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středa 27. března 2024

Recenze/review - INNERSPHERE - In the Shadow of The Sun (2024)


INNERSPHERE - In the Shadow of The Sun
CD 2024, Smile Music Records

for english please scroll down

Jsem vděčný za každé ráno, kdy vyjde slunce. Rád mu nastavuji svoji tvář, i když vím, že dokáže být také pěkně nebezpečné. Čerpám energii odněkud z vesmíru. Dovedu pochopit uctívání kultu slunce ve starých kulturách. Vždyť i samotný John Lennon kdysi napsal: "Až ti bude v životě nejhůř, otoč se ke slunci a všechny stíny padnou za tebe." Myslím, že netřeba dodávat cokoliv dalšího. 

Slunce, jeho energie, jeho síla, se prolínají jako nějaká žlutá linka i celým novým albem plzeňských melodických death metalistů INNERSPHERE. Jedná se o třetí dlouhohrající desku a dle mého také tu nejlepší. Je nejvíc propracovaná, doslova nabitá nápady i takovým tím chvěním, které má v sobě obsahovat dobrá muzika. 


Když jsem slyšel nové album poprvé, říkal jsem si, že si kapela vzala poměrně velké sousto. Necelých 48 minut by bylo dost i na o hodně zkušenější muzikanty. Jenže pánové mě vyvedli z omylu. Hrozně se mi líbí čitelná a živelná produkce, jedná se o takový ten zvuk, u kterého se můžete soustředit na samotné nápady. A že jich na nahrávce je. INNERSPHERE jsou hlavně dobrými skladateli. Mají jasnou vizi, koncept, který se jim povedlo promítnout do všech skladeb. Jak jsem již zmiňoval, základní myšlenky jsou odkazovány na slunce, na jeho životodárnou energii, ale i spalující žár. Osobně jsem si to přeložil tak, že bez téhle planety by nebyl život. Za sebe pak musím doplnit, že bez hudby také ne. Plzeňští se pohybují v dnes již poměrně stojatých vodách melodického death metalu. Ten ale uchopili po svém, doplnili spoustu svých nápadů a invenci. Jsou progresivní, melancholičtí, syroví i tajemní. Z poctivé muziky musejí být cítit emoce, musí vás přesvědčit k tomu, abyste se k ní rádi vraceli. Normálně se pohybuji v trošku jiných stylových vodách, ale k "In the Shadow of The Sun" se budu vždy rád vracet. Má v sobě totiž něco, co ostatní neumí. Perfektní a zapamatovatelné melodie. Je sice fakt, že někde uprostřed alba vyžadují songy od posluchače trošku více soustředění (nejsou tolik hitové), ale zase si je dovedu představit jako koncertní jistoty. Jinak nevím, jestli je to jen můj dojem, ale v určitých momentech mi novinka lehce připomíná to, co dělají na svých posledních deskách mí oblíbenci MOONSPELL. INNERSPERE nejsou již dávno trošku nesmělou začínající kapelou. Naopak, novým albem dokazují, že mají rozhodně co říct. Už teď se těším, až je uvidím zase někdy naživo. Nová deska je totiž spalující, temná i chladná zároveň. Jsem vděčný za každé ráno, kdy vyjde slunce. Rád mu nastavuji svoji tvář, i když vím, že dokáže být také pěkně nebezpečné. Čerpám energii odněkud z vesmíru. Mocný, majestátní melodický death metal! Stín a světlo, kult slunce!


Asphyx says:

I'm thankful for every morning the sun comes up. I like to turn my face to it, even though I know it can be pretty dangerous. I draw my energy from somewhere in the universe. I can understand the worship of the sun cult in ancient cultures. After all, John Lennon himself once wrote: "When you're at your lowest ebb in life, turn to the sun and all the shadows will fall behind you." I don't think I need to add anything else.

The sun, its energy, its power, is intertwined like a yellow line through the whole new album of Pilsen melodic death metallers INNERSPHERE. This is the third long-playing album and in my opinion the best one. It's the most elaborate, literally loaded with ideas and the kind of trembling that good music should contain.


When I heard the new album for the first time, I thought that the band had taken quite a big bite. Less than 48 minutes would have been enough even for much more experienced musicians. But the gentlemen have proved me wrong. I really like the clear and lively production, it is the kind of sound where you can concentrate on the ideas themselves. And there are a lot of them on the record. INNERSPHERE are mainly good songwriters. They have a clear vision, a concept that they have managed to translate into all the songs. As I already mentioned, the basic ideas are referred to the sun, to its life-giving energy, but also to its scorching heat. Personally, I translated this to mean that without this planet there would be no life. Then I must add for myself that without music, there is no life either. Pilseners are in the nowadays quite stagnant waters of melodic death metal. However, they took it in their own way, adding a lot of their own ideas and inventiveness. They are progressive, melancholic, raw and mysterious. Honest music has to feel emotional, it has to convince you to come back to it. Normally I'm in slightly different stylistic waters, but I'll always love coming back to "In the Shadow of The Sun". It has something that others can't. Perfect and memorable melodies. It's true that somewhere in the middle of the album the songs require a bit more concentration from the listener (they're not as hit-oriented), but then again I can imagine them as concert certainties. Otherwise, I don't know if it's just my impression, but in some moments the new album reminds me a bit of what my favourites MOONSPELL do on their last albums. INNERSPERE are not a bit shy beginners anymore. On the contrary, with the new album they prove that they definitely have something to say. I'm already looking forward to seeing them live again. The new album is scorching, dark and cold at the same time. I'm thankful for every morning the sun comes out. I like to turn my face to it, even though I know it can be pretty dangerous too. I draw my energy from somewhere in the universe. Powerful, majestic melodic death metal! Shadow and light, the cult of the sun!







