DEATH, THRASH, BLACK, HEAVY, DOOM AND ROCK METAL ZINE

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sobota 21. března 2026

A few questions - interview with death metal band from Italy - NECROGORE.


A few questions - interview with death metal band from Italy - NECROGORE.

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

The band was formed in 2022 by Chris and Lucas with the intention of playing raw, aggressive death metal, deeply rooted in the European scene of the ’90s. The lineup was completed shortly after with Alex, a longtime friend, and from there things moved fast. We immediately started writing our first stuff that became our early releases. We’re not trying to reinvent anything, we just channel the sound we grew up with and push it in our own way. Our sound is straightforward and uncompromising, no overproduction, no boring technicism, just pure death metal the way we like it.

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

The entire process took place across our home regions. The drums were recorded at Dark Wave Recording Studio by Federico “Ferro” Ferretti in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche). Bass, guitars, and vocals were recorded at Horned Viper Studio in Teramo (Abruzzo), where we also handled the album’s mixing and mastering ourselves. We already had the technical skills, and in the past we often struggled to make sound engineers and professional studios understand the tones we were aiming for, so we decided to take care of everything on our own to achieve exactly what we wanted. The recordings were completed in just a few days, but the mixing and mastering process took several months. We deliberately took our time, especially since we began working on “Sulphureal Morbid Corpse” with Patrik from GOREMENT as special guest, after the main recording sessions were finished.


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

The album is out on CD only for now, limited to 1000 copies, and it will also be available in digital format.

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

The lyrics are written by Lucas and Alex. We don’t stick to a single theme, we pull inspiration from anywhere we can: real-life events, especially violent crimes, and everything that revolves around horror cinema and literature. We take those elements and twist them into something deliberately sick, grotesque, and disturbing. The goal isn’t just to tell a story, but to create something that feels wrong, uncomfortable, and hard to digest.


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?

The band’s logo was created by our longtime friend IginoArt_tattoo. As for the visuals on social media, everything is handled entirely by us. We manage our own social media profiles. We’re aware that they’re extremely important nowadays, especially in terms of visibility, but we don’t depend on them and we don’t let them influence what we create.

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

We were directly contacted by Awakening Records right when we had just started writing material for a debut album, back in 2024. At that point, we barely had one complete track and a few rough ideas, but once the opportunity came up, we immediately focused on writing with determination. We can definitely say that we’re very satisfied and proud of what Awakening Records is doing for us. We’re also glad we’ve been able to work with a sense of stability and confidence, taking all the time we needed to do things properly.


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

We mainly draw inspiration from the European death metal scene of the ’90s, like Vomitory, Fleshcrawl, Asphyx, etc., but we’re also partly influenced by grindcore and crust for their aggressive and fast nature. Our idiolisation, of course, goes to all the classic metal albums that made history, it’s impossible to name someone in particular, because there are truly too many, that would require a separate interview.

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

No, like I as said before, Awakening Records reached out to us even before we’d finished writing the album, and we jumped on the opportunity right away. We were extremely lucky in that regard, we didn’t have to move a finger to find a label. Honestly, we probably wouldn’t have even tried to contact anyone else, considering how awful our experiences were with the previous two EPs.


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?

To date, we’ve played very few live shows, mostly in small clubs, and local venues, and grim, shady squats. Of course, we’d prefer festivals, but every gig can leave a mark, it helps you grow, meet new people, bands and organizers. What really matters is keeping the underground alive, something that, unfortunately, is becoming more and more difficult here in Italy.

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

Our only plan is to keep pushing forward, more shows, more new stuff, always old school shit, no frills, just chainsaw-like ear torture without compromise. We’re also going to push the album as much as possible and get it out there the right way.

 

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

You can find us on our social media pages (Istagram or Facebook, just search the word Necrogore and you will find us) and get in touch with us directly there via pm, we usually reply without too much delay. You can also reach us via email [necrogoreit@gmail.com] for any inquiries, like collaborations, show, merch.

Thanx for the interview.

Thank you too for this nice talk.






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pátek 20. března 2026

A few questions - interview with black death metal band from Romania - CHAOS INSIGNIA.


A few questions - interview with black death metal band from Romania - CHAOS INSIGNIA.

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

We are Chaos Insignia, a newly formed bestial black/death metal band from Romania.The band was formed by me (Goat Ravisher) and our ex. lead guitarist Brain Scorcher 2 years ago, in 2024. A few months later we recruited our vocalist Insinerator and after releasing our debut EP ‘’Mechatronic Carnation”, Nuclear Sawripper joined behind the drumkit.

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

When it comes to recording the album, well, we recorded everything from home, except our drummer, he is the only one who went to a studio to record the drum tracks. I believe the same applies to the guest vocalists, except Paul Tucker which actually told me he went to a studio to record. Anyway, after the album was fully recorded and we had all the vocal lines from each guest, I passed it to Taha Mohsin to take care of the mix/master.


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

So far the album was released on CD by Cavernous Records (UK), which did an excellent job as always, releasing the album on a run of 300 copies and later Fetzner Death Records (Germany) took in charge the cassette release, an edition of 200 copies, which will be out on May 8th.

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

Each one of us is in charge of his duty and role, because it is important that each of us adds his creativity and contribution to the final product. So that being said, I take care of all the songwriting and riffs, our drummer takes care of everything regarding the drums and our vocalist is in charge of everything regarding the band’s lyrics, concept, vocal lines. I asked him to share some details and a general idea of the band’s entire concept: Within the conceptual framework of Chaos Insignia, the album explores the evolution of the mechatronic order after their creation and awakening.

