Dívám se do tmy. Hluboká díra v zemi, starodávná jeskyně, o které se říká, že v ní sídlí démoni. Lákalo mě to již dlouho. Musím vstoupit dovnitř, zdávalo se mi uprostřed neklidných nocí. Jakoby mi někdo našeptával zlá slova plná bolesti. Už nastal čas, překračuji hranici mezi naších a oním světem. Kolem se válejí vybělené lebky a z temných chodeb slyším řev bestie. Někde hluboko v mých vnitřnostech se usadil strach. Postupuji směrem dolů, do ještě větší tmy. Po stěnách stéká krev a poslouchám u toho nové album německo-baskických SIJJIN. Kapely, která ohlodala starodávný death a thrash metal na kost.
Pozorní čtenáři moc dobře vědí, že tahle smečka je jasnou definicí pekla. Jejich hudba, jak jsme se již mohli přesvědčit na jejich debutu (recenzi a rozhovor naleznete dole pod článkem), hoří jasným černým plamenem. Krvavý obřad pokračuje, pánové se opět vydávají po časové ose zpět do minulosti. Až k samotné podstatě kruté a reálné smrti.
Malte Gericke (ex NECROS CHRISTOS) a jeho věrní na to jdou ostře, nekompromisně, ale nezapomínají ani na chladné melodie. Pokud jste vyrůstali na kapelách jako POSSESSED, NASTY SAVAGE, INFERNÄL MÄJESTY, SLAYER, tak potom jste zde správně. Pánové si dali samozřejmě velký pozor na zvuk, který je náležitě prašivý, syrové a smrdí sírou. Líbí se mi i obal a o zajímavých textech, inspirovaných sumerskou mytologií, netřeba hovořit. Hlavní je, ostatně jako vždycky, hudba a ta se mi ihned dostala do krve. SIJJIN jsou autentičtí, opravdoví reální. Takhle se kdysi dávno pohřbívalo, hezky do studené země, s náležitými obřady. Tady žádnou umělou kremaci nepotkáte. Vše působí zastarale, analogově, přesto svěže a se spoustou zajímavých nápadů. Pro mě, pro starého psa, bylo vždy velmi zajímavé a příjemné, vstoupit do hlubin nicoty a otočit volume pořádně doprava. Při poslechu "Helljjin Combat" si připadám jako metalový archeolog, který právě objevil další zajímavou hrobku. Pohřbeni jsou v ní prokletí. Luštím tajemné symboly vyryté na zdi, naslouchám šepotu nemrtvých. Když jdu potom spát, tak děsivé sny (nebo realita?) pokračují a tak si znovu a znovu pouštím do tmy tuhle nahrávku. Je totiž po okraj narvaná vším, co mi dělá dobře. Prašivými melodiemi, tlakem, syrovostí. Má v sobě krvavou jiskru, upřímnost a touhu ničit hudbou. Nemůžu tedy jinak, než vám novinku doporučit. Pokud svůj čas rádi trávíte v temnotě, tak budete určitě spokojeni. To vám podepíšu vlastní krví. Dívám se do tmy. Hluboká díra v zemi, starodávná jeskyně, o které se říká, že v ní sídlí démoni. Nahrubo nasekané, pradávné, krvavé death thrash metalové zlo! Démonická definice temnoty!
Asphyx says:
I'm looking into the darkness. A deep hole in the ground, an ancient cave rumored to house demons. I've been tempted for a long time. I must go inside, I dreamed in the middle of the restless night. It was as if someone was whispering evil words full of pain to me. It's time, I'm crossing the line between our world and the other. Bleached skulls roll around and from the dark corridors I hear the roar of a beast. Somewhere deep in my gut, fear has taken root. I move downward into more darkness. Blood drips down the walls as I listen to the new album by the German-Basque SIJJIN. The band that gnawed ancient death and thrash metal to the bone.
Attentive readers know very well that this pack is a clear definition of hell. Their music, as we could already see on their debut (review and interview can be found below the article), burns with a bright black flame. The bloody ceremony continues, the gentlemen once again travel back in time to the past. To the very essence of cruel and real death.
Malte Gericke (ex NECROS CHRISTOS) and his faithful are sharp, uncompromising, but they don't forget the cool melodies either. If you grew up on bands like POSSESSED, NASTY SAVAGE, INFERNÄL MÄJESTY, SLAYER, then you've come to the right place. The gentlemen have obviously taken great care with their sound, which is appropriately dusty, raw and reeks of sulphur. I also like the cover art and the interesting lyrics, inspired by Sumerian mythology, needless to say. The main thing is, as always, the music and it immediately got into my blood. SIJJIN are authentic, real. This is how they were buried long ago, nice and cold, with proper ceremonies. You won't find any artificial cremation here. Everything feels dated, analogue, yet fresh and with lots of interesting ideas. For me, an old dog, it was always very interesting and enjoyable to enter the depths of nothingness and turn the volume properly right. Listening to "Helljjin Combat" I feel like a metal archaeologist who has just discovered another interesting tomb. Buried in it are the damned. I'm deciphering the mysterious symbols carved on the wall, listening to the whispers of the undead. Then, when I go to sleep, the eerie dreams (or reality?) continue, so I play this recording over and over again in the dark. It's filled to the brim with everything that makes me feel good. Dirty melodies, pressure, rawness. It's got a bloody spark, honesty and a desire to destroy with music. So I can't help but recommend this new release to you. If you like to spend your time in the dark, you'll definitely be satisfied. I'll sign this in my own blood. I'm looking into the darkness. A deep hole in the ground, an ancient cave rumored to house demons. Coarsely chopped, ancient, bloody death thrash metal evil! The demonic definition of darkness!
Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of music do you play etc.?
