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

- REVIEWS, REPORTS, INTERVIEWS - SUPPORT METAL UNDERGROUND

Zobrazují se příspěvky se štítkemreview. Zobrazit všechny příspěvky
Zobrazují se příspěvky se štítkemreview. Zobrazit všechny příspěvky

úterý 19. března 2024

Interview - BOMBARDER - Ancient, honest and pure speed thrash metal that makes coffin lids crack!


Interview with speed thrash metal band from Bosnia and Herzegovina - BOMBARDER.

Answered Nešo (vocals), thank you!

Recenze/review - BOMBARDER - Sa dna groba (2024):

Ave BOMBARDER! Greetings, my friends. When I got my first metal album on cassette from my cousin in 1988, you guys had already been playing for two years. I'm sorry to start from the beginning, but I think we have a lot in common. We both grew up in former socialist countries, we both started metal in times that were very turbulent. I was wondering what band did you first hear and how did the idea of starting BOMBARDER come about?

Hello there! Yes, we started middle 80’s and it was great time here back then. Yugoslavia wasn’t into CCCCP so we were something in between East and West. We had all official LP licenses of metal, rock releases etc. There were many bands back then and scene was huge. We liked then of course Motorhead, Exciter, Rave. Many old demos circulated here so listened many of these oldschool speed thrash bands.


You probably had a similar musical development to me. For me personally, the encounter with SODOM music was absolutely crucial. It was the speed, the rawness, the power, the fury. We were walking around the estate with cassette players on our shoulders. We were hanging out in the tenements. You know, pretty girls, lots of beer and metal. It was a good time. But then the revolution came. It was pretty peaceful here, but you started the war on March 31st. How did it affect you? I read somewhere (I hope I'm not mistaken) that you had to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina for Serbia? It must have been terrible.

Sodom were killer, yes we liked them as well. Sure, split up of Yugoslavia wasn’t peaceful as Czechoslovakia. Here everything ended in bloody war for many years and caused many pain and devastation. War is shit, I hate war and I hate politicians and big wordwide guns who make profits on wars and start them all around the globe! I wish them sure and painful death! Since middle 90’s I live in Belgrade, Serbia and Bombarder is active here until nowadays.

We had a friend in our group who was from Croatia. Both his parents died in the war and a couple in our town adopted him. So we had all the first-hand information. I remember tapes of bands like HELLER, EVIL BLOOD. It was a beautiful time, albeit a wild one. Lots of memories. Anyway, what bands influenced you in your early days? What about the gigs at that time? In our country, it was mainly in community centres.

Old Yugoslavian bands as Heller, Evil Blood, Sarcasm, Annathema, Ludilo, Epidemic Zone.... many bands played extreme speed thrash back then. Also lather death metal as Bloodbath, Mortuary, Necrophobia... We had many shows and big metal festivals in big halls with couple of thousands of visitors as Balkan Horror Opera, YU Metal Attack etc.


In our country, it was always said that if a band was good, they played with their hearts. Somehow that attitude has stayed with me to this day. I have to believe in the music and the new BOMBARDER album is exactly the kind of raw ride to hell that I love. I listen to more death metal nowadays, but when I heard "Sa dna dna graba" for the first time, I knew - fuck, this is it! How was the album made? Was the approach different than last time? I find the record more raw, faster.

Yes, Sa dna groba is more brutal and raw. It is inspiration we got from the world around us. Look at what’s happening at many places in this rotten planet? Just pain and missery, death and evil...We feel all this, we can’t be calm and positive when so many are suffering around. Sa dna groba is oda to nowadays!

Are you singing in Bosnian or Serbian, Croatian? The translator shows me a different language every time. As a Czech, I understand the content of the lyrics, but I don't understand everything. Can you please tell us where did you get the inspiration for the lyrics? Who is the author and how were they created?

Back in Yugoslavia we all spoke Serbocroatian. Nowadays this is the same language but everybody is calling this different... Stupid people with stupid rules... As I said in previous answer, inspiration is everywhere around us.


The sound is excellent! No doubt about it. Old school, raw, rough, animalistic. It really reminds me of the 90's recordings. Where did you record? Who's responsible for the mastering and mixing? Look, let's face it, this is a massacre!

Thank you for your words! We all like the final result and it’s great. We recorded as previous time in Citadela Studio and our guitarist Luka Matkovic is producer. Many domestic bands record their albums in his studio. It is like center of Serbian metal scene.

