Interview with War Possession done by Patrick posted on 10-1-17

Interview with War Possession done by Patrick

1. Hello, please introduce yourself to the readers.

Hailz from the warzone! Here is Vaggelis, vocalist of War Possession. I also do the vocals for Respawn The Plague, a Death Metal band in the vein of old Morbid Angel, Immolation, Angelcorpse, and for Merciless Crucifixion, my older Black/Death Metal band, inspired by horrendous acts like Sarcofago, Blasphemy, Archgoat, Abhorer.

2. When did you start listening to Metal music and who were some of the first bands you were listening to?

It was at the age of 12 in 1992 when some older friend gave me a tape of Iron Maiden's Killer album to listen to. This tape just blew my mind back then and that was it. Some other bands apart from Iron Maiden, that I was listening at my early times as a metalhead was: DIO, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Motorhead, Running Wild, Manowar, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Venom, Metallica, Kreator, Slayer, Sepultura...


3. War Possession formed in 2008. What gave you the idea to start this band? And who would you say are War Possession's biggest influences?

It was one of those nights when we used to meet at a Metal club. So it was that moment while drinking beers and headbanging to a Bolt Thrower's song when Haris, the guitarist, and John, our former drummer, dropped the idea of forming a band to play old-school warlike Death Metal. A couple of days later I proposed the name War Possession to the others, we soon started rehearsing, and so the band was born.
Our main influencies are bands like: Bolt Thrower, Demigod (early), Convulse, Treblinka/Tiamat (early), Terrorizer, Nausea, Asphyx, Incantation, Imprecation and Archgoat.

4. War Possession is getting ready to release their debut CD Doomed To Chaos through Memento Mori. How did you and the band come in contact with this great label?

It happens to be one of the first labels we got in contact with. Raul, the man behind Memento Mori liked our promo stuff, shortly after he replied to us for the details and that's it. We're proud of being in Memento Mori's roster and we thank and respect Raul for his dedication and support to our underground scene!


5. How long did it take the band to write the music for this debut release? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything?

The writing, rehearsing and recording process took place at an extend of several months between Summer 2016 - Spring 2017. Haris is the main responsible for the songwriting process, but we all participate by giving some ideas, until a song takes its final form.

6. Who usually handles writing the lyrics and what are some topics the band wrote about on Doomed To Chaos?

I'm the one responsible for writing the lyrics. The main lyrical influence in the album is of course the chaos of War and its devastating effect to humanity and the world in general.  You'll also find some cruel, bloody descriptions to historical battles, and a song about god's existence/inexistence and the ruthless, idiotic consequences of organized religion to human mind.


7. Does War Possession play live very often? If yes, what have been some of the band's most memorable shows so far?

No, we don't play often. In fact we've performed at one gig so far, as part of "Brutality Over Sanity Deathfest" 2013 in Thessaloniki .



8. Are their any tours or shows coming up in support of the debut? If yes, where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?

There aren't any plans about tours or shows scheduled at the moment, but now with the arrival of the debut album, there will be for sure some shows in the near future.

                                                       

9. What does underground Metal mean to you?
It's the heart and the true essence of our scene. It's where everything began, and where whole Metal genres were born and took life in its purest form. Our underground scene is the one who needs to be supported more, if we want our music to stay alive, and newer bands to continue the legacy. I've been a part of it from the days before internet, when the borderlines between underground and mainstream were more evident than those of today, and we were discovering new U/G bands mainly through tape trading, letter mails and paper fanzines. So, by today's standards and with all the easy, free and fast information and access to knowledge internet can offer, there is no excuse for not trying to find and support new bands, and spread the word in the U/G scene.


10. War Possession comes out of Greece's Metal scene. What is your opinion of the Greek Metal scene?

Well, small country... small scene. Apart from that, it's like any other Metal scene out there more or less. There are those few who supports and care for our U/G local scene, then there are those who are still been hooked on only to the old classics, not giving a shit about newer bands, and the rest of them are those who follow the mainstream and its time's music trend. But despite the minimum local support, the Hellenic scene still continues to generate great bands, and can be proud of its present and future, as for its glorious past.



11. Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Greece? And are there any new bands you feel the readers should watch out for?

