Ztracený v temné mlze, marně hledám své krvavé kořeny. Na starých pohřebištích, na náhrobcích, na kterých jsou napsána jména mých předků, se snažím vypátrat alespoň střípky bolesti, kterou nosíme po generace v sobě. Jsme prokletí! Říkávaly nám naše matky, když nás porodily. Tolik strachu a beznaděje, tolik zbytečně zmařených životů. Zbylo jen pár pomníků, které nikoho nezajímají. Pokaždé, když se vrátím, cítím kolem sebe smrt.
Kapela COGAS je sice označována za britskou, ale původně se jedná o smečku ze Sardinie. Letos přichází se svým druhým dlouhohrajícím albem, které právě tematicky odkazuje na historii jejich původní vlasti. Nutno rovnou dodat, že je tak činěno velmi naléhavě, uvěřitelně. Budete ihned zahaleni do krvavé black death metalové mlhy. Ztratíte se v myšlenkách, utopíte se v hlubinách, stanete se součástí jejich nahrávky. Mě se to alespoň stalo.
Hudba je zde jednou surová a démonická, jindy zase chladná a podmanivě bolestivá. Těch emocí, které létají kolem mě, když "Among the Dead: How to Become a Ghost" poslouchám, je opravdu velké množství. Jako bych se vznášel na špinavých vlnách řeky směřující rovnou do podzemí. Skladby jsou opravdu velmi dobře napsány, skvěle se poslouchají, mají v sobě potřebný drive a sílu. Pro mě, který poslouchám hudbu hlavně srdcem, se jedná o skvělý temný zážitek. COGAS popisují letošní album jako: „S tímto albem dáváme hlas a zvuk bolesti těch, kteří se ztratili v pohlednicovém pekle zvaném Sardinie. Generační traumata – minulá, současná i budoucí – jsou vyprávěna skrze fyzické i duchovní rány obyčejného mladého muže.“ Myslím si, že je tím řečeno vše. Co se týká formální stránky, jako je zvuk, obal, produkce, potom je vše v nejlepším pořádku. Vy si tak můžete vychutnat hudbu, která je tajemná, magická, záhadná, která bolí i drásá, která ale dává i naději. Oproti předešlých nahrávkám je potom nové album trošku víc technické, propracovanější, komplexnější. Pokud máte rádi kapely jako DARK FUNERAL, DEICIDE, MGLU, HOUR OF PENANCE, IMMORTAL, BATHORY, neváhejte ani chvilku. Dostanete poctivou porci skvělé hudby od kapely, která přesně ví, co a jak chce hrát. Jsem moc rád, že jsem tuhle smečku na svých toulkách podzemím potkal. Ihned jsem se stal jejich fanouškem a už teď se těším na další jejich počin. Bloudím v krvavé temné mlze. Na starých pohřebištích, na náhrobcích, na kterých jsou napsána jména mých předků, se snažím vypátrat alespoň střípky bolesti, kterou nosíme po generace v sobě. Jsme prokletí! Chladný a démonický black death metal, který odkazuje na vlastní krvavé kořeny!
Asphyx says:
Lost in the dark fog, I search in vain for my bloody roots. In old cemeteries, on gravestones bearing the names of my ancestors, I try to find at least fragments of the pain we have carried within us for generations. We are cursed! Our mothers used to tell us when they gave birth to us. So much fear and despair, so many lives wasted in vain. All that remains are a few monuments that no one cares about. Every time I return, I feel death around me.
Although COGAS is referred to as a British band, it is originally a group from Sardinia. This year, they are releasing their second full-length album, which thematically refers to the history of their homeland. It should be noted that this is done in a very urgent and credible manner. You will immediately be enveloped in a bloody black death metal fog. You will lose yourself in your thoughts, drown in the depths, and become part of their recording. At least that's what happened to me.
The music here is sometimes raw and demonic, other times cold and captivatingly painful. There are so many emotions flying around me when I listen to "Among the Dead: How to Become a Ghost". It's as if I'm floating on the dirty waves of a river heading straight underground. The songs are really well written, great to listen to, and have the necessary drive and power. For me, who listens to music mainly with my heart, it's a great dark experience. COGAS describe this year's album as: "With this album, we give voice and sound to the pain of those lost in the postcard hell called Sardinia. Generational traumas - past, present, and future - are told through the physical and spiritual wounds of an ordinary young man." I think that says it all. As for the formal aspects, such as sound, cover art, and production, everything is in perfect order. You can enjoy music that is mysterious, magical, enigmatic, painful and harrowing, but also hopeful. Compared to previous recordings, the new album is a little more technical, more sophisticated, more complex. If you like bands like DARK FUNERAL, DEICIDE, MGLU, HOUR OF PENANCE, IMMORTAL, BATHORY, don't hesitate for a moment. You'll get a solid dose of great music from a band that knows exactly what and how it wants to play. I'm very glad I met this pack on my wanderings through the underground. I immediately became their fan and am already looking forward to their next release. I wander in a bloody dark fog. In old cemeteries, on gravestones bearing the names of my ancestors, I try to find at least fragments of the pain we have carried within us for generations. We are cursed! Cold and demonic black death metal that refers to its own bloody roots!
Pokaždé, když v noci vstanu, tak nevím, jestli ještě spím a nebo se potácím v temných stínech. Umírám a znovu se rodím, potkávám své vlastní démony, zkažené duše zemřelých. Nakonec skončím na starém hřbitově za městem, abych tam hledal odpovědi na otázky, na které nikdy nedostanu odpověď. Smrt je zase jednou velmi blízko a kobka, ve které poslouchám nové album mexických DARKSIDE RITUAL je chladná a plesnivá. Když mi přišla novinka na recenzi, nejdříve mě zaujal motiv na obalu. Připomíná mi totiž jednoho z přízraků z mých nočních můr.
Hraje se tu technický black death metal. Skladby jsou zajímavé, nenudím se ani chvilku. Naopak, každý další riff je jako hřeb, který mi jednou zatlučou i do mé rakve. Pánové na to jdou ostře, nekompromisně, songy v sobě mají potřebný tlak, energii i zkaženou krev. Zhasněte všechna světla a nechte se unášet na vlnách řeky beznaděje. Je to hodně silná nahrávka, která mě opravdu baví. Koneckonců, posuďte sami.
Povedl se zvuk (Hugo Ruleto Alvarez - mixing, mastering), který je masivní, dobře čitelný a je v něm takový zvláštní neklid, který se mi líbí. O zajímavém obalu, pod kterým je podepsán Ricardo Sick Gonzalez jsem se již zmiňoval. Parádní dílo, tak bych můj dojem shrnul. Zkrátka a dobře, kapela si dala velký pozor na to, aby formální věci byly v pořádku. Posluchač se tak může soustředit na hudbu samotnou, která je krvavě podmanivá, plná zajímavých momentů, divoká i tajemná zároveň. Ostré riffy, zničující bicí, mocný vokál, tohle všechno zabalené v pevných pavučinách, podáváno na víku od rakve, dělá moc dobře i mé zkažené duši. Líbí se mi přístup kapely, její uvěřitelnost, opravdovost, taková ta pradávná zvířeckost, kterou z jejich hudby cítím a slyším. Nakonec je vždy vše o emocích a já osobně jsem se k "Chamber of Deathlessness" vždy a rád vracel. Nejvíc se mi osvědčil poslech když se setmělo, když byly mraky nízko a hrozilo, že každou chvíli přijde bouře. To jsem potom stál v okně, díval se na zuřící přírodní živly, na město zmítající se ve vichru a dešti. Když bylo po všem, tak jsem usínal a budil se z děsivých snů. Potácel jsem se v temných stínech. Umíral a znovu se rodil, potkával své vlastní démony i zkažené duše zemřelých. Za mě osobně se jedná o povedenou nahrávku po všech stránkách. Mexickým tmářům se povedlo dostat se mi do krve i do podvědomí. Smrt má mnoho podob a tu, kterou nám předkládají tihle maniaci je krutá a ošklivá. Technický death black metal s krvavým otiskem! Starodávné okultní rituály znovu ožívají a ďábel stojí ve stínu!