I used to go to the former Yugoslavia for holidays. You know, the sea, beer (of course Karlovačko, Ožujsko, and Rakije in the evening), I love it here. I have beautiful memories from my childhood, but even today, when I go to the sea, I always relax. You have beautiful nature and women, but to be honest I don't meet many metalheads here. Maybe they are hidden in the hinterland, but what is it like with extreme metal in your country? Recently I interviewed METUZALEM from Croatia and they told me that it is a terrible problem to organize a concert, to find musicians? What do you think?

Heh probably metalheads don’t like sea side and hot weather:)). Here in Serbia there are several centers of good scene as Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and there it’s not problem to organize shows. Also there are many, many young bands and they all ;play very often on single shows or small local festivals. But also big festivals as Exit festival in Novi Sad.


You are rightly considered a legend. You have a long history. Is there anything else you would like to achieve? To play a big festival? Or go on tour? I'd love to see you somewhere, have a beer and get my head bashed in.

Thank you. I don’t consider myself as a legend but younger meatlheads think that. I like to support all of them and when ever I can I do this. For me personally it’s important to push the band further, play good shows and some nice festivals. No, tours are not so into my plans. I’m older and it’s not so easy. But I prefer to concentrate on quality single shows and festival shows. I’d like to play in Czech, that’s for sure!

In Bombarder III you have a guest appearance by Per "Hellbutcher" Gustavsson from NIFELHEIM, NECROCURSE. How did you guys get together in the first place?

Hellbutcher is a huge fan of Bombarder. He with his band recorded cover version of Speed Metal song for Hail to Bombarder tribute and since then we are in touch. When we invited him to be guest on our new song he immediately agreed and he did a great work there. I’m very proud on this cooperation. Also we recorded Sodomizer cover as paying our respect to almighty Nifelheim!

Everybody started somehow. Who was your musical role model in the 90s? I remember it was quite difficult to find instruments, tablature, everything. What was your first gig as a fan? And what was your first one on stage? Please reminisce.

Sure, it wasn’t so easy to organize everything for the band back in 80’s but we made it with help of other older rock and metal musicians from the scene who were already in big heavy metal bands etc. Some of first shows were big concerts of Yugoslavian heavy rock bands from early 80’s as Divlje Jagode, Atomsko Skloniste etc.... I can’t remember exactly our first show but it was in Sarajevo. Crazy and wild meatl energy it was!


I think you'll agree with me that metal is a curse. People around me don't get it, even after all these years. It's still worth buying new records, T-shirts, going to shows. For me personally, this music is a relaxation, a way to survive. How do you feel about metal? What does this music give you and why do you listen to it?

Metal is my life 100% and thanx to metal I stayed normal and survived all these hellish war years back in 90’s. Bombarder is my power and my life energy.

Necessary question at the end. What is BOMBARDER going to do in the next few months? If you want to say something to the fans, here is the space.

This year we will dedicate to promotion of Sa dna groba album. Soon CD and cassette will be released and then later LP as well. We will play selected promotional shows and make hell on the stage!

Thank you very much for your answers. I really appreciate them. It was a great honor! I hope to see you live sometime and if so, have a beer with me. Thank you actually for all the great music you make as well. May you have the best of luck! BOMBARDER rules!

Many thanx metal brother! I appreciate your support and nice words for our music. Stay yourself, do the things with opet heart, never neal in front of anyone, fuck the system, fuck authorities and just stay rebellious and metal forever. Life is short, live it with full power! RAZVALJUJ!!!!!

Nešo – BOMBARDER

February 2024, Beograd, Serbia

Recenze/review - BOMBARDER - Sa dna groba (2024):




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rozhovor - BOMBARDER - Starodávný, poctivý a ryzí speed thrash metal, u kterého praskají víka od rakví!


Rozhovor se speed thrash metalovou skupinou z Bosny a Herzegoviny - BOMBARDER.

Odpovídal Nešo (zpěv), děkujeme!

Recenze/review - BOMBARDER - Sa dna groba (2024):

Ave BOMBARDER! Zdravím vás přátelé. Když jsem v roce 1988 dostal od svého bratrance své první metalové album na kazetě, vy už jste dva roky hráli. Nezlob se, že začínám takhle od začátku, ale myslím si, že nás mnohé spojuje. Oba jsme vyrůstali v bývalých socialistických zemích, oba jsme začínali s metalem v dobách, které byly hodně neklidné. Zajímalo by mě, jakou kapelu si slyšel poprvé ty a jak vlastně vznikl nápad, založit BOMBARDER?