I'm a huge worshipper of our scene's dark past, and the days of the old of bands like Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, Thou Art Lord, Agatus, Tatir, Mortify, Zephyrous, Bethor, Fiendish Nymph, Darkest Oath and those old times Hellenic Black Metal scene's distinctive and original sound and atmosphere.
Now about newer bands, there are so many great releases that I like, but I don't want to start mentioning countless names and albums, because I'll forget to mention a lot of them for sure. Instead of this, I'll bring up my personal favorite albums of today's Hellenic scene, in no particular order:

Dead Congregation - Graves Of The Archangels
Nocturnal Vomit - Cursed Relics
Inveracity - Circle of Perversion
Resurgency - False Enlightenment
Crucifiction - Portals To The Beyond
Progress of Inhumanity - Escalating Decay
Slavebreed - Dethrone the Architect
Wargrinder - In Suicidal Triumph
Embrace of Thorns - Atonement Ritual
Wargoat - Genesis Of Epiklesis
Heptameron - Grand Masters of the Final Harvest
Swamp - Underground Manifesto
Necrochakal - Profanation of the Gods
Enshadowed - Messengers of the Darkest Dawn
Empire of the Moon - ����������
Chaosbaphomet - Promethean Black Flame
Sacral Rage - Illusions In Infinite Void

Right now I'm listening to the brand new album of Necrovorous "Plains of Decay" and it sounds fuckin' killer, so give it a listen too.




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

When I'm not listening to music and discovering new bands, I enjoy to fill my spare time playing a lot of video games, reading books, going on trips on my motorcycle and going fishing as often as possible.



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

I have to thank you in return for your interest and support. Our war machine of an album will be unleashed on October 23rd, so War Death Metal maniacs out there, dare to join our devastated battleground and be doomed to Chaos forever!

                                                                       Label  Contacts
                                                              http://www.memento-mori.es/
                                 https://www.facebook.com/pg/memento.mori.label/about/?ref=page_internal
                                                                      Band  Contacts
                           https://www.facebook.com/War-Possession-416122555097944/?ref=hl
                           https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/War_Possession/3540255870

Metal reviews done on 10-1-17

Hello 
Just  a quick  note  to  say  a  friend of  mine Anders  has done two reviews this time  around I  hope he  will be able to  help out  in future  updates  but  time  will  tell.His  main favorite  genres  are  thrash,death metal and  progressive  rock/metal
Regards 
Patrick




Hazzerd-Misleading  Evil  cd {World War Now Rec.}
Canada's thrash metal  scene is going  strong  with  Hazzerd's debut  release out now.Misleading  Evil  is eight  songs of  violent and extremly fast old-school thrashing mayhem.The  vocals  are high pitched thrash metal screams mixed with  some calmer more controlled well  sung parts mixed in with the  music.For  the most part the guitars  are played at a  aggressively fast  pace.The  guitarist does write  and play  some  well written solo's  and mid paced patterns used in  a few of the  tracks.If you  are  a  fan of the  early  80's  thrash metal scene  then defintly  pick  up  a  copy  of  Hazzerd's  debut release  today.
                                                                                                                          Label  Contacts
                                                                                                         http://www.worldwarnowrecords.com/
                                                                                                        https://www.facebook.com/worldwarnowrecords/

                                                                                                                           Band  Contacts
                                                                                                                   https://www.facebook.com/HazzerdThrash

Mason - "Impervious" - 2017 (Review by Anders Circumcised Without Consent)

I only knew of this band from the recent Annihilator tour they supported. I didn't check them out, 'til this monster of an album was tossed to me by good ol' Patrick (the guy that runs this site, of course)! I figured I'd give it a shot and am pleasantly surprised that I like it, thus far! Instantly, I'm reminded of a combination of TestAmenT and Death Angel. I would think they are big influences on Mason. The production on this beast is superb. Modern, for sure - but not annoyingly so. Fuck yeah! This is the kind of THRASH I like! I can see why Jeff Waters invited them on a trek with Annihilator this past summer. There's a little Exodus thrown in there for "good measure", as well. If this is considered a "retro-thrash" band - they've done a great job of not sounding like one! The title track has a neat atmosphere that reminds me - vaguely - of Charred Walls of the Damned (one of my new favorite bands). Can't go wrong with that! Apologies for so many "other band" references - but we METAL fans all know the various "greats" that have tread the way for all the "new" voyagers. So, if you like those other bands mentioned - give Mason a chance! They are carrying the old guards' torch high (while pissing in the ditches of all who oppose)!

http://masonofficialmetal.com
https://www.facebook.com/masonofficialband
https://twitter.com/masonthrashband