Asphyx says:
Every time I wake up at night, I don't know if I'm still asleep or stumbling through dark shadows. I die and am reborn, encountering my own demons, the corrupted souls of the dead. Eventually, I end up in an old cemetery outside the city, searching for answers to questions I will never get. Death is once again very close, and the dungeon where I listen to the new album by Mexican band DARKSIDE RITUAL is cold and moldy. When I received the new release for review, I was first struck by the cover art. It reminds me of one of the specters from my nightmares.
The music is technical black death metal. The songs are interesting, and I'm not bored for a moment. On the contrary, each riff is like a nail that will one day be hammered into my coffin. The guys go at it hard, uncompromisingly, and the songs have the necessary pressure, energy, and rotten blood. Turn off all the lights and let yourself be carried away on the waves of the river of despair. It's a very powerful recording that I really enjoy. After all, judge for yourself.
The sound (Hugo Ruleto Alvarez - mixing, mastering) is massive, easy to listen to, and has a special restlessness that I like. I already mentioned the interesting cover art by Ricardo Sick Gonzalez. A great work, that's how I would sum up my impression. In short, the band took great care to make sure that the formal aspects were in order. This allows the listener to focus on the music itself, which is bloodily captivating, full of interesting moments, wild and mysterious at the same time. Sharp riffs, devastating drums, powerful vocals, all wrapped in solid cobwebs, served on a coffin lid, do my corrupt soul a world of good. I like the band's approach, their credibility, their authenticity, that ancient animalistic quality that I feel and hear in their music. In the end, it's always about emotions, and I personally have always enjoyed returning to "Chamber of Deathlessness". I found it most enjoyable to listen to when it was dark, when the clouds were low and a storm was threatening to break at any moment. I would stand at the window, watching the raging elements, the city tossing and turning in the wind and rain. When it was over, I would fall asleep and wake up from terrifying dreams. I staggered in the dark shadows. I died and was reborn, encountering my own demons and the corrupted souls of the dead. For me personally, this is a successful recording in every respect. The Mexican obscurantists managed to get under my skin and into my subconscious. Death has many forms, and the one presented to us by these maniacs is cruel and ugly. Technical death black metal with a bloody imprint! Ancient occult rituals are revived and the devil stands in the shadows!
Venku se setmělo, přesto bylo stále vedro k zalknutí. U cesty ležely mrtvoly s vyděšenými výrazy. Šel jsem dál, hudba mě vedla do lesa, na jedno staré pohřebiště. Do starých kamenů byla otištěna veškerá bolest, které je člověk jako druh schopen. Sedl jsem si, díval se do tmy a přemýšlel jsem, jakou hudbu si dnes pustím. Démoni mi doporučili novinku od finských black metalistů SARGEIST. Uplynula již nějaká doba od vydání, jenže já raději vždy poslouchal, než abych psal slova. Vždy bývá lepší se seznámit s ukázkami a věřit jen vlastním uších. Do žil se mi dostává pomalu jed. Najednou přede mnou hoří pradávné ohně a oltář je připraven.
Jedná se o hodně depresivní, naléhavou, syrovou a chladnou, temnou a ďábelskou záležitost. Pokud máte tenhle styl rádi, tak je pro vás nové album doslova povinností. Hraje se zde totiž velmi uvěřitelně, bolestivě, nihilisticky. Není divu, jak asi všichni víte, tak tahle smečka je složena ze samých zkušených muzikantů, kteří moc dobře vědí, co a jak chtějí hrát. Reálný, uvěřitelný black metal s nádechem chladné smrti.
Tohle album asi nejvíc pochopíte, když se zavřete do sklepa, zhasnete všechna světla a necháte jej na sebe jen tak působit. Těch do krvavě rudých a černých odstínů, emocí, drásavých pasáží je opravdu mnoho. Muziku, texty, i takovou tu do krvavé mlhy zahalenou mrazivou atmosféru si opravdu užívám. Jakoby se mi hudba dostala do žil, do podvědomí, do mých kostí. Jemné částečky ledu ze mě dělají najednou nemrtvého. Zároveň je ve skladbách obsažen doutnající oheň. Ano, na "Flame Within Flame" je něco tajemného, živočišného, syrového, divokého a nespoutaného. Může za to i zvuk, obal, ale hlavně muzika. Někdy jen tak chodím ulicemi se sluchátky na uších a přemýšlím o tom, jaké to jednou bude, až zemřu? Rozpadnu se v prach? Stanu se potravou pro červy? Pohltí mě temnota? Nové album ve mě evokuje spoustu takových depresivních myšlenek. Někdy je zkrátka dobré se jen tak zastavit, navštívit hřbitov, kde jsou pochováni naši předci. Nebo se vydat do lesa na staré pohřebiště. Nová nahrávka se opravdu velmi dobře poslouchá a rád se k ní často vracím. Pokaždé, když se venku setmí a přesto je vedro až k zalknutí. Vzpomínám na staré časy, užívám si i vokál mistra Shatrauga, který se vrátil k mikrofonu. Myslím si, vím to, že se kapele povedl další z jejich mrtvolných opusů. Koneckonců, posuďte sami. Doporučuji poslouchat v chladu a naprosté tmě. Bolestivý, naléhavý, depresivní, nihilistický black metal ze starých pohřebišť! Do kostí se vám dostane chlad!
Asphyx says:
It was dark outside, yet it was still stiflingly hot. Corpses lay by the roadside, their faces frozen in expressions of terror. I walked on, the music leading me into the forest, to an old burial ground. All the pain that humans are capable of was imprinted on the old stones. I sat down, looked into the darkness, and thought about what music I would listen to today. The demons recommended a new release from Finnish black metal band SARGEIST. It had been some time since its release, but I always preferred listening to writing words. It's always better to listen to samples and trust your own ears. Poison slowly enters my veins. Suddenly, ancient fires burn before me and the altar is ready.
It's a very depressing, urgent, raw and cold, dark and devilish affair. If you like this style, then the new album is literally a must for you. It is played very believably, painfully, nihilistically. No wonder, as you all probably know, this pack is made up of experienced musicians who know very well what and how they want to play. Real, believable black metal with a touch of cold death.
You will probably understand this album best if you lock yourself in the basement, turn off all the lights, and just let it wash over you. There are so many blood-red and black shades, emotions, and harrowing passages. I really enjoy the music, the lyrics, and the chilling atmosphere shrouded in bloody fog. It's as if the music has entered my veins, my subconscious, my bones. Fine particles of ice suddenly turn me into an undead creature. At the same time, there is a smoldering fire in the songs. Yes, there is something mysterious, animalistic, raw, wild, and unrestrained about "Flame Within Flame". The sound, the cover, but mainly the music are responsible for this. Sometimes I just walk the streets with headphones on and think about what it will be like when I die. Will I crumble into dust? Will I become food for worms? Will darkness consume me? The new album evokes a lot of such depressing thoughts in me. Sometimes it's just good to stop, visit the cemetery where our ancestors are buried. Or go to the forest to an old burial ground. The new recording is really very enjoyable to listen to, and I like to return to it often. Every time it gets dark outside and it's still stiflingly hot, I remember the old days and enjoy the vocals of Master Shatroug, who has returned to the microphone. I think, I know, that the band has succeeded in creating another of their deadly opuses. After all, judge for yourself. I recommend listening to it in the cold and complete darkness. Painful, urgent, depressive, nihilistic black metal from ancient burial grounds! The cold will get into your bones!
Klaníš se padlým andělům, modlíš se k dávno mrtvému bohu. No řekni, už ti někdy odpověděl? Poklekáš v chladných kostelech na zem a hledáš odpovědi. Kněz má jedovatý jazyk a smrt je dávno jedinou jistotou. Máte rádi klasický black metal, který je zahraný zajímavě, nápaditě a s krvavou jiskrou v oku? Potom jste zde správně. Švédští tmáři totiž vydali nové album "Unholy Trinity". Od prvního tónu je jasné, s kým máme tu čest. Se zkušenými muzikanty, kteří mají svůj vlastní rukopis a také nápady, které se vám zadřou pod kůži.
Alespoň mě se to stalo. A to si, prosím pěkně, v black metalu hodně vybírám. Ony jsou totiž skladby opět velmi dobře napsány, povedl se i zvuk (Andy LaRocque). O obalu také netřeba diskutovat (Mike Hrubovcak). Zkrátka a dobře, vše sedí perfektně na svých místech a pánové odvedli vynikající řemeslo.