Yes of course! We are Maltuka, a thrash metal band based in Bergen (NO), consisting of me (Viljar, guitar/vocals), Mats (drums), Sondre (guitars) and Johannes (bass). Me and Mats started working on what would become Maltuka around 2022, after having played together for quite a few years in other projects (also with Johannes and Sondre).
Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?
When recording „Black Rite“ we did everything ourselves for the first time (except mastering, which was done at Audiosiege). We have over the last years started our own small non-commercial studio-collective „Formkraft Produksjon“, located here in Bergen, where we have recorded our own projects, as well as some other bands. As to the recording itself, Mats has been pretty much in charge of everything in regards to production and mixing.
How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?
We were fortunate enough to be able to release „Black Rite“ through High Roller Records, who now have printed it on all physical formats; vinyls (black, and orange splatter), CD and cassettes, as well as being published on most digital streaming platforms of course. As to the exact number I’m not a hundred percent certain to be honest.
Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?
For these songs I wrote most of the lyrics, with some tweaks from Mats here and there. Thematically they delve in more occult territories, such as human sacrifice and humanity’s grotesque and primal capabilities (much inspired by Stravinskys „Rite of Spring“, which I had recently watched... again). Writing wise, lyrics are often the last thing we create, so we try to find themes that compliment and emphasise the atmosphere of what the instrumental is doing.
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 logo was created by Spearhedirl, and he made a killer one at that! The artwork for „Black Rite“ is from a painting by our local artist „Kim Diaz Holm“, who we have worked with quite a few times already with other projects. As to our website (maltuka.bandcamp.com) and our other social platforms we handle these ourselves at the moment. And yes, I think social platforms and reach has become very important in the modern era, which can be both advantageous, but also somewhat undermining. The global outreach and possibilities are enormous, but at the same time it means we have to delve into content creation and algorithms, which we (probably aligned with many other musicians) are not as well versed with as just playing and writing.
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?
As mentioned earlier we got signed with High Roller Records for this record. It’s a label we perceive as really invested in its signed bands and who is truly helping more underground metal establish and unite globally. We are super excited that they wanted to release our debut EP, and we are extremely happy with their guidance and support so far!
Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?
I can’t get around the fact that the main metal titans have been a huge motivation for playing throughout the years. Judas Priest, Metallica and especially Megadeth were some of my biggest idols growing up and just starting out. With my fellow bandmates I share a love for many of the thrash giants, such as Testament, Exodus, Nuclear Assault, Sodom, and many more, but also bands of other genres such as Opeth, Bloodbath, Immortal, Death, and so on. As to inspiration for songwriting, that varies quite frequently, which is why it’s as fun and refreshing every time. Usually a new release or discovery that really hits my sweetspots ignites new ideas, where underground bands often can be the most inspiring!
Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?
We sent it around to quite a few, but luckily we got a good response from one of the few we hoped for (as previously mentioned).
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?
With Maltuka we are still planning our first gigs, seeing as our complete lineup fairly recently got established. But as I also mentioned, we have all played together quite a lot in bands such as Contorted and Psykopath, where we’ve played many smaller clubs, as well as a few festivals. Personally I really love the smaller club scenes, as you get a special intimacy with all the people attending, which often makes those nights more memorable.
What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?
At the moment we are just about to start recording our first full length album, which we are quite excited about. To be able to release our music internationally is one of the things that really drives us. But of course, we really want to get around to play different stages, and we’d especially love to be able to play a lot internationally.
How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?
Lidé čím dál tím víc věří lžím. Raději hnijí zaživa, nakaženi nenávistí, než aby použili svůj mozek. Někteří z nás jsou jenom dávno mrtvým tělem, prázdnou schránkou na prokletou duši. Stále sledujeme s chutí veřejné popravy, s nadšením a radostí. Pochodujeme na smrt, odsouzeni už jenom svým zrozením. Možná ale existuje způsob, který vás probudí ze tmy. Mám tu na recenzi novou desku maniaků LEPER COLONY a troufám si tvrdit, že se opět jedná o materiál, u kterého praskají lebky tlakem.
Jak asi všichni víte, v téhle smečce se potkali muzikanti, kteří jsou plně oddáni extrémní muzice. Stačí napsat jenom Marc Grewe, Rogga Johansson, Håkan Stuvemark, Jon Rudin a všichni vědí, že zde bude znovu definován smrtící kov. Tohle je muzika pro ty, co mají stále krvavou jiskru v oku, pro fanoušky, kteří sledují scénu a rádi objevují nová temná zákoutí. Hraje se tu ostře, nekompromisně, s pradávnou touhou ničit. Nic pro tupý dav, nic pro slabé povahy. I nová deska je spíše hudbou pro ty, co jsou stále na lovu, co ještě nesklonili hlavu.
Hroby jsou exhumovány, ohně hoří jasným černým plamenem, víka od rakví praskají velkým tlakem. Sešli se zde muzikanti, kteří přesně ví, co a jak chtějí hrát. Základem jejich muziky je i letos smrtící kov v jeho tradiční, klasické podobě (pokud máte rádi kapely jako DEATH, MORGOTH, MASSACRE, MERCYLESS, ASPHYX, PESTILENCE, MASSACRE, CANCER, SLAYER, MASTER, potom jste zde správně). Jako bych navštívil morbidní galerii, ve které jsou vystavovány veškeré ohavnosti, kterých je náš lidský rod schopen. Zvuk je v absolutním pořádku, zaujme i stylový obal. Pro mě je potom nejdůležitější, že mě baví nové album "Those Of The Morbid" poslouchat , že se k němu rád vracím. Pokud vám vadí, stejně jako mě, současný umělý svět, kdy máte u spousty kapel pocit, že jejich hudbu tvoří stroje a ne lidé, tak zde to rozhodně neplatí. Skladby v sobě mají potřebnou živočišnost, vztek, prašivinu, nahrubo nasekanou tmu i pověstnou krvavou jiskru. Není to nic nového v záhrobí, ale rozhodně se nejedná jen o obyčejné, i když dobře odvedené řemeslo. Naopak, z nové desky slyším opravdovost, upřímnost, reálnou oddanost stínům. Když jsem slyšel nahrávku poprvé, ihned se mi dostala do žil i do podvědomí. Zůstala tam až doteď, když píšu tato slova. Myslím si, že není moc co řešit. Tohle je hudba od death metalové šlechty pro všechny oddané fanoušky. Lidé čím dál tím víc věří lžím. Raději hnijí zaživa, nakaženi nenávistí, než aby použili svůj mozek. Někteří z nás jsou jenom dávno mrtvým tělem, prázdnou schránkou na prokletou duši. My, prokletí, takoví nejsme. Doporučuji volume pořádně doprava! Syrový, klasický, prašivý death metal, u kterého vám popraskají všechny kosti v těle! Hromadný hrob byl znovu exhumován!
