Interview with Apocalyptic Leaders

 

1. Hello, please introduce yourself to the readers.

I am Kostas B, creator of the one-man Black Metal band APOCALYPTIC LEADERS. Greetings from Greece.

2. At what age did you discover black and extreme metal in general? What is it about these genres that drew you in?

Black Metal for me began when I heard Bathory’s album Blood Fire Death in 1988. What drew me to this music were the truly fast guitars with icy riffs, the eerie vocals and the overall atmosphere that exists in this style of extreme music.

3. Who were the first bands and artists that you discovered? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?

Besides Bathory, the first bands I discovered were Mayhem, Darkthrone and Emperor in the early ’90s.

Lately, I listen a lot to the entire second wave of Black Metal, as well as newer bands such as Mgła, Groza, Lamp of Murmuur and Hulder.

4. When did you first become interested in writing and performing music? What was the first instrument you learned to play? Are you self-taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?

The first instrument I learned was electric guitar. I started playing on my own and some friends who were in bands also showed me things.

I took guitar lessons from time to time, but I can say that I am mostly self-taught.

5. What instruments do you currently play? Are there instruments that you would like to learn to play soon?

At the moment I play guitars, bass, a bit of keyboards/synth and a bit of drums.

In the future, I would like to properly learn drums, but it’s difficult due to lack of time and it also requires space at home.

6. Kostas, you started Apocalyptic Leaders in 2017. What gave you the idea to start this band? Are you satisfied with how things have gone over the years? How did you choose the name?

I started APOCALYPTIC LEADERS in 2017. In previous years I played in various bands, from punk to extreme metal, but something always happened and we broke up due to musical differences. I decided to create something of my own without other members and to make all the decisions myself regarding my music. That’s how Apocalyptic Leaders was born.

I am truly happy with the response from the audience since the first releases and I believe everything is continuing very well.The name was influenced by horror movies with zombies and survival situations, as well as real-life conditions, where people suffer under leaders who start wars for no reason, causing innocent lives to be lost.

7. Who would you say are the band’s biggest influences? How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?

My influences come from the second wave of Black Metal, as well as ’80s metal like Merciful Fate, Venom, Slayer, Black Sabbath, and Bathory.

I would describe my music as Apocalyptic Black Metal with atmospheric elements, but also thrash and speed influences, with blast beats that create a sense of tension, melody, survival and reaction.

8. You are a one-man band. Did you always plan to work alone? Would you consider collaborating in the future?

Yes, I am the sole member of the band. I started it that way and I think I don’t want to collaborate with other musicians. I don’t want to dilute what I have created with other people’s ideas - it is a personal matter, even down to the production.

9. If you had the opportunity to work with any musician, who would you choose?

Definitely with someone from Darkthrone - probably Fenriz (laughs). I believe we would match well in writing music and I respect him a lot.

10. Your latest full-length, Tenebris Nox Immortuae—how long did it take to complete? How long does it usually take to write a song?

The album Tenebris Nox Immortuae took about six months to complete, including music and production.

A song can take me around two days to write, depending on inspiration. Many times I finish the music first and based on the feeling it gives me, I then write the lyrics and vocals.

11. Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics? What themes are explored on the new release?

The lyrics often deal with paranormal phenomena, other times they have an anti-Christian theme, focusing on making your own decisions without being influenced by any religion.

On the new album, these themes of religious obscurantism are present - for example the title track reflects this. “Verge of Madness” refers to the final moments in the life of a mentally unstable killer, while “Skin Torn by Razors” is based on a true story about an abbess in Greece in the previous century who murdered young nuns using poison.

12. Are your previous releases still available for purchase?

Yes, many of my releases are available on my Bandcamp and on each album there are links so that any fan can purchase it from the label.

There are also some releases that are sold ou and this is updated both on my Bandcamp page and on Instagram.