Nervcast - Locked and Loaded - 2017 (Reviewed by Anders Pink Is The New Macho)
Hmm...
From the press release, it states this band is for those fans of early Metallica, Megadeth, and Iron Maiden. Then, later on it states the production/engineering captured the band's love of "classic rock". Early Metallica and Megadeth surely wouldn't be considered "classic rock". There's clearly a conflicted expression both via music and image. I look at the accompanying photo of this band and I have to cringe and smirk. Four out of four of these "dudes" look like they'll be "Heading Out to the Highway" to their nearest "Blue Oyster Bar" in the near future - with their perfectly coiffed hair, beard, and brand new leather jackets 'n' jeans. Who are you trying to fool, gents? The music, itself, is as cliche and boring as the title of the e.p. Thank the "Saints in Hell" this was only an e.p.! By the way, I missed the bus to "Politically Correctville". So, if you are offended - suck it up, deary. Up the irons and out the poop shoot!

http://www.Nervcast.com

Nethermancy interview done by Patrick posted on 9-29-17

Interview  with  Nethermancy   done  by  Patrick

1.Hails  how  are  things  going in  Portugal  these  days? Please  introduce  yourself  to  the  readers?

JA- Greetings Patrick and anyone reading these lines. Same old shit in Portugal. I am J. A. in this interview of NETHERMANCY. I play the rhythm guitars plus some keyboards. And I am Aion doing the vocals and writing the lyrics.


2. Nethermancy   was  formed  back  in 1996   when  did you  first  get the idea  to  start this  band?And  how  did you  choose  the  name   Nethermancy   as the  band name does it  have  a  special  meaning?

JA- Well, when I got the idea I immediately started working on some songs for a demo. The name came partially from a book I was reading at the time. It means: magick from the underworld.


3.How   would  you  say   Nethermancy's music  has  changed  over  the  years  and  who  do you  feel  are  the  bands  biggest  influences?

JA- Our music has changed a lot over the years and since we only did 3 albums in 23 years it's only natural that we embraced those changes. We don't have any major influences in our music, basically, everything we hear.

4.Magic Halls  Of Ascension  is  the  bands  newest  release  how  long  did It  take  the  band to  write  the  music for this  release? Does  the  whole  band  take  part  in  the  writing  process  or  does  one  member  usually  take  care  of  everything?

JA- The music was written by me in a few weeks, but it took 3 years to have all the parts from all the musicians involved in the project. Everyone involved has other bands plus their regular jobs, families, so it took a long time to finally finish the album. Like I said, I write all the music then each member does his part the way they want it. 


5.Who  usually  takes care of  writing  the  lyrics  for the  band  and  what  are  some  subjects  you  all  wrote  about  on  the new  release?

Aion – I write all the lyrics in the band and in this new album I approach some enigmas and mysteries of the Human history based upon religion, universe, ancient civilizations and alchemy.

6.Besides the  new release  Magic Halls  Of Ascension  are  the  previous  releases  still available  to  buy? Besides  physical  cd's  does  the  band  have  any  other  merchandise  available for the readers  if  yes what  is  available  and  where can the readers  buy  it?

JA- All the previous CDs are sold out. The only available merchandise is the new CD.


7.What  have  been  some  of  Nethermancy's  most  memorable  shows over the years? And  who  are  some  bands you  have  shared  the  stage  with?

JA- We never played together in our lifes. Everything is done thanks to the internet. But, it's possible that next year (2018) we'll do our first show ever! Right here in good old Portugal.


8.Are  there  any upcoming  shows  or tours  in  support  of  the  Magic Halls  Of Ascension  release? If  yes where  will  the  band  be  playing?

JA- No tours, we're a small portuguese band my friend.


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

Aion – The usual that normal people do. We work, take care of our families and create new music.


10.  Nethermancy   comes  out  of  Portugal's  black  metal  scene  what  is your  opinion  of  the  scene in Portugal  over  the  years?

Aion – We do the music we like. The scene isn’t important for us.


11.Who  are your  all-time  favorite  Portuguese  bands? And  are  there  any  new  bands you  feel  the  readers  should  check  out  soon?

Aion – If you want to check out the Portuguese bands I advise you to search for them in the metal archives.


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

Aion – We are working with Helldprod Records and that’s about it. We don’t talk about the others.


13.What  does  black  metal  mean  to  you  and  how  do you  feel  the black metal  scene  has  changed over  the  years?

Aion – We have it all in Black Metal, the good and the bad ones. It’s up to you to decide which ones you prefer the most. Black Metal stands for dark and mystical knowledge ultimately expressed in music, nothing more nothing less. 


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

Aion – If you wanna contact us search in FB at www.facebook.com/nethermancy or write to chroan@sapo.pt. Thanks for your support and hail the ancient ones!

