Neftaraka-- Unholy Sovereign Cassette{Born For Burning Prod.} done on 12-5-21

 

Malaysia's Neftaraka  return with a brand new EP. Unholy Sovereign contains four songs of hateful and primitive  black metal..The music is raw in it's delievery with some fast paced guitars and drum passages The drums and guitars are played with intensity and speed for the most part but does slow to a more calm pace throughout the songs to give each song a nice balance.The vocals are a mix of raw,grim black metal screams and screeches and some deeper demonic growls are used throughout the songs.Neftaraka plays a very aggressive amd straight forward style of black metal and is recomended to  all who are fans of this musicial style.                                                                                                 

Band Contacts                                                                                                                                             https://neftaraka.bandcamp.com/music                                                                                                        Label  Contacts                                                                                                                                        https://bornforburning.bigcartel.com/                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/bloodfiredeath1975     

Old Pagan--She Loves The Pain cd{Plague Demon Rec.} done on 12-4-21

 Old Pagan  are a band  coming out of the German black metal scene.She Loves The Pain is the bands newest full length release in the bands twenty five year career.The music is played with skillful writing ability that mixes both fast paced and a more controlled mid paced range into the songs.The guitars are played with aggressive,fast patterns that are played with intensity and destructive guitar parts.The guitars do slow to a more mid tempoed range throughout the songs even adding in some memorable passages.       The vocals are a mix of grim black metal screams and some gruff old school growls are used throughout the recording that fit Old Pagan's music perfectly.The drums are done with poweful and furious drum passages that are delievered with excellent drum passages. If you are a fan of Old Pagan's previous releases then do not miss out on She Loves The Pain  it will please both  long time fans and all those into quality dark black metal.                                                                                           Label  Contacts                                                                                                                                             https://plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com/                                                                                                  https://plaguedemonrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/Plaguedemonrecords.net/

Interview with Lightcrusher Posted on 11-15-21

 

1. Hello A. Sorensen. Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Greetings! I am A. Sorensen, guitarist, founder and principal songwriter for Vermont-based metal band Lightcrusher.

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

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, I was first introduced to bands like AC/DC, Motley Crue, and Metallica from my older sister. Ever since then, I’ve been in pursuit of faster, heavier shit. I’m a big fan of 80’s metal as a whole. More current stuff that’s caught my attention, however, are bands like Evilfeast from Poland, Malokarpatan from Slovakia, and a bunch of bands coming out of Chile and the Quebec black metal scene.

3. When did you first become interested in writing and playing music? Did you take lessons when first starting out or are you self-taught?

I come from a musical family and so I’ve always been surrounded by relatives who either knew how to play instruments and/or had a strong appreciation for music. I was 11 when I first picked up a musical instrument. It was a shitty old alto sax. I made the switch over to bass guitar at 16 (it looked and sounded a hell of a lot cooler than the sax) and learned guitar shortly after that. My main focus became the guitar while living overseas (out of necessity). Where I was living basses were hard to come by, but guitars were plentiful. I did take saxophone and bass lessons early on, but with guitar I’m mostly self-taught.

4. What are the instruments that you currently play and are there any new ones that you would like to learn one day? Who are some of your biggest influences and favorite musicians?

So, currently I play mostly guitar and bass, occasionally dabbling with piano. I’d ideally like to become competent with the drums. This is mainly due to the extreme drummer shortage we’re experiencing in Vermont and the rest of the region.

When it comes to influences, Dick Dale (the “King of the Surf Guitar”) was definitely an inherent part of my guitar playing. It’s from listening to him that I learned fast tremolo picking. For favorite musicians, I have way too many to list, spanning several genres and time periods.

5. A. Sorensen, I believe you started Lightcrusher back in 2010? What gave you the idea to start this band?

Yes, that’s right. I started Lightcrusher in November of 2010 with our first drummer. I had been living overseas for a number of years and had just returned home from military training prior to Lightcrusher’s creation. Being away from Vermont (my hometown) for so long gave me a greater appreciation for my beautiful, but often desolate home. I was also on a big death-doom kick at that time and that sort of “thing” didn’t yet exist in the Green Mountains. In fact, there wasn’t much in the way of extreme metal in the entire state at the time. I wanted to change that and thus Lightcrusher was formed.

6. How did you choose Lightcrusher as the name of this band? What is the current line-up of Lightcrusher?

“Lightcrusher” means the “crushing” or “vanquishing” of hope. 2010 was a dark time in my life with lots of uncertainty for the future. My personal struggles were what influenced me in the naming of the band.

The current lineup, besides myself, is M. Schrift (vocals), K. Emmons (guitar), L. Gallows (bass), and we just hired on our new drummer W. Molleur over the summer.