To by dnes ale bylo málo. Důležitá je také atmosféra, nálady, do kterých se dostávám pokaždé, když "Unholy Trinity" poslouchám. Novinka má v sobě takovou zvláštní sílu, která mě neustále přitahuje, nutí k dalším a dalším poslechům. Najdete zde jak rychlé, zničující a blasfemické pasáže, tak i chlad a temnotu. Mrazí mě v kostech, když se zavírám do svého pokoje, zhasínám všechny světla a nechávám se unášet na krvavě zpěněných vlnách řeky beznaděje. Jakoby mě kapela zahalila do mrazivé mlhy. Ten severský rukopis je opravdu čitelný na celém albu. Je slyšet, cítit takový ten staroškolský, uvěřitelný, reálný a autentický feeling, který se dle mého nedá naučit. Musíte jej mít v sobě. Ve svém srdci. A to samozřejmě LORD BELIAL mají, jinak by nebyli na scéně od roku 1992. Zahalte tedy své tváře do kápí, sestupte dolů, do podzemí. Pod znesvěcený kostel. Přijměte pozvání na pradávný rituál smrti, který je plný rouhání, temnoty a černé krve. Nechte se unášet muzikou, která je podmanivá, ostrá i divoká zároveň. Říká se, že Satan má mnoho podob. Tu tvář, kterou nám ukazují tihle švédští maniaci, určitě znáte. Je krásná a milá na povrchu, ale zkažená a zlá uvnitř. Troufám si tvrdit, že LORD BELIAL nahráli jedno z nejlepších letošních black metalových alb. Alespoň tak to cítím, vnímám a prožívám. V téhle nahrávce je totiž něco podmanivého, něco těžko definovatelného, co se mi usadilo v žilách i v podvědomí. Klaníš se padlým andělům, modlíš se k dávno mrtvému bohu. No řekni, už ti někdy odpověděl? Okultní, chladný a temný black metalový rituál, který vás zahalí do krvavé mlhy!
Asphyx says:
You bow down to fallen angels, pray to a god long dead. Tell me, has he ever answered you? You kneel on the cold floor of churches, searching for answers. The priest has a poisonous tongue, and death is the only certainty. Do you like classic black metal that is played in an interesting, imaginative way and with a bloody sparkle in the eye? Then you've come to the right place. The Swedish dark lords have released a new album, "Unholy Trinity". From the first note, it's clear who we're dealing with. Experienced musicians who have their own style and ideas that will get under your skin.
At least that's what happened to me. And please note that I am very selective when it comes to black metal. The songs are once again very well written, and the sound (Andy LaRocque) is also excellent. The cover art (Mike Hrubovcak) is also beyond reproach. In short, everything fits perfectly in its place, and the gentlemen have done an excellent job.
But that wouldn't be enough today. The atmosphere and moods I get into every time I listen to "Unholy Trinity" are also important. The new album has a special power that constantly draws me in, compelling me to listen to it again and again. You'll find fast, devastating, and blasphemous passages, as well as coldness and darkness. I feel a chill in my bones when I lock myself in my room, turn off all the lights, and let myself be carried away on the bloody, foaming waves of the river of despair. It's as if the band has enveloped me in a freezing fog. The Nordic style is really evident throughout the album. You can hear and feel that old-school, believable, real, and authentic feeling, which, in my opinion, cannot be learned. You have to have it inside you. In your heart. And of course, LORD BELIAL has it, otherwise they wouldn't have been on the scene since 1992. So cover your faces with hoods, descend into the underground. Under the desecrated church. Accept the invitation to an ancient ritual of death, full of blasphemy, darkness, and black blood. Let yourself be carried away by music that is captivating, sharp, and wild at the same time. They say that Satan has many faces. You surely know the face that these Swedish maniacs show us. It is beautiful and kind on the surface, but corrupt and evil on the inside. I dare say that LORD BELIAL has recorded one of the best black metal albums of this year. At least that's how I feel, perceive, and experience it. There is something captivating about this recording, something difficult to define, which has settled in my veins and subconscious. You bow down to fallen angels, you pray to a long-dead god. Tell me, has he ever answered you? An occult, cold, and dark black metal ritual that will envelop you in a bloody fog!
Objevila se pokaždé, když se stalo něco zlého. Stála ve stínu a usmívala se. Dáma s kosou, zlá a spravedlivá. Když jsi ji potkal, tak se ti v kostech usadil chlad a strach. Kýval ses do rytmu nového alba amerických THRONE a nasával zkažený vzduch. Pach smrti, jasný a zřetelný, vnímal si jej celým svým tělem, stejně jako tuhle nahrávku, která má v sobě něco morbidně přitažlivého. Seděl jsem ve tmě a díval se na pomalu umírající město. Nová deska těchto tmářů pro mě byla soundtrackem k příchodu démonů na svět.
Nové, v pořadí druhé dlouhohrající album kapely poslouchám již nějakou dobu, ale nechtělo se mi o něm nic psát. Raději jsem se rád a často vracel a nechal se unášet shnilými melodiemi. Tohle je hudba přesně podle mého gusta, zlá a ošklivá, nakažená pradávnými chorobami.
Nahrubo nasekaná tma, špína a absolutní zlo, to jsou hlavní ingredience téhle nahrávky. Pokud máte rádi kapely jako BEHEMOTH, GOD DETHRONED, BELPHEGOR. Samozřejmě, pánové na to jdou po svém, mají vlastní nápady. Jejich styl je označován jako melodický black death metal, ale ve skladbách slyším i takovou tu surovou brutalitu (SUFFOCATION), která dělá jejich hudbu ještě uvěřitelnější. Venku zase jednou pršel z nebe sirnatý déšť a mraky se dotýkaly země. Ulice byly plné smogu a stroje v nedaleké továrně ještě spaly. Je něco neotřelého, zajímavého a surového, v téhle nahrávce, co mě nutí k opakovaným poslechům. Rád a často se vracím a rvu si album "That Who Sat upon Him, Was Death" neustále do hlavy. Usadilo se v mém podvědomí, stalo se mojí součástí. Tahle smečka na to jde ostře, nekompromisně a surově, ale nezapomíná ani na melodie a podmanivou atmosféru. Kývám se spokojeně do rytmu, když se vyhýbám bleskům, když s napětím čekám další bouřku. Moc dobře vím, že smrt čeká stále ve stínu a usmívá se. Koneckonců, byla to hlavně ona, kdo mi tuhle nahrávku doporučila. Nevím, jestli to máte stejně jako já, ale mě hudba musí chytit, vymáchat mi hubu v kaluži plné krve, přikovat mě na zeď, zničit mě, abych nakonec zase vstal z popela, silnější než kdy dřív. Ano, je to tak, tohle album má v sobě velké množství nakumulovaní energie, která byla posbírána v tom nejhlubším podzemí. Nezbývá nic jiného, než přidat znovu hlasitost. Dostanete poctivou porci špíny, hnisu a ostrých melodií. Objevila se pokaždé, když se stalo něco zlého. Stála ve stínu a usmívala se. Dáma s kosou, zlá a spravedlivá. Pokaždé, když jsem ji potkal, tak se mi v kostech usadil chlad a strach. Nahrubo nasekaná black death metalová tma, zlo a nenávist! Hudba s morbidně přitažlivou atmosférou!
Asphyx says:
She appeared every time something bad happened. She stood in the shadows and smiled. The lady with the scythe, evil and just. When you met her, coldness and fear settled in your bones. You swayed to the rhythm of the new album by American band THRONE and breathed in the rotten air. The smell of death, clear and distinct, permeated your entire body, just like this recording, which has something morbidly attractive about it. I sat in the dark and watched the city slowly die. For me, the new album by these obscurantists was the soundtrack to the arrival of demons in the world.
I've been listening to the band's new, second full-length album for some time now, but I didn't feel like writing anything about it. I preferred to return to it often and let myself be carried away by the rotten melodies. This is music exactly to my taste, evil and ugly, infected with ancient diseases.