                                                                                     Band  Contacts
                                                                                      chroan@sapo.pt.
                                                                                   https://www.facebook.com/Nethermancy
                                                                                  https://nethermancy.bandcamp.com/
                                                                                     Label  Contacts
                                                                                http://www.helldprod.com/
                                                                             https://www.facebook.com/helldprod/
                                                                             https://helldprod.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Under Assault done by Patrick posted up on 9-22-17

Interview  with  Under  Assault   done  by  Patrick

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

Under Assault is a thrash metal band from Asunci�n, Paraguay, active from 2011, we discovered heavy metal when we went to high school

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

The first bands were metallica, iron maiden, manowar, black sabbath, sepultura, slayer, mercyful fate, our favorite bands are so many, exodus, d.r.i., agent steel, cyclone (from belgium) destructor (from cleveland) randy (from denmark) destruction, sodom, kreator, tankard, exumer, hellhammer, celtic frost, messiah, obituary, sarcofago, etc..


3.When  did you  first  meet the  other  members  of the  band?And what  is the  current  line-up  of  the  band?

All members used to frequent shows in the scene of Asunci�n when we were younger, we used to exchange material from our favorite bands and over time we became good friends, the current line up is: Marcelo nightlord and Esteban Centurion on guitars, Bruno Hunter on drums and Willians Destructor on bass and screams.


4. Possessed By Steel  is  the bands  newest 7Inch  how  long  did  it take  the  band  to  write  the  music  for  this  release?

It took us a short time to finish it, because both songs had certain arrangements in both lyric and instrumental, that meant that it took us some time to finish it.


5.Besides  the  Possessed By  Steel  release  does  the  band have  any other releases  still  available for the readers  to purchase?Besides physical releases does the  band have  any other  merchandise  if  yes what  is  available and  where  can  the readers buy it?

Yes, we have the demos (violent thrash 2012 and Process to kill 2013) sold out, 2 splits hell guarani and reptilian brigade, and the underground metal till death album released Independent last year, which we still have several copies, you can get them at witches brew and other stores: http://www.witchesbrewthrashes.eu/shop  -  www.destruktionshop.de/  - rockstakk.shop-pro.jp -  https://www.facebook.com/Alcoholic-Distro-265043083578898/  - or you can write to the fanpage of the band and we will coordinate the shipments.



6.Has  Under  Assault   started  to  work  on  new  music for thenext  release?If  yes  how  many  songs will be  on the  next release?

Yes, we are working on new songs for the next material, probably it will have between 8 or 9 songs.

7.Will  the  band  be working  with Witches  Brew  for the next release or  have you  discussed it  with  the label?

Yes, the new material will come out through Witches Brew, whom we thank eternally for trusting us and giving us their support.


8.Does  Under  Assault   play  live  very  often? If  yes  what  have been  some  of the bands most  memorable shows  so  far?

Yes, we have the opportunity to play often, thanks to the support of the organizers and headbangers who ask for us, a very memorable show for us was in Santiago de Chile last year, it was the first time that we left our Paraguayan underground scene, and playing in a big festival there with headbangers who supported us, it was epic and memorable.   We have a great memory of that moment.


9.Are their  any  shows  or  tours  coming  up  in  support  of  Possessed By Steel ?If  yes  where  will the  band  be  playing?

We have a show scheduled for December in the city of Posadas Argentina where we will take the opportunity to present the new meterial.

10.Besides  playing  in  Under  Assault   do  you or  any  of  the members  currently  play  in  any  other  bands?If  yes  please  tell  the readers a  little  about  them?

Yes, Marcelo Nightlord is a guitarist for Evil Force, a thrash metal band that has been active since 2015. They have 2 studio albums, demos, splits, and shared stage with legendary bands like Artillery, Onslaught, Razor, Esteban is active in bands like Scratchy Noise, crossover) Noisy pest infectian (grind) and Slayground thrash metal formed in 2009, are influenced by bands from the bay area, have an album called critical thinking have shared stage with legends like Exodus, Ratos do Poro, Artillery and Bruno Hunter is drummer of Toxic Avenger thrash metal active since 2012 recently released their first full length.



11.Under  Assault   comes  out  of Paraguay's  thrash  metal  scene
what  is your  opinion  of   the  metal  scene in  Paraguay?

The scene in Paraguay has been strengthened in recent times, many new bands have released quality material, and some have had the opportunity to go out to touch other South American countries as well as to send their physical materials to other parts of the planet.

12.Who  are  your  all-time  favorite  bands  coming  out  of Paraguay?And  are  there  any  new  bands  you  feel  the  readers should  check  out  soon?

