Interview with Horrendous done by Patrick posted on 1-30-19

Interview with Horrendous done by Patrick

1.Hello how are things going with you this week? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Not too bad, although it has been cold as hell in the Northeastern US the last few days so I’ve been trying to keep warm. My name is Jamie, I play drums in Horrendous.

2.Horrendous was formed in 2009 what gave you all the idea to start the band? What is the current line up of Horrendous?

Damian, Matt, and I have been playing in bands since we were in middle school. Matt and I are brothers, so we had played in a few projects before Horrendous. I met Damian on the first day of freshman year in college and Matt joined us there a few years later. Matt and I started playing music again (we were itching to start again after a long lull) and invited Damian to come to our practice space since we knew he had some similar musical interests, and things took off from there. Horrendous now has a fourth member, Alex Kulick, who first played bass live for us in April 2016. He gelled well with the rest of us musically, and he ended up joining and helping to write our recent album Idol. I should add that Matt and Damian both play guitar and do vocals, and they used to share bass playing duty on our past albums before Alex joined.

3.How do you feel the bands music has changed over the years? And who would you say are Horrendous biggest influences?

I’d say that we started as most bands do - trying to learn how to play with one another and gradually developing one’s specific sound starting from familiar musical places. In my mind, our early material was a melting pot of our separate influences - Damian was very into obscure old school death metal at the time, and Matt and I came from a background filled with punk and also a lot of thrash and traditional heavy metal. He and I listened to some death metal too (e.g. Death), but we weren’t neck deep in the genre like Damian was. As we became more comfortable playing together, we also began to let ourselves explore new musical territory. I think most people would say Ecdysis is where we really started to branch out, and we’ve continued to do so more and more with time. We’ve reached a point where we are not worried about how “metal” a riff might be and are very interested in experimenting with new ideas and challenging ourselves as songwriters and players. Between the four of us, our musical interests are incredibly vast, and while we love metal, we also are deeply invested in a number of other genres. I think it would be pretty tough to give specific influences in terms of bands for Horrendous, but we’re very influenced by music that tries to explore uncharted territories and push boundaries, while still living and breathing the classics that we grew up on.

4.Idol is the bands fourth full length how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release? And how long does it usually take to complete one song?

The writing process for Idol was very long - I’d say it stretched close to a year and wasn’t truly finished until the record was done since we add a lot of intricacies and flourishes during recording. The recording process itself also lasted for nearly a year - it was done on weekends and dragged on for what felt like forever. The creation of Idol was a grueling process. Different songs take different amounts of time to finish, but all of our songs are gradually built over extended periods of time as we add and subtract until we reach a final product that we feel is complete. We are very critical, so the production of new material is an extended process for us.

5.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects written about on Idol? Which comes first the music or the lyrics?

Historically we’ve all handled lyric writing, but on Idol Matt completed the lion’s share, with Damian and I each contributing one song. Idol covers a lot of ground but the topics tend to focus upon the idols within our lives to which we relinquish our agency. The lyrics were written during very stressful times for the band, with the rise of demagogues and growing acceptance of hate in the Western world, anxiety and self-doubt derived from our different vocations, and even the stress associated with the production of Idol. These different forces were exacting negative influence on us, and the lyrics reflect upon and examine this phenomenon.

6.Besides the Idol release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to buy? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible? If yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?

Yes of course, all of our previous material is available via the band. We have most releases up for sale on our Bandcamp page on CD or vinyl format, along with patches and a number of shirt designs from the last few years. It can all be found at horrendous.bandcamp.com.

7.Has the band ever made a music video for any of the bands songs? If you had the opportunity to do a video for any of the songs off of the new release which song would you like to see made into a video?

We have never done a music video. From Idol, I think I’d probably like to do a video of Prescience and Soothsayer together - I can envision some cool imagery that could follow from the atmospheric introduction into the explosive, intense riffing of Soothsayer. I’m not sure if we’ll ever do a true music video though - I think it is often tough to capture the feeling of the music in visuals unless one has a massive budget. I’m picturing Behemoth music videos as succeeding in this aspect, for example.