Roughly chopped darkness, filth, and absolute evil are the main ingredients of this recording. If you like bands such as BEHEMOTH, GOD DETHRONED, and BELPHEGOR, you will enjoy this. Of course, these gentlemen do things their own way and have their own ideas. Their style is described as melodic black death metal, but I also hear a raw brutality (SUFFOCATION) in the songs that makes their music even more believable. Outside, sulfuric rain was falling from the sky once again, and the clouds touched the ground. The streets were full of smog, and the machines in the nearby factory were still asleep. There is something unusual, interesting, and raw about this recording that compels me to listen to it repeatedly. I like to come back to it often and constantly play the album "That Who Sat upon Him, Was Death" in my head. It has settled in my subconscious, it has become a part of me. This pack goes at it sharply, uncompromisingly, and rawly, but they don't forget about melodies and a captivating atmosphere. I nod contentedly to the rhythm as I dodge lightning bolts, eagerly awaiting the next storm. I know very well that death is still waiting in the shadows, smiling. After all, it was mainly her who recommended this recording to me. I don't know if you feel the same way I do, but music has to grab me, wash my mouth out in a pool of blood, nail me to the wall, destroy me, so that I can finally rise from the ashes, stronger than ever. Yes, that's right, this album has a lot of accumulated energy that was collected in the deepest underground. There's nothing left to do but turn up the volume again. You'll get a good dose of dirt, pus, and sharp melodies. She appeared every time something bad happened. She stood in the shadows and smiled. The lady with the scythe, evil and just. Every time I met her, coldness and fear settled in my bones. Roughly chopped black death metal darkness, evil, and hatred! Music with a morbidly attractive atmosphere!
tracklist:
01. Disentombed
02. To Breathe The Unknown
03. Blasphemous Perversion
04. Realm Of Immolation
05. Human Frailty
06. Upon Deathless Winds
07. Behold Impurity 08. Where Angels Cower In Fear
Ave REPUGNATOR! Hello to the Portuguese underground. I hope all is well with you. It should be, you have the first great EP of your career this year. I have to admit, it literally drove me up the wall. It's dark, it's energetic, it cuts with a knife edge. It's very telling that you've done a great job and a great deal of talent too. How do you feel about the new record? Could you please introduce your band?
Hails! Thank you so much for having us. First of all, I'd like to thank you for these questions, they're great, coming from someone who really cares and gets what we're about. Now to answer your question, we are Repugnator, a putrescent black death band from Porto, Portugal consisting of Scourge Degragator on vocals, Sulfuric Wraith on guitar, Cryptic Smog on bass and Poisonous Fumes on drums. We're really proud of our release; we believe it truly demonstrates our power. We poured our soul into this release, and it's sick to see that so many people enjoyed it. One of our goals was to make something malignant, spastic, and unique, and I think we achieved it.
"Foul Transfixation" has all the attributes of good black death metal. For me personally, it is a record that I love to come back to. How was it created? How did REPUGNATOR compose the new material?
Sulfuric Wraith: The band started with me wanting to just really create a barbaric and primitive sounding black/death band with all the right influences, but one that could, in a way, stick out and not just be a worship band. So, I eventually just called up the other members, having already played before with two of them in two different bands, and we just made it happen. One aspect that really made us grind and do what we had to do to make this work was to book a gig as soon as possible, so we’d have a deadline to actually focus and make music. It was a great opportunity since the first gig was with Morbific from Finland, which is a band we truly respect. In terms of artistic process, I usually just composed guitar riffs and song structures at home, and then, layer by layer, we added the other elements. Poisonous Fumes and I start out just jamming the song structures, constantly changing them and rearranging the riffs, really trying to perfect the composition of the song. Then we just include the other members who come up with the lyrics and the bass part. The lyrical aspect is made by our vocalist Scourge Degradator, and we all pitch in with our opinion on the lyrics.
I have to confirm that I like the production of the EP. It still makes me turn up the volume on the hi-fi tower. Who made you a sound that is harsh, raw and dark and animalistic at the same time. How did you work with him and why him? What studio did you record in and how did everything go?
Glad you asked that, Foul Transfixation was produced by André Fernandes at his studio called Tanoaria (Instagram: tanoaria_music.complex). We recorded the EP in his studio as a live take, with a few overdubs to ensure the sound was as organic as possible and not too choppy. We chose him because we had heard great things about his professional methods and his studio. Since he was really intrigued by our project and actually eager to produce it, we had to go with him, and honestly, it was the perfect choice.
The album has a dark cover. I imagine, I perceive, the image as a once desecrated church. Who is the author? How did you choose the motif and how does it relate to the music on the album?
The author of our cover is Maria Madalena (ig: nosfewatuwu), who is an amazing artist and our obvious first choice for our album cover. The art is basically a visual representation of the "Foul Transfixation" song. We depict an alternative hellish dimension of degradation and rot in our lyrics and, in a way, try to connect this alternative reality to our current society. Everything in our lyrics is just pure morbid fantasy that is supposed to be perceived as a metaphor for the filth that is humankind and, in a way, a punishment for all its wrongdoings.
I've been wandering the underworld for over thirty years and I go to Portugal to get music for sure. I think we have similar moods and tastes when it comes to metal. I like your bands a lot and I follow your scene very closely. Maybe I'm a bit jealous, we only have a few death metal bands in our country that are worth it. What do you explain that extreme metal is so successful in your country? How do you perceive your scene, fans, labels?
It’s funny that you say that because we don’t really look at our scene that way. We feel that our extreme metal scene has a few great bands, but it really lacks originality and the primitive and raw feeling we truly appreciate in extreme metal. Honestly, the metal crowd sometimes lacks passion and emotion at most gigs. I wouldn't say that extreme metal thrives here in Portugal, and we’d go as far as to say that the punk crowd is far more enthusiastic and fun to play to, but there are always exceptions.
The population of Portugal is ten million according to wikipedia. We, the Czechs, are the same number. But in your country eighty percent of the population is Christian. We're almost all atheists here. Does the church interfere in your lives? What about music? Have you ever had problems with concerts, etc.? What's your relationship to your faith?
Well, even though Portugal is a religious country, it's not conservative. We don't feel it being shoved down our throats, even though it has been getting more conservative with the uprising of the fascist scum throughout all Europe... it's 100% there culturally since we all grew up with a religious upbringing and even most patrimony has a religious connotation. But, even though we despise Christianity and catholicism (and any other religion) it doesn't really affect our daily lives or our concerts. However we hate oppression and for us, religion is just another form of oppression that obviously fuels our hate towards mankind.
You play old school influenced death/black metal. Nowadays a band can't really avoid comparisons, but I'm curious to know how the idea of starting REPUGNATOR actually came about, who was and is your role model and where do you want to take your band? Are you tempted by big festivals abroad, for example, are you willing to go on tour with a more famous pack?
Repugnator’s story was already answered above and obviously this urge to create the band came from the die hard mentality we have towards this type of music. Even though we have our identity, we obviously have many bands we worship and channel through our music, to name a few that we love: Necrovore, Order From Chaos, Profanatica, Sarcófago, Vulcano, Sex Messiah, Bestial Warlust, Blasphemy, Mortuary Drape, Von, Rottrevore, Revenge, Impetigo, Repulsion, Autopsy, Incantation etc. We want to go everywhere and play with many different bands that align with our sound. We’ll play at a big festival if it has great bands and is not riddled with poser bullshit, to keep it simple.
When I started my site eight years ago, I had a vision of trying to support bands that I thought weren't as visible. Let the world know about them. I think I've been pretty successful at that, at least judging by the response. How do you approach promotion? Do you leave it up to the label or do you send out CDs yourself for various reviews? I buy albums that I really enjoy, for example. How are you? Are you also a fan who likes to support your colleagues often? Do you go to concerts? Do you party?
We are all huge music fanatics, each one of us with different projects and different obsessions but we all definitely share this passion and we all love buying physical format and buying merch. We do a little bit of both when it comes to promotion, we send out merch and cds ourselves and we also trust the labels to handle their side of the promotion, whether it be Noxious Ruin or Gods ov War.
