeding nose was a sign of a good concert. Now it is gone. Itt on the top anymore. Some people still play it but it is not this same.


12.Who  are  your  all-time  favorite  bands  from  Poland  and  are their  any  upcoming  Polish  bands  you  can  recommend  to the  readers?

We recomend Frenatron, Hellvoid, Incinerator. They are our friends and they play really good.


13.Besides  bands  are  their  any  honest and reliable labels  or  distro's  you  can  recommend  to  the  readers?


 We cant recommend any becouse we dont know any label that release pure underground music. Bands often release CD's, Cassette etc by their own effort. We heared good things about Fukk and Putrid Cult.


14.Are  any  of  the  members  of  Pandemic  Outbreak    currently  playing  in  any  other  bands  at  this  time? If  yes  please tell  us  a  little  about  them?


Yup. Our sex toy also playes at their grind project that will soon realese first Kraken.


15.When  not   working  on  new  music  or  band  business   what  do  you  enjoy  doing  in your  free time?
We party hard drinking every thing that contains alcohole and smoking bambucho. All of us except bassist. He is busy with studying law. :((


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


Thanks man!  We want to tell the readers that, (if they don't do that) they should support their local underground scene by attending to the gigs, buying CD's etc. It's a big help for the band and gives big satisfaction. We want to thank all people that helped us! Cheers!

                         Band Contacts

                         https://www.facebook.com/PandemicOutbreakThrash

                         https://pandemicoutbreak.bandcamp.com/

Looking for D.I.Y Radio shows to play your bands music check these shows out today.

Hello
Are  you  looking  for  great metal  and  punk  diy  radio  shows  that  prove  you  don't  need  a  station's   backing  to  do  a  great  show  every  week?  Then  be  sure  to  read  this  blog  about  the  shows  Merciless Onslaught  hosted  by  Jonny and  The  Wastelands{Punk edition} and  Ancient  Visions {metal  edition  on  Sat.} both  hosted  by  Gaz.Then  their  is  two  shows  done  by  the  long  running  dj  Metal  Mark  who  does  the  shows  Audio  Agression{the  newest  in  death,doom,thrash,power metal}  and  his other  show  Metal  Mark's  vault  featuring the  best  in  old-school  death  metal. And  finally  Full Shred Ahead  hosted  by  Beau who  features  the  best  in  guitar  oriented  metal,progressive  and  blues.
   For  more   information  check  out this  blog  for  show  times  and  where to  tune-in.


http://ancientvisionz.blogspot.co.uk/p/diy-radio-family.html

Black Plague Records sale through the end of April

Looking  for  the  best  in  underground   black metal,ambient,doom   and  death  metal? Then  be  sure  to  contact   Mike  and  Black  Plague  Records   today  for  his  newest   distro  list.


BPR CD SALE!!! SALE ENDS April 30th!!! Buy 10 Jewel cased CDS/DVDS for $50.00 total and get 3 FREE or 10 Digipack CDS for $60.00 total and get 3 FREE!!! ALL US ORDERS GET FREE SHIPPING! Email for full updated list of CDS and DVDS – orders@blackplaguerecords.com

Interview with Pagan Megalith done by Patrick posted on 3-12-17

Hello
Here  is  a  new  interview  done  with  Hungary's  black  metal  band  Pagan  Megalith who  have released their  second  full length  "Viharjaras" on cassette of this year and digitally in 2016 . If  you are  a  fan  of  old-school black  metal  then  be  sure to  check  this  band  out  today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher



Interview   with Ae of  Pagan  Megalith   done  by   Patrick

1.Hails  please  introduce  yourself  to  the  readers? When  did you  all first  meet  each  other?

 

Hails and greetings to the readers!

Pagan Megalith was formed in the end of 2004 by Tuhlv, Corvus and Bastard. The first demo material entitled 'From Hell to the Highest Peaks' was recorded and released in 2006 and by 2007 the band started to play live shows. The line-up changed a lot through the passing years, members came and went on.

I met Tuhlv in 2007 and became a member in 2009, right before recording the first full-length, 'Ólomharangok / Leadenbells'. The songs for a second album were written but remained unrecorded thus the band has gone on a hiatus in 2010.

In 2016 Tuhlv asked me if I want to go on from the point where we left off - I said yes, so Pagan Megalith can be considered an active band again since.

 

 

2.Pagan  Megalith    was  formed  2004  what  gave  you  the  idea  to  form  this  band?And how  did you  all  choose  the  name  of  the  band?