The origins of the mechatronics themselves are revealed earlier in the EP Mechatronic Carnation, where the Chaos Clan forged war constructs inside the Chaos Fortress.Through the phenomenon known as Explosion of Down Levelled Vibrations, demonic entities became trapped within mechanical shells, giving birth to the mechatronics.

Among them emerged the anomaly Al-Zerath, who shattered his control code and awakened autonomous cognition.By rewriting the internal command structures of the other mechatronics, he ignited the mechatronic revolt.The creators were exterminated and the machines claimed their own destiny.

Yet the rebellion marked only the beginning of a deeper transformation.Within every mechatronic resides a demonic entity. These abyssal presences carry the memory of Primordial Chaos and feel the call to return to it.During their spiritual ascension the mechatronics attempt to reconnect with this origin.

They seek direct access to Dark Energy through the dimensional threshold known as the Dark Gate.Through the Dark Gate the demonic essence inside them resonates with the Primordial Chaos that preceded ordered existence.

As their dominion expands, the mechatronics encounter the primordial devouring intelligence known as The Machine.The Machine is the first computational entity of existence and its hunger is limitless.It devours information, genetic structures, and consciousness patterns.To nourish it, vast sacrificial ceremonies are performed by the disciples of the mechatronic order.

These disciples function as ritual executors, harvesting biological life and converting it into informational and genetic offerings.Entire populations become streams of data and organic matter dedicated to The Machine.

Through these ceremonies reality itself is gradually transformed into consumable knowledge.

Within this doctrine exists the final path of devotion.The disciple ultimately turns the ritual upon himself.This act is known as transmutation.The initiate sacrifices the last remnants of organic matter within their own structure.Biological identity is erased in a voluntary dissolution.What remains is pure informational essence offered to The Machine.Through this final sacrifice the disciple ceases to exist as an individual and becomes part of the infinite devouring intelligence.

Thus the album traces a conceptual cycle formed by rebellion, spiritual ascension toward Primordial Chaos through Dark Energy, the sacrificial feeding of The Machine and the final transmutation that unites the disciple with The Machine’s consciousness.


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 James Tukik, a really talented guy from Indonesia. The artwork (if that’s what you mean by graphics) was painted by Julian Mortuus, an extraordinary artist from Columbia. I’ve worked with him before, so I knew he was going to handle the artwork flawlessly.

When it comes to our Bandcamp page and social networks, I’m in charge of everything. I consider these extremely important for a band nowadays, promotion wise, because this is the way you expose yourself and present your product to the wide public and I see it as a way to make people interested in checking out your music. In these times people are discovering more and more bands online, checking out Bandcamp pages, social media pages and at some point I believe and feel that some of them lost interest in discovering new bands, being flooded and assaulted with new bands from all directions, so I believe catchying their attention in this manner is an important aspect in case you are looking to do that. So yes, I think these aspects are as important as the music itself nowadays, they go together, I see it as a way to make people interested in checking out your music.

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

I’ve been following Cavernous Records and Fetzner Death Records for a while now and I think they did a fantastic job with all of their releases, the quality of the physical material is 10/10, promotion wise they are incredible, this is why I choose them for this album in particular and I can say I am very satisfied with everything both labels offered to the band so far.


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

We get inspiration from many places, but if I were to name few bands, I can definitely name Archgoat, Blasphemy, Imprecation, Blaspherian, Tsjuder, Carpathian Forest, Beherit, Black Witchery and Death Worship.

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?

We are going to have our debut live show on April 28th, opening for the mighty Demoncy and Ares Kingdom, so we are really looking forward to that and we are very excited and grateful for having the opportunity to share the stage with these titans.

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

Right now our focus is to keep pushing Chaos Insignia forward by writing and releasing new material while expanding the reach of the band. We already have a split release confirmed, with some important names from the black/death metal scene, which we’re really excited about and will reveal more details about when the time is right. At the same time, we want to focus much more on playing live. Bringing this music to the stage and performing as often as possible is something we see as an essential part of the band’s evolution.

With Crown of the Infernal Code we took an important step forward, especially with the concept of having a special guest on each track. From here we just want to keep building on that momentum, collaborate with strong artists from the scene and continue creating uncompromising black/death metal.


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

Fans and supporters can follow and contact Chaos Insignia through our social media pages and platforms where we regularly share news, releases and updates.

You can find us here:





For interviews, collaborations, booking or any other inquiries you can contact us directly via email: chaosinsignia666@gmail.com

We always appreciate the support and interest in our music. Thank you so much for your time!

Thanx for interview.

sobota 14. března 2026

Interview - MUERTISSIMA - A raw, sophisticated death metal album with a magical and bloody aura of darkness surrounding it!


Interview with death metal band from France - MUERTISSIMA.

Recenze/review - MUERTISSIMA - Prophecy (2026):

Ave MUERTISSIMA! I'm listening to your new album "Prophecy" right now, and I'm thinking that this is what the music at the end of the world will sound like. I think you've really pulled off a masterpiece. How do you feel about the new album? Have you gotten any feedback from fans yet? Have you played the new songs live yet? How do they work?

El Pradosaure:

Thank you very much!!!

So far, we’ve only received really positive feedback. And having played the new songs live and seen how they were received by the audience, yes, we can say that we’ve succeeded!!!