Asphyx says:
People are believing more and more lies. They'd rather rot alive, infected with hate, than use their brains. Some of us are just a long-dead body, an empty shell for a damned soul. We still watch public executions with gusto, with glee and joy. We march to our deaths, condemned by our very birth. But perhaps there is a way to wake you from the darkness. I have the new album from maniacs LEPER COLONY to review, and I dare say that once again, this is material where skulls crack with pressure.
As you all probably know, in this pack we have met musicians who are fully committed to extreme music. You only need to write Marc Grewe, Rogga Johansson, Håkan Stuvemark, Jon Rudin and everyone knows that death metal will be redefined here. This is music for those who still have a bloody sparkle in their eye, for fans who follow the scene and like to discover new dark corners. It's played with a sharp, uncompromising edge, with an ancient desire to destroy. Nothing for the dull crowd, nothing for the weak of character. Even the new album is more music for those who are still on the hunt, who haven't bowed their heads yet.
The graves are exhumed, the fires burn with a bright black flame, the lids of the coffins burst with great pressure. Musicians have gathered here who know exactly what they want to play and how they want to play it. The basis of their music this year is also death metal in its traditional, classic form (if you like bands like DEATH, MORGOTH, MASSACRE, MERCYLESS, ASPHYX, PESTILENCE, CANCER, SLAYER, MASTER, then you are here right). It's like visiting a morbid gallery where all the abominations of which our human race is capable are on display. The sound is absolutely fine, and the stylish cover art is also impressive. The most important thing for me then is that I enjoy listening to the new album "Those Of The Morbid", that I like coming back to it. If, like me, you are bothered by the current artificial world, where many bands make you feel that their music is made by machines and not by people, that is definitely not the case here. The songs have the requisite animalism, rage, grime, rough-hewn darkness and the proverbial blood spark. It's nothing new in the afterlife, but it's certainly not just ordinary, albeit well done craft. On the contrary, what I hear from the new record is a genuineness, an honesty, a real commitment to the shadows. When I first heard the record, it immediately entered my veins and subconscious. It has remained there ever since as I write these words. I don't think there's much to go on. This is music from death metal royalty for all the devoted fans. People are believing the lies more and more. They'd rather rot alive, infected with hate, than use their brains. Some of us are just a long-dead body, an empty shell for a damned soul. We, the damned, are not. I recommend a volume to the right! Raw, classic, dusty death metal that will make every bone in your body crack! The mass grave has been exhumed again!
Někdy se ocitnu ve stavu, kdy začnu hledat svoje krvavé kořeny. Většinou se zavřu do svého pokoje, zhasnu všechna světla a otevřu okna do tmy. Nové EP norských MALTUKA jsem dostal na recenzi jednoho chladného večera. Nečetl jsem promo materiály, ani jsem si o kapele nic nezjišťoval. Nechal jsem na sebe hudbu jen tak působit. Po několika společných setkáních a vypitých pivech jsem zjistil, že jsme jedné krve. Já i tahle smečka.
Líbí se mi přístup, s jakým pánové k tomuto stylu přistupují. Melodie jsou velmi ostré, hlas jedovatý, riffy naléhavé a u bicích vám vylétne mozek z hlavy. Ten den jsem nespal, ale jen si rval nové EP pod tlakem opakovaně do hlavy. Hergot, tahle hudba hoří jasným černým plamenem a smrdí sírou.
Novinka je neučesaná, syrová, po okraj narvaná takovou tou starodávnou patinou, kterou mám u kapel tolik rád. Netuším, jestli jste někdy potkali na ulici smečku prašivých psů, kteří touží po jediném - roztrhat vás na kusy. Tak ani nemusíte, Norové totiž působí úplně stejně. Uvěřitelně, opravdově. Hudba na mě útočila takovým tím poctivým, neurvalým způsobem. Dovedu si představit koncert v malém klubu, někde na periférii. I když už jsem starý pes, rád bych si skočil z pódia, to je jasná věc. Co se týká stylu, jaký nám tihle gentlemani předkládají, tak je ovlivněn kapelami jako SODOM, SLAYER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, ale i třeba IMMORTAL. Osobně se mi potom líbí, že tahle smečka přistupuje k hudbě přeci jen trošku jinak, než ostatní. V současné době můžete všude potkat velkou spoustu různých retro skupin bez duše. MALTUKA na to jdou po svém, nebojí se říznout do živého. Chladné a temné melodie se zde potkávají se surovostí. Přesně takhle to mám rád. Norové se snaží o svůj vlastní rukopis a nutnou rovnou dodat, že se jim to daří na výbornou. Novinka mě opravdu baví poslouchat. Má v sobě totiž něco přitažlivého, co mě nutí se neustále vracet. Jestliže mě většina o hodně slavnějších jmen v současnosti už moc neoslovuje, k "Black Rite" se budu rád vracet. A to nejen ve chvílích, když budu mít nostalgickou náladu. Mimochodem, zvuk mě opravdu baví a s chutí se dívám i na motiv na obalu (Kim Diaz Holm (Sólstafir, Vreid)). Zkrátka a dobře, pokud jste na stejné vlně jako já, neváhejte ani chvilku. Už aby tu bylo dlouhohrající album. Těším se už teď! Ostrý, temný thrash metal, u kterého objevíte své vlastní krvavé kořeny! Černý plamen byl zažehnut!