8.Does Horrendous play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?And who have been some of your most favorite bands to share the stage with?

Our live presence ebbs and flows. We’ve done two significant tours - one in 2016 with Tribulation and one in 2017 with Kreator, Obituary, and Midnight, and we’ve done some short tours as well like our recent album release tour with Tomb Mold and Daeva. Aside from these, we often do one-off performances. I’d say in general, we like both live and studio settings - they’re very different and require different types of effort. I think the Tribulation tour was generally our most memorable collection of live events - this was our introduction to life on the road and it allowed us to play in places we had never been before, all the while learning how to perform by watching Tribulation each night. The Kreator tour also had some insane sold out shows that we’ll never forget - that energy is hard to top. Off the top of my head, Tribulation, Midnight, and Tomb Mold have been our favorite bands to share the stage with, as they are all great bands but also wonderful people.

9.Are their any shows or tours planned for 2019 if yes where will the band be playing?

We have a short US West Coast tour coming up in April with Of Feather and Bone in further support of Idol, and we are currently talking about setting up subsequent tours for later in the year. We also have our first European show scheduled for Graveland Fest in the Netherlands in May of this year - we are beyond excited to finally make it to Europe, even though it will be brief.

10.Do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects?

Alex was playing in a number of other bands until recently, including Mob Terror and a free jazz project called Sirius Juju. He is always finding new people to play with, and I’m sure he’ll get into some new stuff soon. Matt and I have a few other music projects in the early stages, one of which is a punk band called Pissboys - our first EP is up on bandcamp now. Matt also played bass for Crypt Sermon for a while, although he is no longer playing with them. Damian keeps busy with mixing and mastering a plethora of metal acts in his studio called Subterranean Watchtower, so he doesn’t have much time to play in other bands, haha.

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

Honestly, Matt, Alex and I all spend a lot of time with other music outlets and generally trying to continue our personal musical explorations - I mentioned some of the other bands we played or currently play in. I’ve been trying to get back into practicing guitar and I’m interested in challenging myself to write songs outside of the realm of metal. The three of us live in Philly, so we also spend a lot of time together outside the band and with other friends hanging out, listening to music, going to shows, etc. I’d say reading and writing are also significant interests, particularly for Matt and Alex. Damian does spend a ton of what would be his free time mixing, but he’s also very interested in weight lifting and working out.

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

Thanks to you for the interview and thanks to anyone interested enough to read this. Hope to see you out on the road, wherever that may be!

                                                      Band  Contacts
                                              https://horrendous.bandcamp.com/
                                              https://www.facebook.com/HorrendousDeathMetal

Interview with Damnation Army done by Patrick posted on 1-29-19

Interview with Thomas Nyholm vocals and all instruments for Damnation Army done by Patrick

1.Hello Thomas how is 2019 starting out for you my friend? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello Patrick. Things have started out quite good this beginning of the year. Lots of things going on music wise, many projects are in the works and are about to launch. Who am I? I guy from Sweden who has been involved in the realm of metal since 1996. Was very much into tape trading with people from all over the world and started both my own music projects as well as a short lived label in 2004. I launched this year a new label that will mostly focus on my own projects called Ironmaster Productions. I have a Facebook side for those interested in checking that out.

2.When did you first become interested in writing and performing music? What was the first instrument you learned to play?

I started playing guitar at the age of 10 and realized soon after that I could play the most instruments around me. That kind of tickled my interest to pursue starting to write my own material. About the age of 13 I got into metal and then pretty much went through all the history and all genres. It was a great time for discovering a whole new world.

3.Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out? Are their any instruments that you have not learned to play that you would like to one day?

I am self taught. I found that to be easier + I like to figure out things for myself in general. There are many instruments I have yet to try. Would love to explore more on that front and perhaps will a day.