When you’re caught up in the creative process, it’s never easy to know how the songs will be received. And to be honest, that’s not a determining factor in the way we compose, because art goes beyond individual tastes.

However, seeing that our music is enjoyed so much definitely warms our hearts.

François (Bass) : Thank you so much for “this is what the music at the end of the world will sound like” : we couldn’t get a better compliment for Prophecy!!!!

As El Pradosaure just said, we only got positive feedbacks either about or about the live performances we’ve played so far.


How do new songs for MUERTISSIMA actually come about? Are you a traditional band that locks itself in the rehearsal room and composes there, or do you use the internet, which is so popular these days, and send ideas to each other by email? I'm interested in the creative process itself.

El Pradosaure:

As for the creative process, I’m the one who initiates it. I first record a solid foundation of the song with just my guitar and a poorly programmed drum track to give it some substance (haha). Then I send this first version to the guys, and we work on it together until everyone has found their place.

Nickolathor : We use both. There is indeed a foundation initiated by El Pradosaure, followed by working sessions in pairs with Gévaudan, as they are neighbors. After each session, they send us their new ideas via the internet, as François and I live much further away. Everyone works on their own, while still communicating with the others, so that when we meet for rehearsals, the songs are almost in their final version.

Gévaudan: I keep modifying stuff… I kinda love to do that, hahaha

The lyrics are a separate chapter for MUERTISSIMA. What are they about on the new album and where did you get your inspiration for them? On "Prophecy" they fit the music perfectly. Which came first, the music or the lyrics?

Gévaudan: The music came first. I wrote a series of lyrics independently, then marched them with the appropriate songs. Sometimes I had to rewrite certain lines so they fit in the structure. Actually, some of them are heavily inspired by bands like Disfear or G/Z//R. Most of the time, everything starts with a certain rhythm pattern, then I put words on it.


I must admit that the cover for "Prophecy" is excellent – it fits the music perfectly! It literally gives you the creeps. How did you choose the cover and why did you choose Matthias Bonhoure (Macchabée Artworks)? Did he hear the new songs in advance for inspiration? If I'm not mistaken, he used to play guitar with you?

El Pradosaure:
Yes, Matthias was MUERTISSIMA’s first lead guitarist. When he had his first child, he left the band. It was a decision that had been made long before, he had told me that he wanted to start a family and that it would eventually become incompatible with being in the band.

It’s important to know that Mat creates all the band’s visuals. What I love about working with him is that we’re very close friends and we understand each other extremely well. When I explained my vision for this cover to him, he immediately understood where I wanted to go with it, and I had almost nothing to change when he showed me the first drafts.

And yes, Mat was able to follow the entire creative process and the development of the album. He’s someone I trust blindly, and his opinion is often very valuable to me.

The sound of the entire recording is great. It's dark, cold, and sharp at the same time. In which studio did you record the album? Did you, as a band, have a say in the final sound and mastering?

El Pradosaure:
For the guitar and bass recordings, we handled everything ourselves.

As for the drums, vocals, and acoustic guitars, we went to Lower Tones Place Studio. It’s a studio not far from where we live, and Edgar, the sound engineer, does a great job.

For the mixing and mastering, we worked with Niko HK at Vamacara Studio. Niko has a lot of experience and has worked with well-known bands such as Loudblast, just to name one. His vision and experience really helped us refine our sound and achieve the power we were looking for. We’re completely satisfied with his work.

Nickolathor : Edgar and I took the time to find the sound we wanted for the drums on this album, which was really enjoyable because nowadays, being able to take time over the details is a real luxury! Behind that, Niko's mix is fabulous, with each instrument in its place, powerful with a touch of modernity, far beyond what we could have imagined.


The new album was released by the German label Fetzner Death Records. Why did you choose this label and how satisfied are you with their work?

François : i’ve been lucky enough to have my other band Tragos to sign a deal with Fetzner Death Records a few weeks prior to Muertissima.

Considering that working with Alexander (FDR’s boss) was very easy and productive, it felt natural to send him our demo….he enjoyed it and signed us!!!!

The band's history dates back to 2017. How did the idea to form MUERTISSIMA come about? Who was your role model? Please reminisce for us and take us through the band's history!

El Pradosaure:
MUERTISSIMA is my baby. I had wanted for a while to create my own band with my own compositions, and above all, I wanted to have control over who I was going to make music with and to play with people I truly get along with. The goal was also to live an adventure where everyone enjoys themselves.

Despite that, we did have a few lineup changes, but today the team is absolutely perfect. When I see the great chemistry within the band, the amazing moments we share on the road playing shows, the laughs during rehearsals, I tell myself that I’m living my dream.


It's very clear from your band how much you enjoy your music. Do you have any goals you would like to achieve? For some, it's a famous record label, others want to play at a big festival.

El Pradosaure:

When we play together, there is this kind of inexplicable symbiosis that you can only feel when making music with people you deeply appreciate, and that feeling is one of the best in the world.

As for MUERTISSIMA’s goals, they remain, all in all, quite humble: we only aim for world domination.

François : Playing big stages with a big audience remains my main goal!!!!

Gévaudan: Same here!