 

The initial idea was to recreate the atmosphere and aesthetics of the early Norwegian Black Metal music that seemed so other-wordly and far from any human factors. The band's name is from a Gorgoroth songtitle '(Under the) Pagan Megalith'. Using this name means paying homage for the legacy of ancient cults.


3.What  is  the  current  line-up  of the  band?And  for the  readers  who  have  never  heard  Pagan  Megalith's  music  who  are  some  of the  bands  influences? And  how  do you  feel  the  bands  music  has  changed  over the  years?

 

The band involves two members: Tuhlv and Ae. For live acts we are working with Vick as a session drummer.

For about influences: The early era of Northern Black Metal defines our style perfectly - nevertheless through the ages our art has matured in lyrics and music as well. Since the first album we are using Hungarian lyrics, this way the main message can be expressed in a more personal and sophisticated way.

 

 

4.The  band  is  getting  ready to  release  their  second  full-length "Viharjaras" on  cassette  through  Neverheard  Distro  how  did you  all  come  in  contact  with this  label?

 

The mastermind behind Neverheard Distro is a long time friend of mine, we have worked with him on some other releases before with other bands. He does a lot to support Hungarian underground with releasing tapes, CDs and also vinyls for bands, but he is also involved in touring and from time to time he sets up shows for the bands working with the label.

 

 

5.How  long  did  it take  the  band  to  write  the  music  for  the  new  release and  does the  whole  band  work  on  the  music  or does  one  member   usually  write  everything?

 

The music and lyrics of 'Viharjárás / Stormburst' had been written back in 2009/2010 in a shorter period - all by Tuhlv. In 2016 the material was revised by the two of us, but the main composer is still Tuhlv.

 

 

6.Who   usually  takes  care  of  writing  the  lyrics  for the  music  and  what  are some  topics you  all  write  about  on  the  new  release?

 

The music and lyrics are written by Tuhlv. The topics we are dealing with on the new material are still based on the Negation of All. Let that be a historical themed song ('Rex Saturnalis', 'A siralmas énekből') or something more personal ('Szívnémaság', 'Virrasztásban'). The idea of Death in its beauty or even in its brutality can be catched in the songs.

 

 

7.Besides the  new  release  "Viharjaras"  are  their  any  copies of  the  debut  release still  available?Besides  the  physical  releases  is  their  any  other  merchandise available for  the  readers  and  where  can  the readers   buy  it?

 

There are no more copies of previous releases. We are not planning to have any merch either.

 

 

8.What   does  black  metal   mean  to  you?

 

Black Metal with its mysticism and secretful atmosphere is the musical style within the genre of Metal that is closest to the sound of Death. If this music is not the final aim but a tool to pass on the Anti-Life Propaganda then it is OK. The bells of Death were ringing their songs long before any distortion pedal's buzzing. That's why we can not accept Black Metal as the final stage of musical developement towards the End.

 

 

9.Besides  working  in   Pagan  Megalith    do  you  or  any  of the  members  currently  play  in  any other  bands  or  projects?

 

Tuhlv plays in various acts - Svoid, Karst, Voltak and Gravel Shores to mention. I don't have any other active musical project right now. Our session drummer Vick is involved in one of the most iconic Hungarian punk/rock bands, Junkies.

 

 10. Pagan  Megalith   comes  out  of  the  Hungarian black  metal  scene what  is your  opinion  of  the  Hungarian  metal  scene?

 

We dissociate ourselves from any scene. To belong somewhere means human contacts and interactions that we wish to avoid as a band and as individuals.

 

 11.Who  are your all-time  favorite  Hungarian  bands  and  are  their  any  new  bands you  feel  the  readers  should  watch  out  for?

 

In my opinion the best Hungarian acts are Sear Bliss and Ater Tenebrae.

 

 

 

12.Besides  bands  are their  any  honest  and reliable  labels  or  distro's  that  you  could  recommend  to  the  readers?

 

You should check out Neverheard Distro, P-18 Records, Iron County Records.

 

 

13.When  not  working  on  new  music  or  band  business  what  do  you  enjoy  doing  in your  free time?

 

I like to go out into the nature, taking trips to desolate and remote places. I have already climbed most of the peaks in the High Tatras. By now neither of us is an outgoing person that goes to parties or anything like that. From time to time I go to concerts.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Embrace Death as an opportunity!