4.Thomas you started Damnation Army back in 2002 what gave you the idea to start this band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?
I really don’t remember to be honest. I just wanted to do something and started to experiment. My two first demos were recorded on extremely poor equipment. Like using tiny headphones for microphones etc. I was lucky to get any sound at all captured. My biggest influences was Scandinavian black metal and some other stuff and those bands I listened to then are still the stuff I consider the best today. I don’t listen much to current things as it doesn’t bring me the sensation of the things I grew up with. I don’t really follow what is going on today but I try to keep up with it a little bit at least.

5.Death Macabre is the brand new release how long did it take you to write the music for this release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

I was pretty much done with Damnation Army after the release ”Circle of the Brave” (2009, Mascot Records) and didn’t think I would do anything new with this project again. That is why it passed 10 whole years. Then I just suddenly got the idea to do a new album. I wrote, recorded and produced Death Macabre in 4 days so I did 2 songs per day.

6.Where do you usually draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics you wrote about on the new release?

I don’t really drawn inspiration lyric wise from anywhere. It just come to me totally naturally. I have never been interested in discussing lyrics as, like the music, it is for the interpretation of others to draw their own conclusions about it.

7. Death Macabre is only a digital release are their any plans to do a physical release soon or would you like to find a label to work with?

The reason why I did, to begin with, a digital release only was to go totally independent. I don’t wait anymore for a label to get a deal with to later decide for me when it will be released. I am open to label  contacting me for a release but I decide when I write and publish material. It will most likely get a physical release in time.

8.Besides Death Macabre are any of DamnationArmy's previous releases still available for the readers to purchase? Besides releases do you currently have any other merchandise available for the readers to buy?


You can fairly easily find "The Art Of The Occult" on eBay and ”Tyrant" and "Circle Of The Brave" on several sites like Amazon etc. I do not have any merchandise myself to sell. The best support you can do at the moment is to pick up the release on bandcamp for now.

9.I know you have always worked alone with Damnation Army but I was curious have you ever thought of adding more members to have a full line up?

No, not interested to add more members.

10.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about being the sole member of the band?


The easiest part is that I don’t have to wait on anyone to start recording. After it can be tedious sometimes to have to play everything yourself. I wouldn’t say it is a hard part just energy consuming after a while.

11.I believe you have some other projects and bands you work with are these currently still active or are you soley concentrating on Damnation Army these days?
Yes that is true. My main other projects are Isgärde and Vetraheimr. Isgärde is a pagan black metal band and Vetraheimr is a Dungeon Synth project. Both have bandcamp pages and Facebook pages for those interested. I have been very active with both of these other projects.

12.You have been a part of the underground scene since the late 90's what is it that has kept your attention over the years?

To be brutally honest I had a good amount of years I kind of lost interest, or perhaps focus, on music and metal. I got distracted with others things and didn’t feel I had the time to be active with music. I kind of skipped listening to metal during this time, probably for about 5 years or so. Then when lot of things got solved in my personal life I got back on the horse and feel as enthusiastic as when I started out again. I am not myself if I can’t, don’t feel to produce music.

13.Besides metal music do you currently listen to any other underground forms of music? If yes who are some of your favorite bands and artists?

I can not pin point any particular bands as I listen very fragmental on stuff these days. I like many different styles and genres from different time periods so that can change anytime.

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

I am very much a thinker so I like to spend a lot of time to ponder on things.
Philosophy. Other than that I like strength training, watch and learn things about cinema. Occasionally read a book. Study things I get interested in.

15.Do you get the chance to go to very many concerts in your town or do you prefer staying in? What have been some of the most memorable shows you have
had the chance to see? Who are some of your favorite bands to witness live?

Tricky question. I don’t like live concerts. I am more into listening to records and enjoy it by myself. I did try out go to some shows in the past but even the bands that I liked very much I wasn’t to keen on seeing live once I did it.

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

Check out Damnation Army, Isgärde and Vetraheimr if you are interested. Easily found on bandcamp, youtube, streaming services etc. Also I want to put a word in for my friend Tim Nordstedt who has done the cover art for Death Macabre. You can find him on Facebook if you search Tim Nordstedt Design. Thanks a lot for the interview Patrick.