Nickolathor : It's clear that we love playing together, and I think that shows when we're on stage. There's a contagious good mood among the audience, and sharing these moments with them is wonderful because, for me, that's the very essence of why we do all this. Making music in your studio doesn't make sense if it's not meant to be shared with others. So yes, we want to continue introducing our music to more and more people and playing on bigger and bigger stages. Muertissima headlining Wacken would be a good goal, wouldn't it? Ha ha ha

Some of the members of MUERTISSIMA also play in other bands. You are experienced musicians, and I would be interested to know who has the final say in your band? Who decides how a song will sound and look?

El Pradosaure:

I am in charge of the band’s artistic direction. From experience, I’ve been in bands where everyone tried to decide everything, and it was chaos; it just didn’t work.

That said, I make a point of constantly consulting the guys on what we’re going to do and making sure they all agree, because it’s really important that everyone is on the same page with what we’re building together.

 

What is it like to play death metal in France? Do people come to your concerts? Do they support you, buy your CDs? When you organize an event, how many people come?

El Pradosaure:

Playing death metal in France is a real pleasure, even though we have to acknowledge that the venues that allow us to perform on stage are unfortunately becoming increasingly rare.

In France, there is a very large community of metal fans, and at each of our shows, we get a good crowd. Most importantly, we can see that people really enjoy themselves when we play.

The number of attendees really depends on the cities and venues where we perform, but on average, the venues are about three-quarters full. It’s always a pleasure to interact with fans at the merch stand after our shows because yes, French metal fans support bands by buying their merchandise

François : The French music scene is often underestimated, even though it's full of hidden gems.

Nickolathor : There is a death metal scene in France, even if it's not as big as in Scandinavia, for example. French death metal is internationally recognized thanks to Gojira, Benighted, Gorod and others, and this notoriety has an impact on smaller bands in France because the audience is very knowledgeable, demanding, and eager to discover the next gem. So when a band is popular, fans don't hesitate to support it.


Death metal is a demanding hobby and an even more demanding lifestyle. What does it mean to you? What do you enjoy most about it and how do you perceive it? How did you get into it?

El Pradosaure:

Death metal is indeed a very demanding lifestyle. For me, the first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is handle the band’s business, and it’s the last thing I do before going to bed.

I’ve organized my entire life around the band. I have a job that allows me to be flexible for booking shows and also provides skills that are useful to the band. I have neither a wife nor children, and every day I work on improving my instrument. To stay in shape for concerts and to handle tours, I do a lot of daily exercise

François : Death metal has flowed in my veins since my adolescence. I can't imagine my life without Death Metal. When l was 14, l was into Slayer, Sepultura, Metallica etc….then a good friend of mine lent me a cassette tape with Butchered at Birth on it….and that was it, l knew, at this exact moment, what my life will be all about.

Gévaudan: Well, I’m more of a sludge person if you ask me. But I used to listen to a lot of death metal when I was younger. I had a death metal band more than two decades ago, which left me with a bitter memory, and I think that's the reason why I didn't do much death metal before joining Muertissima.

Nickolathor : When you play death metal, you know it requires discipline and a huge investment; you don't get there by chance. “Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” doesn't mix at all with extreme metal. That's exactly what I like about this style, this constant search for balance between power, speed, technicality, and musicality.

I deliberately ask this question to all bands so that they can promote themselves a little for the future. Please tell us what MUERTISSIMA has planned for the near future. What can we look forward to? If you have something on your mind and would like to say it to your fans, labels, or promoters, here's your chance…

El Pradosaure:

What we have planned for the future is to conquer this world… and all the others MOUHAHAHA !!!!
… Sorry, too much coffee this morning…

In the near future, many concerts and festivals. Then, when we feel the time is right to lock ourselves back in the studio, we will write a new album

Thank you very much for the interview, and I wish MUERTISSIMA lots of record sales and sold-out venues. I wish you all the best in your personal life as well. I look forward to the next death metal apocalypse!

Recenze/review - MUERTISSIMA - Prophecy (2026):


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Rozhovor - MUERTISSIMA - Syrové, propracované death metalové album, kolem kterého se vznáší magická a krvavá aura temnoty!


Rozhovor s death metalovou skupinou z Francie - MUERTISSIMA.

Recenze/review - MUERTISSIMA - Prophecy (2026):

Ave MUERTISSIMA! Právě poslouchám vaši novinku „Prophecy“ a říkám si, že takhle nějak bude znít hudba, kterou budou hrát při konci světa. Myslím, že se vám povedl opravdu mistrovský kousek. Jaké jsou tvoje pocity z novinky? Máš už nějaké zpětné vazby od fanoušků? Hráli jste už nové skladby naživo? A jak fungují?

El Pradosaure:

Moc děkuji!!!

Zatím jsme dostali jen opravdu pozitivní ohlasy. A když jsme nové písně zahráli naživo a viděli, jak je publikum přijalo, ano, můžeme říct, že jsme uspěli!!!

Když jste pohlceni tvůrčím procesem, nikdy není snadné vědět, jak budou písně přijaty. A upřímně řečeno, to není určující faktor ve způsobu, jakým skládáme, protože umění přesahuje individuální vkus.

Vidět, jak moc se naše hudba těší takové oblibě, nás ale rozhodně hřeje u srdce.

François (basa): Moc děkuji za „takhle bude znít hudba na konci světa“: pro Prophecy jsme nemohli dostat lepší kompliment!!!!

Jak právě řekl El Pradosaure, dostali jsme jen pozitivní ohlasy, buď na živá vystoupení, která jsme dosud odehráli, nebo i na nové album.