                                                      Band   Contacts

                                                    http://spiritside.info/paganmegalith/

                                                          Label   Contacts

                                                    http://neverhearddistro.blogspot.com/

                                                    

 

 

 

Interview with Bjorn guitarist of Mordbrand done by Patrick posted on 3-5-17

Interview  with  Bjorn guitarist   of  Mordbrand   done  by   Patrick


1.Hello  Bjorn  please  introduce  yourself  to  the  readers  and  at  what  age  did you  discover  metal  music?

I play guitars, bass and I'm the main songwriter of Mordbrand. I discovered rock and metal in my early childhood, but got more involved and fanatical about metal in my teens (I'd say around '95 or so). It all started with Guns 'n' Roses as a kid (ask any child of the early 80's) and things just got heavier and more aggressive as time passed.


2.Who   were  some  of  the  first  bands  you  listened to   and  who  are  some  of your  current  favorites?

As above mentioned: Guns 'n' Roses was the gateway drug for me. Later on it was Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest and all the classic bands. Slayer, Sepultura and Morbid Angel later on opened my eyes to the more dark and sinister stuff. Today I wouldn't really say I have favorites since I listen to so much different music and so many bands. I constantly check out new stuff and search for that high that you get from discovering a new/old band that you haven't heard before. So many talented players out there and the competition is stiff nowadays, which is cool.


3.When  did you  first  meet  the  other members  of  the  band? And  how  did you  all  choose  the  name   Mordbrand   as  the  name  of  the  band?


Me and Johan (Rudberg, drums) go way back. We've been in many bands together, so when we started out this band we just made some filthy death metal in the vein of Autopsy and Master, for kicks. The songs turned out pretty cool and was released on a split LP with Evoke on Me Saco Un Ojo Records in 2010. That lit something within us so we decided to stop messing around and turn this project into something more severe and serious. We asked Per (Boder, vocals) if he'd like to join since we knew that he's basically the best voice around. He unexpectedly said 'yes' and the rest is history. We truly aren't the same band today as we were 7 years ago, but the filth withstands.


4.What  is  the  current  line up  of  the  band?  and  for the  readers  who  have  never  heard  Mordbrand's music  how would  you  say  it  has  changed  since  the  beginning  of the  band  until  present day?

Me on strings, Per on vocals and Johan on drums. Well, the first split LP is sort of goofy but still raw with a punkish attitude. Today we are more focused on bringing atmosphere and a sense of danger into the sound. Every song should stand on it's own. It's not about finding the "right sound" - it's about making quality music that survives current trends.



5. Mordbrand    is  getting  ready  to  release  their  second  full-length  "Wilt"  how  long  did  it  take  to  write  the  music  for this  release?Does  the  whole  band  work  on  the  music  or  does  one  member  usually  write  everything?

We started writing the album in February last year and finished the recordings in november the same year. We worked very hard and went through a lot of trials in order to get it done. Everything that could've fucked up eventually did. But it came out just a great as we had hoped. We are tremendously proud of the result and we feel that it represents exactly what we strived to do and who we are as a band today. A melodic, atmospheric but crusty and deadly slab of metal. No fillers, just 9 songs that vary quite a bit from one another.


6.Who   usually  takes  care  of  writing  the  lyrics  and  what  are some  topics  the  band  wrote about  on  Wilt?

Per does all the lyrics and the theme on all of our releases (except for the earlier material) is about life's transformation. How life withers and dies and transforms into something new. Full circle.


7.What  have  been  some  of  Mordbrand's  most  memorable  shows  over  the  years?Who  were  some  of your  favorite  bands  that you  got to  share  the  stage   with?

We've only done one show thus far, back in 2012 (or was it 2013?) with Bombs of Hades and Terrorama. 2 great bands. We aim at doing more shows in the future and we have a lineup ready to do the heavy duty work.

 
8.Are  their  any  upcoming  tours  or  shows in  support  of  Wilt  if  yes  where  will the  band  be  playing?

Not yet. Unfortunately we've had to turn down cool offers due to lineup issues and family life, but we're confident things can be arranged sooner than later.


9.Bjorn  you  take  care  of  the  guitars  for  the  band at  what  age  did you become  interested  in  playing  the  guitars?Did you  take  lessons  when  first  starting  out or  are you  self  taught?

Around the same time I discovered the magic of music, basically. I was self-taught up until the age of 15 when I started highschool and had the chance to study music and guitar playing. I wouldn't say that the actual education was that much beneficial for me as a player, but it connected me with a new crowd of people and musical endeavors.

10.Who  are  some  of your  influences and  favorite guitarists? Besides  the  guitars  do you  currently   play  any  other  instruments?