Dobrý den! Ano, začínali jsme v polovině 80. let a tehdy to tu bylo skvělé. Jugoslávie nebyla v Sovětském svazu, takže jsme byli něco mezi východem a západem. Měli jsme všechny oficiální licence LP metalových, rockových desek atd. Tehdy tu bylo hodně kapel a scéna byla obrovská. Měli jsme tehdy rádi samozřejmě Motorhead, Exciter, Rave. Kolovalo tu hodně starých demáčů, takže jsme poslouchali hodně těchto oldschoolových speed thrashových kapel.


Asi si měl podobný hudební vývoj jako já. Pro mě osobně bylo absolutně zásadní setkání s hudbou SODOM. To byla rychlost, dravost, síla, vztek. Chodili jsme po sídlišti s přehrávači na kazety na ramenou. Poflakovali jsme se mezi paneláky. Znáš to, hezký holky, spousta piva a metalu. Byly to krásný doby. Do toho ale přišla revoluce. U nás probíhala vcelku klidně, ale u vás začala 31. března válka. Jak vás ovlivnila? Někde jsem četl (snad se nepletu), že jste museli odejít z Bosny a Hercegoviny do Srbska? Muselo to být hrozné.

Sodom byli zabijáci, ano, také jsme je měli rádi. Jistě, rozdělení Jugoslávie nebylo mírumilovné jako v Československu. Zde vše skončilo krvavou válkou na mnoho let a způsobilo mnoho bolesti a devastace. Válka je svinstvo, nenávidím válku a nenávidím politiky a velké světové společnosti, které na válkách vydělávají a rozpoutávají je po celé zeměkouli! Přeji jim jistou a bolestivou smrt! Od poloviny 90. let žiji v Bělehradě v Srbsku a Bombarder zde působí dodnes.

Měli jsme v partě právě jednoho kamaráda, který byl z Chorvatska. Umřeli mu ve válce oba rodiče a jedna dvojice u nás ve městě jej adoptovala. Měli jsme tak všechny informace z první ruky. Pamatuji si na kazety s kapelami jako HELLER, EVIL BLOOD. Byla to krásná doba, i když divoká. Spousta vzpomínek. Nicméně, jaké smečky vás ovlivnily ve vašich začátcích? Co koncerty v té době? U nás se hrálo hlavně v kulturních domech.

Staré jugoslávské kapely jako Heller, Evil Blood, Sarcasm, Annathema, Ludilo, Epidemic Zone.... tehdy hrály extrémní speed thrash. Také death metal jako Bloodbath, Mortuary, Necrophobia... Měli jsme mnoho koncertů a velkých metalových festivalů ve velkých halách s několika tisíci návštěvníky jako Balkan Horror Opera, YU Metal Attack atd.


U nás se vždycky říkalo, když byla nějaká kapela dobrá, že hraje srdcem. Nějak mi tenhle přístup zůstal dodnes. Musím hudbě věřit a nové album BOMBARDER je přesně takovou tou syrovou jízdou do pekla, kterou mám moc rád. Poslouchám už dnes spíš death metal, ale když jsem slyšel „Sa dna groba“ poprvé, věděl jsem – kurva, to je přesně ono! Jak album vznikalo? Byl přístup jiný, než minule? Mě připadá nahrávka syrovější, rychlejší.

Ano, Sa dna groba je brutálnější a syrovější. Je to inspirace, kterou jsme získali ze světa kolem nás. Podívejte se, co se děje na mnoha místech této prohnilé planety? Jen bolest a neštěstí, smrt a zlo... To všechno cítíme, nemůžeme být klidní a pozitivní, když kolem nás tolik lidí trpí. Sa dna groba je óda na dnešní dobu!

Zpíváte bosensky, nebo srbsky, chorvatsky? Překladač mi pokaždé ukazuje jiný jazyk. Jako Čech chápu obsah textů, ale nerozumím všemu. Můžeš nám prosím prozradit, kde jste brali pro texty inspiraci? Kdo je jejich autorem a jakým způsobem vznikaly?