Tracklist:
1. Petrichor
2. Whisperer
3. Obisidan
4. Ozymandias
5. Shallow Shores
6. Redemption
7. The Old Man of Storr
8. The Trident is Burning
9. Nectar
10. In the Shadow of the Sun

band:
Míra Litomerický – kytary, hlavní zpěv
Lukáš Mai – kytara, zpěv
Marek Hubocky – baskytara, zpěv
Filip Wintr – bicí



pondělí 25. března 2024

Recenze/review - TRISTE - Scapegoats (2024)


TRISTE - Scapegoats
CD 2024, Coldvalley Cultists

for english please scroll down

Už několik měsíců chodím prázdnými ulicemi. Nikde není živá duše. Ani v továrně, ve které pracuji celý svůj život. Na město padá šedý prach. Zbylo tu jen pár prašivých psů a přízraky, otištěné na zbořené zdi. Smutek a splín jsou mými jedinými společníky. A také hudba, kterou poslouchám stále dokola. Němečtí TRISTE jsou kapelou, složenou ze členů Moribund Mantras, Discommand, Vordt, Yonder, Sedhate. A také doom death metalem, který vás rozdrásá do krve.

Temnota opuštěných továren, smutek a beznaděj. Už se vám někdy stalo, že vás bolelo uprostřed vnitřností a neznali jste příčinu? Nové album "Scapegoats" se vám usadí ve vašem těle a začne v něm kousat a hnisat. Budete se dívat na zničené město a z očí vám poteče krev. 


Je to klasický, syrový a mrazivý doom metal, ale také hudba, která v určitých momentech odkazuje na kapely jako BOLT THROWER, PRIMITIVE MAN. Zazní i sludgeové pasáže. Posluchač tak dostane velmi návykový, naléhavý materiál. Budete si připadat jako v močálech, které jsou hned kousek za městem. Budete se pomalu propadat do hlubin a ucítíte pach rozkládajícího masa. Toxicita lidské duše, schopnost sebezničení vlastního druhu, to nás odlišuje od zvířat. Netuším, co vlastně bylo příčinou zničení celé naší kdysi krásné země. Možná naše pýcha a neschopnost sebereflexe. Co ale vím jistě je, že tuhle nahrávku budu poslouchat stále dál, protože přesně vyjadřuje to, co se stane, až nastane apokalypsa. Hnis a špína, vše ohlodané na kost, zvuk, který vám způsobí zástavu srdce (recorded, mixed and mastered by Raph Hiebe). TRISTE na to jdou nekompromisně, vše je syrové a přesně takové, jako to mám rád. Líbí se mi jejich rukopis, přístup, s jakým přistupují k hudbě jako k celku. Vyprávějí nám své děsivé příběhy a vy jenom sedíte, jako věřící v kostele. Akorát s tím rozdílem, že vám žádná víra nepomůže. Nikdy nepřijdete do nebe. Budete spáleni na popel, jako celá země. Představte si, že se ráno probudíte a svět už dávno neexistuje. Alespoň ne v té podobě, v jaké jste jej znali. Je to hodně smutný pohled, na mrtvé stroje, na ulice bez lidí. Němcům se povedlo vytáhnou z lidských myšlenek všechno zlé a ošklivé, čeho je člověk schopen. Vypálili to jasným plamenem na hudební nosič a podávají spolu se syrovým masem. Už několik měsíců chodím prázdnými ulicemi. Nikde není živá duše. Ani v továrně, ve které pracuji celý svůj život. Na město padá šedý prach. Těžký, temný doom death metal s sludge crustovou příměsí! Pesimistická, pochmurná, dystopická vize!


Asphyx says:

I've been walking empty streets for months. Not a soul in sight. Not even in the factory where I've worked all my life. Grey dust falls on the city. All that's left are a few mangy dogs and ghosts printed on a ruined wall. Sadness and full moon are my only companions. And the music I listen to over and over again. German TRISTE is a band made up of members of Moribund Mantras, Discommand, Vordt, Yonder, Sedhate. And doom death metal that will rip your blood.

The darkness of abandoned factories, sadness and hopelessness. Has it ever happened to you that you had a pain in the middle of your gut and you didn't know the cause? The new album "Scapegoats" will settle in your body and start to bite and fester. You'll be looking at a destroyed city and blood will come out of your eyes.


It's classic, raw and chilling doom metal, but also music that in certain moments refers to bands like BOLT THROWER, PRIMITIVE MAN. There are also sludge passages. The listener gets very addictive, urgent material. You will feel like you are in the swamps just outside the city. You will slowly sink into the depths and smell the stench of decaying flesh. The toxicity of the human soul, the capacity for self-destruction of our own kind, that's what sets us apart from the animals. I have no idea what caused the destruction of our once beautiful country. Perhaps our pride and our inability to self-reflect. But what I do know is that I will continue to listen to this recording because it accurately describes what will happen when the apocalypse comes. Filth and filth, everything chewed to the bone, a sound that will make your heart stop (recorded, mixed and mastered by Raph Hiebe). TRISTE go at it uncompromisingly, everything is raw and just the way I like it. I like their handwriting, the way they approach the music as a whole. They tell us their scary stories and you just sit back, like a believer in church. Except that no amount of faith will help you. You'll never get to heaven. You'll be burned to ashes, like the whole earth. Imagine waking up in the morning and the world doesn't exist anymore. At least not as you knew it. It's a very sad sight, dead machines, streets without people. The Germans have managed to extract from human thought everything evil and ugly that man is capable of. They burned it out in a bright flame on a music carrier and served it with raw meat. I've been walking the empty streets for months. There's not a living soul anywhere. Not even in the factory where I've worked all my life. Grey dust falls on the city. Heavy, dark doom death metal with sludge crust mixed in! A pessimistic, gloomy, dystopian vision!