7. Lightcrusher's music seems to draw from a variety of genres. Who would you say are the band’s biggest influences? For the readers who have never heard Lightcrusher how would you best describe the band’s musical style?

We certainly draw influences from a vast amount of bands, both metal and non-metal. If I had to pick a few, I’d say our biggest influences vary from early-Katatonia, and Paradise Lost, to Ruins of Beverast and Nagelfar. Style-wise, I’d say we lean more toward black metal with strong death-doom roots.

8. “Forever But Never Named” is the band’s second full length. How long did it take to write the music for the new release? How long would you say it usually takes to complete one song?

Surprisingly, the music on our latest album seemed to come together rather quickly compared with earlier material. Maybe because we were dealing with 6 tracks as oppose to 8 this time around. But, we also did things slightly differently this time around. Firstly, I only wrote 3 of the 6 tracks, while the other 3 tracks had been divided among K. Emmons (Track #1), L. Gallows (Track #3), and by dungeon synth group Sombre Arcane who, wrote the music for Track #5. I honestly couldn’t give you an estimate of how long it took to write each track, but it seemed the creative process went much smoother for us this time around.

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

I wrote lyrics for most of our demo tracks early on, but since 2015 all lyrical duties were handed over to our vocalist, M. Schrift. Much of his lyrics come from his novella writings. From there, it’s hard for me to speak for him on where his inspirations lie. I can tell you, though, that in the writing process I often will write the instrumentation for each song first and then present to M. Schrift for input. We then do a bit of back and forth until lyrics and song structure is how we want it before presenting to the rest of the band. This has been the process since 2015. Maybe there’s a better method, but it seems to work for us.

10. Besides the “Forever But Never Named” release, are the band’s previous releases still available for the readers to purchase?

Yes, either through digital or CD format. Fans can certainly check out our Bandcamp page at: lightcrusher.bandcamp.com. For purchasing our latest release, please visit our label, Born For Burning Productions, at: bornforburning.bigcartel.com.

11. Have you or the band ever had the interest in making a music video for any of the band’s songs? If you could make a video for any of the songs off the new release which one would you like to see made into a music video?

We’ve certainly discussed this idea as a band and aren’t totally against it. Regarding which songs? Probably “Icarium’s Path… “ (from our 2018 album “Constructing Stairs of Mortared Bone“) or “Coursing Through Black Veins of Earth” (from our latest album) for starters.

12. What does Underground Metal mean to you?

“Underground Metal” to me, at least from a musician’s standpoint, means NOT kowtowing to the demands or expectations of others. In other words: creating music which speaks to the individual, not for the sake of appeasing a wider audience by embracing the trends.

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

As a whole, the members of Lightcrusher are in close to a dozen other metal bands (our bassist, L. Gallows, especially). For myself, I’m currently involved in 3 others: Hell Priest (speed/thrash), Wallachian Necromoon (raw black metal), and Ejaculator (black/thrash). All 3 have releases.

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

I’m a family man, so free time can be hard to come by. But when I’m not involved with music or family, I enjoy being out in nature. Vermont offers us great opportunities to escape the chaos of the world with its many mountains and vast forests if we choose.

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

Thank you, Patrick, for this opportunity. For the readers, 2022 promises to be a busy year for us as we get back into the writing process on yet another release. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates. Hails!                                                                                                                                                             Band  Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://lightcrusher.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/Lightcrusher-101203422326237                                                                      Label Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://bornforburning.bigcartel.com/                                                                                                           https://www.facebook.com/bloodfiredeath1975                                                                                           

Interview with Melting Eyes done on 11-13-21

 

1.Hello please introduce yourselves to the readers?

Marc : Hello, I'm the drummer of Melting Eyes

2.When did you first discover metal music and who were the first bands that you discovered? Marc: That was a very long time ago when in 9/10 years old. It all started because of the boy next door with AC/DC, Motorhead, Black Sabbath ect.

3.Was it long before you discovered the Underground Death Metal scene? Who were the first bands that caught your attention?Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?

Marc: That was in the mid 80's when I heard a demo tapes of Mantas (Pre Death), Massacre, Possesed and Napalm Death. Then death metal started to take hold of my life and still am old school death metal freak.

I still listen a lot to the bands from then and certainly the bands from the late 80s early 90s. But also as they call it new wave or old school death metal such as: Cerebral Rot, Necrot, Bloodstrike US and many more from these kind of caliber death metal bands.

4.When did you first meet the other members of Melting Eyes and was it long before you started this band? What is the current line-up of the band?