V Jugoslávii jsme všichni mluvili srbochorvatsky. Dnes je to stejný jazyk, ale každý mu říká jinak... Hloupí lidé s hloupými pravidly... Jak už jsem řekl v předchozí odpovědi, inspirace je všude kolem nás.


Zvuk je vynikající! Bez debat. Old schoolový, syrový, drsný, živočišný. Opravdu mi připomíná nahrávky z devadesátých letech. Kde jste nahrávali? Kdo je podepsán pod masteringem a mixem? Hele, na rovinu, to je masakr!

Děkujeme za vaše slova! Konečný výsledek se nám všem líbí a je skvělý. Nahrávali jsme stejně jako minule ve studiu Citadela a producentem je náš kytarista Luka Matkovič. V jeho studiu nahrává svá alba řada tuzemských kapel. Je to takové centrum srbské metalové scény.

Jezdil jsem ještě do bývalé Jugoslávie na dovolenou. Znáš to, moře, pivo (jasně že Karlovačko, Ožujsko, a večer pak Rakije), miluji to u vás. Mám krásné vzpomínky z dětství, ale i dnes, když vyrazím k moři, tak si vždycky odpočinu. Máte nádhernou přírodu i ženy, ale abych pravdu přiznal, tak metalistů u vás moc nepotkávám. Možná jsou ukryti ve vnitrozemí, ale jaké to vlastně u vás je s extrémním metalem? Nedávno jsem dělal rozhovor s kapelou METUZALEM z Chorvatska a ti mi říkali, že je hrozný problém vůbec nějaký koncert zorganizovat, najít muzikanty? Jaký máš názor ty?

Heh, metalisté asi nemají rádi moře a horko:)). Tady v Srbsku je několik center dobré scény jako Bělehrad, Novi Sad, Kragujevac a tam není problém pořádat koncerty. Taky je tam hodně, hodně mladých kapel a všechny hrají velmi často na samostatných koncertech nebo malých místních festivalech. Ale také na velkých festivalech, jako je Exit festival v Novém Sadu.


Jste právem považováni za legendu. Máte za sebou dlouhou historii. Je ještě něco, čeho byste chtěli dosáhnout? Zahrát si třeba na nějakém velkém festivalu? Nebo vyrazit na turné? Hrozně rád bych vás někde viděl, dal si pivo a pořádně si vymlátil hlavu.

Děkujeme. Nepovažuji se za legendu, ale mladší masožravci si to myslí. Rád je všechny podpořím, a když můžu, tak to udělám. Pro mě osobně je důležité posouvat kapelu dál, hrát dobré koncerty a nějaké pěkné festivaly. Ne, turné do mých plánů až tak nezapadá. Jsem starší a není to tak jednoduché. Ale raději se soustředím na kvalitní samostatné koncerty a festivalová vystoupení. Rád bych si zahrál v Česku, to je jasné!

Ve skladbě Bombarder III vám hostuje Per "Hellbutcher" Gustavsson z NIFELHEIM, NECROCURSE. Jak jste se dali vůbec dohromady?

Hellbutcher je velkým fanouškem Bombardéru. Se svou kapelou nahrál coververzi speedmetalové písně pro Hail to Bombarder tribute a od té doby jsme v kontaktu. Když jsme ho pozvali jako hosta do naší nové písně, okamžitě souhlasil a odvedl tam skvělou práci. Jsem na tuto spolupráci velmi hrdý. Také jsme nahráli cover Sodomizer jako vyjádření úcty všemocnému Nifelheimu!

Každý nějak začínal. Kdo byl tvým hudebním vzorem v devadesátých letech? Pamatuji si, že bývalo docela těžké vůbec sehnat nástroje, tabulatury, vlastně všechno. Jaký byl tvůj první koncert jako fanouška? A jaký první na pódiu? Zavzpomínej prosím.

Jistě, v osmdesátých letech nebylo tak snadné všechno zorganizovat, ale zvládli jsme to s pomocí dalších starších rockových a metalových muzikantů z té doby, kteří už působili ve velkých heavymetalových kapelách atd. Jedny z prvních koncertů byly velké koncerty jugoslávských heavy rockových kapel z počátku 80. let jako Divlje Jagode, Atomsko Skloniste atd...... Nepamatuji si přesně náš první koncert, ale bylo to v Sarajevu. Šílená a divoká metalová energie to byla!