Asphyx says:
Sometimes I find myself in a state where I start looking for my bloody roots. I usually lock myself in my room, turn off all the lights and open the windows to the darkness. I was given the new EP from Norway's MALTUKA to review one chilly evening. I hadn't read the promo materials or done any research on the band. I just let the music affect me. After a few meetings and a few beers together, I found out that we are of the same blood. Me and this pack.
I like the approach the gentlemen take to this style. The melodies are very sharp, the voice is venomous, the riffs are urgent and the drums will blow your brains out. I didn't sleep that day, I just ripped the new EP repeatedly in my head under pressure. Damn, this music burns with a bright black flame and smells like brimstone.
The new stuff is unpolished, raw, packed to the brim with that old patina I like so much in bands. I don't know if you've ever met a pack of mangy dogs on the street who want only one thing - to tear you apart. You don't have to, because the Norwegians look exactly the same. Believable, real. The music attacked me in that honest, uncouth way. I can imagine a gig in a small club, somewhere on the outskirts. Even though I'm an old dog, I'd like to jump off the stage, that's for sure. As for the style these gentlemen present us, it is influenced by bands like SODOM, SLAYER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, but also IMMORTAL. Personally, I like the fact that this pack approaches music a bit differently than the others. Nowadays you can find a lot of different retro bands without soul everywhere. MALTUKA are doing it their own way, they are not afraid to cut into the live. Cold and dark melodies meet rawness here. That's how I like it. The Norwegians are trying to make their own signature and I have to say that they succeed in doing it perfectly. I really enjoy listening to this new album. It has something appealing that keeps me coming back. If most of the much more famous names these days don't appeal to me much anymore, I'll keep coming back to "Black Rite". And not just when I'm in a nostalgic mood. By the way, I really enjoy the sound and I also look with relish at the motif on the cover (Kim Diaz Holm (Sólstafir, Vreid)). In short, if you're on the same wavelength as me, don't hesitate a moment. I wish there was a full-length album already. I'm already looking forward to it! Sharp, dark thrash metal where you will discover your own bloody roots! The black flame has been ignited!
Je to pořád dokola. Chudí nemají žádná práva, svět se točí stále stejně. Přetvářka a klam, války a bolest, krásné reklamy, život a smrt. Na thrash metalu se mi vždycky líbila taková ta rebelie, odpor ke zkaženým hodnotám. Kdysi dávno, v dobách mého mládí jsem objevil na jedné burze s kazetami kapelu HIRAX. Byl jsem hodně překvapený, že má na svém kontě již několik nahrávek. Postupně jsem si všechny sehnal a založil jsem si sbírku poctivého thrash metalu. HIRAX stále hrají, vydávají nová alba. Pořád mají ve svém středu legendárního zpěváka Katona W. de Pena. Ten je také hlavním poznávacím znamením téhle smečky.
Nebudu vás dále unavovat výletem do starých dobrých časů. Takhle legendární kapela má na svém kontě samozřejmě spoustu dobrých i horších nahrávek. Letos se pánové vrátili ve velkém stylu a působí jako politi mrtvou vodou. Je to jízda od začátku do konce. Opravdu si připadám, jako bych v post apokalyptickém světě řídil auto, které je na stylovém obalu. Jsem tak trošku Šíleným Maxem. A z reproduktorů si pouštím pořádně nahlas "Faster Than Death". Kolem nás hoří celý svět!
Staří fanoušci jako já ocení uvěřitelnost a sílu, kterou v sobě stále tahle smečka má. Mladí se obléknou, jako jsme se kdysi oblékali my a vyrazí s kazeťákem do ulic. Nebo ne? Doba se změnila, sociální sítě a lidská hloupost všechno zkurvili, jenom HIRAX zůstávají. Stále silní, ostří, s perfektním zvukem, s nápady, jak vystřiženými z thrash heavy metalového pravěku. Tahle smečka na to má nárok a narovinu - všichni to po nich chceme a kdyby změnili směr, do smrti bychom jim to neodpustili. Jasně, že HIRAX znějí jako HIRAX. Zaplať Satan za to. Potřebuji alespoň nějaký pevný bod ve vesmíru, kapely, na které je spolehnutí. Skladby řežou, pálí, mají v sobě velké množství nakumulované energie a tlaku. Co chceš víc, kámo? Já jsem spokojený i když je jasné, že v mém případě působí určitě i nostalgie. Necelých 22 minut hrubozrnného, divokého thrash metalu, s parádním ostrým zvukem, s obalem, který ve mě evokuje spoustu vzpomínek. Co si víc přát? Snad jenom, aby tahle legenda přijela i k nám do města a pořádně nám nakopala zadky. Stále ještě někdy udělám tu chybu, že se podívám na zprávy, pořád mě to nedá a věřím lidem. Když ale vidím ty zástupy hloupých, pochodujících jak ovce na porážku, mám sto chutí jim pustit tuhle desku přímo do ksichtu. Probuďte se! Na "Faster Than Death" naleznete to nejlepší, co tahle kapela umí. Možná jsme odsouzeni k pomalé dlouhé smrti. Než se tak ale stane, budu podobná alba stále poslouchat a podporovat. Hoří totiž jasným plamenem, jsou opravdová, upřímná, syrová. Jako život samotný. Thrash speed metalová jízda spáleným světem! Ostré, nekompromisní, divoké album, u kterého vypustíte duši z těla!