Tracklist:
01. Sinking Bodies 
02. Scapegoats 
03. Civilizations Come And Go 
04. Death Cult 
05. Denial 
06. Interlude 
07. Below Zero 
08. Lock-In Technology 
09. Enslaved 
10. Industrial Funeral 
11. Total Alienation



sobota 23. března 2024

Recenze/review - MOON INCARNATE - Hymns to the Moon (2024)


MOON INCARNATE - Hymns to the Moon
CD/LP, Iron Bonehead

for english please scroll down

Když měsíc zalije svým světlem celý hřbitov, připadám si jako v jiném světě. Náhrobky září do tmy. Některé kříže jsou pokryté pavučinami, které se krásně třpytí. Je v tom něco magického, přitažlivého, tajemného. Z márnice se začnou ozývat podivné zvuky a když vstoupíte dovnitř, tak se někteří mrtví usmívají. Nejraději ale mám, když vše zasype sníh. To se potom rozprostře po celém hřbitově neskutečný klid. Mráz se mi dostane do kostí a mám neodbytnou touhu na nějakou smutnou, podmanivou hudbu.

MOON INCARNATE hrají přesně tím záhadně pochmurným způsobem, který mám tolik rád. Jedná se o debut zkušených muzikantů (Christian Kolf (Valborg) a Matin Vasari (Beyondition)), kteří se sešli, aby nám předali svědectví o děsivých hororových zážitcích z onoho světa. Nové album "Hymns to the Moon" je majestátní ozvěnou, která zní hřbitovem, když je úplněk. 


"Hymns to the Moon" je nahrávkou, která se vám dostane do morku kostí. Odkazuje se v ní na kapely typu ANATHMEMA, PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE, AMORPHIS, KATATONIA, MOONSPELL, SAMAEL. Posluchač dostane pestrou směs melodií, které se kolem vás pomalu omotají jako jedovatí hadi. Je hrozně příjemné několikrát u skladeb zemřít a znovu se narodit. Připadám si jako poutník, který se vydal na poslední cestu. Pomocí téhle hudby naleznete vstup do záhrobí a když vstoupíte dovnitř a zaplatíte převozníkovi, potkáte děsivé přízraky. Dostanete od nich velkou porci nahrubo nasekané tmy, chladu a pradávné jiskry, která odjakživa oddělovala dobré kapely od špatných. MOON INCARNATE se pro mě stali na dlouhou dobu průvodci v říši mrtvých. Každé ráno jsem uléhal do své rakve, a těšil se, až se večer zase sejdeme. Novinka má totiž skvělý zvuk (mastering - Armin Ravea (Pavor)). Jsou chvíle, kdy jsem hrozně rád sám. Ponořím se do sebe a musím ven, na vzduch. Pokaždé mě mé kroky zavedou na nedaleký hřbitov. Samozřejmě se tak děje ve společnosti MOON INCARNATE. Připadám si jako vlkodlak ze starých legend. Měsíc mě fascinuje, přitahuje, drásá do krve. Stejně jako tahle nahrávka, která je po okraj narvaná zajímavými momenty. Jako bych byl zahalen během poslechu do ledové mlhy. Když měsíc zalije svým světlem celý hřbitov, připadám si jako v jiném světě. Náhrobky září do tmy. Některé kříže jsou pokryté pavučinami, které se krásně třpytí. Je v tom něco magického, přitažlivého, tajemného. Nezbývá nic jiného, než pokleknout a poklonit se před sílou přírody. Mrazivé, gotické ozvěny z onoho světa! Děsivá fáze doom death metalového měsíce!


Asphyx says:

When the moon bathes the whole cemetery in its light, I feel like I'm in another world. The tombstones glow in the dark. Some of the crosses are covered with cobwebs that shimmer beautifully. There's something magical, alluring, mysterious about it. Strange noises start coming from the morgue, and when you step inside, some of the dead are smiling. But my favorite part is when the snow covers everything. It makes the whole cemetery so quiet. The chill gets into my bones and I have an insistent desire for some sad, haunting music.

MOON INCARNATE play in that mysteriously sombre way that I love so much. This is the debut album from two seasoned musicians (Christian Kolf (Valborg) and Matin Vasari (Beyondition)) who have come together to give us a testament to the terrifying horror of the afterlife. The new album "Hymns to the Moon" is a majestic echo that sounds through the graveyard when the moon is full.



"Hymns to the Moon" is a record that will get you to the core. It references bands like ANATHMEMA, PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE, AMORPHIS, KATATONIA, MOONSPELL, SAMAEL. The listener gets a colourful mix of melodies that slowly wrap around you like poisonous snakes. It's terribly pleasant to die and be reborn several times at the songs. I feel like a pilgrim who has embarked on his last journey. With this music you find the entrance to the afterlife and when you enter and pay the ferryman, you meet terrifying phantoms. You'll get a big helping of the coarsely chopped darkness, cold and ancient spark that has always separated the good bands from the bad. MOON INCARNATE have been my guides in the realm of the dead for a long time. Every morning I would lie down in my coffin, looking forward to meeting them again in the evening. There are times when I'm very happy to be alone. I'm gonna dive in and get out for some air. Each time, my steps take me to a nearby cemetery. Of course, this is in the company of MOON INCARNATE. I feel like a werewolf from the old legends. The moon fascinates me, attracts me, tears my blood. Just like this record, which is packed to the brim with interesting moments. It's like being enveloped in an icy fog while listening. When the moon bathes the whole cemetery in its light, I feel like I'm in another world. The tombstones glow in the dark. Some of the crosses are covered with cobwebs that shimmer beautifully. There's something magical, alluring, mysterious about it. There is nothing to do but kneel and bow before the power of nature. Freezing, gothic echoes from the other world! The terrifying phase of the doom death metal moon!