Marc: Back in the late 80's early 90's I played in Compos Mentis (HOL) myself and know Angelo (bass) and Ben (guitar)from that time. We lost each other when I stopped playing drums in Compos Mentis. And the years passed until 2016 at a surprise gig of Gruesome in Amsterdam. Then me and Ben at that time guitar player of Deathhammer met again and started Melting Eyes a year later. In the same year I also got in contact with Angelo again, who was playing drums in a rock cover band at that time. Angelo wanted to play bass with Melting Eyes so that was a simple choice. I didn't know Pier our singer/guitarist yet, but after searching for a singer we quickly found out that Pier was the right man for the job. And so after 4 years we have become very good friends, which makes playing and writing the songs very easy and always have a lot of fun.                                                                                    Lineup Melting Eyes:

Pier: Vocals & Guitar

Ben: Guitar

Angelo: Bass

Marc: Drums   

5.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers unfamilar with your musicial style how would you best describe your music?

Marc: Our big influences are Bolt Thrower, Death, Asphyx, Obituary ect. And actually they still are.

Personally, I find our music aggressive, heavy with doom influences and old school.

6.My Final Resting Place is the bands debut EP. how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut release? Does the whole band work on the music or does one member usually write everything?

Marco: The songs we recorded were not written especially for the EP like "Rise from below" which was the first track. Until the latest new song "Only the void remains". so it's random songs we got and made a choice which ones to put on the EP.

Ben and Pier come up with the guitar lines and songs. With that I stretch out on the couch at home to invent the drums on it. And when Angelo (bass) comes up with something good, we use that too. In fact, we all write to the numbers.

7.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects written about on the debut release?

Marc: That one is for Pier ;)

Pier: Most of our songs are about topics like death, war and insanity. I considered writing songs about unicorns, but somehow i feel it would just end up with armies of insane unicorns slaughtering people in creative ways.

8.I believe My Final Resting Place is a digital release are their any plans to do a physical copy soon?

Marc: The EP is not only available digitally but also on CD. Check https://meltingeyes.bandcamp.com/

9.Besides the My Final Resting Place release does the band have any other releases or merchandise currently availible for the readers to purchase?If yes what is availible and where can the readers purchase it?

Marc: This is our debut recording so no other recordings available. We also have a bunch of shirts in various sizes, from S to XXL that can be ordered at bandcamp but also on our Facebook page.

10. Before the pandemic shut everything down did Melting Eyes ever play any live shows or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows so far?

Marc: Before the whole lockdown thing, we had gigs locally in and around our city. And then convid came........!!!!

The most memorable gig was with Gruesome and Nervochaos. specially because Ben knows Matt(guitar) and I know Gus (drums). That made it a great gig for us.

11.When bands are able to play live again are their any shows or tours planned in support of the debut release?

Marc: Yes there are, we had our release party in Musicon venue in our city The Hague on October 1st. And in November the next gig in the south of the country.

12.What does Underground Metal mean to you?

Marc: Nowadays the underground is very popular with many death metal fans. This compared to the old days when death metal was on the rise. Back then the underground metal was more underground than nowadays. In the past you had to write letters and send demo tapes to get a review or interview.

Now the Internet is playing a major role in this, put your music online and the whole world can listen to it.

13.Melting Eyes comes out of The Netherland's oldschool death metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in the Neterlands over the years?

Marc: I myself have seen the Underground Death Metal scene grow but also go down hard. It makes me very happy that the underground has made a comeback in recent years.

14.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of The Netherlands and are their any new bands you could recomend to the readers?

Marc: Personally I am a big fan of Asphyx but also bands like Dauthuz, Bloodphemy, God Dethroned, Defy the curse, Mancuerda and bet there are still plenty of bands to discover.

15.When not working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?

Marc: Sitting on the couch with a joint ;) listening to OSDM

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

Marc: Thank you for this interview! Checkout our EP via various streaming services and like us on Facebook. Get a copy of the My Final Resting Place EP!!! And for the fan base we have THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT!!!!!!!                                                                                                                   Band Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://meltingeyes.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/MeltingEyesDH                                                                                                https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAeEtHwDMWikBwaNm2kO6A

                                                              

Lightcrusher--Forever But Never Named cd{Born For Burning Prod.] done on 11-7-21

 