There are several, and all are legendary classic bands that in some way or other have marked and influenced us to form a band, such as Agent steel, old metallica, slayer, exodus, possessed, death, nuclear assault, death angl, sacred raich, anvil bitch, cyclone, destructor , kreator, grim reaper, iron maiden, saxon, holocaust, venom, etc.
Some band recommendation: Sent to destroy from Argentina and Massive Power from Chile, these guys kicks ass !!
 

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

In the free time we dedicate to enjoy the music of our favorite bands with lots of beer !!!


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

Muchas gracias por el espacio, saludos a todos los lectores del Winter torment zine.

                                                                      Band  Contacts
                                                https://www.facebook.com/Under-Assault-477993742219672/
                                                                      Label  Contacts
                                                                http://www.witchesbrewthrashes.eu/
                                                                https://witchesbrewthrashes.bandcamp.com/

Finland's legendary black metal band Azaghal interview done by Patrick posted on 9-17-17

Interview  with  Azaghal  done  by  Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourself to the  readers?When  did you  first  discover  black metal?

- My interest in more extreme form of music (after the usual thrash bands, Mercyful Fate etc.) started with Death Metal in the early 90s, especially the Swedish scene. It was the early Emperor and Darkthrone stuff that got me into black metal, along with various demo bands through tape trading.


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

- Originally started listening to music with stuff like WASP, Mötley Crüe and Hanoi Rocks, then evolved into thrash and stuff like Mercyful Fate and Venom. 
I am pretty much stuck in the 90s/early 00s, I still mostly listen to black and death metal from that time period, but some newer killer bands I could mention are Malum, Sarkrista, Gestalte and Sawhill Sacrifice.


3.Azaghal  was  formed  in  1998  when  did you  first get the  idea to  start this band?And  how  did you  choose  Azaghal  as the name of the band?

- We started playing together with V-khaoz around 1995, the earlier stuff was more like chaotic death metal, but quickly turned more towards black metal. Tolkien was a big thing back then, and since Gorgoroth and  Burzum got their name from there, so did we.


4.How  would you say the  bands  music  has  changed  over  the years?And  who  are  some  of  the  bands  biggest  influences?

- Not that much has changed, I think we have established our sound pretty much already on the 3rd demo in 1999. We have never tried to reinvent the wheel, just make songs and lyrics that mean something to us personally. The  biggest influences are the already mentioned early 90s norweigian/Swedish stuff.


5.What  would  you  say  are  the  bands  most  memorable  shows  over  the  years?And  who  are  some  bands you  all have shared  the  stage with?

- Messe Des Morts in Canada was extremely cool, and of course the whole Brazilian tour. Our first gig ever, in Germany 2004 is also something unforgotable.


6.Are their  any  shows  or  tours  coming up  this  year?If  yes  where  will  the  band  be  playing?

- We will play at a festival in Paris, France in October. Beyond that, nothing is planned for now and we are concentrating on new material



7.Moribund  Rec.  has  re-released  the bands second full length  Helvetin  Yhdeksan  Piiria release  how  did you  all  come in  contact  with Moribund Rec  for this  re-release?

- Been in contact with Moribund pretty much since the 90s. They also released 3 of our albums before. They wanted to reissue the album, and since its hard to find nowadays why not.


8.Are  their  any  plans  to  re-release  any  of your  other  full-lengths or  earlier  releases   through Moribund Rec  or  are you  working on  new music for the  next  full length?

- We hope to get most of the stuff re-issued, since especially in US it hasn’t been that easy to find. Also working a new album, but no release date yet, not until 2018 anyway.


9.Besides  playing  in  Azaghal  do  you  currently  work  with  any  other  bands or  projects?If  yes please  tell the readers  a  little  about  them?

- Currently only active band that I am involved in is Wyrd, “Death of the Sun” album came out on Moribund awhile back, and we are now working on the follow up.


10.Azaghal  comes out  of  Finland's  black  metal  scene  what  is your  opinion  of  the  mighty  finnish  black metal  scene?

- I think it’s among the best nowadays with some killer new bands and a lot of old bands reforming and still kicking ass.


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

- All-time faves from Finland are Archgoat, Beherit, Belial, old Amorphis, old Sentenced to name a few. From newer bands I’d recommend checking out Malum, Sawhill Sacrifice, Kalmankantaja, Grieve and Devouring Star.


12.Besides  bands  are  their  any  honest and reliable  labels and distro's  you  feel the readers  should  check  out soon?Do you read  many fan or web-ziness?Are their  any  Finnish  zines  you  could recommend?