Tenebris Nox Immortuae https://war-productions.org/product/apocalyptic-leaders-tenebris-nox-immortuae/

Egatalipsi - Evil Dead

https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/rat-220-egatalipsi-evil-dead

13. What does Black Metal mean to you?

Black Metal for me is a way of expression, reaction and freedom.

We listen to what we truly like and I’m glad that not every music listener can appreciate it - it’s for the few.

14. Are you involved in any other bands or projects?

I also have another personal project called EGATALIPSI, where the songs are shorter in duration - a mix of Black Metal, Punk and Crust Punk elements.

In general, I collaborate with two bands from Sweden, THYMATA and GRIMTONE, where I do the vocals and write the lyrics. Behind these bands, the main musician is Michael, who is also a good friend.

Recently, a split album featuring THYMATA, GRIMTONE and KRUZIFIX was released by Warproductions.

15. Thank you for your time. Do you have any final words for the readers?

I would like to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to talk about my band and the music I love and believe in - Black Metal.

I wish everyone good health, to do what they believe in and to make their dreams come true. Stay true to Underground Black Metal.

Greetings from Greece, my brothers

Respectfully,

Kostas B

Apocalyptic Leaders

Band  Links                                                                                                                                                https://apocalypticleaders.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/apocalypticleaders/                                                                                            https://www.instagram.com/apocalypticleaders/                                                                                        https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR8fZ8PXbaB4Q_CpAG2_Hg

Curse Prayer---The Depths Of Atonment{Digital}{Egregora Adversarial}

 

Curse Prayer  is a new band coming out of Brazil's black metal scene and this is a review of the debut EP.The Depths Of Atonment  contains five tracks of  fast paced black metal that is well executed and performed with whirlwind fast musical passages.The guitars are performed with some extremly fast paced guitar patterns The guitars do slow to a mid paced paced throughout a few of the songs to give each song a nice balance.The vocals are grim raw death metal growls and screams both vocal styles are done with power.The drums are well delievered with some memorable mid paced drums and some faster more chaotic drum passages.The Depths Of Atonment is a really good debut with aggressive musicial passages. 

Egregora Adversarial

https://egregoradversarial.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPOBBrCf7T0KuUzJnp89szg       

https://www.instagram.com/egregoradversarial/                                                                                            

Wormsden--Devotion Of The Cursed CS&digital}{Svanrenne Music}

 

Wormsden is a five man  band coming out of Russia's black metal scene and this is a review of the debut full length.Devotion Of The Cursed is seven tracks of well executed and performed black metal.The music is mainly played with fast paced musicial passages but the band does add some slower more melodic passages into the mix for a nice blend of the two styles.The guitars are performed with some fast paced patterns that are played with skill.The guitarist does slow to a more slower mid paced range even adding in some well played solo's and guitar passages for a unique release.The drums are a mix of hyper fast drums that are performed with power and aggression.Like the guitarist the drummer does slow to a more controlled mid paced range throughout a few songs.The vocals are traditional raw black metal screams and some deeper growls are used in a few of the songs.Wormsden plays a very well done style of black metal that is both raw fast but also has some melodic influences added into the music.                                                                                                                                           Wormsden                                                                                                                                                       https://wormsden.bandcamp.com/album/devotion-of-the-cursed                                                                 Svanrenne Music                                                                                                                                           https://www.svanrennemusic.com/                                                                                                               https://svanrenne.bandcamp.com/album/devotion-of-the-cursed                                                                 https://www.facebook.com/svanrennemusic                                                                                                 instagram.com/svanrenne/                                                                                                                             

Pig's Blood--Destroying The Spirit cd&LP{Dark Descent Rec.}

 