Lightcrusher are a metal band coming out of  Vermont who play a unique blend of black,death and doom metal genres.Forever But Never Named is the bands second full length featuring six songs of well composed music.Steward's Lamnet is the first song that is very well composed and written song with acoustic guitars and very well written and performed musicial piece.The vocals are a spoken word type of vocal passage that fits the music perfectly.Coursing Through The Black Veins Of Earth is a epic fifteen minute song that blends harsh black and death metal with slower melodic doom passages.The vocals mix in grim black metal screams and some very well sung clean vocal passages  both vocal styles fit perfectly into this song.Soldier's Lamenent is the third track and is a very dark soundscape with acoustic guitars and very well played instruments.The vocals are spoken word vocal passages.From Which Shadows Creep Like The Reaching Of Hands is a great song featuring fast guitars and drum patterns.Their are some slower more calmer passages mixed into the song to give it a nice variety and range.The vocals are a mix of black metal screams amd some clean vocal passages and some screams are used throughout the song.Forever's Lament is a somber and melodic track the music is sorrowful and somber in it's delievery and very well written and performed.Of A Dark And Terrible Thing Once Forgotten is a masterful song featuring aggressive and fast guitar patterns.The guitarist do slow to a heavier mid paced guitar structures and passages.The vocals are raw,gruff growls and some screams are used throughout the song.This is my first  encounter with Lightcrusher but if you are a fan of   well delievered and performed music that draws inspiration from various metal genres then be sure to check out  Forever But Never Named  today.                                                                                            Band Contacts                                                                                                                                                https://lightcrusher.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/Lightcrusher-101203422326237/                                                                     Label  Contacts                                                                                                                                             https://bornforburning.bigcartel.com/                                                                                                           https://www.facebook.com/bloodfiredeath1975

Interview with Centenary done on 10-29-21

 

1.Hello Mike please introduce yourself to the readers?

Greetings, I am Mike Bradley, founding member and creative mind of the band Centenary.

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

2. It all starts when it began...1989, I was a freshman in high school. First day of school, I met my best friend, Tony Wright. He currently does VOX for a local killer group called 1,000 Yard Stare. So, first hour was Art class, and Tony saw that I was into music. We talked, and like it was yesterday, he said to me, "So, I see you're into thrash...here, listen to this." He passed me his walkman, and with pressing "play", created a monster. Out blasted Sore Throat's classic "Never Mind the Napalm Here's Sore Throat". I was blown away by the raw sound. Then, Napalm Death's "Scum". The rest is history.

3.When did you first become interested in playing the guitars and are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?

3. I started really appreciating music at an early age. My sister was into music; a talented singer in her own right. And during the 80's, music was everything. Guitar playing interest came naturally after the rise of MTV. My sister bought my first guitar, a Fender Strat copy. Later, I bought my own guitar and took lessons for about a year, then went at it by myself.

4.Who would you say are your biggest influences and favorite guitar players?

4. Iron Maiden, A Flock of Seagulls, "Ride the Lightning", and of course, "Left Hand Path". Maiden was the first Metal I ever owned. For a birthday, I received "Live After Death" from my sister as a gift. The original Double Gatefold Vinyl. I love Maiden. Before Maiden, there was A Flock of Seagulls. Some of the best sounding guitar stuff ever, in my opinion. Their songs are complex, yet simple and memorable. "Ride the Lightning" just blew me away as a kid. "Left Hand Path" is self explanatory. Favorite guitar players: Rick Rozz, Paul Reynolds, Mike Campbell, Nancy Wilson and Tom Scholz.

5.Mike you also do the vocals for the band when did you first start growling and screaming?

5. I do backing VOX in spots, yes, from listening to the music, it kinda came naturally. I don't take care of my voice, in fact, I abuse it.

6.Who are some of your favorite singers and vocalists?Besides the guitars and vocals do you currently play any other instruments?Is their any instruments that you would like to learn to play someday?

6. Well, theres Frank. L.G., Orvas Safstrom and Jorgen Sandstrom. I've played Bass in two bands, and was the vokiller for Dayton Ohio's Solidification. (Check out "Vendetta Driven".) I'm not interested in playing any other instruments at this time.

7,Centenary was started in 2014 when did you first get the idea to start this band?Are you satisfied with how things have gone with the band over the years?

7. 2014 was the year. After taking a 7-year hiatus from performing, I decided to give it one last go, simple as that. And I tell you, from then until now, I could not ask for better. The gentlemen I currently jam with are, by far, the best compliment. I'm lucky to be blessed with such great friends and fellow musicians. Satisfied is an understatement...

8.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?For the readers who have never heard Centenary's music how would you best describe it?

8. We, as individuals, all have our own influences. The original concept was to emulate the true Stockholm-style, and to mix an "American" feel into it as well. "Left Hand Path" will probably be, for me, the best representation. The object; to top it. This will never happen, but we are close, and that makes me happy. We are Detroit Chainsaw Metal. HM-2 driven insanity, plucked from my childhood.

9.Death...The Final Frontier is the bands second 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?