- I am pretty much completely out of the loop regarding distros and zines nowadays. Northern Heritage and Werwolf Records come to mind first.


13.When  did you  first become  interested  in reading  and  studying  occult and  Satanism subjects?

- At a very young age, always been fascinated by the subjects, think it all started from Mercyful Fate and Venom lyrics and just their general image.


14.Are  their  any  Satanists or  occult  writers  you  like to  read and study?

- Pekka Siitoin.



                                                                         Label  Contacts
                                                                     http://www.moribundcult.com/
                                                                     https://moribundrecords.bandcamp.com/
                                                                    https://www.facebook.com/MoribundRecordsOfficial

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

Interview with From North done by Patrick posted on 9-17-17

Interview  with  From North  done  by  Patrick

1.Hello  please  introduce yourselves  to  the  readers?
Hey there! We’re From North, a five piece metal band from the Swedish west coast, influenced, both musically and literally, by the Vikings and their way of life.
The music is strong, big and melodic with vocals shifting between aggressive growl to clean. Complete with medieval instruments and powerful choirs!

2.At  what  age  did you  become  interested  in  playing and  writing  music?

I think it’s pretty common for all of us that we’ve played and contributed to the music we love for most of our lives. Either you write the music, words and melodies, or if you contribute with your style of playing and your soul, you are equally a part of it all.
3.When  did you  first  meet  the  other  members  of  the  band? And  how  did you  all pick  From North  as the name of the  band does it  have  a special  meaning?

Håkan (singer) and Mattias (guitar) are both living in the same city and have played together for several years. The other members, Janne (guitar), Mikael (Bass) and Robin (drums) are scattered around the nearby areas. Word spreads about good musicians, and sometime around winter 2016 we were a complete band.
We are from the northern parts of the world, therefore the name!

4. What is the current line-up  of the  band? For  the  readers  who  have never  heard  From North  who  would you  say  are the  bands biggest  influences?

Håkan Johansson (Vocals), Mattias Svensson (Guitars), Janne Lüthje (Guitars, Lead), Mikael Nilsson (Bass) and Robin Hermansson (Drums). We are influenced by band such as Sabbath, Rammstein, Slayer, Thin Lizzy, Dream Theater…

5.From North's self-titled debut will  be released  through  Downfall Rec. how  did you come  in  contact  with this  label?
We sent them a copy of our demo, and they contacted us. It turned out to be a great match there between the band and DF!

6.How  long  did  it  take  to  write  the  music  for  the  debut  release?

Håkan has been working on writing the music for over a year. Finding the right musicians for the band and recording everything took even longer. But now that From North are complete as a band, the next one is already in the making.
7.Who  usually  takes  care of  writing the  lyrics  and  what  are  some  subjects  the  band  writes  about?

On this record all the lyrics are written by a guy named Andreas Lindvall who have a big interest in the Scandinavian history and mythology. His narrative style just fitted the music well. The lyrics are a mix of historical events, tales about the old Gods, and stories from the life of people living these days.

8.Besides  the  self-titled  debut  release does  the  band  have  any  other  merchandise  available for the readers to  buy? If  yes  what  is  available and where can the readers  buy  it?

There certainly is! Aside the CD (and soon hopefully vinyl) we have T-shirts, pins, stickers and a lot of good looking stuff! If you gonna have just one cool band-logo on your jacket, you’re definitely wanna have From North’s!

9.Has   From North  played  live  yet  or do you  prefer  working  in the  studio? Who  are  some  bands you  have  shared  the  stage  with?
We have our first show in October here in Gothenburg, then we start looking for gigs and festivals, so hopefully we will have the pleasure to meet many fans in 2018!
10.Are  their  any  upcoming shows  or tours  the  readers  should  watch  out  for?

Keep your eyes and ears open, and most of all, check our website and FB for further info!

11. From North  comes  out  of  Sweden's  Viking  death metal scene what  is your  opinion  of  the  Swedish  death metal scene  over the years? I would rather say that we come from a mixture of the myriad of Swedish sub-scenes: from DM, Viking-BM, Power Metal and Doom-scenes amongst others. Sweden is producing so much kick ass metal and hard rock and it´s great to be a part of it! When it comes to Death metal; maybe only USDM can stand alongside the rows of legends from the Swedish scene… Recent years retro trend with bands like Vampire, Tribulation, Entrails and Morbus Chron, brings up the rotten old School again which is nice. But you can never go wrong with the old albums.

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

personally have to give the horns to up and coming Gothenburg Speed Metal-heads Armory, with members from Irrbloss: and Black Metal band Nekrokraft.