                                                     Damnation  Army  Contacts
                                            https://damnationarmy.bandcamp.com/
                                         https://www.facebook.com/damnationarmyofficial/
                                                     Isgarde contacts
                                        https://isgarde.bandcamp.com/
                                       https://www.facebook.com/isgardeblackmetal/
                 
         

Osmed--Territory Of Warfare cd {Brute! Productions} posted up on 1-19-19

Osmed--Territory Of Warfare  cd {Brute! Productions}
Coming out of Indonesia's legendary brutal death metal scene is Osmed.Territory Of Warfare is a onslaught of brutality that is both intense and well played.The guitar work is played with a solid mix of fast,extreme riffs but the guitarist also plays some complex mid paced passages.The vocals are low deep guttural death metal growls that fit the bands musicial style perfectly.If you are a fan of intense guttural brutal death metal then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Territory Of Warfare  today.

                                                                  Band  Contacts
                                                            https://osmed.bandcamp.com/
                                                          https://twitter.com/Osmed_Brutal
                                                                  Label  Contacts
                                                             https://bruteprods.bandcamp.com/artists
                                                            https://twitter.com/bruteprods
                                                          https://www.facebook.com/bruteprods?fref=ts

Interview with Archangel A.D done by Patrick posted on 1-12-19

Interview with Archangel A.D done by Patrick

1.Hello how are things going in Texas this week?Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello everyone! this is Justin Lopez, bassist and vocalist for thrash metal band, Archangel A.D. Things are quite warm in Texas this week. Well it may just be in the region I live, which is the south-most point of Texas.

2.When did you first start listening to metal music and who were some of the first bands you listened to?Who are some of your current favorite bands out of today's metal scene?

I started listening to metal when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I found Metallica at that age and just absolutely fell in love with them, in fact, I became obsessed with them. I had always craved heavy and dark music and my parents 70's rock and jazz never filled that need. Some of my favorite modern bands at the moment are Evile, Opeth, Crypt Sermon, and local doom metallers Lore.

3.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all formed Archangel A.D?

I actually met Edward and our ex-guitarist Matt through a Craigslist ad looking for a vocalist and bassist. At the time, I couldn't really play bass all that well, but I could sing and fake my way on bass. We essentially formed Archangel A.D. my first day of meeting them, but the name came a couple of months later.

4.What is the current line up of the band?And for the readers who have never heard Archangel A.D's music how would you best describe the bands sound and style?

The current line up is Justin Lopez - bass/vocals, Edward Vera Jr. - drums, Jake Garcia - lead guitar, and our new rhythm guitarist Roman Torres. We are a thrash metal band in the vein of Evile, Testament, Exodus, and Warbringer.

5.Warband is the bands debut EP. how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut release?Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

It was basically just a couple of years of writing songs and seeing which ones the crowd enjoyed. In all reality it was maybe about a year and a half of writing and scrapping songs till we kept the ones we liked. The majority of the music was unfortunately written by me, with some assistance from Jake on some songs. If it was written by anyone else in the band it probably would be much better! For the next record, I definitely want everyone to write songs or atleast have the whole band collaborate on the writing process for the next record

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the debut EP.?Which usually comes first the lyrics or the music?
I am the sole lyric writer in the band and I usually just like to write little stories. A lot of the themes I use are fantasy or medieval, or pretty much anything dark. I'm not averse to lighthearted or happy things, but that just isn't very metal. For me, I always come up with the song title first, just so I have a theme to write the music and the lyrics/story to.

7.I believe the Warband EP.is a digital release are their any plans to do a physical release in 2019? If yes any idea when it might be available to purchase?

Yes! We are actually releasing a physical CD on the 11th of January, 2019! You will be able to purchase it through our bandcamp.

8.Does Archangel A.D play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows so far?

We do play quite a bit live as we feel it helps us grow as musicians and we are trying to spread our brand as much as we can, considering how big Texas is. Some of the most memorable have been all our shows on our Texas tour and also when we opened for EYEHATEGOD and D.R.I.

9.Are their any shows or tours planned for early 2019 in support of the Warband release if yes where will the band be playing?Who are some bands you have had the chance to share the stage with?