Asphyx says:
It goes on and on. The poor have no rights, the world keeps spinning the same way. Pretence and deceit, wars and pain, beautiful advertisements, life and death. What I always liked about thrash metal was the rebellion, the resistance to corrupt values. A long time ago, in the days of my youth, I discovered a band called HIRAX at a tape exchange. I was very surprised to find that they already had several records to their credit. Gradually I got all of them and started a collection of honest thrash metal. HIRAX are still playing, releasing new albums. They still have the legendary singer Cato W. de Pena in their midst. He is also the main trademark of this pack.
I won't bore you further with a trip to the good old days. Of course, a band this legendary has a lot of good and worse recordings to its credit. This year the gentlemen are back in style and look like a dead water politician. It's a ride from start to finish. I really do feel like I'm driving a car in a post apocalyptic world that's on a stylish cover. I'm a bit of a Mad Max. And I'm blasting "Faster Than Death" out of the speakers really loud. The whole world is on fire around us!
Old fans like me will appreciate the believability and strength this pack still has. The young will dress like we used to and hit the streets with a tape recorder. Don't they? Times have changed, social networks and human stupidity have fucked everything up, only HIRAX remain. Still strong, sharp, with a perfect sound, with ideas cut out of thrash heavy metal lore. This pack has it coming and let's face it - we all want them to, and if they changed direction, we wouldn't forgive them for the rest of our lives. Of course HIRAX sound like HIRAX. Pay Satan for that. I need at least some fixed point in the universe, bands that can be counted on. The songs cut, they burn, they have a lot of accumulated energy and pressure. What more do you want, buddy? I'm happy, although it's clear that nostalgia is definitely at work in my case. Less than 22 minutes of coarse-grained, ferocious thrash metal, with a cool, sharp sound, and a cover that evokes a lot of memories in me. What more could you ask for? Only that this legend comes to our town and kicks our asses. I still sometimes make the mistake of looking at the news, I still don't give a shit and trust people. But when I see those crowds of stupid, marching like sheep to the slaughter, I feel like dropping this record right in their faces. Wake up! "Faster Than Death" is the best this band has to offer. Maybe we're doomed to a slow, long death. But until that happens, I'll keep listening to and supporting albums like this. Because they burn with a bright flame, they are real, honest, raw. Like life itself. A thrash speed metal ride through a burnt world! Sharp, uncompromising, ferocious album that will make you let your soul out!
Někdy mívám děsivé sny o tom, jak se procházím mezi troskami našeho města. Spálená země, mrtvoly v ulicích, krev a nenávist. Žádné zpomalené záběry z války, žádné pečlivě nafocené snímky. Naopak, jenom smrad, bolest a utrpení. Ležím v zákopech a slyším samotnou Smrt, jak chodí kolem mě. V rukou mám zbraň z pečlivě ukované oceli. Je přes čtyřicet let stará, stejně jako italští maniaci NECRODEATH. Kapela, která používá úplně stejně zbraně jako já. Surový death metal, temný black metal i ostrý thrash. Další album v řadě, stále zahrané s velkou silou a nadšením.
Žádná válka nejde v závěru vyhrát, přesto si myslím, že lze italské bardy hrdě nazývat legendou. Jestliže jsou někteří jejich spolubojovníci dávno už jen svým bývalým stínem, NECRODEATH stále řežou tou správnou stranou nože. Důkazem budiž nové album "Arimortis", které je ostré jako břitva.
Je to stále neutuchající schopnost napsat dobrou skladbu, je to vždy vynikající zvuk, jsou to zajímavé nápady, ale i pokaždé podmanivá atmosféra - tohle všechno mám na NECRODEATH rád. Navíc, a na to se občas zapomíná, se nové songy opravdu velmi dobře poslouchají. Stačilo několik společných setkání a pamatuji si jednotlivé motivy, pochmurné pasáže i nakumulovaný vztek, který je riffech i vokálu obsažen. Jasně, je to stále hudba, kterou všichni známe, lze v ní vystopovat odkazy třeba takových SODOM, KREATOR, PROTECTOR, SLAYER, SARCÓFAGO, POSSESSED, AURA NOIR, NIFELHEIM, DESASTER, DESTROYER 666, VENOM, ale to se mi právě líbí. Italové měli vždy svůj jasný a nezaměnitelný rukopis, výraz. Dokáží být ostří a nekompromisní, ale nezapomínají ani na chlad a temnotu. Změny tempa, různé melodické linky, zpěvák musí snídat hřebíky, tohle všechno tvoří dohromady celek, který musí vyhovovat nejen všem starým metalovým psům, ale i každému, kdo má rád poctivou a upřímnou muziku zahranou od srdce. Je vám asi jasné, že jsem fanoušek kapely od jejich počátků a jako takový musím smeknout a poklonit se až k zemi. Zachovat si i po tolika letech drive, sílu, schopnost zabíjet hudbou, je úctyhodné."Arimortis" je nahrávkou, která se povedla po všech stránkách. Jsou v ní obsaženy jen ty nejkvalitnější ingredience. Svět kolem nás hoří a na NECRODEATH je stále spolehnutí. Někdy mívám děsivé sny o tom, jak se procházím mezi troskami našeho města. Spálená země, mrtvoly v ulicích, krev a nenávist. Žádné zpomalené záběry z války, žádné pečlivě nafocené snímky. Naopak, jenom smrad, bolest a utrpení. Ležím v zákopech a slyším samotnou Smrt, jak chodí kolem mě. Black thrash death metal ukovaný z té nekvalitnější oceli! Surový, temný útok, po kterém zůstává jenom spálená země!