9. We spent a good part of a year writing this one. No deadline from our label, CDN Records, who is in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Craig Newman, C.E.O., gave us all the creative freedom we wanted, and needed. So, we took our time. I puked out 8 of the 10 tracks, Matt Cunningham wrote 2, and we rehearsed like mad. For completing one song? Sometimes, we completed a new song in just 5 hours. Others took months to finish. The band's general direction and feel is captured perfectly, when in a relaxed environment.

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

10. Al Mercer. That's one of his jobs. A master craftsman. Al has a way with words, this is his spot. A great performer, and vocally unique, it's his great use of verbiage that seals the deal. I can write lyrics too, but Al is better at it. I give him a concept, or he has one, and we work together on its conception. It becomes a song, and he writes lyrics over it. Concepts are the first thing.

11.Besides Death The Final Frontier release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible for the readers to purchase?If yes what is availible and where can the readers purchase it?

11. There's still some copies of our first full-length album "Into the Graveless Beyond" available from our friend Mr. Don Durr and his label Deathpsalm. Our E.P. "...Where No Lives Matter" was limited to 500 copies and is sold out. I handle all merchandise through social media online and at live shows. I have shirts, longsleeves, sweats, pins, stickers, sizes Small - 4X. Free stickers and pins for any order over 20 dollars. Thank you!

12.Has the band had the opportunity to play very many live shows over the years?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?Who are some bands you have had the opportunity to share the stage with?

12. We try to play out at least once per month, anywhere. We travel, too. Playing shows is the reason I still do it. Playing in Buffalo ruled. Columbus, Newport Kentucky, all our shows at the Sanctuary, and of course, Mac's Bar in Lansing. (R.I.P.) The band list...a lot. Most recently, Deicide, Internal Bleeding, Kataklysm, Begat The Nephilim. Also, Demilich, Blood Incantation and Artificial Brain; that show fukkin' ruled! Master, Embalmer, Nunslaughter, Throne, Recorruptor, Derketa, Isenblast, Temple of Void, Portal of Pazuzu...a lot!

13.Has the band had the opportunity to play any shows since the pandemic shut everything down?If yes how did the shows go over?

13. During the pandemic, we were able to play down in Indianapolis. A Fest with Nunslaughter, it ruled. Outdoor, masks, all the things, but still ruled! Indianapolis is our second home now!

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

14. I'm a total nerd. I collect music and dvd's. And then actually listen to or watch the CD or DVD. I never need to take a break from band business...it's my business! And I'm extremely greatful that people have taken an interest in our creative sesspool.

15.Besides Centenary do any of the members currently play with any other bands or solo projects?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

15. Our drummer, Adam Davey, was playing with Inhuman Suffering. Other than that, no.

16.What  does Underground Metal mean to  you?

16. Underground Metal, for me, means family. Going to shows, seeing all your friends, who are fans as well, enjoying life and sheer barbarity.

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

17. Some of us are here for a long time, some of us are here for a short time...enjoy the time. Thank you sir for this opportunity.                                                                                                                                  Band Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://centenary.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                               https://www.facebook.com/detroitchainsawmetal/                                                                                       https://www.instagram.com/centenary_official/                                                                                           Label Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://cdnrecords.com/                                                                                                                                https://cdnrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/cdnrecords                                                                                                        https://twitter.com/cdnrecords

Ruttenskalle--Skin Em Alive cd{Gruesome Rec.} done on 10-6-21

 

Created by vocalist and multi instrument Paulo Soaress is Ruttenskalle with the debut full length.Skin Em Alive features ten tracks of old school Swedish death metal that is well crafted and delievered with intensity and well played music.The guitars are played with excellent writing skills and abilitly.For the most part the guitars range from aggressive and fast guitar structures but does slow to a heavier more mid paced guitar range.Their are some very well played solo's and memorable passages entertwined within the guitars.The vocals are old school death metal growls that are delievered power and fit Ruttenskalle's music perfectly.If you are looking for a great debut that embraces old school death with amazing writing skills then be sure to pick up a copy of Skin Em Alive.                                                     Band  Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://www.facebook.com/ruttenskalle                                                                                                      https://ruttenskalle.bandcamp.com/releases                                                                                                Label Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://gruesomerecords.wordpress.com/                                                                                                     https://www.facebook.com/GruesomeRecordsPT                                                                                        https://gruesomerecords.bandcamp.com/music                                                                                            https://twitter.com/GruesomeRecords                                                                                                         

Terminal Carnage--The Sickening Rebirth cd{Great Dane Rec.} done on 10-6-21

 