Yes! We have a CD release show planned on the 11th in Harlingen Texas to support our release. Speaking of tours? Probably not this year, as we are trying to focus on writing for our new album. We have been graced to share the stage with the aforementioned EYEHATEGOD and D.R.I as well as Adrenaline Mob with John Moyer and many many great local and statewide bands.

10.Archangel A.D comes out of the thrash metal scene in Texas what is your opinion of the Texas metal scene over the years?

I'm honestly a late bloomer to the metal scene as I didn't realize we had one 'till I joined Archangel A.D. Since I've joined though, I'd have to say that it isn't the strongest. Here in the RGV, the biggest scene is Tejano music and going clubbing. People don't really care about metal or local music, and it's honestly a shame. The farther north you go, the stronger it gets, but unless it's a national touring act, a metal show won't get much attention.

11.Who are your all-time favorite metal bands coming out of Texas?Are their any new upcoming bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Defintely D.R.I, The Sword, and Power Trip. Check out our buddies Lore from Laredo, they're a super rad doom band.

12.Besides playing in Archangel A.D do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Sometimes Archangel A.D. also doubles as a Megadeth cover band, when people ask nicely. Jake and I play in a Metallica cover band called No Remorse. Roman plays in a cover band but I don't recall their name at the moment.

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

I usually will play video games or watch movies with my friends and girlfriend to relax. I actually really enjoy playing board games with my friends. Things like "donner dinner party" and "king of tokyo". A personal favorite of mine is Magic the Gathering which I got introduced to by my brother. When I can convince enough people to play, I REALLY enjoy Dungeons and Dragons. That's about it.

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

I appreciate you having me, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time out of their day to read this or check out my bands music. We worked very hard on it and just having one person listen to it is such an honor! Thanks!

                                                             Band  Contacts
                                                         https://archangelad.bandcamp.com/releases
                                                         https://www.facebook.com/ArchangelA.D/

Lividity--Perverseverance cd {Metal Age Productions} posted on 1-11-19

Lividity--Perverseverance  cd {Metal Age Productions}
Illinois legendary brutal death metal band Lividity return with their seventh full length release.Perverseverance is twelve tracks of intense and sick brutal death metal with some grinding influences mixed into the music.The vocals are low and guttural growls and some screams are used in a few of the songs.The guitars are played with a lot of skill and experience mainly played with insane fast and heavy guitar patterns.The guitarist does slow to a more calmer pace and range adding some well written and performed solo's mixed into the music.If you are a fan of Lividity's past releases then be sure to check out Perverseverance today as it is done in the same vein as the bands previous  releases.

                                                             Band  Contacts
                                                   https://www.facebook.com/lividityofficial/
                                                             Label  Contacts
                                                       http://www.metalage.sk/
                                                  https://metalageproductions.bandcamp.com/
                                                 https://www.facebook.com/metalageproductions/

Interview with Fornace done by Patrick posted on 1-6-19

Interview with Fornace done by Patrick

1.Hails how are things going in Italy this week?Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hell¥o! Possessed here! I'm the founder and only original member of Fornace.

Beyond appearances and common places the north of Italy where I live is really a sad place with sad people this week as always!

2.When did you first discover black metal and who were the first bands you listened to? Who are some of your current favorite bands that you listen to?

It was 1996 and a compilation tribute to Venom was my first impact with black metal even if I listened heavy and thrash since 1993 you know classics stuff like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth..then my interest focused on extreme bands and an album like "Morbid visions" by Sepultura changed my life and I went totally crazy..Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, Bathory, Possessed suddenly became my daily bread.

Some months later I discover norvegian black metal with album like "Battles in the north" by Immortal and "Filosofem" by Burzum: these was my firsts album..

During the years I kept listening and discovering extreme bands (they were other times, internet did not exist..)

Currently I consider the best of what I could hear bands like Mgla, Peste Noire, Baptism, Forgotten woods, Joyless, Denial of God, Amezarak, Sargeist, Horna, Sacrilegium, Mutiilation, old Katatonia..