Asphyx says:
Sometimes I have terrifying dreams of walking among the ruins of our city. Scorched earth, dead bodies in the streets, blood and hatred. No slow motion shots of the war, no carefully shot images. On the contrary, only the stench, the pain and the suffering. I'm lying in the trenches and I can hear Death himself walking around me. In my hands is a weapon of carefully forged steel. It's over forty years old, just like the Italian maniacs NECRODEATH. A band that uses the same weapons as I do. Raw death metal, dark black metal, sharp thrash. Another album in a row, still played with great power and enthusiasm.
No war can be won in the end, yet I think we can proudly call the Italian bards a legend. If some of their comrades-in-arms have long been a shadow of their former selves, NECRODEATH still cut with the right side of the knife. The proof is the razor-sharp new album "Arimortis".
It's the ever-elusive ability to write a good song, it's the always excellent sound, it's the interesting ideas, and it's the captivating atmosphere every time - all of these things I love about NECRODEATH. Plus, and this is sometimes forgotten, the new songs are really very easy to listen to. Just a few sessions together and I remember the individual motifs, the somber passages and the accumulated anger that is contained in the riffs and vocals. Sure, it's still the music we all know, you can trace in it references to the likes of SODOM, KREATOR, PROTECTOR, SLAYER, SARCÓFAGO, POSSESSED, AURA NOIR, NIFELHEIM, DESASTER, DESTROYER 666, VENOM, but that's what I like. The Italians have always had their clear and unmistakable signature, expression. They can be sharp and uncompromising, but they don't forget the coldness and darkness. Changes of tempo, different melodic lines, the singer has to eat nails, all this makes together a whole that must suit not only all old metal dogs, but also anyone who likes honest and sincere music played from the heart. It's probably obvious to you that I've been a fan of the band since their early days, and as such I have to bow my head and take a bow all the way down. To retain the drive, the power, the ability to kill with music after so many years is impressive. "Arimortis" is a record that succeeds in every aspect. It contains only the finest ingredients. The world around us is on fire and NECRODEATH can still be relied upon. Sometimes I have scary dreams about walking among the ruins of our city. Scorched earth, dead bodies in the streets, blood and hatred. No slow motion shots of the war, no carefully shot images. On the contrary, only the stench, the pain and the suffering. I'm lying in the trenches and I can hear Death himself walking around me. Black thrash death metal forged from the lowest quality steel! A raw, dark attack that leaves nothing but scorched earth!
1. Ave NECROMANIAC! Hello to the underground. I hope all is well with you. It should be, you have a great debut album. I have to admit, it drove me up the wall. It's dark and energetic, and it cuts with a knife edge! It's very telling that you've done a great job and have a great deal of talent. How do you feel about the new record compared to your previous EP and demos? Where did you want to go and how do you think all your releases differ from each other?
Ave maniac! This is Sadistik Fornicator (Guitarmageddon) answering your questions. First, thanks for your kind words about our debut album and for giving us a platform to promote our sinister art. To answer your question, while our morbid vision and main sources of inspiration have always been the same from day one, there are slight variations in all our studio recordings due to us becoming better players and songwriters throughout the years in between each new release. And also, due to strengthening our chemistry as musicians after so many years of playing together as a band. This slow development helped us mature our sound and songwriting skills to the required standards needed to write and record a magnum opus that's bound to leave a strong black mark on listeners and make its decaying presence felt within the international underground Metal milieu. That was always our aim, and we were aware we would have never been able to achieve this if we had tried to speed things up instead of taking as many years as needed. I strongly believe new bands should earn their stripes, so to speak, before releasing an album. Hence why we spent a long time honing our craft and only put out two demos and an EP before we even considered we were ready to record an LP. We could have released a full-length back when we started but if we had done that, then no one would remember it now as it wouldn't have been that impressive. Great achievements take time and shouldn't be rushed, or as the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day!".
2. "Sciomancy, Malediction & Rites Abominable" has all the attributes of good Death, Black and Thrash Metal. For me personally, it is a record that I love to come back to. How was it made? How do you compose new NECROMANIAC material?
True evil has no boundaries or genre constraints! I always decompose the music in my dungeon and later exhume it with The One (Basstard Tremblings) and V. Pestilencia (Apocalyptic Drumonitions) at the rehearsal crypt. Once we have a song finished, C. Howler (Throat Possessions) works on the lyrics and vocal patterns, and based on the particular vibe that the song gives him he chooses which specific subjects to write about and we build it up from there. Lastly, we complete the final touches by adding synths, samples, effects and additional instruments when recording at the studio to help create an atmosphere that resonates deeply with the lyrical subjects that the song in question is about. It's a slow process since we do take our time to always try and craft each song to perfection, but usually, everything falls eventually into place naturally and organically. We know instinctively if something doesn't feel right, and if that is the case, the song gets reworked as many times as needed until we're fully satisfied with the final command. We always write with the aim that the full release in question that we're working on at the time needs to be varied, flow well and feel cohesive as a whole, both musically and lyrically. This is the main reason why we always take our time with all of our releases. We don't write "X" amount of songs and slap them together on a record like a lot of other bands do. Each recording has to feel like one long musical piece that takes you on a dark journey into the unknown, so a lot of riffs or sometimes even whole sections get discarded and/or fully reworked during the songwriting sessions if we feel that they disrupt the flow of the release in question. A corpse always takes its time to rot, therefore you can't rush the decomposition process!
3. Who was hired for the sound and mix? I have to confirm that it literally kills! It makes me turn up the volume on the hi-fi tower. You have a sound that is harsh, raw, dark and animalistic at the same time. How did you achieve it? What studio did you record in and how did it all work?