Terminal Carnage are duo who come out of Germany's old-school death metal scene.The Sickening Rebirth is the bands debut that is performed with power and aggressive musicianship.The guitars are played with extreme fast passages that are done with skill and great writing ability.The guitars do slow to a heavier mid paced range throughout some of the tracks even adding some well performed guitar solo's.The vocals are old school death metal growls that are done with powerful growls.The drumming is chaotic and intensity filled drum passages with a mix of fast and crazed drum structures.The drummer does play some heavier and memorable slower drum patterns mixed into the music.Terminal Carnage has unleashed a great release  featuring both a heavier mid paced and some faster death metal elements to create a great debut of old school death metal intensity.                                                             Band Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://terminalcarnage.bandcamp.com/releases                                                                                          https://www.facebook.com/terminalcarnage/                                                                                              https://www.instagram.com/terminalcarnage/                                                                                             Label Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://greatdanerecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/GreatDaneRecords                                                                                           https://www.instagram.com/greatdanerecords/                                                                                             

Sangre Negra---El Vuelo Del Condor Negro cd{Self-Released} done on 9- 28-21

 

Sangre Negra are a two man band coming out of Chile's metal scene.El Vuelo Del Condor Negro is the debut full length featuring a short intro and eight full length songs that blend old school black metal and thrash elements together for a great debut.Trauco handles writing the music which is a mix of fast paced guitars and drums that are done with a great writing abilitly.The guitars and drums do slow to a more mid paced range throughout the songs to give each a song a identy of it's own.Teolt Newen takes care of the vocal duties for the band which are demonic death metal growls and some raspy black metal screams are used in a few of the tracks.If you are a fan of old school black metal with thrashy influences entertwined into the music then be sure to pick up a copy of El Vuelo Del Condor Negro  today.                                                                                                                                                              Band Contacts                                                                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/people/SANGRE-NEGRA/

Melting Eyes--My Final Resting Place cd,digital release{Self-Released} done on 9-25-21

 

Coming out of  The Netherland's old school death metal scene is Melting Eyes with their debut EP. My Final Resting Place six songs of well delievered and performed death metal intensity.The guitars are played with a mix of heavy,crushing mid paced guitar patterns and some faster more aggressive passages.The guitarist does write some memorable guitar structures and adds some well played solo's mixed into the musicThe vocals are powerful old school death metal growls that fit Melting Eyes musical style perfectly.If you are a fan of old school death metal that has intensity and powerful arrangments then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of My Final Resting Place today..                       Band Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://meltingeyes.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/MeltingEyesDH                                                                                                

Temple Of Gorgon--Throats Of Lie cd {Plague Demon Rec./Blasphemous Creations Of Hell} done on 9-17-21

 

Temple Of Gorgon is a new force in California's black metal scene formed by Geist[also in Blood Temptation},Throats Of Lie is the debut full length featuring eight songs of  vicious yet well executed and performed black metal.Geist does a great job with the guitars which are played with extremly fast and intense passages,Their are some slower more controlled mid paced patterns.The vocals are a mix of black metal screams and some gruff screams and growls that are delievered with power.Temple Of Gorgon has unleashed a great debut filled with extreme violent black metal and some well executed and delievered mid paced sections to give Throats Of Lie a unique listening expierence highly recomended.               Band Contacts                                                                                                                                  https://templeofgorgon.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                        https://www.facebook.com/templeofgorgonband/                                                                                        https://www.instagram.com/templeofgorgon/                                                                                              Label Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com/                                                                                                  https://plaguedemonrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/Plaguedemonrecords.net/                                                                                  https://www.instagram.com/namtar.axarcuth/?hl=en                                                                                    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt4Jqad8hAHPHisR2aU4Q4A                                                          Blasphemous Creations Of Hell                                                                                                                    https://bchrecords.storenvy.com/                                                                                                                  https://blasphemouscreationsofhellrecords1.bandcamp.com/                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/blasphemouscreationsofhellrecords/                                                                                                                                                            

Hisemtuks Himi.N--Wendigo{Blasphemous Creations Of Hell/Plague Demon Rec.} done on 9-16-21

 

Nathen Ehli is the master mind behind Hisemtuks Himi.N who plays a very creative and crafted debut release.Wendigo is nine tracks of melodic black metal that has some very well played atmosphere and progressive elements mixed into the music. The guitars are played with both a ferocious fast pace that are played with intensity and skillful writing.Their are some slower more controlled progressive style with some faster black metal guitar passages.The vocals are a mix of raw raspy black metal screams and some deeper,gruff growls  both vocaal styles fit the music perfectly.This is a great debut release that combines cold,traditional black metal with a healthy dose of atmosphere and melodic passages throughout the songs.                                                                                                                                     Band Contacts                                                                                                                                               https://hisemtukshimin.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/H%C3%ADsemtuks-h%C3%ADmin-690875358042806/                              Label Contacts                                                                                                                                               Slaughterlord666@aol.com                                                                                                                          https://bchrecords.storenvy.com/                                                                                                                 https://blasphemouscreationsofhellrecords1.bandcamp.com/                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/blasphemouscreationsofhellrecords                                                                   Plague Demon Rec.                                                                                                                                      https://plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com/                                                                                                 https://plaguedemonrecords.bandcamp.com/artists                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/Plaguedemonrecords.net/