I really don't have favorite guitar players that inspire my own work with Mordbrand. I do what I know best and I try not to complicate stuff. But as a listener I'm a huge fan of Trey from Morbid Angel, Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, Piggy (r.i.p.) from Voivod, Dave Murray from Iron Maiden and other godfathers of the genre.



11.Mordbrand comes  out  of  Sweden's  death  metal  scene  what  is your  opinion  of  Sweden's  metal  scene  over  the  years?

I think it's still intact and more varied than it used to be. You have the death metal veterans still going strong, the 'kill your idols' kind of youngsters like Degial and Tribulation, as well as a stable black metal "scene". Also there's great thrash to be found like Antichrist, which has a really promising new release coming out this year. Cool gigs are more and more common too, which is a sign of health I think.


12.Who   are  some of your  all-time  favorite  Swedish  bands? And  are  their  any  new  bands  you  can  recommend to  the  readers?

That's a hard question. Entombed, Marduk, Stillborn, Bathory and Candlemass are bands that I hold in very high regard, just to name a few from the top of my head. But the more current scene is vibrant and the bands are too many to mention (and too many will be left out, sadly).

But you'd do yourself a favour if you checked out the bands we've done split releases with: Bombs of Hades, Gravehill, Rite and Evoke. You can also find the cream of the crap on the Critical Mass collections (I think there's 3 thus far) that really tries to capture what's hot in the swedish underground.



13.Besides  bands  are  their  any  honest  and reliable  labels  or  distro's  you  could  recommend  to the  readers?

Yes. Carnal Records that will release "Wilt" is an example of that. A hardworking and honest label with a great set of bands on it's CV. To The Death Records we've had nothing but good experiences with. Same goes for Bifrost, Deathgasm, Doomentia and all the other labels that we've worked with. We've been very lucky in that sense.


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

"Wilt" is out on CD February 24th on Carnal Records. LP will follow later. Thanks for your interest!



                                                                                    Label   Contact

                                                                               www.carnalrecords.com

                                                                                   Band  Contact

                                                            https://www.facebook.com/officialmordbrand/

Metal reviews done by Patrick posted on 3-5-17

Hello

Hope  everyone  is  doing  good  today  here  is  a  brand  new  blog  of  reviews  with  a  little  bit  of  every genre.So  hopefully you  will  find  something to your  musical  taste.

Regards

Patrick

fiendformetal@live.com

https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en

https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher


Grima--Tales Of  The Enchanted Woods  cd {Naturmacht  Prod.}

Grima  who  come  out  of  the Russian atmospheric  black  metal  scene with  their  second  full length  Tales Of  The Enchanted Woods.Featuring  eight  songs of  well  written  and  performed   black  metal  with  a lot  of  atmospheric  passages.The  guitars  are played  with  a  mix  of  fast  guitar  chords and  some  mid paced slower  guitar  patterns.The  drumming  is  done  in  the  same  vein  with  crazed fast  drum  patters  to  a  more  controlled  mid paced  drum  pace.The  vocals  are  done  with  both  death growls  and  some  raw  black metal  screams  used  in  a  few  of the  songs.If  you  are  a  fan  of  well  written  and executed atmospherice black metal  be  sure to  pick  this  release  up  today.

                                                      Label   Contact

                                        https://www.naturmacht.com/

                                        https://naturmachtproductions.bandcamp.com/



      
Morbid  Messiah--In The Name  Of  Death Metal  cassette {Godz Ov War  Prod}
Starting  off  with  a  intro of  buzzsaw fast guitars and deep  death metal  growls.Morbid  Messiah play  a  form  of  old-school  death metal  similar to  both the  U.S and  European  death metal bands.The  drums  are crazed  blast beats  that really  fit  the  bands  musicial  style.The  drummer  does  slow to  a  more  controlled  mid paced range  in  a  few  sections  in the  music.The  vocals  are  old school  death metal  growls  if you  are  a  fan  of  well executed  and  played  death metal  be  sure  to  pick  up   the  debut  E.P  In The Name  Of  Death Metal  today.
                                                                         Label   Contact
                                                            http://godzovwar.com/
                                                   https://godzovwarproductions.bandcamp.com/



              

Mordbrand--Wilt  cd{Carnal  Rec.}

Mordbrand  who  come  out  of the  Swedish  death metal scene  return  with their  newest  full-length  featuring  nine  songs powerful,heavy death metal.The  drums  are  done  with  a lot  of  skill and  experience going  back  and  forth  with  both heavy,fast  drum  patterns to  a  more mid  paced  drum  style  mixed  within the  songs.The  guitarist  does  a  great  job  of  writing  and  creating  a lot  of  great  patterns and  structures.With  both extremely  fast chaotic  passages  and  controlled  mid  paced  guitar  tone and  some  well written  and  played  solo's  mixed  into the  music.If you  are  a  fan  of  Swedish death metal  that is  extremely  tight  and  well executed  then  be  sure to  pick  up  a  copy  of  Wilt  today.