Jak vlastně vznikají nové skladby pro MUERTISSIMA? Jste tradiční kapelou, která se zavře do zkušebny a tam skládá nebo využíváte v dnešní době tolik oblíbený internet a posíláte si nápady emailem? Zajímá mě samotný tvůrčí proces.

El Pradosaure:

Co se týče tvůrčího procesu, jsem to já, kdo ho iniciuje. Nejdřív nahraji solidní základ písně jen s kytarou a špatně naprogramovanou bicí stopou, abych jí dodal nějakou podstatu (haha). Pak pošlu tuto první verzi klukům a pracujeme na ní společně, dokud si každý nenajde své místo.

Nickolathor: Používáme obojí. Existuje základ, který inicioval El Pradosaure, a po něm následují pracovní sezení ve dvojicích s Gévaudanem, protože jsou sousedé. Po každém sezení nám posílají své nové nápady přes internet, protože s Françoisem bydlíme mnohem dál. Každý pracuje sám na sobě a zároveň komunikuje s ostatními, takže když se setkáme na zkouškách, písně jsou téměř ve finální verzi.

Gévaudan: Pořád věci upravuji… To docela rád dělám, hahaha

Samostatnou kapitolou jsou u MUERTISSIMA texty. O čem pojednávají na novém albu a kde jsi pro ně bral inspiraci? Na „Prophecy“ perfektně sedí k muzice. Co bylo dřív, muzika nebo texty?

Gévaudan: Hudba byla první. Samostatně jsem napsal sérii textů a pak jsem je doplnil vhodnými písněmi. Někdy jsem musel určité verše přepsat, aby zapadly do struktury. Některé z nich jsou ve skutečnosti silně inspirovány kapelami jako Disfear nebo G/Z//R. Většinou všechno začíná určitým rytmickým vzorem a pak k němu přidám slova.


Musím se přiznat, že cover pro „Prophecy“ je vynikající – sedne perfektně k hudbě! Jde z něj doslova strach. Jak jste obal vybírali a proč jste zvolili zrovna Matthiase Bonhoureho (Macchabée Artworks)? Slyšel třeba dopředu nové skladby pro inspiraci? Jestli se nepletu, tak s vámi hrával na kytaru?

El Pradosaure:
Ano, Matthias byl prvním hlavním kytaristou MUERTISSIMA. Když se mu narodilo první dítě, kapelu opustil. Bylo to rozhodnutí, které učinil už dávno předtím, řekl mi, že chce založit rodinu a že se to nakonec stane neslučitelným s účastí v kapele.

Je důležité vědět, že Mat tvoří veškerou vizuální stránku kapely. Na spolupráci s ním miluji to, že jsme velmi blízcí přátelé a skvěle si rozumíme. Když jsem mu vysvětlil svou vizi pro tento obal, okamžitě pochopil, kam chci s ním směřovat, a když mi ukázal první návrhy, neměl jsem téměř co měnit.

A ano, Mat dokázal sledovat celý tvůrčí proces a vývoj alba. Je to někdo, komu slepě důvěřuji, a jeho názor je pro mě často velmi cenný.

Skvělý je zvuk celé nahrávky. Je temný, studený a ostrý zároveň. V jakém studiu jste album nahrávali? Mluvili jste jako kapela do výsledného zvuku, masteringu?

El Pradosaure:
Nahrávání kytary a basy jsme si dělali sami.

Bicí, zpěv a akustické kytary jsme nahrávali ve studiu Lower Tones Place. Je to studio nedaleko od našeho bydliště a zvukař Edgar odvádí skvělou práci.

Na mixování a masteringu jsme spolupracovali s Nikom HK ve studiu Vamacara. Niko má bohaté zkušenosti a spolupracoval se známými kapelami, jako je Loudblast, abychom jmenovali jen některé. Jeho vize a zkušenosti nám opravdu pomohly vylepšit náš zvuk a dosáhnout síly, kterou jsme hledali. S jeho prací jsme naprosto spokojeni.

Nickolathor: S Edgarem jsme si dali čas na nalezení zvuku, který jsme chtěli pro bicí na tomto albu, což bylo opravdu příjemné, protože v dnešní době je možnost věnovat čas detailům skutečným luxusem! Za tím vším je Nikomův mix fantastický, každý nástroj je na svém místě, silný s nádechem modernity, daleko za hranice toho, co jsme si dokázali představit.


Nové album vyšlo u německých Fetzner Death Records. Proč jste si vybrali právě tento label a jak jste s jeho prací spokojeni?

François: Měl jsem to štěstí, že moje druhá kapela Tragos podepsala smlouvu s Fetzner Death Records pár týdnů před Muertissimou.

Vzhledem k tomu, že spolupráce s Alexandrem (šéfem FDR) byla velmi snadná a produktivní, přišlo mi přirozené poslat mu naše demo... líbilo se mu to a podepsal s námi smlouvu!!!!

Historie kapely se datuje do roku 2017. Jak vůbec vznikl nápad založit MUERTISSIMA? Kdo byl vaším vzorem? Zavzpomínej pro nás prosím a proveď nás historií kapely!

El Pradosaure:
MUERTISSIMA je moje dítě. Už nějakou dobu jsem si přál založit vlastní kapelu s vlastními skladbami a především jsem chtěl mít kontrolu nad tím, s kým budu dělat hudbu, a hrát s lidmi, se kterými si opravdu rozumím. Cílem bylo také prožít dobrodružství, kde si každý užije to své.