We believe it is mandatory for an underground music fan to support their scene, even if sometimes the music doesn't align perfectly with their music taste like for exemple in Portugal the underground scene is kind of a melting pot of multiple different genres. Even us, sometimes play with bands that have nothing to do with black or death metal but if we respect the spirit of it, we’ll definitely play. We need to keep it alive, we need to go to gigs, rage out and buy other band’s stuff. In terms of partying, we obviously love to party but we never let it affect our end goal with our band. I feel like sometimes bands loose track of their passion with booze and drugs and we personally like to stay focused.
On the one hand, a band starting out today has a lot of opportunities to make their presence known, but on the other hand, there are a huge number of bands and fans get lost in them. A lot of people are just downloading mp3s from the internet and spitting venomous spittle on Facebook instead of going to a gig. How does modern technology affect you as a REPUGNATOR? What do you think about downloading music, google metal, streaming music etc.?
Honestly there are way more chances for exposure with the internet nowadays and obviously we take advantage of it but what matters for us is the human interactions, performing our lives rituals, selling stuff in person, having passionate discussions about music with other maniacs. For us, the scene is saturated and the music is getting gradually more soulless in general. Obviously the scene is 100% alive for now and amazing bands come out every year but online platforms are turning even the most underground music a bit like fast food, everyone knows everything but nobody has a passion for it. It seems as if every band is disposable cause there isn’t any effort in finding music and there are too many bands and not that many fans. For these reasons, underground magazines are not nearly as supported as they used to be. I feel like technology can sometimes be the enemy of underground music with stuff like AI. Underground music should be a celebration of the human feeling, from listening to underground demos with flaws and mistakes to amateur artworks, it’s all raw and organic and we must accept for what it is. If I listen to a band like necrovore, what makes it beautiful for me is the raw emotion in every bit of it. For us it is an insult to the genre having bands like Deicide and Pestilence just using a fucking machine to do their art. The artwork is as important as the music and the artists have an equal part in the scene as the musicians. If we take the raw visual aesthetic away from death and black metal I won’t be interested in the genre anymore.
I like to ask musicians what death/black metal means to them. How would they define it, is it more of a philosophy and lifestyle for them or "just" relaxation. What does it mean to you? How do you perceive and experience it?
For me this sub sub genre brings out the best of metal. The mystical and occult energy of black metal and growling and cavernous feeling of death metal. With this subgenre we try to balance everything from each genre, the continuous momentum of black metal and the spastic energy of death metal. In a way it is just how we can identify our band and channel our love for this music scene and bands who made it in 80s and 90s but it can be way more than that. Repugnator goes beyond what it is categorized, it’s its own lifeform with no shackles and no restraints. We want to use everything we got to be barbaric but also original and for us this small sub genre isn’t more than just a label on our band so people can get grasp of what we’re about.
Finally, a classic but important question. What are REPUGNATOR planning in the coming months? Where can we see you in concert and when will you visit the Czech Republic?
A new release and new gigs in different places, hopefully outside of Portugal. We’d be more than happy to play in Czech Republic and if we get someone to book us that I’ll definitely happen.
Thank you very much for the interview. I wish not only the new album a lot of success and may the ranks of your fans expand as much as possible. I'll be looking forward to seeing you live somewhere and may you do well both musically and on a personal level. I'm gonna go shove "Foul Transfixation" in my head again!
Thank you so much for the interview! It's clear you genuinely understand what we're aiming for with REPUGNATOR. We really appreciate your kind words and we're thrilled to hear that "Foul Transfixation" is still getting under your skin! For anyone that is interested in booking us throughout Europe, please reach out through our email: repugnator.band@gmail.com.
Ave REPUGNATOR! Zdravím do portugalského undergroundu. Doufám, že je u vás vše v pořádku. Mělo by, máte na kontě letos první skvělé EP své kariéry. Musím se přiznat, že mě doslova přikovalo na zeď. Je temné, energické, řeže ostrou hranou nože. Je hodně slyšet, že jste odvedli skvělou práci a taky velká porce talentu. Jak vnímáš novou desku ty? Mohl bys prosím představit vaší kapelu?
Zdravím! Moc děkujeme za rozhovor. Nejprve bych chtěl poděkovat za tyto otázky, jsou skvělé, pocházejí od někoho, komu na nás opravdu záleží a kdo rozumí tomu, o co nám jde. Nyní k odpovědi na vaši otázku: jsme Repugnator, hnilobná black death metalová kapela z Porta v Portugalsku, kterou tvoří Scourge Degragator (zpěv), Sulfuric Wraith (kytara), Cryptic Smog (basa) a Poisonous Fumes (bicí). Jsme opravdu hrdí na naše album; věříme, že skutečně demonstruje naši sílu. Vložili jsme do něj celou svou duši a je úžasné vidět, že se tolik lidem líbí. Jedním z našich cílů bylo vytvořit něco zlovolného, spastického a jedinečného, a myslím, že se nám to podařilo.
„Foul Transfixation“ v sobě obsahuje všechny atributy dobrého black death metalu. Pro mě osobně se jedná o desku, ke které se hrozně rád vracím. Jakým způsobem vznikala? Jak skládají nový materiál REPUGNATOR?
Sulfuric Wraith: Kapela vznikla z mé touhy vytvořit barbarskou a primitivně znějící black/death metalovou kapelu se všemi správnými vlivy, která by ale zároveň nějakým způsobem vyčnívala a nebyla jen kapelou uctívající své vzory. Nakonec jsem tedy zavolal ostatním členům, se dvěma z nich jsem už předtím hrál ve dvou různých kapelách, a prostě jsme to rozjeli. Jedním z aspektů, který nás opravdu motivoval a donutil udělat vše pro to, aby to fungovalo, bylo co nejdříve domluvit koncert, abychom měli termín, na který jsme se mohli soustředit a tvořit hudbu. Byla to skvělá příležitost, protože první koncert byl s finskou kapelou Morbific, kterou opravdu respektujeme. Co se týče uměleckého procesu, obvykle jsem doma složil kytarové riffy a struktury skladeb a pak jsme vrstvu po vrstvě přidávali další prvky. Poisonous Fumes a já jsme začali tím, že jsme jamovali struktury písní, neustále je měnili a přeskupovali riffy, abychom dosáhli dokonalé kompozice písně. Pak jsme zapojili ostatní členy, kteří vymýšleli texty a basovou linku. Texty píše náš zpěvák Scourge Degradator a všichni se podílejí svými názory na jejich tvorbu.
Musím potvrdit, že se mi líbí produkce EP. Pořád mě to nutí na hi-fi věži přidávat volume. Kdo vám vytvořil zvuk, který je krutý, surový a zároveň temný a živočišný. Jak se vám s ním spolupracovalo a proč právě on? V jakém studiu jste nahrávali a jak vše probíhalo?
Jsem rád, že se ptáš. Foul Transfixation produkoval André Fernandes ve svém studiu Tanoaria (Instagram: tanoaria_music.complex). EP jsme nahráli v jeho studiu jako živý záznam s několika overduby, aby byl zvuk co nejpřirozenější a nebyl příliš trhaný. Vybrali jsme si ho, protože jsme slyšeli samé dobré věci o jeho profesionálních metodách a studiu. Jelikož ho náš projekt opravdu zaujal a měl velkou chuť ho produkovat, museli jsme se rozhodnout pro něj a upřímně řečeno, byla to perfektní volba.
Album je opatřeno temným obalem. Představuji si, vnímám, obraz jako kdysi znesvěcený kostel. Kdo je jeho autorem? Jak jste motiv vybírali a jak souvisí s hudbou na novince?
Autorkou obalu je Maria Madalena (ig: nosfewatuwu), která je úžasnou umělkyní a naší jasnou první volbou pro obal alba. Umělecké dílo je v podstatě vizuálním ztvárněním skladby „Foul Transfixation“. V našich textech popisujeme alternativní pekelnou dimenzi degradace a rozkladu a svým způsobem se snažíme propojit tuto alternativní realitu s naší současnou společností. Všechno v našich textech je čistá morbidní fantazie, která má být vnímána jako metafora špíny, kterou je lidstvo, a v jistém smyslu jako trest za všechny jeho špatné skutky.