tracklist:
1. Hymn to the moon
2. The tempest
3. A knight’s death
4. Nemesis
5. A graveyard in my soul
6. Minotaur
7. The kraken


pátek 22. března 2024

Recenze/review - DÖDSRIT - Nocturnal Will (2024)


DÖDSRIT - Nocturnal Will
CD 2024, Wolves of Hades

for english please scroll down

Když tě bolí srdce, tak řveš do ticha. Když nevíš, kam utéct, tak přidáváš hlasitost. Nechceš být ve svém pokoji a trápit svoji duši. Chceš křičet v temnotě. Vždycky jsem měl rád hudbu, kterou když poslouchám, tak ve mě rozdrásá emoce. Ze čtvrté dlouhohrající desky švédských DÖDSRIT cítím takovou tu pradávnou metalovou sílu. Je to jako stát ve vichřici, někde daleko na severu. Vaše duše bude očištěna. Ohlodáni na kost se potom vrátíte, abyste mohli v současném divném světě zase fungovat. Do té doby, dokud vás zase nepohltí temnota.  

Na novinku "Nocturnal Will" jsem si vzpomněl i v hlubokém lese, když jsem se šel projít. Vedle cesty leželo mrtvé zvíře. Mělo skleněný pohled a zmrzlou krev kolem. Také cítíte tu sílu a energii, která ze skladeb doslova tryská na všechny strany? Black metal, punk i crust. To vše dohromady smíchané v jedovatém koktejlu. 


Na DÖDSRIT se mi hodně líbí jejich schopnost napsat mrazivé melodie, které v sobě obsahují vše potřebné pro spočinutí. Pánové dokáží být divocí a zběsilí, ale i melancholičtí. Doporučuji poslouchat v naprosté tmě. Teprve potom vyniknou jednotlivé nuance. Album je totiž na první poslech zcela zničující, návykové. Při každém dalším setkání potom vylezou na povrch jednotlivé momenty. Je pro mě velmi příjemné utéct z města, toulat se lesem a poslouchat u toho "Nocturnal Will". Líbí se mi vlastně všechno. Chladný a ostrý zvuk, tajemný a temný obal i celková produkce. Pánové mají svůj rukopis. Původně jednočlenný projekt/kapela Christoffera Östera (i letos je hlavním autorem a skladatelem) byla doplněna o další muzikanty a vy si tak můžete vychutnat další velmi pestrou, magickou desku. Pokud vás baví, jako mě, sledovat tající led na řece, pokud rádi stoupáte na hory a hledíte do krajiny, potom by se vám mohla líbit i tahle nahrávka. Fanoušci třeba takových DISSECTION, IMMORTAL, DRUDKH, SACRAMENTUM, by mohli být určitě nadšeni jako já. Určitě znáte ty magické momenty, které nastávají, když má přijít bouře. Tak přesně takovým způsobem na mě album působí. Stojíte proti větru a do tváří se vám zadírají kousky ledových kapek. Domů přijdete zmrzlí a očištění. Z "Nocturnal Will" je cítit pradávná síla, touha bojovat proti přízrakům. Když tě bolí srdce, tak řveš do ticha. Když nevíš, kam utéct, tak přidáváš hlasitost. Nechceš být ve svém pokoji a trápit svoji duši. Chceš křičet v temnotě. Black crust/punk metalová deska, napsaná krví a ohněm! Nostalgie a smutek z dávných časů!


Asphyx says:

When your heart hurts, you scream into silence. When you don't know where to run, you turn up the volume. You don't want to be in your room and torment your soul. You want to scream in the dark. I've always liked music that when I listen to it, it tears me apart. I can feel that ancient metal power from the fourth full-length from Sweden's DÖDSRIT . It's like standing in a whirlwind, somewhere far up north. Your soul will be cleansed. You'll come back afterwards to function again in the current strange world. Until the darkness engulfs you again.

I was reminded of the new "Nocturnal Will" when I went for a walk in the deep woods. There was a dead animal lying beside the path. It had a glassy look and frozen blood all around. Do you also feel the power and energy that literally oozes out of the songs in all directions? Black metal, punk and crust. All mixed together in a poisonous cocktail.


What I really like about DÖDSRIT is their ability to write chilling melodies that contain everything you need to relax. The gentlemen can be wild and furious, but also melancholic. I recommend listening in complete darkness. Only then will the nuances stand out. The album is, on first listen, completely devastating, addictive. Then, with each subsequent encounter, individual moments come to the surface. I find it very pleasant to escape the city, wander through the woods and listen to "Nocturnal Will". I like everything about it. The cold and sharp sound, the mysterious and dark cover and the overall production. The gentlemen have their own signature. The originally one-man project/band of Christoffer Öster (he is also the main author and composer this year) has been supplemented with other musicians and you can enjoy another very colorful, magical album. If, like me, you enjoy watching ice melting on the river, if you like to climb mountains and look at the landscape, then you might like this recording. Fans of DISSECTION, IMMORTAL, DRUDKH, SACRAMENTUM, for example, might be as excited as I am. I'm sure you know those magical moments that occur when a storm is about to come. That's exactly the way the album affects me. You're standing against the wind and bits of ice drops are hitting your cheeks. You come home frozen and cleansed. There's an ancient power in "Nocturnal Will" , a desire to fight the ghosts. When your heart aches, you scream into the silence. When you don't know where to run, you turn up the volume. You don't want to be in your room and torment your soul. You want to scream in the dark. A black crust/punk metal record, written in blood and fire! Nostalgia and sadness from the old days!


tracklist:
1. Irjala [10:37]
2. Nocturnal Fire [8:03]
3. Ember and Ash [0:45]
4. Utmed Gyllbergens Stig [4:33]
5. As Death Comes Reaping [10:45]
6. Celestial Will [8:29]