3. Fornace was started in 2000 when did you first get the idea to start this band?How did you choose the name Fornace for the bands name?

To be honest my first drummer/vocalist Gnoll has the idea to create an extreme band..we were close friends and I started to play after him just to form Fornace! I always like Fornace in itself, moreover near our first rehearsal room (Gnoll's house) there is a beautiful Fornace (the artwork of our third demo "The awakening..) so the choice of the name was a must!

4.How would you say the bands musicial style has changed over the years since the beginning?Who would you say are Fornace's biggest influences?

Yes, I know we aren't the same band of the beginning and not just because line up changes but basically because life changes: much anger turns into melancholy, into awareness, there is a need for solitude, of refinement and this you can hear in our last 2 albums especially...what has not changed is the spirit and the purpose of Fornace: create inspire quality music able to satisfy us.

About influences I could say hellenic black metal in our demo era, and finnish black metal for our last 2 albums..but everything you listen influenced you.

5.Deep Melancholic Wrath is the bands third full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?How long does it usually take to complete one song?

Not so much time, when we have the ideas or riffs they come automatically, maybe some arrangements or third guitars lines needs more time but the base s really direct. What made us waste time (as always) is some line up problems and all about sounds in studio: we are never satisfied and we want to take care of every detail.

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the new release Deep Melancholic Wrath?

Me and Sadomaster, topics deals with introspective thoughts, the passage of time, memories and depression..nothing new but everything real and lived!

7.Are the bands previous releases still availible to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise availible if yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?

Yes I still have copies of our "Pregnant is the night" album, especially Autodafe edition and few copies of "My journey is ending but the torment will be eternal"

The 3 demo tape are (of course) sold out. If someone is interested in ours albums (trade are welcome) can contact me at robertoiviglia@gmail.com or ask to our label Paragon records.

8.Has Fornace played very many live shows over the years or do you prefer working in the studio?If yes what have been some of the bands most memorable shows?

During the 2009/2011 we were a live band and we had many shows, some of them with bands like Taake, Azaghal and I have beautiful memories of all shows we had, but when line up problems arrives it's a waste of time to start over again, even the live situation in Italy is scandalous too so I decided to dedicate Fornace to "studio". Currently we have a new drummer (Stefano) so I want to write new songs, I cannot waste my time: when you have good line up you have to get the best out of it! Shows pass but the albums remain!

9.Are their any shows or tours planned in support of Deep Melancholic Wrath? if yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?

See the answer above :)

10.I know over the last few years alot of underground metal bands have been making videos for some of their songs.Is this something you and the band have ever thought of doing? If you had the opportunity to make a video for any song off the new release which song would you like to see made into a video?

We live in a period in which there is a desperate need to be noticed, even before understanding if anyone is interested. They want to seem important, famous and even "influence" the choices of others.

Luckily I belong to another generation where support and respect earned it with sweat, with fatigue, with obstinacy and passion. The videos I saw when I was a kid were from seminal, historical bands: they were not bands who wanted to become famous because they already were..this fashion of making videos, being "social" does not belong to the underground spirit and many bands that belong to this circuit are not worthy of being part of the underground because they are the first ones that would not want to be part of it with their attitude. 

11.Fornace comes out of the Italian black metal metal scene what is your opinion of Italy's black metal scene over the years?

I'd say Fornace comes out of Italy..I don't know what you mean for "scene" but this word for me it means cooperation with bands, sector employees and this is utopia in the scale of a nation, it could exist some little reality but it's not enough to talk of a scene...

What I often see are some usual bands (rather useless) play in important festival or bands that play for paying..it's really sad!

There are valid bands but they do not always have the attention they deserve.

Returning to your question I noticed how fewer people go to concerts even for important black metal bands and how the interest has decreased compared to 15/20 years ago; there is consequently a decline of pubs, that organize black metal show. This is a consequence of the internet age: people can watch concerts, listen to music comfortably at home so it comes without the magic of the past, in Italy as in the world.