Toulám se podsvětím již přes třicet let a do Portugalska si chodím pro muziku vlastně na jistotu. Myslím, že máme podobnou náturu i vkus, co se týká metalu. Mám vaše kapely hodně rád a pečlivě sleduji vaši scénu. Možná vám i trošku závidím, my máme u nás jen pár death metalových smeček, které stojí za to. Čím si to vysvětluješ, že zrovna u vás se extrémnímu metalu tolik daří? Jak vnímáš vaši scénu, fanoušky, labely?
Je legrační, že to říkáš, protože my naši scénu takhle opravdu nevnímáme. Máme pocit, že naše extrémní metalová scéna má několik skvělých kapel, ale opravdu jí chybí originalita a primitivní a syrový pocit, který na extrémním metalu opravdu oceňujeme. Upřímně řečeno, metalovému publiku někdy na většině koncertů chybí vášeň a emoce. Neřekl bych, že extrémní metal v Portugalsku vzkvétá, a dokonce bychom řekli, že punkové publikum je mnohem nadšenější a je zábavnější pro něj hrát, ale vždy existují výjimky.
Počet obyvatel Portugalska je dle wikipedie deset miliónů. Nás, Čechů je stejně. U vás je ale až osmdesát procent populace křesťanů. U nás jsme skoro všichni ateisté. Zasahuje nějak církev do vašich životů? A co do muziky? Měli jste někdy třeba problémy s koncerty apod.? Jaký máš vlastně vztah k víře?
No, i když je Portugalsko náboženská země, není konzervativní. Necítíme, že by nám to bylo vnucováno, i když se s nástupem fašistické chátry v celé Evropě stává konzervativnější... Kulturně je to tam stoprocentní, protože jsme všichni vyrůstali v náboženském prostředí a dokonce i většina kulturního dědictví má náboženský podtext. Ale i když pohrdáme křesťanstvím a katolicismem (a jakýmkoli jiným náboženstvím), nemá to žádný vliv na náš každodenní život ani na naše koncerty. Nenávidíme však útlak a pro nás je náboženství jen další formou útlaku, která samozřejmě podněcuje naši nenávist vůči lidstvu.
Hrajete death/black metal ovlivněný starou školou. Dnes se vlastně kapela nemůže vyhnout srovnání, mě by ale zajímalo, jak vlastně vznikl nápad založit REPUGNATOR, kdo byl a je vaším vzorem a kam vaši kapelu chcete posunout? Lákají vás třeba velké zahraniční festivaly, jste ochotni vyrazit na turné s nějakou slavnější smečkou?
Na otázku ohledně historie Repugnatoru jsme již odpověděli výše a je zřejmé, že touha založit kapelu vycházela z naší neochvějné oddanosti tomuto hudebnímu žánru. I když máme svou identitu, samozřejmě máme mnoho kapel, které uctíváme a které se promítají do naší hudby. Abychom jmenovali alespoň některé, které milujeme: Necrovore, Order From Chaos, Profanatica, Sarcófago, Vulcano, Sex Messiah, Bestial Warlust, Blasphemy, Mortuary Drape, Von, Rottrevore, Revenge, Impetigo, Repulsion, Autopsy, Incantation atd. Chceme jezdit všude a hrát s mnoha různými kapelami, které se shodují s naším zvukem. Budeme hrát na velkém festivalu, pokud tam budou skvělé kapely a nebude to plné pozérských keců, abych to zjednodušil.
Když jsem před osmi lety zakládal svoje stránky, měl jsem vizi, že se budu snažit podporovat kapely, které podle mě nejsou tolik na očích. Dát o nich vědět světu. Myslím, že se mi to celkem daří, alespoň podle ohlasů. Jak přistupujete k propagaci vy? Necháváte to na labelu nebo sami posíláte CD různě na recenze? Já si třeba alba, která mě opravdu baví, kupuji. Jak jste na tom vy? Jste také fanoušci, co rádi a často podporují své kolegy? Chodíte na koncerty? Paříte?
Všichni jsme velcí hudební fanatici, každý z nás má i jiné projekty a jiné zájmy, ale rozhodně sdílíme tuto vášeň a všichni milujeme nákup fyzických nosičů a merchandisingu. Pokud jde o propagaci, děláme trochu obojí, sami rozesíláme merchandising a CD a také důvěřujeme labelům, že se postarají o svou část propagace, ať už je to Noxious Ruin nebo Gods ov War.
Věříme, že pro fanoušky undergroundové hudby je povinností podporovat svou scénu, i když někdy hudba neodpovídá úplně jejich vkusu, jako například v Portugalsku, kde je undergroundová scéna takovým tavícím kotlem různých žánrů. I my někdy hrajeme s kapelami, které nemají nic společného s black nebo death metalem, ale pokud respektujeme jejich ducha, rozhodně hrajeme. Musíme to udržovat naživu, musíme chodit na koncerty, pařit a kupovat věci jiných kapel. Co se týče paření, samozřejmě pařit milujeme, ale nikdy to nenecháme ovlivnit náš konečný cíl s kapelou. Mám pocit, že někdy kapely ztrácejí svou vášeň kvůli alkoholu a drogám, a my osobně se rádi soustředíme.
Na jednou stranu má dnes začínající kapela spoustu možností, jak o sobě dát vědět, ale zase na druhou stranu, skupin je obrovské množství a fanoušci se v nich ztrácejí. Hodně lidí jen stahuje mp3 z internetu a místo koncertu raději plive jedovaté sliny na facebooku. Jak vás, jako REPUGNATOR ovlivňují moderní technologie? Co si myslíš o stahování muziky, google metalistech, streamování muziky apod.?
Upřímně řečeno, v dnešní době je díky internetu mnohem více příležitostí k zviditelnění a my toho samozřejmě využíváme, ale pro nás jsou důležité lidské interakce, provádění našich životních rituálů, osobní prodej zboží, vášnivé diskuse o hudbě s ostatními fanatiky. Pro nás je scéna nasycená a hudba se obecně stává postupně bezduchou. Samozřejmě, že scéna je zatím stoprocentně živá a každý rok se objevují úžasné kapely, ale online platformy mění i tu nejundergroundovější hudbu v něco jako fast food – všichni všechno znají, ale nikdo k tomu nemá vášeň. Zdá se, jako by každá kapela byla na jedno použití, protože se nikdo nesnaží hudbu hledat a je příliš mnoho kapel a málo fanoušků. Z těchto důvodů nejsou undergroundové magazíny zdaleka tak podporovány jako dříve. Mám pocit, že technologie může být někdy nepřítelem undergroundové hudby, například v podobě umělé inteligence. Undergroundová hudba by měla být oslavou lidských pocitů, od poslechu undergroundových demonahrávek s chybami a nedostatky, po amatérská umělecká díla, vše je syrové a organické a musíme to přijmout tak, jak to je. Když poslouchám kapelu jako Necrovore, to, co mi na ní přijde krásné, jsou syrové emoce v každém jejím kousku. Pro nás je urážkou žánru, když kapely jako Deicide a Pestilence používají ke své tvorbě jen zasranou mašinu. Umělecká tvorba je stejně důležitá jako hudba a umělci mají na scéně stejný podíl jako hudebníci. Pokud bychom z death a black metalu odstranili syrovou vizuální estetiku, přestal by mě tento žánr zajímat.
S oblibou se ptám muzikantů na to, co pro ně znamená death/black metal. Jak by jej definovali, jestli je pro ně spíše filozofií a životním stylem nebo „jen“ relaxem. Co znamená pro tebe? Jak jej vnímáš a prožíváš?
Pro mě tento subžánr přináší to nejlepší z metalu. Mystickou a okultní energii black metalu a growling a jeskynní pocit death metalu. V tomto subžánru se snažíme vyvážit vše z každého žánru, nepřetržitý impuls black metalu a spastickou energii death metalu. V jistém smyslu je to způsob, jakým můžeme identifikovat naši kapelu a vyjádřit naši lásku k této hudební scéně a kapelám, které ji vytvořily v 80. a 90. letech, ale může to být i mnohem víc. Repugnator přesahuje to, do čeho je zařazen, je to vlastní forma života bez pout a omezení. Chceme využít vše, co máme, abychom byli barbarští, ale také originální, a pro nás tento malý subžánr není víc než jen nálepka na naší kapele, aby lidé pochopili, o co nám jde.