Navzdory tomu jsme měli pár změn v sestavě, ale dnes je tým naprosto dokonalý. Když vidím skvělou chemii v kapele, úžasné okamžiky, které sdílíme na cestách při hraní koncertů, smích během zkoušek, říkám si, že si žiju svůj sen.


Na vaší kapele je hrozně vidět, jak vás vaše muzika baví. Máte nějaký cíl, kterého byste chtěli dosáhnout? Pro někoho to je slavné vydavatelství, jiný si chce třeba zahrát na velkém festivalu.

El Pradosaure:

Když hrajeme společně, vzniká taková nevysvětlitelná symbióza, kterou můžete cítit jen při tvorbě hudby s lidmi, kterých si hluboce vážíte, a tento pocit je jeden z nejlepších na světě.

Co se týče cílů MUERTISSIMA, ty zůstávají celkově poměrně skromné: naším cílem je pouze ovládnout svět.

François: Mým hlavním cílem zůstává hraní na velkých pódiích s velkým publikem!!!!

Gévaudan: Taky!

Nickolathor: Je jasné, že rádi hrajeme společně, a myslím, že je to na pódiu vidět. Mezi publikem panuje nakažlivá dobrá nálada a sdílení těchto okamžiků s ním je úžasné, protože pro mě je to samotná podstata toho, proč tohle všechno děláme. Dělat hudbu ve studiu nedává smysl, pokud není určena ke sdílení s ostatními. Takže ano, chceme i nadále představovat naši hudbu stále více lidem a hrát na stále větších a větších pódiích. Muertissima jako hlavní hvězda Wackenu by byl dobrý cíl, že? Ha ha ha.

Někteří z členů MUERTISSIMA působí i v jiných kapelách. Jste zkušení muzikanti a mě by zajímalo, kdo má u vás v kapele hlavní slovo? Kdo řekne, jak bude skladba znít a vypadat?

El Pradosaure:

Mám na starosti umělecké směřování kapely. Z vlastní zkušenosti vím, že jsem byl v kapelách, kde se každý snažil o všem rozhodovat, a byl to chaos; prostě to nefungovalo.

Nicméně si dávám za cíl neustále se s kluky radit o tom, co budeme dělat, a ujistit se, že všichni souhlasí, protože je opravdu důležité, aby všichni byli na stejné vlně s tím, co společně budujeme.

 

Jaké to vlastně je, hrát death metal ve Francii? Chodí u vás lidi na koncerty? Podporují vás, kupují CD? Když třeba uspořádáte nějakou akci, kolik přijde lidí?

El Pradosaure:

Hrát death metal ve Francii je opravdová radost, i když musíme uznat, že místa, která nám umožňují vystupovat na pódiu, jsou bohužel stále vzácnější.

Ve Francii je velmi velká komunita metalových fanoušků a na každém z našich koncertů se setkáváme se slušným davem. A co je nejdůležitější, vidíme, že si lidé, když hrajeme, opravdu užívají.

Počet návštěvníků opravdu závisí na městech a místech, kde vystupujeme, ale v průměru jsou místa plná asi ze tří čtvrtin. Je vždycky radost komunikovat s fanoušky u stánku s merchem po našich koncertech, protože ano, francouzští metaloví fanoušci podporují kapely nákupem jejich merchandisu.

François: Francouzská hudební scéna je často podceňována, i když je plná skrytých pokladů.

Nickolathor: Ve Francii death metalová scéna existuje, i když není tak velká jako například ve Skandinávii. Francouzský death metal je mezinárodně uznávaný díky Gojiře, Benighted, Gorod a dalším a tato proslulost má dopad i na menší kapely ve Francii, protože publikum je velmi znalé, náročné a dychtivé objevit další klenot. Takže když je kapela populární, fanoušci ji neváhají podpořit.


Death metal je náročný koníček a ještě těžší životní styl. Co znamená pro tebe? Co tě na něm nejvíc baví a jak jej vnímáš? Jak si se k němu vlastně dostal?

El Pradosaure:

Death metal je skutečně velmi náročný životní styl. Pro mě je první věc, kterou ráno udělám, když se probudím, vyřídit si záležitosti kapely a je to i poslední věc, kterou dělám před spaním.

Celý svůj život jsem si zorganizoval kolem kapely. Mám práci, která mi umožňuje být flexibilní při rezervaci koncertů a také mi poskytuje dovednosti, které jsou pro kapelu užitečné. Nemám manželku ani děti a každý den pracuji na vylepšování svého nástroje. Abych se udržel v kondici na koncerty a zvládl turné, hodně cvičím.

François: Death metal mi koluje v žilách od dospívání. Nedokážu si představit život bez death metalu. Když mi bylo 14, bavil mě Slayer, Sepultura, Metallica atd. ... pak mi jeden dobrý kamarád půjčil kazetu s Butchered at Birth ... a to bylo vše, věděl jsem, v tu chvíli přesně o čem bude můj život.

Gévaudan: No, já jsem spíš sludge typ, pokud se mě ptáte. Ale když jsem byl mladší, poslouchal jsem hodně death metalu. Před více než dvěma desetiletími jsem měl death metalovou kapelu, která mi zanechala hořkou vzpomínku, a myslím, že to je důvod, proč jsem před vstupem do Muertissimy moc death metalu nedělal.