Lineup
Christoffer Oster - guitar / vocals
Georgios Maxoris - guitar / vocals
Jelle Soolsma - bass
Brendan Duffy - drums



pátek 15. března 2024

Recenze/review - IGNIS MORTIS - Haeresis Maleficarum (2024)


IGNIS MORTIS - Haeresis Maleficarum
EP 2024, Hammer of Hate Records

for english please scroll down

Již několikátou noc sleduješ krvavé stopy ve sněhu. Pokaždé tě dovedou na dávno opuštěný lesní hřbitov. Kolem mrtvého těla jsou v kruhu zapáleny svíce. Proříznuté hrdlo, další oběť v řadě. Zvedá se vítr a noci jsou čím dál tím delší. Mraky padají k zemi a smrt, ta stará děvka, se zase toulá ulicemi. Kdo bude další na řadě? A kdo může dělat něco tak  hrozného a ohavného? Odpovědi nepřicházejí. Trávíš čas hledáním bestie a poslechem nového EP finských black metalistů IGNIST MORTIS.

Jedná se o zkušené muzikanty, kteří působili a hrají v kapelách jako EVIL MIGHT, RIENAUS, GRIEVE, ARTHEMESIA. Pánové již od prvních společných setkání působí velmi ostře, chladně, temně. Skladby jsou napsány s jediným účelem - uhranout vás a proklít. Až na věky, amen!


Dobré nahrávky od špatných rozlišuji podle několika parametrů. Zásadní je vždy zvuk, přihlédnu i k obalu a celkové produkci. V případě této desky je vše náležitě špinavé, zastřené, pokryté pavučinami. Mám to takhle moc rád. Nejdůležitější jsou pro mě ale vždy nápady, způsob, jakým na mě hudba působí. Jestli ve mě dokáže probudit nějaké emoce, rozsekat mě, rozdrásat. IGNIS MORTIS tohle všechno umí a přidávají ještě něco navíc. Inspiraci pánové hledali ve švédské, norské a finské black metalové klasice devadesátých let. Není to ale jenom dnes tolik časté, obyčejné a dobře zahrané retro. Naopak, debutové EP působí velmi živým (mrtvolným) dojmem. Vznešené pasáže se střídají s těmi zemitými. Hrozně mě baví nasadit si sluchátka a sledovat usínající les. Když vydržím až do tmy, potkám i přízraky. Ti, spolu s démony ze starých časů kývají spokojeně hlavou a užívají si velmi podmanivou atmosféru. V jednotlivých pasážích potkáte smutek, hněv, šílenství, ale i melancholii zasněžených plání. Finové nám vyprávějí své příběhy a i když jejich řeči nerozumím ani slovo, nějak podvědomě vím, vnímám, o čem zpívají. V jejich riffech je bolest a utrpení, vzdor i nahrubo nasekaná tma. Líbí se mi hypnotické vokály, opravdu si připadám jako na místě, kde se pořádaly pradávné rituály smrti. Již několikátou noc sleduji krvavé stopy ve sněhu. Pokaždé mě dovedou na dávno opuštěný lesní hřbitov. Kolem mrtvého těla jsou v kruhu zapáleny svíce. Proříznuté hrdlo, další oběť v řadě. Bestie se probudila! A touží po čerstvém mase. Mrazivý, syrový black metalový vichr s temně krvavou aurou! Pradávné rituály smrti! 



Asphyx says:

You've been watching the bloody footprints in the snow for several nights now. Each time, they lead you to a long-abandoned forest graveyard. Candles are lit in a circle around the dead body. A slit throat, another victim in the line. The wind picks up and the nights grow longer and longer. The clouds fall to the ground and death, the old bitch, roams the streets again. Who's next? And who can do something so horrible and despicable? The answers are not coming. You spend your time searching for the beast and listening to the new EP of Finnish black metallers IGNIST MORTIS.

These are experienced musicians who have been in and played in bands like EVIL MIGHT, RIENAUS, GRIEVE, ARTHEMESIA. From their first meetings together, the gentlemen have a very sharp, cold, dark look. The songs are written with one purpose - to bewitch and curse you. Forever and ever, amen!


I distinguish good recordings from bad ones by several parameters. The sound is always essential, I also take into account the packaging and the overall production. In the case of this record everything is properly dirty, obscured, covered with cobwebs. I like it that way. But the most important thing for me is always the ideas, the way the music affects me. If it can awaken some emotion in me, tear me apart. IGNIS MORTIS can do all that and add something more. The gentlemen looked for inspiration in the Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish black metal classics of the nineties. But it's not just the nowadays so common, ordinary and well played retro. On the contrary, the debut EP gives a very lively (deadpan) impression. The sublime passages alternate with the earthy ones. I enjoy putting on my headphones and watching the forest fall asleep. If I can hold out till dark, I'll meet ghosts. They, along with the demons of old, nod their heads in satisfaction and enjoy the very captivating atmosphere. In individual passages you will find sadness, anger, madness, but also the melancholy of the snowy plains. The Finns tell us their stories, and even though I don't understand a word of their language, somehow I subconsciously know, feel, what they are singing about. There is pain and suffering, defiance and rough-hewn darkness in their riffs. I like the hypnotic vocals, I really feel like I'm in a place where ancient death rituals were held. I've been following the trail of blood in the snow for several nights now. Each time they lead me to a long-abandoned forest graveyard. Candles are lit in a circle around the dead body. A slit throat, another victim in the line. The beast has awakened! And it craves fresh meat. A freezing, raw black metal blast with a dark, bloody aura! The ancient rituals of death!


tracklist:
1. Noitasapatin irstaat syöjättäret 09:47
2. Kali Yuga Mysticus 04:31
3. Sanguine Luciferian Vampirism 05:15

band:
Faen - Drums
Ammutseba - Guitars (lead), Vocals (backing)
Valtias - Vocals, Synthesizers
Leo Lemmetty - Guitars (rhythm), Bass, Synthesizers


A few questions - interview with black metal band from Finland - IGNIS MORTIS.