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

To be honest I haven't some "all time favourite italian bands" but I recognize we have very important and cult bands that I really appreciate like Mortuary Drape, Necromass, old Necrodeath, Death ss..during the 2000/2010 also came out some interesting and underground black metal bands but the only name I can do (not only for the immense value but also because I played there) is Movimento d' Avanguardia Ermetico.

13.What does black metal mean to you?

Beyond a fantastic kind of music where darkness, melancholy, introspection, epicity coexist, black metal is individualism, is being a wolf among the sheep, is awareness of own's destiny, is wisdom, is elitism.

For sure is not facebook, is not twitter, is not "social"..fuck off!

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

Thanks to you for your interest and I apologize for delay..we are writing new killer songs for next album so maybe we'll talk again..stay evil & underground!

                                                               Label Contact

                                                            https://www.paragonrecords.org/

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Interview Valkyrja done by Patrick posted on 1-6-19

Interview with Simon vocalist, guitarist for Valkyrja done by Patrick

1.Hails Simon how is life in Sweden this week? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

At this time we have just finished the first tour for Throne Ablaze. Returning as a live act and performing with the new line up was indeed a long-awaited relief. We are currently planning more dates and are eager to march forward with fierce energy.

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

In my early youth I found interest in the Scandinavian scene with the most obvious bands such as Darkthrone, Mayhem, Marduk etc. As internet was not as spread or polluted as today it was rather local record stores that served with their selection. Currently I do not have much energy left for new impressions and thus can´t give you any example of a worthy candidate.

3. Valkyrja was started in 2004 so what gave you all the idea to start this band? And how did you choose Valkyrja as the name of the band does it have a special meaning?

I was working on various constellations with a friend of mine, and none really worked out. As we lived rather isolated, in a small countryside town called Stenhamra we didn´t really have much contacts. In 2004 we merged with another group of individuals with mutual interests. Valkyrja was created shortly after and we started off in a pretty high tempo. The name was chosen by our previous vocalist for its often forgotten meaning “carriers/bringers of death”, purposely ignoring the reference to the Norse mythology. Today the name has no other meaning than serving as a moniker for our creations

4.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and how do you feel the bands’ music has changed over the years?

At the time when we started, I was indeed affected by my interest for black metal and its rebellious sphere. The music had a core that was not easily defined or understood which created a sudden interest to work with the forbidden and unknown. However, my background as a musician has its roots in the 70s 80s, with bands like Kiss, Venom, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Judas Priest. I have come to notice that my borders have been fading and I have come to work with the dynamics and expressions found in my earlier background. This in my opinion diversifies Valkyrja from bands that we are often compared to.

5.Throne Ablaze is the bands fourth release how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

Material has been collected ever since the previous release “The Antagonist’s Fire”. However, the songs were not starting to take form until the end of 2017, meaning it was an intense period of 5-6 moths to put all the pieces together. I work best in solitude; hence I write most material alone. I need to present my vision as a whole and can´t stand to work in a rehearsal room with one riff at the time. A composition consists of elements, which can not be understood without impact of the others. That would be like looking at a painting and remove every color except for example red, and evaluate the color on its own. My vision works as a template and is not written in stone until the actual recording, leaving it open for alterations.

6.Who is usually writing the lyrics for the music and what are some of the subjects written about on the new release?

Prior to this album all lyrics have been basically written by our former vocalist A.L. RSDX who replaced him contributed with “Crowned Serpent” and the rest has been written by me, except “Transcendental Death” which was a collaboration between our bass player and me. When the story of Throne Ablaze began RSDX was still supposed to be the singer and it was not until the studio session started that his absence resulted in our ways to part.

The lyrics consists of nihilism, negativism and existence. We have followed the path of A.L. but in our personal way. We question given structures of the world and the human mind rather than giving answers. We all suffer from our past and can never fully experience the present time. This makes one question the values of the structures that this world fed us with since our birth. I believe most people, including myself, experience limitations that reduce potential.

7.What have been some of the band’s most memorable shows over the years?