Asi se mnou budeš souhlasit, že metal je prokletí. Lidé okolo mě nechápou, ani po všech těch letech. Pořád mi stojí za to kupovat nové desky, trička, chodit na koncerty. Pro mě osobně je tahle hudba relaxem, způsobem, jak přežít. Jak vnímáš metal ty? Co ti tahle muzika dává a proč ji posloucháš?

Metal je můj život na 100 % a díky němu jsem zůstal normální a přežil všechna ta pekelná válečná léta v 90. letech. Bombarder je moje síla a životní energie.

Nezbytná otázka na konec. Co chystají BOMBARDER v nejbližších měsících? Pokud chceš něco vzkázat fanouškům, zde je prostor.

Letošní rok věnujeme propagaci alba Sa dna groba. Brzy vyjde CD a kazeta a později i LP. Budeme hrát na vybraných promo koncertech a dělat peklo na pódiu!

Děkuji moc za tvé odpovědi. Opravdu si jich vážím. Bylo mi velkou ctí! Doufám, že vás uvidím někdy naživo a pokud ano, tak u mě máte pivo. Děkuji vám vlastně i za všechnu tu skvělou hudbu, kterou děláte. Ať se vám daří co nejlépe! BOMBARDER rules!

Mnohokrát děkuji metalový bratře! Vážím si tvé podpory a pěkných slov pro naši hudbu. Zůstaň sám sebou, dělej věci s otevřeným srdcem, nikdy se před nikým nepředváděj, kašli na systém, kašli na autority a prostě zůstaň navždy rebel a metalista. Život je krátký, žij ho naplno! RAZVALJUJ!!!!!

Nešo - BOMBARDER

Únor 2024, Beograd, Srbsko

Recenze/review - BOMBARDER - Sa dna groba (2024):




---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

pátek 15. března 2024

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


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

for english please scroll down

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

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


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



Asphyx says:

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

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


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


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

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


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


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

Answered vocalist  Valtias, thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

I, Valtias wrote the lyrics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanx for the interview.

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



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

středa 13. března 2024

Recenze/review - WITCHORIOUS - Witchorious (2024)


WITCHORIOUS - Witchorious
CD 2024, Argonauta Records

for english please scroll down

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

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


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


Asphyx says:

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

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



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



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

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



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


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

Answered Antoine (guitars, vocals), thank you!

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Thanx for the interview.

Thank you so much Jakub!

neděle 10. března 2024

Recenze/review - SHAARK - Hybrid War (2024)


SHAARK - Hybrid War
CD 2024, Smile Music Records

for english please scroll down

Mám k podobným kapelám velký respekt. Začínaly kdysi v devadesátých letech minulého století, v době, kdy bylo vše jiné. Neexistoval internet, sociální sítě, na koncertech bývalo plno. Thrash metal vládl světu a každá skupina si postupně budovala svoji fanouškovskou základnu. Vše bylo syrové, všichni měli spoustu energie, protože byli mladí. Thrash metal je styl, který by měli hrát lidé, kteří nejen, že jsou dobrými muzikanty, ale mají v sobě i kus rebelie, dokáží předat tolik potřebnou energii. Je skvělé, že tohle v sobě stále, i po všech těch letech i změnách v sestavě, SHAARK mají. Jasně, že hrají postaru, nikam se zbytečně nehrnou. Místo každodenních selfie z kapelního života do vás raději narvou pořádnou porci ostrých riffů.

Nevím, jestli za to může nostalgie (asi trošku ano), ale já mám slabost i pro jejich nové desky. Jsou totiž starosvětské a svěží zároveň. Nenudím se u nich a pokaždé dostanu to, co jako starý fanoušek požaduji - skvěle zahraný materiál, který nejen, že má svůj vlastní ksicht, ale taky poctivé metalové koule. Nelze jinak, než přidat hlasitost a rozpustit vlasy v headbangingu. 