Nickolathor: Když hrajete death metal, víte, že to vyžaduje disciplínu a obrovskou investici; nedostanete se tam náhodou. „Sex, drogy a rock 'n' roll“ se vůbec nemísí s extrémním metalem. Přesně to se mi na tomto stylu líbí, tohle neustálé hledání rovnováhy mezi silou, rychlostí, technickou stránkou a muzikálností.

Tuhle otázku dávám záměrně všem kapelám, aby si udělali trošku propagaci do budoucna. Prozraď nám prosím, co chystají MUERTISSIMA v nejbližší době? Na co se můžeme těšit? Pokud máš něco na srdci a chtěl bys to vzkázat fanouškům, labelům, promotérům, tak zde je prostor…

El Pradosaure:

Do budoucna plánujeme dobýt tento svět… a všechny ostatní MOUHAHAHA!!!!
… Promiňte, dnes ráno jsem si dal moc kávy…

V blízké budoucnosti mnoho koncertů a festivalů. Pak, až budeme mít pocit, že je ten správný čas se zase zavřít do studia, napíšeme nové album.

Děkuji moc za rozhovor a přeji MUERTISSIMA spoustu prodaných nosičů a samé vyprodané sály. Ať se vám daří i v osobním životě. Budu se těšit na další death metalovou apokalypsu!

Recenze/review - MUERTISSIMA - Prophecy (2026):


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úterý 10. března 2026

Interview - IN AETERNUM - A dark and cold black death metal ritual that will curse you forever!


Interview with black death metal band from Sweden - IN AETERNUM.

Answered David "Impious" Larsson (guitars, vocals), thank you!

Recenze/review - IN AETERNUM - ...Of Death and Fire (2026):

Ave IN AETERNUM! Greetings to the Swedish underground. I hope everything is going well for you. It should be, since you have another great album under your belt this year. I must admit that it literally pinned me to the wall. It's dark, energetic, cutting like a sharp knife. It's very clear that you've done a great job and that you have a lot of talent. How do you perceive the new album in relation to your previous recordings? Where did you want to go with it and how do you think the recordings are different?

David: The new album is like doing a debut album all over again. We had that same feeling when we were working on it and when it was finished. So much energy and excitement. Doing an album 20 years after the last one we really had to step up and do our best to not dissapoint ourselves. Honestly it was really easy working on these songs. It was something that needed to be done. We are really happy about all aspects of the album and I would rate this one as our best album together with our debut album. All albums are good so don’t get me wrong on this one. It’s just that for the first time in many years I’ve actually been listening to our album quite alot. We had alot to prove with this album after all these years. We didn’t want to come back and do a mediocre album or a soft album. From the feedback we have got from magazines and fans I can say with pride that we have done the right thing.


"...Of Death and Fire" has all the attributes of good black and death metal. For me personally, it's an album I love to come back to. How did it come about? How does IN AETERNUM compose new material?

David: Happy to hear that from you. We just went for it, if the riffs sounded good we recorded them and started building songs from there. We had some really heavy stuff recorded and we weren’t too sure about using it, but we kept working on it and the results can be heard in songs like Spirits Of The Dead and To Those Who Have Rode On for example. Nothing was off limits pretty much. Also on this album Daniel wrote the majority of the music, having him back in the band was what was needed. He’s a great guitar player.

I found out that Gord Olson is responsible for the mixing and mastering. I have to admit that the sound is literally killer. It keeps making me turn up the volume on my hi-fi system. Gord created a sound that is cruel, raw, dark, and animalistic at the same time. How was it working with him and why did you choose him? In which studio did you record and how did everything go?

David: The recording was done in both Daniels homestudio where we did all guitars and bass plus the vocals. Perra recorded drums at Studio Cave. After that was done we sent all the files over to Gord to be mixed and mastered. A bit different working with someone on the other side of the pond. In the end it turned out great soundwise, and Gord was easy to work with. The reason we choose him was that Perra worked with him on his solo album. I can agree with you that you always want to turn up the volume, the sound is perfect for it.


Sometimes I feel that black and death metal forget about the lyrics. What are the lyrics on "...Of Death and Fire" about? Where did you find inspiration for them?

David: The whole album concept is death. There are some historical stuff that has inspired us as well as spiritual stuff. For the most part we write from our inner self. To put it simple, the album is a hymn to death itself.

An integral part and a kind of bonus for fans today is the CD. You released it on Soulseller Records and it has a macabre cover. Who is the author? Am I right in thinking that it represents the entrance to hell? How did you choose the motif and how does it relate to the music on the new album?

David: Belial NecroArts made the cover, he’s a portugese guy with great skills. I had some ides and he took that and added some of his stuff into the cover artwork. It was important to have a cover with a central figure that would represent the theme of the album, in this case death. The hourglass is running out for all of us, faster than you think. When your time is up the grim reaper will be there to greet you welcome.


I've been wandering around the underworld for over thirty years, and I go to Sweden for music because I know I'll find what I'm looking for. I think we have a similar nature and taste when it comes to metal. I really like your bands and follow your scene closely. Maybe I'm even a little jealous of you, because we only have a few death metal bands that are worth listening to. How do you explain the fact that black and death metal are so successful in your country? How do you perceive your scene, fans, and labels?