Na závěr klasická, ale důležitá otázka. Co chystají REPUGNATOR v nejbližších měsících? Kde vás můžeme vidět na koncertě a kdy navštívíte Českou republiku?
Nové album a nové koncerty na různých místech, doufejme i mimo Portugalsko. Byli bychom velmi rádi, kdybychom mohli hrát v České republice, a pokud se nám podaří najít někoho, kdo nás zarezervuje, určitě se to podaří.
Děkuji moc za rozhovor. Přeji nejen nové desce spoustu úspěchů a ať se co nejvíc rozšíří řady vašich fanoušků. Budu se těšit někde naživo a ať se vám daří jak po hudební stránce, tak i v osobní rovině. Jdu si „Foul Transfixation“ zase narvat do hlavy!
Moc děkujeme za rozhovor! Je jasné, že opravdu rozumíš tomu, o co se s REPUGNATOR snažíme. Velmi si vážíme tvých milých slov a jsme nadšení, že tě „Foul Transfixation“ stále tak dostává! Kdokoli má zájem o naše vystoupení v Evropě, může nás kontaktovat na e-mailu: repugnator.band@gmail.com.
Ave DESTRUKTOR! Hello to the Australian underground. Before we look at your album, I must thank you. I first heard the new album "Indomitable" one Friday when I was walking home from work totally pissed off. You know, everything was coming at me. People around me seemed dumb and stupid. I felt like putting the speakers up against them and turning your music up. You've made a record that breaks bones! How and where did you want to move on from the previous album "Opprobrium"? I find the new one more raw, wilder.
Hails Jakub! Thank you for your words and support man! Your simple analysis is very much what the intention was with the album. Nothing in particular was over-thought, but Jared and I decided early that the next album was going to be a bit wilder, and basically by that, we just got into the songs quicker with minimal epic sort of build ups. The next album, once again, will have the Destruktor trademarks, but might be a touch more varied, maybe a bit more mood, a little more black, we shall see though. I will be pulling some riffs from years ago, which no doubt means we won’t venture too far from what we have done the last 3 decades.
Not to forget, could you please introduce your band? Honest fans of death metal and black metal probably know you, but for the rest. Please take us through the history of DESTRUKTOR? How did you guys get together back in 1997 and why this particular style of music? Please reminisce for us.
DESTRUKTOR came to be around the the end of the year 1996, from the ashes of APHASIA. Jarro (original drummer) managed to tune into the radio show I was doing at the time, “Armageddon”, and got in touch. We both played instruments, but lived far away from each other and could not drive so we only jammed once and did a demo as Aphasia 1995. Jarro left, then rejoined and we did another demo in 1997, this time as Destruktor. Jarro basically left to play with D666 whilst I spread the demo, made connections and did interviews all over the place 1997-99 and Regan joined the ranks on Bass whilst Jarro eventually completely dropped off from the band before Chris Volcano offered to do the drums for our Brutal Desecration EP and first live show around 2001. Jarro rejoined not long after this and we did another 2 gigs, released a split live 7" with Nunslaughter, and recorded Nuclear Storm, then Jarro left for the last time early 2002 after one last gig. I continued primarily solo again until 203/2004 when I met local metalhead and drummer Jared. This started a strong, consistant and trusted connection as not just muso's and metalheads, but top fucking mates!
A split 10"/MCD with Bestial Mockery was the last recording to feature Regan on Bass, and he left DESTRUKTOR when we moved to Geelong, and recorded Nailed as a 2 piece around the time we recruited Brad to handle Bass duties, which he did on our split 7" with Throneum, and then Opprobrium. We played some killer gigs including internationals in New Zealand and then the USA, before Brad was moved on. Jared on I kept things rolling slowly for a period before getting Chris on Bass, who has been in the fold for 5 years now, and was the first person I asked to replace Regan when we moved to Geelong back in 2007, but he was too busy at the time!
Why this music? I guess it all starts from what got me into the extreme metal back in the day. Death Metal like Deicide and Morbid Angel, Black Metal like Emperor and Dark Throne, more savage shit like Blasphemy, Beherit, Sarcofago, darker shit like early My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Anathema. Heavy, Dark, Intense, Evil shit. I was not interested in the softer elements that many bands of the mid-90's started gravitating to.
Let's get to the news. Probably everyone who discovers some new music, even I put a lot on the cover, they say the cover sells. Who's the author of this year's hilarious theme? How did you guys get together? And how does the cover theme relate to the music?
NOTE-(Hilarious means “Funny” in English)
The tried and trusted Mark Riddick was the man behind the art, as he has done for all 3 of our full length albums. We became aware of him as Hells Headbangers used his art for our split with Bestial Mockery. We work closely with him when the time comes. We'll put the idea theme to him, and let him go for it, then adjsut to suit our needs before he finalises it all. It is not "off the shelf" stuff, jsut like the first two full lengths.
The cover directly relates to the title track, being about Death itself, and the line “I am the poisoned arrow aimed at the target on your back” connects the two specifically.
As I mentioned before, the songs literally crush my bones. The sound contributes a lot to that. It's dirty, it's raw, it's like a bulldozer in a cemetery. Tell us, where did you record, who is signed for mastering and mixing?
This time around, we worked with Adam Calaitzis at Toyland Studio in Melbourne, which is an hour or so from where we live. It was our first time with this set up, and we went in with the intent of not cleaning things up too much, keeping it as "live” as possible. We did our thing, and he brought it all together with a little creative freedom. He has been doing some of the more extreme stuff for many years, and is a master of his art.
For Mastering, we used Dav Byrne at Iridium Audio in Ballarat. He has done a lot of things with a heavy sound, so trusted he would take care of that side of things with aplomb, and he also knew to not compromise on that sharpness we lean towards. He was also responsible for the mastering/re-mastering for all content in the “Unholy Trinity” Compilation CD. We have known him for years, and we had him lined up a long way out! Like Adam, he is a master of his craft, and it is great to be able to keep things local! It worked out very well indeed!
What are the lyrics on "Indomitable" about? Is it a death black classic - graves, bones, skulls, graveyards? Or are you trying to convey something, a message? Who is the author?
I have taken care of most lyrics over the years, and for Indomitable, I wrote them all. They were done towards the end of the process, but in the initial stages of putting together lyrics, it appeared that all themes were leaning towards death (surprise!), and when considering what was actually “Indomitable”, I came to the simple conclusion that “death” is indomitable so I did end up developing a theme throughout the album, and once I started zoning in on the lyrics, they just came out of me song by song at a steady pace.
At this age, fair to say I have lived a life, and unlike before, I drew a lot more from personal shit, and it is by far the darkest, deepest lyrics I have written for basically anything from past to present.
My favourite question and I think the readers' too. How does DESTRUKTOR create new songs? Please let us take a peek into your kitchen. Who is the author of the basic themes? Is everything created in the rehearsal room? I would be interested in the actual process of composing new songs.
Well, over the years it has happened in many ways, but at the centre of it all has been the riffs I have written/put together. Some of the early stuff was written by me before any rehearsals had taken place as we did not have a drummer for periods in the older days. That is not so much the case now.
Generally, I’ll have a riff that is of Destruktor quality, sometimes a couple, and we will start rehearsing that as a band. I tend to have a basic idea of beats and feel to get things moving along, and then things just take form from there. I always have ideas, but Jared will introduce some accent that adds a dynamic, might change how the feel of the song should be, or initiates a new idea with another beat whilst just rehearsing which then in turn changes how the song is going to come along. Vocally, I know early where the vocals will be, but the lyrics and patterns do not get done until late in the process.
Bit by bit Chris adds his thing, throws in ideas, and for Indomitable, he was great in working through the whole session, like an assistant engineer and also, in particular pushing me to go that bit harder and adding some creative input/feedback when I was laying down vocals.
Ultimately, the rehearsal room is where most songs get developed, but there are no rules on how things must be done. Due to my distance from the other 2 at the moment, I might have to knuckle down and do it the old way and get a majority of a song written, but I am close to seperating a heap of old usable riffs from old unusable riffs, and might take creative license to write something a little more epic on the side whilst we knuckle down and do a couple of typical Destruktor smashers. Really though, who the fuck knows? this tie we might do a bit of pre-production earlier in the piece, and that might change how we look at things. No rules!