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

We are simple men: Give us some 70s muscle cars, motorcycles, the northern nature with fjords, forests and fishing rivers, some music equipment to play on, good beer and mead to drink, some “pulled moose” with summer potatoes, our beautiful women and good friends to  shout “Skål” with, and we will call it a good day!

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

Keep calm and listen to metal! (With a big amount of From North!)

See you!
/From North

Band Contact

http://www.fromnorth.se/

https://twitter.com/Fromnorthswe

Label Contact

http://www.downfallrecords.com/

Affliktor interview done by Patrick posted on 9-10-17

Interview  with  Toby  Knapp  vocals  and  all instruments  for  Affliktor  done  by  Patrick

1.Hello  Toby  how  are  you  doing this  week?Please  introduce  yourself to  the  readers?

Hello! I'm doing well! I'm a multi-instrumentalist based out of Wyoming. My main instrument is the guitar and I enjoy making evil and heavy music. That's why I'm here.

2.When  did you  first  start  listening to  rock  and  metal?Who  were  some  of the  first  bands that grabbed your  attention?

I'm an old bastard so I saw hard rock evolve into metal. In the seventies as a four year old I was listening to my parents albums- because they weren't interested in them anymore. Some of the first bands I heard were Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Black Oak Arkansas, Deep Purple, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Alice Cooper, Kiss, etc. Hearing Jimmy Page on the second Led Zeppelin album really possessed me. It scared the hell out of me, I sensed something dark there.....still do. At that point I knew I wanted to be involved in music but wasn't sure to what extent and in what manner.

3.Besides  rock and  metal  do you  listen to  any  other  musicial  genres?If  yes who  are some  of your  favorite  bands and artists?

I like so many genres. I love early progressive rock like Yes, King Crimson, Rush, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Camel, Alphataurus, Pulsar, Genesis and so many more. I like classic rock too- the roots; Beatles, Herman's Hermits, Thin Lizzy, Rolling Stones, Jethro Tull, Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Good rock and roll music. Favorite classical composer would be Vivaldi. I also enjoy real mellow and kinda corny AM radio music from the 70's. I like so much stuff, music is my life. There are some bands from the eighties I just discovered like Anger, Universe, Jupiter, Alien, Niagara, 220 Volt...it never ends.

4.At  what  age  did you become  interested in  learning to  play  the  guitar?Who  would you  say  are  some  of your  influences and  favorite  guitarist?

Like I mentioned earlier it was really Jimmy Page. I was around 13 when I saw the Led Zeppelin concert film "The Song Remains the Same" and when the film was over I picked up the guitar and never put it down. I liked how the guitar could speak to and manipulate the emotions of the listener. I studied Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton heavily at first and then took things up a notch when I heard Ritchie Blackmore on the Rainbow album "On Stage". Soon after, Yngwie Malmsteen was introduced and I became obsessed with the guitar. All those Shrapnel Records releases of the eighties; Friedman, Becker, Vinnie Moore, Macalpine, Tafolla, Paul Gilbert, Kotzen, Greg Howe, Apocrypha....that was my life. Other players I really draw inspiration from are Loudness's Akira Takasaki and John Norum from Europe. There are many more but too numerous to list.

5.Besides  the  guitars  do you  play  any  other  instruments?Are  their  any  instruments that you  would  like to  learn to  play  one day?

I actually played the drums first and was getting really good before abandoning them for the guitar. I use a drum machine on several of my albums and I think the fact that I was a drummer obviously makes me a decent drum programmer. I wouldn't mind revisiting drums and maybe becoming more of a keyboardist than just simple atmospheric passages....but I'm still trying at the guitar, that is plenty.

6.When  did you first get the  idea  to  form  Affliktor  and  who  would you  say are the  bands  biggest  influences?

Often things that lead to an album are as simple as getting on a "kick". Affliktor was the result of revisiting a lot of my 90's Death Metal collection on long commutes to work. I was also listening to "mean thrash"- stuff like early Kreator, Pestilence and Sacrifice. Listening to Morbid Angel everyday I was like "fuck, I need to do something powerful, energetic and well.....negative." I just started making demos and recording riffs and it fell into place naturally. There are musicians in place for an Affliktor 'band'....but on this album I did everything myself. So with this Affliktor stuff, Teutonic thrash of the eighties like Kreator, Sodom, Destruction mixed with the early nineties Death Metal of bands like Morbid Angel, Deicide, Hellwitch...Slayer of course is hugely influential on this record. A friend of mine described it as a mixture of Annihilator and Bathory- and I really liked that comment!