Pánové nijak neexperimentují. Jedou si dál tou svojí, kdysi vyšlapanou cestou. Skladby jsou úderné, mají parádní zvuk a produkci. Je to syrová válka s nebem i s lidskou hloupostí. Alespoň tak jsem já  tento styl vždycky vnímal. Kapela si dala do titulku alba název Hybridní válka. Jedná se vlastně o velmi aktuální věc, která se dotýká nás všech. Někdy bývám v šoku, čemu jsou lidé schopni věřit. SHAARK na to jdou ostře, příliš se nemění. Vyvíjejí se vlastně hlavně v rámci vlastních thrash metalových zákonů. A je to moc dobře. Mě se tenhle přístup líbí. Pokaždé, když budu stát před stěnou z CD a budu mít chuť na klasický thrash metal s moravskou melodikou, sáhnu po novince moc rád. To už vím teď, když album poslouchám několik týdnů. Přemýšlel jsem, jestli je něco, co bych kapele letos vytkl. Jenže mě nic nenapadlo. Možná jsou některé pasáže příliš dlouhé? Ale to mi také nijak nevadí. Zkrátka a dobře, SHAARK působí i po všech těch letech jako politi mrtvou vodou. Je slyšet, že je baví hrát, že jsou stále nadšení, mají touhu ničit hudbou. Když si vezmete, že tihle veteráni patří k nejdéle sloužícím kapelám v Čechách a na Moravě, tak vám nezbude nic jiného, než vyseknou poklonu. Abych to tedy shrnul. Máme tu veterány, kteří nahráli desku, která rozhodně stojí za to. Je po okraj narvaná divokými melodiemi a je ukována z velmi kvalitního železa. Svět je sice dávno jiný, než býval před lety, ale ještě existují jistoty, na které je spolehnutí. SHAARK patří mezi ně. Jejich nové album "Hybrid War" je toho jasným důkazem. Doporučuji otočit volume pořádně doprava. Pravý, ryzí thrash metal ohlodaný až na kost! Tohle album vás roztrhá na kusy!


Asphyx says:

I have a lot of respect for bands like that. They started back in the 1990s, when everything was different. There was no internet, no social networks, the gigs were packed. Thrash metal ruled the world and each band gradually built up their fan base. Everything was raw, everyone had a lot of energy because they were young. Thrash metal is a style that should be played by people who are not only good musicians, but also have a bit of rebellion in them, they can transmit the much needed energy. It's great that SHAARK still have that in them, even after all these years and line-up changes. Of course they play the old way, they don't go anywhere unnecessary. Instead of everyday selfies from band life, they'd rather shove a good portion of sharp riffs into you.

I don't know if it's nostalgia (probably a little bit), but I have a soft spot for their new records as well. They are old-world and fresh at the same time. I don't get bored with them and I always get what I demand as an old fan - well played material that not only has its own face, but also honest metal balls. I can't help but turn up the volume and let my hair down in headbanging.


The gentlemen are not experimenting. They go on their way, the way they once trod. The songs are punchy, have a great sound and production. It's a raw war with heaven and human stupidity. At least that's how I've always perceived this style. The band put the title Hybrid War in the album title. It's actually a very topical thing that affects us all. Sometimes I'm shocked at what people can believe. SHAARK go at it with a sharp edge, they don't change much. They are actually evolving within their own thrash metal laws. And it's very good. I like this approach. Every time I'm standing in front of a wall of CDs and I'm in the mood for some classic thrash metal with Moravian melodics, I'll reach for the new stuff very gladly. I know that now, after listening to the album for a few weeks. I was wondering if there was anything I could criticize the band for this year. I just couldn't think of anything. Maybe some passages are too long? But that doesn't bother me either. In short, SHAARK still feels like a dead water politician after all these years. You can hear that they enjoy playing, that they are still enthusiastic, that they have the desire to destroy with music. When you consider that these veterans are one of the longest serving bands in Bohemia and Moravia, you can't help but give them a shout-out. To sum up. Here we have veterans who have recorded a record that is definitely worth it. It is packed to the brim with wild melodies and forged from very high quality iron. The world may be a different place than it was years ago, but there are still certainties to fall back on. SHAARK is one of them. Their new album "Hybrid War" is a clear proof of that. I recommend turning the volume hard right. True, pure thrash metal, gnawed to the bone! This album will tear you to pieces!


Recenze/review - SHAARK - Deathonation (2020):


Tracklist:
1. Reaper´s Arrival (Intro)
2. The Emperor of Evil
3. Dorian
4. Love Your Tyrant
5. Governmental Chaos... Death Comes from Above
6. Twilight of Civilizations (Instrumental)
7. The Right to Kill
8. Soccer Swamp
9. Evil Servant
10. Gears of War
11. Apocrypha: 35 Years After


TWITTER