Interview with 1917 done on 9-15-21

 

01. Hello Alejandro, please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello Patrick and hello to all the readers! Well, I'm from Argentina. I'm the voice and guitar (and ocassionally also the bass) on projects such as 1917 (death metal), Funeris (funeral doom metal), Bokrug (grind & brutal death metal), Ammentia (thrash metal) and Dwimor (blackened pagan/folk metal), among others. I'm also a writer, mainly horror and sci-fi.

02. When did you first discover metal music and who were the first artists and bands you listened to? Who are some of the current bands and artists that you are listening to these days?

I discover Metal during late 80´s, when I was 12 years old. Some bands from my country (such as V8, Riff and Rata Blanca) did catch my attention back in the day, then I got some tapes of Loudness, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Megadeth, King Diamond and a few others. While I was discovering all those gems a tape containing Death on a side and Carcass on the other side ended up on my hands. At that very moment I became a fan of extreme Metal. From those days I still love Death and King Diamond, yet because of their quality and feeling I often listen to many albums from those years.

03. When did you first become interested in writing and performing music? What was the first instrument you learned to play? Are there any instruments that you would like to learn to play one day?

I got my first guitar on 1992. I really wanted to play drums, but I ended up getting me a cheap guitar instead. Honestly I don´t remember why I did that. What I do remember is that later on, when me and some friends decided to start a band, we got a vocalist, a bass player and a drummer, so I kinda had no choice but to play the guitar. I still think I was going to be a better drummer than the guitar player I am nowadays!

04. Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?

I'm self taught. I was too lazy and at the same time too anxious to take lessons, so I tried to figure out the basics as soon as posible in order to write my own music. I never learned scales nor chords, all were about experiments and tips I caught here and there.

05. Alejandro you started 1917 back in 1994, what gave you the idea to start this band? How did you choose 1917 as the name of the band and does it have a special meaning to you?

As many musicians did, me and a school mate started a garage band that went to nowhere. It was fun tho, but I soon wanted something more solid and serious. I wrote a few tunes that were a mixture of thrash, heavy and death metal (I did not know enough bands/albums to know better) and wanted to start a band to play that stuff. It did take a while but by July 1994 the lineup was complete. One of those early instrumental compositions was titled "1917" over a sculpture -dated that year- that served as inspiration. When we got an invitation to play live for the first time we didnt have a band name yet, so we ended up picking the title of that first tune we played as a band. It was not the best idea I ever had, but it is what it is!

06. Who would you are 1917´s biggest influences over the decades and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers unfamiliar with the band how would you best describe the band´s musucual style?

I think my influences came and come from many sounds and styles. There is a strong old school death metal basis of course, but also a lot of thrash and black metal elements and even some hints of doom here and there. Thats not something I chose to do, it just happened on a natural way. I guess since I did learn music only by listening to many bands, and being a fan of many metal genres, I ended up having some kind of music style myself.

07. "Omnicrisis" is the band´s newest full lenght , how long did it take you to write the music for this release? How long would you say it usually takes to complete one song?

Usually I write a song  during two days, and full album within one or two weeks, but I put it to sleep for some time. Later on, when I think its a good time to record it, I listen to the stuff again to eventually rework details if needed. That's it. In the meanwhile I write stories or ideas that end up on side projects. I also use to write riffs and arrangements that I keep in case I eventually feel like making new songs of them, but it rarely happens, I'm more like starting an album from scratch despite the potentially useful material I already have.

08. Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics written about on the new release? Which usually comes first, the music of the lyrics?

Lyrics on 1917 are based on my own concerns and observations, so I usually write about the psychology, beliefs and thoughts of the human beings as individuals and as masses often within certain historical contexts, always under the form of an intense yet aesthetic poetry. "Omnicrisis" follows that line and topics, just like all the previous albums. On my side projects I often write about horror or dark feelings, and from time in time I make room to pay tribute to some writers or movies. But 1917 songs are full of anger and somber reflections. In the past both music and lyrics used to come up together; lately I tend to write the music first then I put the lyrics to it.

09. I believe "Omnicrisis" was self-released, did you plan to self release it or would you like to find a label to work with soon?

"Omnicrisis", like most of our previous albums, was self-released. I like to work like that. On the other hand I never felt like seeking for labels while an album is ready to be pressed. I'm not comfortable on that situation, when I finish an album I want to release it with no delays, so I just do it myself. That does not means I'll be reluctant if a label shows up, in fact I'd like to work with someone else who is on the same page than this project. I´m just not likely going to ring doorbells and wait for answers, but when a label is interested I'm up to talking.