Milwaukee's own Pig's Blood will  unleash their third full length at the end of April through the mighty Dark Descent Rec.Destroying The Spirit is ten tracks of vicious and bestial death metal with some black metal influence added into the music.The guitars are played with some memorable well executed fast paced guitars.The guitarist does add some heavier mid paced guitar parts in a few of the songs.The drums are played with a mix of extremely fast chaotic drum passages that are played with power.The drummer does add some more calm mid paced drum parts for a nice mix of styles.The vocals are demonic brutal death metal growls and some grim growls and screams both of the vocal styles are powerful in the delievery and fit the musicial style perfectly. If you are a fan of extreme bestial and violent black death metal then do not pass up on Pig's blood upcoming release.                                      Pig's Blood                                                                                                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/commandmoreblood/                                                                                      https://www.instagram.com/pigs_blood/                                                                                                    Dark Descent Rec.                                                                                                                                        https://www.darkdescentrecords.com/shop/                                                                                                  https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/destroying-the-spirit                                                      https://www.facebook.com/DarkDescentRecords                                                                                        https://www.instagram.com/darkdescentrecords/

Sectarian Defacement--Hostile Consuming Rapture cd,LP{Grave Island Rec.}

 

Sectarian Defacement is a brutal grinding death metal band that was started in 2024.The debut full length Hostile Consuming Rapture is nine original tracks and the tenth is a cover of Defeated Sanity's Suttee.The music is a great blend of relentless and brutal death metal guitars that are played with hyperspeed chords and riffs.The guitarist does write and performs some memorable patterns.The guitarist plays some well performed passages and even adds in some well played solo's in a few of the songs.The drums are hyperspeed blasting drums that are done with powerful drum beats.The vocals are sick brutal death metal growls that are powerful in the delievery.Sectarian Defacement has crafted a great release of raw brutal death,grind that is sure to please all fans of this style.                                      Sectarian Defacement                                                                                                                                     https://sectariandefacement.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                       https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576693025503&rdid=EaQZmqogyx13H0z2&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BpRN9wMGp%2F#                                                                                                              instagram.com/sectariandefacement?igsh=MXVvaGtzYXo3MHZwaQ%3D%3D                                     https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfV5a7ixavtzMD2QeiJAHpw                                                           Grave Island Rec.                                                                                                                                         https://www.graveislandrecords.com/                                                                                                         https://graveislandrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                   https://www.facebook.com/graveislandrec                                                                                                   instagram.com/graveislandrecords/

Multiwomb--Anatomy Of Gorelust cd{Grave Island Rec.}

 

Indonesian's  Multiwomb is a new band that so far has released one demo in 2025 and unleashed their debut full length in late March.Anatomy Of Gorelust is nine tracks of savage and intense brutal death metal.Musically the band plays some well executed and delievered brutality.The drumming is non stop blast beats that are done with power,The guitars are played with some fast paced patterns that are played with skill.The guitarist does write some memorable patterns and even adds in some well executed solo's throughout a few songs.The vocals are raw brutal death metal growls that extremly well done.The debut full length is a must hear for all fans of brutal death metal that doesn't  try to follow any trnds but instead plays traditional mid 90's style death metal.                                                                                  Multiwomb                                                                                                                                                    https://multiwomb.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                                    https://www.instagram.com/multiwomb_iddm/                                                                                          Grave Island Rec                                                                                                                                          https://www.graveislandrecords.com/                                                                                                        https://graveislandrecords.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                https://www.facebook.com/graveislandrec                                                                                                  https://www.instagram.com/graveislandrecords/

Interview with Horrific Visions

 

1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hey everyone! This is Conrad the vocalist of Horrific Visions.

2.When did you first discover brutal death metal and what is it about this genre of music that drew you in and keeps your interest over the years?

I would have to say my late high school years 2008 - 2009ish. I think Decrepit Birth ‘And Time Begins’ was one of the first BDM records I ever heard and just kept diving deeper from there. The diversity of styles we have in this genre is really what I love about it. You can get as guttural as Inherit Disease or Cerebral Effusion, but then get brutal more annunciating style vocals like Deeds of Flesh or Gorgasm. It’s the sick evil riffs and the pummeling drum work that really makes BDM what it is though.