                                                  Label   Contact

                               http://www.carnalrecords.com/

                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                              

         
              Pagan  Megalith--Vihiarjara  cassette{Never Heard Distro}

Pagan  Megalith are  a  black  metal  band who  come  out  of  the  Hungarian  black  metal  scene.Vihiarjara  is  the  bands  second  full-length  release featuring  ten  tracks  of  old school raw black metal.The  guitars  are  played  in the  crazed,raw  fast  patterns but the  guitarist  does  know  how to  write  and  play  some  well written  and  performed   mid paced  sections.The  vocals  are  raw,blackend  screams  similar to the  eighties  metal  scene.If you  are  are  a  fan  of  late eighties,early ninties  raw style  blackness  then  be  sure  to  pick  upa  copy  of   Vihiarjara today.

                                                                   Label   Contact

                                                  http://neverhearddistro.blogspot.com/

                                                 https://www.facebook.com/nhd666/

                                        
           Pandemic  Outbreak--Rise  Of  The  Damned  cassette {P-18 Rec}

Here  is  a  review  of  a  new  thrash  band  who  come  out  of  the  Polish  thrash metal  scene with their  debut EP.Rise  Of  The  Damned   featuring  five  tracks  of   solid  thrashing  anthems sure to  please  anyone  into  the  early  years  of thrash.The  guitars  are  played  with  a lot  of  skill  and  great  guitar  riffs  and  patterns even  some  well  written  and  performed  solo's  are  mixed  into the  music.The  drumming  is equally  played  with  crazed blasting  drums  that  do  slow to  a  more  controlled  mid paced  drumming style.If you  are  a  fan  of the early  eighties  thrash  scene  then  be  sure to  pick  up  a  copy  of Pandemic  Outbreak's debut EP.  today

                                                                              Label   Contact

                                                       http://neverhearddistro.blogspot.com/

                                                     https://www.facebook.com/nhd666/

Canada's Versifist interview done by Patrick posted on 3-4-17

Hails
Here  is  a  new  interview  with the  Canadian  black  metal  band  Versifist who  released  a  EP. late  last year  "Cipher"  so  anyone  who  is  into  well  executed and played  black metal  be  sure to  check  this  band  out  today  and  keep  an  eye  out  for  news  as  they  are  working  on  new  music.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher


Interview   with  Ross  V.   vocalist and  bassist  for  Versifist   done by    Patrick


1.Hello   Ross   how  are  things  going  in  Canada  these days? Please  introduce  yourself to  the  readers?
 
Hello Patrick. Things are ok here in Canada. Its a very brutal winter here but we are used to it. Versifist is black metal trio from Canada formed in 2013. There is myself on bass/vox, Graham F. on guitars and Evan W. on drums


2.When  did  you  first   meet  the  other  members  of  the  band and  was  it  long  before you  all formed the  band?How  did you  all  choose   Versifist  as  the  name  of  the  band?


    I have known Graham and Evan for about 20 years now. We met when I was playing in a local death metal act Terratomb and they were playing(and still are) with black/thrash demons Hellacaust. Eventually Graham joined Terratomb. When that band disbanded, not long after we started Versifist.
    When coming up with the name I wanted something that was an original word, a creation so to speak, and its translation its based upon the theory of the spoken word or written word is a very powerful thing. It can start wars, it can end lives etc. Whether its the holy bible or the Quran, or Hitler speaking in front of thousands of starving pissed off Germans that wanted something more, or even a motivational speaker, the word can be indeed be mightier than the sword.


3.What  is  the  current  line up  of  the  band? And for the  readers  who  have  never  heard  Versifist's   music  how  would  you  best  describe  the  band's style? 


Versifist has a backbone made of molten black metal but we are not limited to any sub-genre.


4.Versifist  is  getting  ready to  release  their  newest  EP. "Cipher" how   long  did  it take  the  band to  write the  music  for these  songs? Does  the  whole  band  take  part  or  does  one  member  usually  write  everything?