Maybe not the most memorable but certainly one with a taste of victory was a show that took place in Erlangen (Germany) in 2014, during our 10 years anniversary tour. Local antifascists managed to cancel the show in Nurnberg, twice. The second venue was threatened with violence the day before the show and not until the same evening a third one was confirmed. The show was moved to Erlangen, to a place that was more a night club than a venue. But it was packed, 150 showed up, and several others were denied entrance at the doors because of the low capacity. Quite a success I must say and a terrific job from the local promotor who despite the threats moved on!

Valkyrja is completely non-political band and we do not bow to frustrated cunts!

8.I read the band will be doing a second European tour for Throne Ablaze April – May, where are some countries the band will be playing?And who are some bands you be touring with?Are their any countries that Valkyrja has not had the chance to play that you would like to play one day?

The tour is alongside Marduk and yet again organized by Massive Music. Apart from the tour we just finished in central Europe we will now march to its corners, starting off in Poland and moving in the east, followed by Spain and Portugal. Macedonia and a few others has remain untouched til now.

9.Besides the upcoming Throne Ablaze release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to purchase?If yes where can the readers buy it and does the band have any other merchandise currently availible?

Google is a powerful tool these days and should guide you to the right source

10.What does black metal mean to you?

In respect to its origins I like to not put Valkyrja under such a label as I do not consider myself religious in a way that makes me fit in a group. However, if we look to black metal as a genre it represents to me the inner strife towards the unknown. It is a tool to comprehend a path away from life as we know it, free from worldly formations. There are no template or rules, rather bottom- and boundless.

11. Valkyrja comes out of the legendary Swedish black metal scene what is your opinion of the Swedish black metal scene over the decades?

Sweden has always had a strong music scene, not only when it comes to black metal. I think the isolated Scandinavian mentality breeds people who are focused and very serious with their art. I can not really comment it´s progress from the beginning to today, nor is it my interest.

12.Who are your all-time favorite Swedish black metal bands? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

You can never go wrong with acts such as Dissection, Bathory and Marduk whom over time have proved that their legacy remains. I do not really pay attention to today´s scene and have my interest elsewhere. Although I produced an album with the Swedish band Voodus a year ago, which will be released during the fall. That one definitely deserves more attention than any of the polluting cowl dressed mysterious bands.

13.Thank you Simon for taking the time to do this interview. Do you have any final comments for the readers?

I’d ask listeners to free themselves entirely from any expectations when listening to “Throne Ablaze”.

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

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Fornace---Deep Melancholic Wrath cd{Paragon Records} posted on 1-6-19

Fornace---Deep Melancholic Wrath  cd{Paragon Records}
Fornace comes out of the mighty Italian black metal scene with their third full length.Deep Melancholic Wrath features five tracks of raw intense black metal with a mix of both fast paced and some slower mid paced sections.The guitarist write some fast and crazed guitar parts but also writes some memorable guitar passages.The vocals are mainly grim,black metal shrieks and screams that really fits Fornace's musicial style.If you are familiar with Fornace's previous releases then you know what to expect so be sure to get a copy of Deep Melancholic Wrath.If you are a new listener and enjoy old school black metal with some modern influences then be sure to pick up a copy of the new release today.
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Critical Defiance--Misconception cd {Unspeakable Axe Rec.} Posted on 1-4-19

Critical Defiance--Misconception  cd {Unspeakable Axe Rec.}
Chilean  thrashers Critical Defiance have inked a deal with Unspeakable Axe to release their debut full-length Misconception is eight tracks of intense and aggressive thrashing mayhem.The guitars are played with lightning fast aggressive patterns and chords.The guitarist does write some mid paced guitars and also adds some very well played and written solo's.The vocals are thrashy screams and some deeper gruff screams that really fit Critical Defiance's musical style.The drums are played with crazed yet very well crafted drum patterns that are both vicious and memorable.If you are a fan of well played and performed thrash metal that pays respect to both the 80's thrash gods while adding their own creativity then be sure to pick up a copy of Misconception when it is released.

                                                                         Label  Contacts
                                                             http://www.unspeakableaxerecords.com/
                                                           https://unspeakableaxerecords.bandcamp.com/
                                                                        Band Contacts
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