A few questions -  interview with black metal band from Finland - IGNIS MORTIS.

Answered vocalist  Valtias, thank you!

Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of music do you play etc.?

Valtias: Hails! Ignis Mortis was founded in 2022 after Evil Might kind of vaporized. Evil Might was harsher and more straightforward black metal, even though the fundamentals of Ignis Mortis were already present: those melancholic and quite melodic and epic elements. We slowed down a bit and began to write darker and more interesting music than before.

Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?

We recorded the EP in our rehearsal place and we quite much understood that every reh. recording these days sound the same. They all have that same shitty digital fuzzing sound in them. We wanted something different, so we asked Lauri Laaksonen (Convocation, Desolate Shrine, Pestilent Hex) to mix and master the EP and also record the drums – as he’s a professional drummer.

I asked him to go towards Entombed’s Clandestine with a touch of Lemmy Kilmister Murder One amp setup and throw in some harsher soundscapes. We quite much enjoy the result as it’s definitely not your everyday black metal mix.

Laaksonen has his own mixing and mastering studio thing going on. Check out The Desolate Dungeon in Facebook if you want to try out something different.


How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

The CD release is 300 copies. We’re trying to find someone to release the MC and/or LP version. It’s also on every streaming platform.

Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?

I, Valtias wrote the lyrics.

The first song, Noitasapatin irstaat syöjättäret tells a story about fat priests who fuck children in their churches, and are then attacked and cursed by witches. Eventually Christendom will fall and nature wins. The title translates roughly into The Debauched Temptresses of Witches Coven. Syöjätär is also a kind of a Finnish foremother for many of our folklore’s nether creatures. She’s also the mother of snakes.

Second one, Kali Yuga Mysticus is about modern times, the cycles of Zeitgeist, and how we surf the waves of Kali Yuga; the Age of Fire. It’s a vision about a dystopia we’re living in right now; the totalitarianism of liberalism and the liberalism of totalitarianism. The cycles of societal downfalls, now accelerated by false Gods of post-humanity.

The last one, Sanguine Luciferian Vampirism is about spiritual vampirism; how the Luciferian ideal overcomes the modern day. How the underdogs dwell in darkness and suck the blood out of this godless era. It’s about being a vampiric leech of this modern world.

Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks? Do you consider these things important?

Logo is done by a good friend of mine, Tuomas T. of Nucleart Design. The cover artwork, the Al-Khemik Omega Ouroboros was visioned by me and drawn by my wife Skadhí. She drew the Penis Demon on the back as well. Also the inner chalice is done by her. The broken gravestone picture was shot by my colleague.

I’ve studied graphic design a bit, so I did the whole CD package by myself. I also drew the frames around our photos.

I’ve done the social network shit as well. I don’t really care about that at all. I only care about the art itself, but you need to ride those waves of Kali Yuga and participate in the global immolation somehow.


Which label did you choose for releasing your album and why this label? Are you satisfied by how your label represents you and takes care about you?

The guys from Kvlt Records are my friends, so I just dropped the finished product to them, and then Sami Tenetz said “Ok, I can release this through Hammer of Hate”. As you see, Kvlt has few sublabels, Hammer of Hate being one of them.

Well, Kvlt is an underground label, so they don’t exactly do any marketing. They have pretty wide distribution channels though.

Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?

There’s some bands I truly adore: Burzum, Kawir, Elend, Root, Bolt Thrower, King Diamond, Rotting Christ, Motörhead, Törr, Mercyful Fate, Bathory, The Doors, Summoning, Demigod, early Entombed, Master’s Hammer, Iron Maiden, Drudkh, Ulver, Mgła, Sigh, Absu and such.

I get my inspiration from the darker side of life. At the moment I just follow the Ukrainian war and what’s happening in the front. Also societal downfall is interesting. We’re in the middle of World War III and all people can speak of is political correctness, individual rights and shit like that. The world is fucking burning around us and people are whining about how someone speaks of someone else. Fuck that shit. Western civilization is doomed. People are idiotic and refuse to see through their tight social (media) bubbles.

Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?

I had a list of some 10-15 labels for the EP, but as Kvlt grabbed it first, we never sent it to anyone else. Kvlt was our first choice.


How many gigs have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether it's (clubs or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?

As Ignis Mortis, none. As Evil might, three, I think. All those gigs were in a club for some 50-100 people. We’re planning to play few gigs later this year.

I guess I don’t prefer to play live at all. I have one of those minds… I can’t remember lyrics – even my own. It’s a bit shitty situation. It all started about 20 years ago or so. A bit too much different kind of substances does wonders to one’s memory.

Of course, I could use some kind of prop for lyrics… Well, I actually have a Christian hymnal and I’ve glued the lyrics on the pages, but at last gig all the blood and makeup ran into my eyes, so I couldn’t even read the cursed book.

What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?

We don’t have anything else planned than a full-length album, which we’re working on at the moment.

How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?

Through the god-awful Facebook or by mail: deusignismortis@gmail.com.

Thanx for the interview.