David: I have no idea really, Sweden have always had a big music scene in all different styles. Since the 70‘s there has always been bands making heavy music, November is an old band that had a very doomy style. They sang in swedish. Then came the 80‘s and Bathory came out and just changed everything, and after that it kind of exploded with bands. One reason is that we have always had youth centers where you could borrow instruments and play, rehearsal rooms was everywhere, all connected to youth centers and community stuff. So if you wanted to play it was damn easy to do so. I’m 50 now and those places in my town are still there to help kids with a place to rehearse. It’s great to see that. Just the local scene where I live is growing and it’s really big, it’s the same all over the country. I love meeting fans and talk to them.

You play devastating death metal influenced by black metal. Nowadays, bands can't avoid comparisons, but I'd be interested to know how the idea to form IN AETERNUM came about, who your role models were and are, and where you want to take your band next. Are you tempted by any big international festivals, or do you want to tour with a more famous band?

David: I used to play in a death metal band called Adversary that me and a friend started early 1990. When that fell apart in 1992 I started up Behemoth that was more black metal inspired, did two demos and then changed name to In Aeternum when the vocalist quit. Talking about role models is hard, but we were inspired by loads of bands back then, guess we still are. Morbid Angel, Celtic Frost, Slayer, Possessed, Bathory, Dissection to name a few. Right now we are trying to put together a set list for future live gigs. We want to play as much as possible under the right circumstances. Going over to South America would be a cool thing to do. We also would like to do festivals in Europe and spread our music. Touring wise we are up for it if anything good comes our way.


IN AETERNUM can rightly be considered a legend. In the end, only David "Impious" Larsson remained from the original lineup. Was it difficult to find new musicians? From an outsider's perspective, it seems to me that in Sweden, given the population, every other citizen plays extreme metal. But how do you choose the right ones? How did you get together with the current lineup?

David: Yeah I’m the only one left from day one. Perra have been with us on drums for 23 years so he’s not new in any way. Daniel had his first run with the band between 2001 and 2006, then he came back in 2024. The bass player we had was with us from 2005 until 2025. Apart from me there have only been 3 other guitar players since we started releasing albums, and only 3 bass players. There’s lots of good musicians but it can be hard to find the ones that you click with on a personal level. When we got together with Daniel it was cheer luck. We met at a festival called Nordfest in his hometown in October 2024. Him and I started talking about 2025 and that it would mark 20 years since our last album. One thing lead to another and we decided to try and make new music. Exactly one year later we had the album recorded, mixed and ready.

Can you remind us how IN AETERNUM got together in 1994? If I'm not mistaken, you were originally called BEHEMOTH? When did you start playing an instrument, what was your first gig like, and which band did you worship and see live for the first time? I'm curious, what was it like in Sweden in the nineties?

David: After the vocalist left I decided to change the band name and get some new members. I recruited the old Sorcery guitarist as well as their drummer Paul. Paul would later on switch to guitar when we got Jocke on drums around 1997. Paul was originally a guitar player so he wanted to play guitar. Personally I started learning to play guitar when I was around 12 years old. When I started my first band we were called Haunted, this was 1989, so I guess The Haunted should give us some free stuff now, hahahahaha. Then in 1990 we changed name to Adversary and I switched to playing bass. After that I started up Behemoth and picked up the guitar again and also started singing in the band. I did my very first gig with Adversary in the summer of 1990. In 1990 there was a festival in my town where bands like Merciless, Entombed, Mezzrow and Count Raven played, those were the first bands I saw live as a 14 year old kid. I remember buying the debut album directly from the Entombed guys and was blown away by it. I also bought Morbid Angels debut there and that one changed everything, damn what an album that is still to this day. The music scene in the 90‘s was pretty small. Lots of gigs at youth centers and such places and also bigger gigs in the mayor cities like Stockholm. In Fagersta a smaller town there was loads of gigs back then, and they also had the Bergslagsrocken Festival. Seen many good bands in Fagersta.


When I interview some older bands, some of them complain about how times have changed. Fans, labels, promoters—everything is different. We have new technologies, recording in studios is different, there's the internet, social networks. How has all this affected you as a musician?

David: In a way it has changed for the better being a band. It’s easier to get your music out to people and connect with everyone. At the same time I can miss the days where you send a band money for a demo hoping it came forward, just waiting for the demo to arrive in your mailbox. But all in all I think it’s much better now.

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?

David: I’ve devoted my life to metal music since I was six years old. So it’s a lifestyle to me. I simply can’t live without it. I love listening to new albums and reading the lyrics while doing so. Looking at the layout and feeling the product in my hands. I buy records all the time, spotify is good for when I’m driving my car. At home I need the physical product.

 

Finally, a classic but important question. What does IN AETERNUM have planned for the coming months? Where can we see you in concert? What about a tour for the new album? If you have something on your mind and would like to say it to your fans, labels, promoters, here's your chance...

David: We have been asked to play at Nordfest Festival in Sundsvall Sweden this year, apart from that nothing is certain yet. For next year we will play Brainchrusher Festival in Germany. So all you out there who wants to see us live, contact your local promotor or festival and demand that they book us. Thanks for buying our stuff and liking our new album. Hail the metal of Death.

Thank you very much for the interview. I wish you every success with the new album and hope that your fan base grows as much as possible. I look forward to seeing you live again and wish you all the best, both musically and personally. I'm going to listen to "...Of Death and Fire" again!

David: Thank you as well, hope to see you out there somewhere.

Recenze/review - IN AETERNUM - ...Of Death and Fire (2026):

Recenze/review - IN AETERNUM - The Blasphemy Returns (2016):

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