3.Who were the first bands that you discovered? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?

Well I mentioned a few in the last question. My all-time favorite would be Deeds of Flesh (up until ‘Crown of Souls’) with ‘Reduced to Ashes’ being my all-time favorite record… but Inherit Disease, Gorgasm, Guttural Secrete, Condemned, Inveracity, and the list could go on… as for what I am jamming lately, it’s not brutal death but the new Neurosis record is sick. For BDM I have been jamming Protrusion, Squassation, Dead Congregation, and Nithing.

4.Horrific Visions was started in 2014 what gave you guys the idea and inspiration to start this band? What is the current line up?

We began as a side project spawning off of the band I drum for Defiled Crypt. I wanted to start doing vocals, and Chris who was playing bass in Defiled Crypt at the time wanted to play guitar. At that time we had Cullen Condon on drums and Chris Aguirre on bass. Unfortunately both of our brothers have passed away and we keep this going in honor of them. The current lineup is:

Conrad Heinemeyer - Vocals

Chris Rossmeier - Guitar

Mason Vickers - Guitar

Cody Hancock - Bass

Rene Martinez – Drums

5.Remnants Of Atrophy is the debut full length how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut? Does the whole band work on the music or does one member usually write everything?

We have been working on these songs for the last year or so. The writing is a conjoined effort between all of them and I just figure out my vocals once songs are done.

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the band and what are some topics written about on the debut? Which usually comes first the lyrics or the music?

I pretty much write all the lyrics for the band. We try to stick to real life atrocities. Things that torment our world. It depends sometimes I’ll wait to see how songs are sounding, but I can usually just write lyrics and have them ready.

7.Besides the upcoming release does the band have any other merchandise currently available for the readers to purchase? If yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?

https://horrificvisions.bandcamp.com/album/monopoly-on-violence

8.Has Horrific Visions had the opportunity to play very many live shows over the years? If yes what have been some of the most memorable for you all?

I would say by far the sickest and most memorable show we have ever played was Bogota Death Grind Fest last May in Colombia! We have also done tours with Cenotaph and Internal Suffering.

9.Are there any tours or shows planned in support of Remnants Of Atrophy if yes where will the band be performing? Who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?

We have a tour kick off show in Austin @ Crowbar 5/2 to get us ready to hit the road with Defeated Sanity, Inferi, & Organectomy!

10. Horrific Visions comes out of the brutal death metal scene in Texas what is your opinion of the scene in Texas over the years?

It has had its ups and downs but I feel it is pretty solid and we are spoiled with how many sick bands we have here.

11.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Texas? Are there any new bands you could recommend to the readers?

Sect of Execration, Exulcerate, Flesh Hoarder, Unnecessary Surgery, Viral Load, & Death File Red. As for newer bands, check out Arterial Vivisection. They’re really sick!

12.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 hit the gym, cook, play video games & smoke weed. Have beers with the boys. You know. Real dude shit.

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

Thanks for checking this out. Be sure to grab a copy of our new record ‘Remnants of Atrophy’ on Comatose Music May 22nd and catch us on the road this May! Sickness incoming…                              Horrific Visions                                                                                                                                            https://horrificvisions.bandcamp.com/                                                                                                      https://www.facebook.com/hvsabd/                                                                                                            https://www.instagram.com/horrific_visions/                                                                                                Comatose Music                                                                                                                                            https://www.comatosemusic.com/                                                                                                              https://comatosemusic.bandcamp.com/album/remnants-of-atrophy                                                          https://www.facebook.com/Comatosemusiclabel                                                                                        https://www.instagram.com/comatose_music?utm_medium=copy_link                                                    https://www.youtube.com/user/ComatoseMusicLabel