Thank you! Spread the sunless poison: https://linktr.ee/ignismortis



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středa 13. března 2024

Recenze/review - WITCHORIOUS - Witchorious (2024)


WITCHORIOUS - Witchorious
CD 2024, Argonauta Records

for english please scroll down

Někdy na tebe padne těžký splín a hledáš inspiraci v temnotě. Čekáš až se setmí, abys mohl vyrazit do ulic. Sleduješ tváře démonů a pokaždé skončíš hluboko pod zemí. Kdysi dávno jsem navštívil Paříž a její katakomby. Dodnes si nesu tento tajemný a magický zážitek v sobě. Doomová kapela WITCHORIOUS je z Paříže. A předkládá smutný, bolestivý zážitek způsobem, že jsem si na nekonečné chodby podsvětí zase vzpomněl. Pánové a dáma hrají tak, že jsem si připadal rozdrásaný do krve.

Jedná se o dlouhohrající debut kapely, který si ale v ničem nezadá s o hodně slavnějšími kapelami. Nejsou to ale jenom formální věci,  jako skvělý zvuk (Studio Sainte-Marthe by Francis Caste), starodávný obal a perfektní produkce, ale hlavně pochmurné nálady, které se vznáší kolem jako můry kolem lampy. Je to hodně návykový materiál, u kterého jsem se pokaždé zastavil a moje myšlenky byly smutné. 


"Witchorious" je album, které je volně inspirováno kapelami jako BLACK SABBATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD, v intenzivnějších pasážích potom třeba MASTODON, AMENRA. To ale není zase tolik důležité, každý posluchač si stejně udělá nejlepší představu, když si poslechne ukázky. Slova nikdy nedokáží přesně vyjádřit veškeré emoce a sílu, které deska přináší. Líbí se mi, že je nahrávka velmi pestrou záležitostí. Dostanete nejen starou atmosféru, u které ucítíte v kostech chlad, ale také spoustu modernějších prvků. Album je tak nebývale pestré, skvěle napsané. Je to vlastně zvláštní a zároveň podivně krásné, když sedím ve svém pokoji a dívám se na usínající město. Šedivé ulice čekají na první přízraky, mraky jsou černé a skoro se dotýkají země. Píšu to často, doom metal je styl, který musí být zahraný od srdce, uvěřitelně. A to se povedlo Francouzům na výbornou. Naléhavé vokály, magické, záhadné melodie, pocit zmaru a beznaděje. Tohle vše zde najdete a ještě něco navíc. Mám rád staré hřbitovy, s chutí se procházím mezi náhrobky. Čtu si jména a přemýšlím, jaký asi měli život, kolik zažili dobrého i zlého. Ukrývám se ve stínu, navštěvuji podzemní chrámy a poslouchám u toho tuhle desku. Vám nelze jinak, než doporučit. Pokud máte tenhle styl rádi, neváhejte ani chvilku. Dostanete poctivě zahranou porci rozervaných skladeb, které vás časem zcela pohltí. Mě se to stalo. Padl na mě těžký splín a hledal jsem inspiraci v temnotě. Čekal jsem až se setmí, abych mohl vyrazit do ulic. Sledoval jsem tváře démonů a pokaždé skončil hluboko pod zemí. Drásavě bolestivý, pochmurně smutný doom metal, který vás uvrhne do temnoty vlastní duše! Smutná krása lidské existence!


Asphyx says:

Sometimes a heavy full moon falls on you and you look for inspiration in the darkness. Waiting for darkness to fall so you can hit the streets. You watch the faces of demons and each time you end up deep underground. Once upon a time, I visited Paris and its catacombs. I still carry that mysterious and magical experience with me. The doom band WITCHORIOUS is from Paris. And it presents a sad, painful experience in a way that made me think of the endless corridors of the underworld again. Gentlemen and lady play in a way that made me feel like I was being ripped to shreds.

This is the band's full-length debut, but it's no match for much more famous bands. But it's not just the formal stuff, like the great sound (Studio Sainte-Marthe by Francis Caste), the vintage cover art and the perfect production, it's the sombre moods that hover around like moths around a lamp. It's very addictive stuff, and I found myself stopping and my thoughts were sad every time.



"Witchorious" is an album that is loosely inspired by bands like BLACK SABBATH, ELECTRIC WIZARD, and in more intense passages by MASTODON, AMENRA. But that's not so important, every listener will get the best idea anyway when listening to the samples. Words can never accurately express all the emotions and power that the album brings. I like that the record is a very varied affair. Not only do you get the old school vibe where you can feel the chill in your bones, but you also get a lot of more modern elements. The album is so unprecedentedly varied, brilliantly written. It's actually strange and strangely beautiful at the same time, sitting in my room looking out over the city falling asleep. The grey streets are waiting for the first ghosts, the clouds are black and almost touching the ground. I write it often, doom metal is a style that has to be played from the heart, believably. And the French have done that to perfection. Urgent vocals, magical, mysterious melodies, a feeling of despair and hopelessness. You will find all that here and more. I like old cemeteries, I enjoy walking among the tombstones. I read the names and wonder what their lives were like, how much good and bad they experienced. I hide in the shadows, visit underground temples and listen to this record. I cannot but recommend it to you. If you like this style, don't hesitate a moment. You'll get an honestly played portion of ripping tracks that will completely consume you over time. It happened to me. A heavy full moon fell upon me and I sought inspiration in the darkness. I waited until it was dark to hit the streets. I watched the faces of the demons and each time ended up deep underground. Poignantly painful, bleakly sad doom metal that will plunge you into the darkness of your own soul! The sad beauty of human existence!



tracklist:
Monster
Catharsis
The Witch
Blood
Eternal Night
Sanctuaire
Amnesia
Watch Me Die
To The Grave
Why

band:
Guitar/vocals: Antoine
Bass: Lucie
Drums: Paul



A few questions - interview with doom metal band from France - WITCHORIOUS.


A few questions - interview with doom metal band from France - WITCHORIOUS.

Answered Antoine (guitars, vocals), thank you!

Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of music do you play etc.?