You're right, the record sounds amazing and the end result went above and beyond any of my already sky-high expectations. I must admit I most definitely felt like a mad scientist gone even madder by the time we were adding the finishing touches to this magnum opus of ancient morbidity. So much so, that I needed a break from playing any music altogether for a few months afterwards as I was completely drained, both physically and mentally. But anyway, regardless of the stress suffered after staring far too deep into the abyss on and off for over 8 months, in my humble opinion, we were very lucky to be able to work with three of the best and most passionate engineers and producers in the current underground metal milieu. They were crazy and patient enough to take the time to follow our sorcerous vision and experiment while spending countless hours working their asses off to get the album to sound exactly like we wanted it. Our brother Am, who also plays in the local bands Grave Miasma and Eihort engineered and recorded all the vocals, synths, samples, and additional instruments at Morbisound Studios here in London. He also engineered, recorded, mixed, and mastered the last promotional demo that we released before we commenced the album recording sessions, and which secured the record deal with Invictus Productions in Europe and The Ajna Offensive in North America. Shauny Cadogan engineered and recorded all the guitars, bass, and drum tracks plus the choir on "Caput Draconis" at Sound Training - Studio One in Dublin, Ireland. He also mixed the whole album and did an immensely incredible job, as mixing this beast was no easy task considering all the different instruments and layers that we recorded. Last, but not least, Greg Chandler mastered it at Priory Recording Studio in Birmingham, UK. He also did an amazingly outstanding job and managed to keep all the dynamics created by the different layers and instruments used intact without losing any of the punch. Another thing worthy of mention is that all the basic guitars, bass and drum tracks were recorded live and then we overdubbed any mistakes made separately. Absolutely no click tracks, guide tracks or drum triggers were used during the recording, which is why the album sounds like a real band jamming together, not a studio project.
4. An integral part and kind of an extra bonus for fans today is the CD. You released it on Invictus Productions and it comes with a morbid medieval cover. Who is the author? How did you choose the motif and how does it relate to the music on the release?
I'd say vinyl is a much better format but I like CDs too (and tapes also, although I prefer that format for demos). The album is actually a co-release between Invictus Productions in Europe in conspiracy with The Ajna Offensive in North America. As for the artwork, we used 2 engravings (both from the 17th century). The one shown on the cover is entitled "Aeson decrepitvs fit ivnior opera Medeae", and it's taken from the book "Bellissimum Ovidii Theatrum". A sequence of pictures illustrating Metamorphoses of Ovid. It was engraved by Johann Wilhelm Baur and published in 1685. The scene depicts the sorceress Medea in the foreground, casting spells and draining the blood of her husband’s father, Aeson, to rejuvenate his body with her special brew boiling in a cauldron where one of two winged demons seen flying above it is urinating. Two altars can also be seen burning with sacrifices - including a black sheep. Medea also summoned the moon, represented by the goddess Diana, who was identified by the crescent moon on her head. The other engraving shown on the insert is entitled "Saul spricht mit Samuels Geist bei der Hexe von Endor", and it was engraved by Gabriel Ehinger in 1675. This scene depicts Saul consulting the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel with the wish to receive advice on defeating the Philistines. However, the spirit summoned delivered a prophecy of doom, and Israel's army was defeated in battle the morning after. We thought both engravings would fit perfectly with the themes of witchcraft, divination of the dead and macabre maledictions permeating the album's lyrics.
5. I've been roaming the underworld for over thirty years and I go to London often for music as a matter of course. I think we have similar moods and tastes when it comes to Metal. I like your bands a lot and follow your scene very closely. I might even be a little envious, we only have a few Death/Black Thrash metal packs here that are worthwhile. How do you explain why Underground Metal is so successful in your country? How do you perceive your scene, fans, and labels?
I think as an outsider you're perceiving it quite differently from how it actually is in reality! Considering how big this ancient metropolis is, there's only a very small handful of bands in the London underground metal scene that are worth listening to, and while we all enjoy varying degrees of international success (some more than others), the reality is that locally only a very small handful of dedicated maniacs support us, so we try and support one another as much as we can if there's mutual respect and admiration for each other's music.
6. You play Death/Black/Thrash Metal influenced by the old school. Nowadays a band can't avoid the obligatory comparisons, but I would like to know how the idea to start NECROMANIAC came about, who are your role models, and how far you want to take your band. Are you tempted by big festivals abroad, for example, and are you willing to tour with a more famous pack?
We play Morbid Metal, which is a much broader and less specific-genre-confined term. The idea to form NECROMANIAC was primarily born out of the necessity to express myself through art, but also due to the lack of bands playing the type of music that I wanted to hear. I don't have any particular role models as any true artist always follows his own individual path, but if you're asking about my influences, I am for the most part still inspired by the same old ancient cults that I've been worshipping since my formative years (although admittedly I discovered some of the ones I mention here later in life). I'm talking about legendary Metal acts such as Bathory, Hellhammer, Absu, Samael, Slaughter, Darkthrone, Celtic Frost, Venom, Nifelheim, Treblinka, Blasphemy, Sarcófago, Grotesque, Tormentor, Infernäl Mäjesty, Vulcano, Mortuary Drape, Slayer, Massacra, Pentagram (Chile), Vomitor, Imperator, Poison (Germany), Kat, Face Of Evil, Beherit, Tiamat, Protector, Repulsion, Holy Death, Mutilator, Necrodeath, Morbid, Sodom, Necrophiliac (Spain), Mystifier, Varathron, Mayhem, Sepultura, Master’s Hammer, Sadistik Exekution, Merciless, Burzum, Ancient Rites, Root, Hobbs' Angel Of Death, Mercyful Fate, Death SS, Black Hole, etc. The darkest works of these bands were a huge influence on the creation of NECROMANIAC; and without their output and legacy, our outlook on music in general just would not be the same. But also, some of our strongest influences come from different sources outside of the music realm too. Thus, we take inspiration from all that is born of iniquity and exudes the sulphurous stench of death and darkness; be it either drawn from personal experiences, ancient manuscripts, visual art, or literary form. We are fascinated by the inherent Devilry emanating from clandestine practices of sorcery and divination of the dead which are used as gateways to enter otherworldly spiritual planes outside of the physical realm. Our lyrics deal mainly with necromantical themes portraying the most sinister aspects of Death and the esoteric mysticism which can be found in all the folktales, myths, and rituals from different cultures all over the world which have been surrounding it throughout the centuries. Occult beliefs and practices are an integral part of our morbid coven that you'll find unequivocally permeated all over our concepts. Thus, we feel they are just as important as our music, and should be experienced as a whole along with the artwork and visual aesthetics of the band to get the full picture of our sinister art. Regarding the last part of your question, we intend to take this band as far as possible, but it will always be on our own terms, no one else's. There's just no way we will ever compromise that. We have zero interest in sharing any gig or festival bills with bands that we don't feel any affinity whatsoever with. This has been of utmost importance to us since day one and it shall remain that way until the very end. We will never sacrifice our artistic integrity as a means to try and gain more popularity. Our party, our rules...