Hubris--Acts of Sedition (CD) {2026 Independent}

Hubris hails from New York and this is their second full length and first in fourteen years, with a couple of EPs and a split filling that gap. They play strong second wave style black metal  with riffs that are cold as ice and a level of technicality not often seen in black metal. They clearly take influence from death metal as well, and they weld that intensity to the blackness, creating a juggernaut of evil sound. This is very much in the camp of Gorgoroth or 1349 as far as any similarities can be assessed at all, as this is a fairly unique-sounding band. They keep the mentioned intensity ratcheted up quite high all the time with adept blastbeats and slick guitar work. I think the drummer is probably one of the most vicious black metal drummers I've heard in a long time, and his fills and rolls make quite the impression along with his speed and all the little things he's doing to really keep the music moving. Fans of blasting black metal would do well to investigate this band, because what they're doing here is astonishingly good.

truehubris.bandcamp.com

Hellripper--Coronach (CD/LP/CS) {2026 Century Media Records}

I had always assumed that Hellripper, without actually hearing them, was a sort of Toxic Holocaust type of band, doing the same black thrash sort of stuff. Boy, was I ever wrong. Hellripper uses a speed metal base with a level of technicality on par with Rust in Peace era Megadeth and adds to that plenty of second wave black metal influence, complete with coldly melodic riffs and harsh high vocals. The guitar solos are absolutely magical, and we get a ton of them, with flurries of notes and soaring melodies. I have a feeling that this record will be called at least a minor classic in the years to come. It's that good. I'm not surprised by the overwhelming popularity this seems to enjoy online already, nor the positive reception. Every song is good, memorable, and distinct from the other songs. Hellripper really shows what's possible within this style and that there are indeed new records that will stand tall with the classics of the genre.

www.centurymedia.com

Aggressive Perfector--Come Creeping Fiends (CD/LP) {2026 Dying Victims Productions}

Hailing from the UK, this is the band's second full length and first release in seven years. Stylistically, Aggressive Perfector falls into no clean category. There are elements of thrash, heavy metal, and speed metal, often combined into the same song, all with lyrics about Satan and the occult, as it should be! Vocally, the singer uses a bit more of an obscure thrash style that borrows some aesthetics from black metal. It's hard to describe properly other than that. It's not necessarily a unique style, but the atmosphere he commands reminds me of early Running Wild and Destroyer 666 without sounding like either vocalist. It's a truly metalized performance. Perhaps that's what I could compare this to overall: Destroyer 666 playing Running Wild's instruments with Venom's attitude. Their songs even tend toward the anthemic at times, with big riffs and soaring melodies. It's true metal music for true metal people. If you like anything I described above, you will probably enjoy this release immensely. It's very good shit, and I highly recommend it.

www.dying-victims.de

Apocalyptic Leaders--Tenebris Nox Immortuae cd&digital{War Prod.}

 

Greece's black metal band Apocalyptic Leaders return with their sixth full length.Tenebris Nox Immortuae starts off with a short intro then kicks into high gear with some memorable and well executed black metal.Musicially it is a nice balance of extreme fast traditional black metal with some slower atmospheric passages.The guitars are played with skill and excellent writing abilitly that has both aggressive fast paced guitars and some memorable mid paced guitars.Both guitar styles are played with near perfection.The vocals are raw black metal screams that fit the bands style perfectly,If you are a fan of cold and traditional black metal then be sure to check this release out today.                       Apocalyptic Leaders

https://apocalypticleaders.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                        https://www.facebook.com/apocalypticleaders/

https://www.instagram.com/apocalypticleaders/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR8fZ8PXbaB4Q_CpAG2_Hg                                                        War  Productions 

https://war-productions.org/

https://warproductions.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                               https://www.facebook.com/WarProductionsPT/                                                                                           https://www.instagram.com/warproductions                                                                                                 https://bsky.app/profile/warproductions.bsky.social