Hi Jakub! We are Witchorious from Paris (France) and we were found in late 2019. The band is composed of Antoine Auclair (guitar / vocals), Lucie Gaget (bass / vocals / theremin), and her brother Paul Gaget (drums / percussions). We play doom metal, mixing traditional heavy doom riffs with more post-metal structures, and blending clean vocals and screams. We released our first two singles in 2020, and we just released our first album on Argonauta Records on February 16th 2024.

Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?

We recorded our album in December 2022 at Studio Sainte-Marthe in Paris under the direction of Francis Caste (also producer for Hangman’s Chair, Necrowretch, My Diligence, etc.) It was a snowy winter in Paris, and we stayed locked up in the studio for around four weeks. It was a very cool experience, Francis had us try a lot of things for the sounds and arrangements. He also took care of the mixing and mastering, contributing so much to producing the occult atmosphere of the album.


How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

300 vinyl copies, 100 of them being label-edition, were released, and we also produced 200 CD copies on our own. Don’t wait to get yours!

Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?

Antoine writes most of the lyrics, although Lucie also wrote on song (“Eternal Night”). In general, lyrics are written when the first steps of a song are created, starting with riffs that we jam and intend to turn into a song. But it also happens that I write down so lyrics I have in my head, simple reflections, or sudden punchlines… Half of the songs on this album are very personal and deal with depression, mental health, and my questions around what are we doing here on this earth, towards what end… And the other half speak of society, the relationship between humans, how we are able to destroy everything that surrounds us for power, all this narrated with metaphors around the elements of occultism.

Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks? Do you consider these things important?

Our logo was created by Vaderetro Studio. We asked them to create something dark and evil to represent our sound. We also asked them to work on a picture of a sick medieval town ruled by the forces of evil to summarise what we wanted to talk about in the album, and they came up with the amazing front artwork. The additional drawings were made by Headbang Design based

on the first works of Vaderetro, and they definitely added an important touch of occultism to our imagery. Antoine and Lucie take care of our social media, in which we try to reflect our universe and current projects. We try to be as present as possible on social media, we are on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and we think it is very important. First of all, we love these media and use them to discover a lot of bands and keep abreast of their new music. Then it is definitely a very strong means to stay connected with your fan base, and more than that, build solid relationships with other bands and fans. When we started, we sometimes struggled finding interesting content to broadcast in these media, so we tried to publish things just when we felt like it, and now that we have more things to share, this is so funny to let people know of our news and interact with us, like asking them what song they would like to hear at our next gig… It is very rewarding when people answer you and show how enthusiastic they are!


Which label did you choose for releasing your album and why this label? Are you satisfied by how your label represents you and takes care about you?

We have chosen to partner with Argonauta Records and we do not regret it! We really hoped they would want to work with us when we sent them our album, because a lot of bands that we liked already worked with them. And look at their roster, it is gold! So many great bands, really in the stoner / doom / post-metal niche… Their boss, Gero, is really passionate about what he is doing and has an incredible know-how. From the first discussions with him and from the word-of-mouth, we knew we could rely on him for all our questions on the release. He’s done that so many times, he can really provide the mentorship we were looking for, with brilliant tips. And benefiting from Argonauta’s visibility and their many followers were a key asset when releasing the album.

Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?

Our main inspiration for this project, and in our playing in general, is Black Sabbath. They are really our gods in terms of songwriting and riff-making. On top that, we try to listen to as many bands as we can, and we are inspired by more modern doom bands like Electric Wizard, Monolord, or Lucifer, but also nu metal stuff like Korn and Deftones, metalcore bands like Parkway Drive and Jinjer… We try to incorporate elements from different genres to make our compositions richer. We are fascinated by bands who show an impressive mix of influences and sound both vintage and modern like Mastodon or Amenra.

Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?

Yes we sent our record to around fifteen labels and we got answers from 5 of them, for 2 deal propositions. In the end I feel that we have gotten propositions from labels that were the most relevant for us, and knowing that we really hoped Argonauta would say yes, this was beyond expectations. We are incredibly grateful to Gero for trusting us.


How many gigs have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether it's (clubs or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?

So far, we have played 16 shows. We have been lucky enough to play clubs, one festival, and small pubs. I’d say that our favorite place to play is small concert houses, because it is still small enough to feel very close to the audience, but big enough to have all the professional equipment and crew, which is really luxury haha. I think that one of our best shows was at Les Cuizines in

Chelles (our hometown) back in November 2023, because we had just done a series of gigs in different towns and it was very cool to play again at home before our families and friends with our newly gained experience. In my opinion, our best gig was actually our last gig at Supersonic in Paris, because it was very challenging: I was sick and worried that I might not be able to sing, and it was important for us because it was the release party of our album, so we hoped people would come… But eventually the two other bands performing (Margarita and Brusque) killed it, the room was crowded as F, and we did a very good performance. We had so much fun, it was really like a birthday party, everybody was there, and we gave the best of ourselves, it was the best night.


What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?

For 2024, the target is really to play as many shows as possible. We want to meet people and present our album live. Then I would say that we are going to try to play bigger and bigger venues. We’ll start working on songs for a second album very soon. We would really love to become a permanently active band in the niche, but above all we want to do acts that we will be proud of: good albums and killer shows. So we will gain as much experience as we can, try to show ourselves everywhere, and hopefully this will lead us to cool adventures!

How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?

Sure, you can contact us anytime on Messenger (https://www.facebook.com/Witchorious), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/_witchorious_/), or TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@witchorious), or even send us an email directly (witchorious@gmail.com). You can also visit our Bandcamp (https://witchorious.bandcamp.com/album/witchorious-2) to contact us. And of course, if we are coming to your town, please come to our show and say hi at the merch, we are always so happy to meet people and have a chat :)

Thanx for the interview.

Thank you so much Jakub!

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