7. When I started my site seven 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 least 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. What about you? Are you also a fan who likes to support your colleagues often? Do you go to concerts? Do you party?
No, we also do a lot of online promotion and network internationally with many other bands, labels, 'zines, promoters, and underground metal maniacs. If you want your band to be known internationally then you should do some of the legwork yourself, just like it used to be back in the day, the only difference is we don't communicate via snail mail anymore. We certainly don't send out any CDs for review (who does that in 2025 anyway?), but I have done trades with many bands, labels and zine editors. And yes, we all buy music, go to concerts and party occasionally.
8. On the one hand, a band starting 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 NECROMANIAC? What do you think about downloading music, google metal, streaming music, etc.?
That's an interesting question. However, it is an outdated one as no one downloads music from the internet anymore, everyone streams these days. But anyway, I don't think the state of the underground metal scene or whatever digital platforms are being used more popularly to promote music should dictate or affect how you choose to conduct your business and present your work to the public. Ultimately, if your music is strong enough people will find it one way or the other. But of course, while the state of things is always far from perfect, everything has a positive and a negative side to it. If you're smart enough to figure things out and see through the fake plastic veil, you'll use whatever tools you have to your advantage without falling into all the trappings that could turn you into one of the many scene clowns that everyone is laughing about behind their backs. Unfortunately, a lot of artists these days become slaves to social media platforms and end up ruining their public image by coming across as being extremely insecure, deluded, narcissistic, or just plain desperate for likes, adulation, and celebrity-like status. Since we have no desire or need whatsoever for any of those meaningless things to be a focal point in our lives, we prefer to spend most of our spare time honing our art and networking internationally with like-minded individuals, rather than whoring ourselves on social media platforms to massage our egos and feed the neverending hunger of the algorithm beast.
9. I like to ask musicians what Death/Black Thrash 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?
Well, things have certainly changed a lot in these modern times, and while those genres used to be 100% underground and part of the DIY scene where bands and fans networked internationally and exchanged music and ideas purely out of passion, a lot of people commercialized it and in turn ended up sacrificing its pure essence in the process. This is the main reason why we decided to describe our music as MORBID METAL, since we wanted to distance ourselves from a lot of modern Black and Death Metal bands whom we cannot feel any affinity whatsoever with due to their profuse lack of authenticity and complete disregard and unawareness of the genres' history and traditions. The foundations and viewpoints that the ancient bands professed during the early gestation periods of those genres were built upon passion, dedication, attitude, solemnity, maniacal conviction, and most importantly, a strong desire to stand out from each other by forging and following their own individual paths. This was magnificently exemplified by some of the 1st generation Black Metal bands hailing from your country like Master's Hammer, Root, Törr, Amon, Crux, Tudor, Avenger, Necrocock and Valenta demos, etc. Unfortunately, the number of acts who take the time to create something unique and meaningful these days is far lower than those who are more concerned about getting instant gratification via social media likes gained through blatantly plagiarising someone else's art or chasing underground trends. Also, as I'm confident you must already know, "Morbid Metal" is the name of a song by the legendary Swiss band SAMAEL included on their debut album "Worship Him". Therefore, we not only felt the term was apt and self-explanatory of the macabre overtones we convey within our music, visual aesthetics, and lyrical concepts; but we also decided to use it to show our deepest veneration for the early works of the old Swiss masters.
10. Finally, a classic but important question. What is NECROMANIAC planning in the coming months? Where can we see you in concert and what about a tour in Europe?
Only Death is certain! For now, we are booked to play a show in Tilburg, Holland, on the 20th of September with Tormentor, Concrete Winds, Misotheist, Ultra Silvam, Necrowretch, and Bad Omen amongst more to be announced. Such an event will undoubtedly be a very special ceremony for those in attendance, so we're looking forward to bringing our MORBID METAL to the Netherlands for the first time and desecrating the stage once again... Death approaches!
11. Thank you very much for the interview. I wish your new album a lot of success and may the ranks of your fans expand as much as possible. I look forward to seeing you live somewhere and may you do well both musically and on a personal level. I'm going to go and shove "Sciomancy, Malediction & Rites Abominable" into my head again!
Thanks again for your support and interest in NECROMANIAC. May the arcane mysticism contained within the very essence of our black art mark your damned soul with the unmistakable stench of Death and darkness until the very end of times! To all the Morbid Metal disciples who wish to stay up to date regarding all band-related news, live desecrations, and forthcoming releases you can follow us on Facebook and Bandcamp. Serious and dedicated Czech promoters are encouraged to contact us, we'd love to come and defile your beautiful country! A new band from the Czech Republic I'd personally like to share the stage with is Bahratal! MORBID METAL TO THE DEATH!
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