10. Besides the new "Omnicrisis" are the band´s previous releases still available for the readers to purchase them? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase?

The first five or six albums are sold out but the recent releases are still available since some were re released. We dont have any available merch other than the latest albums. A vinyl single and two different tape box-sets were released some time ago and all got sold out immediately, so only some CDs and a DVD+CD titled "Sessiones" are available right now.

11. I believe the band is a two person band, would you like to find new musicians to make a full line-up or do you prefer working as a two man band?

I'm ok being a two piece band. We recruited two more musicians in order to play a fair bunch of live gigs ("Sessiones" came from that period) but now that live activities got so restricted me and Mario (bass player) are focused on recording new stuff and giving extra time to our side projects. 1917 got a full line-up from 1994 to 2001 only, so after so many years working alone or with only one partner I ended up getting used to this dynamic.

12. What does Underground Metal mean to you and how do you feel the Underground scene has changed over the decades?

Underground means independence and freedom to me, and its almost a synonym to "alternative". Its a space that allows you to be different, to avoid trends and too much impossed rules, to do what you want to do. But its up to each person to take that chance or to ruin it by falling on common places and ambitions. If you ask me what did change over the years since I'm part of this... maybe two or three decades ago underground felt much like what I just described, while nowadays there are a lot of young bands (not all, of course) that take it as an unwanted stage to be in while waiting to be popular or something. Anyway I'm getting quite grumpy as I grow old, so.

13. Alejandro as mentioned you have been part of the Metal Undergrouns scene since the mid 90´s. So I was interested did you read alot of fanzines back in the 90´s and early 00´s? What do you feel made a good fanzine?

I used to read many paper zines back in the day. You know, black n white homemade printings mostly, from different provinces of Argentina and from some other countries like Uruguay, Peru and Bolivia. Sadly none of them did last for too long. Maybe the arrival of webzines had an impact, I mean, similar to how streaming music affects physical formats. I even managed my own webzine long ago! What I look for on zines is independence on its content and true support to honest artists. I´m not interested on "breaking news" nor gossip.

14. What were some of your favorite fanzines to read back in the day? Are they any current fan or web zines that you like to read and keep up with?

One of my favorite zines back in the day was one called Sacrilegio. It looked very professional and was involved on extreme metal mostly, which was awesome at that time. One of my favs from outside Argentina was Alerta Subterránea. Concerning webzines, I just surf on looking for interesting ones, there are a lot to discover.

15. Besides fanzines I know tape-trading was huge part of the Underground scene, did you do much tape-trading? What were some of the early demos and releases that you traded for?

I did a lot of tape trading but with friends, I did not have the chance to contact bands until I was already involved in the scene. I lived in a quite isolated town, not too close to bigger cities, so since official releases were hard to find I was interested on any kind of stuff as long as it was related to metal. By mid 90´s I ended up traveling to buy CDs and tapes, and that´s when I started to collect both albums and demos of bands and labels from every country I could find.

16. 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 dont need and actually I dont want a break from working on both music and literature!

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

Thank you for the space and the support, I really appreciate it! To all those who want to contact us,

1917@hotmail.com                                                                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/1917metal                                                                                                         https://www.youtube.com/playlist?reload=9&app=desktop&list=PLeLn8CW5RhR3ZBm_UVR__gfcWeET6EsTn

Centenary--The Final Frontier cd,cassette{CDN Rec.} done on 9-12-21

 

Michigan's own Centenary return with their second full length release The Final Frontier.The new release contains ten songs of well played and delievered Swedish inspired death metal with the bands own excellent writing ability.The guitars are delievered with fast,razorsharp guitar patterns that are played with skill and a great writing ability.The guitarist does write and perform some memorable guitar passages even adding in some well delievered guitar solo's.The drums are played with a mix of old school fast drum passages.The drummer does slow to a more controlled and heavier drum range throughout the songs.The vocals are a mix of old school death metal growls and some gruff screams are used in a few songs.If you are a fan {early}Dismember,Grave or Obiturary's early releases then be sure to pick up a copy of The Final Frontier  today.                                                                                             Band  Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://centenary.bandcamp.com/album/death-the-final-frontier                                                                https://www.facebook.com/detroitchainsawmetal/                                                                                      https://www.instagram.com/centenary_official/                                                                                            Label  Contacts                                                                                                                                              https://cdnrecords.com/                                                                                                                                  https://cdnrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/cdnrecords                                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/cdn_records/                                                                                                    https://twitter.com/cdnrecords