7.How  long  did it take you to  write  the music  for  the  debut release?

Probably a month....it took longer to record though because my gear kept breaking down. I ended up singing, for lack of a better term, through a marshall amp.

8.Toby  you  are the sole  member of  the  band  would you  like to find  new members to  make a  full line up  or do you  prefer to  work  alone?

I have been at this alone for a very long time because there was really no other choice. However, lately I have been collaborating with drummer, vocalist Shane Wacaster in a band called Necrytis. We are actually writing stuff together and I am enjoying that. Our first album is coming out on Pure Steel Records in September and we have already begun the follow up. I have worked with some great musicians in Montana...but people just kind of drifted apart through the years. Hopefully things will come full circle one day.

9.Who  are  some  musicians{past or present}  you  would  like  to  work  with and why?

David Vincent needs me. I would love to work with him. I think I could collaborate on an album with him that would be great...but that is a pipedream. I always wanted to be in King Diamond or Overkill. I always wanted to just step into an established band and be a guitar player, do my assigned job. I almost got the gig with Mayhem a few years back but logistics were just not going to work out. Attila Csihar did some guest vocals on my solo album "The Campaign" though, so at least something good came from that. It would be nice to do a completely different thing and collaborate with Kate Bush...that is if I had my choice on how things work out.

10.Toby  I  know you  have  been  a  part of the underground scene  for  many  years what is your  opinion  of the underground scene  over the  years?

In the eighties the underground ruled- look what came from it? Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Overkill, Kreator, Exodus...these bands are still killing it today. In the nineties we saw great death metal; Immolation (still great), Nuclear Death, Impetigo, Blasphemy, Hellwitch, Morbid Angel, Crucifer, Deteriorate, Toxodeth.....and the first few waves of Black Metal, countless fucking great bands and singular artists. Today? Not much. Nothing that gives me hope or excites me. Realize I am 45 and don't relate to how the youngsters are going about the business of extreme music these days. That presents a problem many older fans are perplexed with....our favorite bands are getting older- how long are Slayer, Overkill and Kreator going to hang in there? What do we do when those guys stop? It's bad enough Rush called it quits....I understand that, we all get older. I just don't see a new generation carrying the torch once Slayer announces their last tour....I'm sorry...Lamb of God and all their little clones do not do it for me. I am not fooled by their groove shit. Social media ruined it too....I liked the survival of the fittest via snail mail, demo tapes and word of mouth. The scene was more selective then and not so overcrowded with bullshit. I am on facebook a lot pushing albums, do I like it? No, I hate it.

11.Besides  working  in    Affliktor  I  believe you  have some  other  projects and  bands active  please tell the readers a  little  about the  other bands you are  currently  involved  with?

Waxen is another one man band doing strict Black Metal for Moribund Records. Where Evil Follows is a traditional heavy metal project also on Moribund. Both are active. I do my solo instrumental guitar albums every few years either for Shredguy of Crushing Notes records. Necrytis is a three piece that is doing really well at the moment. We play kind of violent, raw and strange Power Metal and are working with Germany's Pure Steel Records. With all my projects combined I've done around 20 albums or so since the first one in 1993. That was a solo album "Guitar Distortion" on Shrapnel Records.

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

Listening to music, collecting music. It's all about finding all the albums I missed out on, that keeps me busy!

13.Have you  ever  made  a  video  for  any  of the  bands  you  work  with?If  yes which  band  and song? If you  could  make  a  video  for  any  of your  bands which  song  would you like to see made  into  a video?

I had my band Onward in the early 2000's, we were with Century Media and did an official video for a song called "Night". Really, the only other thing is "Chaos Magick Totality" from Affliktor which showcases Mark Riddick's genius album artwork. An official DVD of bootleg live Onward gigs was circulated for awhile via Shredguy Records. I would like to do an Affliktor video for the song "Backwards Into Hell". That is my favorite. The Waxen tune "Hollow Eyes" would make a good video too.

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

Thank you very much for conducting this interview with me, I really enjoyed it. Hello to all your readers and I hope they will check out one of my projects! There is something for everyone except Christian Metal or Groovecore or Grundge or Emo or Hipster Black Metal or Rap or Djent or................

                                                                           Toby's  Contacts

                                                                 https://tobyknappmusic.com/home

                                                              https://www.facebook.com/TOBYKNAPP13/

                                                                        Affliktor  Contacts

                                                                 https://affliktor.bandcamp.com/

                                                               https://www.facebook.com/Affliktor/