I'm wondering a little bit about one thing. You're from Australia and I follow your scene quite closely. Most of your underground death metal bands play very dark, cold and at the same time their music has a certain wildness, animalism. For me that's the hallmark of Australian bands (at least that's how I perceive it). But you guys are "different", you have your own face! Raw, uncompromising. Do you feel music differently? Did you have other role models?
Oh yeah, I feel we have our own sort of spot man. I can say that most “underground” bands in Australia are not dark and cold, yet somewhat wild. Plenty of generic shit, wimpy melodic crap, but the “underground” as I knew it was Necrotomy, Corpse Molestation, Bestial Warlust, Sadistik Exekution, Martire, Abominator and the like, which we can source the more “wild” element to the local scene.
DESTRUKTOR for some time was driven almost exclusively by me, and I lived away from any scene. I was more a lone wolf in the wilderness on the outskirts of the desert. I had no one to impress apart from Jamie and another couple of mates. I absorbed myself in the underground with letters and buying/trading/selling
I grew up with a musical household. I saw Queen when I was 7 in 1985, I loved KISS when I was 4. My parents both played instruments/sang, We had instruments in the house, and music was pretty much the most important thing for me from a young age. Dad played Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, The Beatles and the like on the stereo, Mum played Queen and lot’s of random stuff. I was given free reign when it come to my music. I liked a bit of pop music (and still don't mind some of the pop I grew up with), but I liked the themes and sound and feel of the heavier stuff from a young age. I might not be unreasonable to suggest that some of the song craft would come from earlier pop and rock influences, with KISS and Metallica shaping me for the first 15 years of my life primarily. I guess when I moved onto the extreme stuff, I found my influences from a wide range of death/black/thrash/doom metal mostly from the late 80’s to the mid 90’s.
There has been influence from other members in many different ways, and the occasional line up changes combined with our time between releases means every EP and full length recording has been recorded with a different line up. The next album will be a bit different again as every song will be crafted with the Indomitable line-up (Chris joined after we had some stuff written for Indomitable). I also have a different living arrangement, and we do not jam in the shed at my old house as we had done for the last few years, so we will approach the new songs in a slightly different manner, but it will be when we jam, as always, that things will get repeated, improved, completed etc.
Everybody started somehow, learning, discovering. DESTRUKTOR are a band of experienced musicians. But what were your beginnings like? What was your first impulse to pick up an instrument, what kind of bands did you listen to when you were young?
Well, I guess I answered that in the previous questions. I learnt a few chords when I was 10 and went from there. It was probably Ace Frehley and KISS that inspired me more than any other band for my first years of life. I have gone through some stuff I liked, but it was in 1988 when Poison, GNR, Skid Row, Motley Crue and the like ruled the world that really set me on a path towards heavier and harder stuff.
It is best Jared and Chris speak for themselves, but Jared certainly had a musicians upbringing, his Dad was a muso, and Jared discovered jazz and the like from a pretty young age. Fair to say he is the most musical of us all. Can play guitar, bass, sing, a bit of piano, whatever else you put in front of him. And Chris, well he is into a wide range of shit also, not blinkered by extremity only but metal is his absolute passion, and his field of expertise. I am musically a little more diverse than would be perceived, but I am stauncher, and less open to non-metal shit (and metal shit). I take a bit of the ignorance is bliss attitude with my metal.
You've already released your third album on the excellent Hells Headbangers Records. Great choice! The new album was released as a cassette, CD and digitally. The album will even be released on vinyl. What's your relationship with music media? Are you a collector? Do you support bands?
Of course, due to my delay in answering this interview, everything has been released and is available, though some stuff might be getting a bit low or sold out already. I am not too sure as we have nearly ran out of our supply. Hells Headbangers have stuck with us, and us them for over 2 decades. It was a pact made in hell!
In regards to media, I have been a collector for many years. I have my old mags, plenty of old tapes, CD’s, records, posters etc. I have thinned the collection out slightly over the last 5 years, but I can’t help myself from picking up the occasional new thing also. I only have so much space to work with, and I have enough to do me until I am dead really, so it is more replacing, updating, and finding the occasional gem. I care very, very little for the digital side of things. Apart from a bit of youtube, I don’t really use streaming services for music at all.
I from time to time chase up something by newer bands, but not so often. I have plenty to keep me occupied, responsibilities etc, so I try to get stuff I will use/listen to, I am not interested in building a crazy huge collection, I am quite happy with what I have.
I'm always interested in what the underground is like in the country a band comes from. How is Australia and death black metal? Do people go to a lot of shows? Do they buy records, merchandise? How's it going in Australia, for example, which you think is a very good gig?
Australia has a moderately strong scene when it comes to the underground scene. It is not big by any means, but people get out and support shows, and buy merch. But, some things never change, and unless you are any good (or at least build a following of bandwagoners), you won’t get many people coming to your gigs, and you will not sell much merch.
There have been many great/good bands over many years, and no point me mentioning them really, do a bit of digging for yourself, too many to mention really
If you mean by attendance, really, for a more local show with 3 or 4 bands, and not of big status, 100 or so people is generally OK for most of the bigger cities, but really, 150-200 is probably considered successful for something with a couple of stronger Aussie bands headling/co-headling. We sold out a venue with a 250 capacity in Sydney, and for our sort of stuff, that is certainly above expectations, and a rarity for us. Get the right bill, on the right night, at the right venue, and things can still go very well.
For the occasional bigger show (not festivals), sometimes a touring band, or one of the bigger Aussie bands such as Portal 500-1000, would be as good as it gets aside from a very rare exception.
What about you and gigs in general? How important are they for you? Are you more into big festivals or small clubs? What about any touring, will there be any? Maybe Obscene Extreme or Brutal Assault would be ideal festivals for you!
For me, they are just a part of the bigger picture. It helps spread the word further, helps sell merch, but not necessarily essential. It is not my favourite part playing in a band, but it is cool to get out to see other places. and see people I aint seen in ages, or never met (but know) Hopefully plenty more to see!
I prefer smaller local gigs. Give me 200 people getting into over 500 people with 100 getting into it. The vibe and atmosphere rules over motionless people just coming for the scenery. I hope to find out more so what some bigger gigs will be like. We have played a few, but not often.
Chris has made the journey from Australia to Brutal Assault more than once, and has expressed his desire to get over for that. I’m sure it would be killer. If the right offer is put up to do such things, we are very open to going anywhere basically.
There are discussions happening in regards to getting off Australian land, and hopefully we can make an announcement before years end. It could be Europe, maybe the Americas, and if not, we expect to at least get to parts of Asia. It is time we started speaking to more people as we are keen to do this over 2026/27! Promoters, get in touch if you think you might be able to assist in getting us to your lands!
Finally, I'll allow myself one slightly philosophical question. What does music mean to you? How would you define death black metal. Is it a rest, relaxation or lifestyle for you?
Music is the key to my life really. It has been there through thick and thin. Death/Black Metal can be all 3 of rest, relaxation and lifestyle. I have music for all moods, and sometimes it is not extreme stuff. It can be enjoyed alone, socially, can be quiet, loud, fast, slow, sad, happy. Different metal (and other styles of music) suit different moods. I mean, when I was younger, and more depressed and the like, I would listen to moody, and dark music. Doom stuff like My Dying Bride, Anathema, Worship, Skepticism etc. Depressive music for depressive people. Happy, energetic music does not suit that mood. I am sure many people understand what I mean.
Please tell us more about what DESTRUKTOR is planning in the next few months? Give a little hint to the fans.
We have a couple of gigs in our Sourthern most state, Tasmania, booked for early April, and headling the pre-Essence festival in the nations capital, Canberra, in October.
We may play other gigs over the coming months, but we have had a few recently, and it would be good to maybe just jam, add a couple of old songs to the live repertoire, and start working on a couple of new songs. Playing new lands is also on the agenda, and needs to be moved on sooner than later. I certainly don’t expect such a long timespan between albums next time, but still, it can’t be forced. I am keen to get something on the move with that soon.
Thank you very much for the interview. When I get pissed off at work again or when I watch the news and need to clear my head, I know what I'll be listening to - of course "Indomitable"! It's a great album, thanks so much for it too! Good luck to you!