Horrific Visions--Remnants Of Atrophy cd{Comatose Music}

Horrific Visions is a  five man band that comes out of San Antonio's brutal death metal scene and this is a review of the bands debut full length.Remnants Of Atrophy is nine tracks of brutal and vicious death metal that is intense and powerful music.The guitars are played with some intense and powerful guitar chords that are a mix of mid paced heavy guitar patterns.The guitarist doesn't shy away as they also have plenty of insanely fast and chaotic guitar passages for a nice balance.The drums are done with a mix of heavy and powerful drums and some faster more insanely fast blast beats.The vocals are performed with some brutal and powerful death metal growls.This is a great debut for all those who are fans of sick and relentless brutal death metal defintly pick this cd up when it is released.                        Horrific Visions                                                                                                                                            https://horrificvisions.bandcamp.com/merch                                                                                            https://www.facebook.com/hvsabd/                                                                                                            https://www.instagram.com/horrific_visions/                                                                                              Comatose Music                                                                                                                                          https://www.comatosemusic.com/                                                                                                                https://comatosemusic.bandcamp.com/album/remnants-of-atrophy                                                              https://www.facebook.com/Comatosemusiclabel                                                                                          https://www.instagram.com/comatose_music?utm_medium=copy_link                                                      https://www.youtube.com/user/ComatoseMusicLabel                                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Iron Savior--Awesome Anthems of the Galaxy (CD) {2026 Perception Records}

If I counted right, this is the sixteenth album from Iron Savior since their debut in 1997, making them one of the most prolific power metal bands still in existence. This time it's a collection of cover songs with a title and cover clearly inspired by the Guardians of the Galaxy movie franchise. This also tangentially ties in with their science fiction related themes from albums past. The catch to all this is that all these songs are rather anthemic pop songs that Iron Savior has chosen to metalize. A cheesy idea? Maybe, but I'll be goddamned if it doesn't work. There are songs originally by A-Ha, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Journey, the Eurythmics, Phil Collins, and Blondie, and there's even a fuckin' Patrick Swayze song here. This shows us how much of power metal is actually pop music with heavy guitars at its core, because when metalized these songs actually sound like power metal tunes with their big choruses and soaring melodies (some of them fall a tiny bit flat, but it's the exception and not the rule). The skill required to take these songs and perform them as metal music is considerable and enviable - the songs are recognizable yet completely different from the originals in most cases. This is a fun and unique record, and a great addition to Iron Savior's extensive discography, and the songs should plop right into their set list live with little issue.

perception.music

Azerothul--Vampyric Oath{digital}{Independent}

 

Azerothul is a one man band coming out of the Netherland's black metal scene and this is a review of his second EP.Vampyric Oath is six tracks of fast paced black metal that is played with some well executed passages.The guitars are done with some razorsharp fast guitar patterns that are played with experience and skill.The vocals are raw black metal screams and some screechy vocals are also used.This is a pretty good release if you enjoy raw satanic black metal that doesn't  follow any trends. Azerrothul

https://azerothul.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Azerothul/61586372789874/

https://www.youtube.com/@azerothul

Wyrmseer--Demo MMXXVI (CS) {2026 Jems Label}

Wyrmseer hails from Louisiana, and this is the band's very first release. It's the solo project of Wrot, and so far it seems to be his only musical endeavor. Stylistically, this is strong second-wave black metal, cold and just-raw-enough, but with space in the production to hear all the instruments clearly. The vocals alternate between a distorted screech and a mid-ranged growl, which gives these songs a bit more of a dynamic sound. When the songs speed up, they have a very threatening atmosphere, and when they're slower, they're a bit more haunted. The five songs here are rather long, coming in at five and a half minutes and up with just one exception of around four minutes. This is excellent stuff, and I'm glad I stumbled onto it. It holds its own with any black metal band you choose. If this is what Wrot can conjure on a demo, I can't wait to hear what he can do with a full length record.

jemslabel.bigcartel.com