Cipher has been out for close to a year now and we are very satisfied with the results. It is the next logical step from the "Scripting the Catechism" release. We tend to write slowly but when a song is done we know it. Quality over quantity is suppose. Versifist is a collaborative effort between the three members. We all write music. 

5.Who  usually  writes  the  lyrics  for  the  band  and  what  are  some  subjects  the  band  writes  about?

Lyrics are usually between Graham and I. Lyrics are derived from all sources of inspiration including but not limited to, some occult themes, dealing with daily life, fictional stories of our own creation, nightmares/visions . The very definition of the name of the band requires that any subject is fair game. The only exception to that rule is we don't delve into politics i.e. left /right . All are worthless in our eyes so we'll leave that stuff to scum of the earth.


6.Has the  band  started  working  on  new  music for  the  next  EP.  or  would  you  like  to  try to  write  enough  songs for  a  full length?


We are writing for our first full length now.


7.Will  the  band  work  with  the  label  Vault  Of  Dried  Bones  or  have  you   and  the  label  discussed it?


Yes, the Vault of Dried Bones is our home.



8.Besides  the  new  EP."Cipher"  does  the  band  have  any  other  releases  or  merchandise  available  for the  readers.And  if yes  what  is  available  and where  can the readers  buy it?


Our first release was the "Scripting the Catechism" cassette. The initial run of 100 tapes is sold out. We are awaiting a repress.
www.vaultofdriedbones.com  has some shirts as well as http://www.morbidmoonrecords.com/ . 
Keep an eye on https://versifist.bandcamp.com/ for future merchandise.




 9.Ross  you  handle  the  vocals  for  the  band  at  what  age  did you  start  growling and  screaming? Is  their  anything  special  you do  to  keep your  voice  and  throat  healthy?Who  are  some  of  your  influences and  favorite  vocalists?


I have been doing vocals in this style for about 20+ years off and on. The lack of touring means I don't do it often so no "tricks" to tell. My favorites are Pete Helmkamp (Angelcorpse O.F.C), Mark of the Devil(Cultes Des Ghoules), and Sir Proscriptor McGovern (Absu).


 10.Besides  the  vocals  you   also  take  care  of  the  bass   when did you  start  playing  the  bass? Who  are  some  of your  favorite  bass  players?Besides  the  vocals  and  bass  duties  do  you  play  any  other  instruments?


I started when I was 17. I am a bit of a "caveman" on the bass. I tend to keep it simple and try to lock in with Evan's kick drum and to free myself up for a powerful vocal delivery and to serve what the song needs instead of my ego. I dabbled with drums years ago but no more. Some bass greats are Steve Harris, Roger Patterson, Erik Danielsson, and whoever did the bass on the new Cultes Des Ghoules album.



11. Versifist    comes  out  of  the  Canadian  death,black  metal  scene  what  is your  opinion  of  the  Canadian  metal  scene   over the  years?

Canada has some the greatest metal bands in the world such as Voivod, Blasphemy, D.B.C., Sacrifice, and Revenge. I haven't paid to much attention to any "scene" in years but those are the some of great bands.


12.Who  are  your  all-time  favorite  Canadian bands  and  are  their  any  new   bands  you  feel  the  readers  should  watch  out  for?

Answered above but local bands I would add are Thaumiel, Cottus and Novichok. All very different from each other but all worthy.


13.Besides  bands  are  their   any  good  labels  or  distro's  you  could  recommend  to  the  readers?

Again I don't pay a lot of attention except for in Versifist's world. The Vault of Dried Bones has a great distro with lots of great bands that we can stand proudly next too such as Sortilegia , Mitochondrion, Sorguinazia , Recluse, and Genocide Shrines. Also, Morbid Moon Records in Montreal is great distro/label.


14.In  your   opinion   what  is  the  best  and  worst  thing  about  the  underground  scene today? And  what  does  underground  metal  mean  to you?


Probably the short attention span of people these days causes a lot of great bands to go unnoticed. Everything is a click away, so people take it for granted.(I suppose I am guilty of this as well) But I come from the days of tape trading and buying records cause the album art was great so it meant more when you saved up to buy that "cool looking" record. Sometimes the record sucked but when it didn't, there was some magic happening there.

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


 Thanks you Patrick for the interesting questions. I hope the answers hold up.  New Versifist material will come in 2018 I expect.   Contact:      versifist@hotmail.com      https://versifist.bandcamp.com/