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pondělí 18. března 2024

Recenze/review - NECROPHOBIC - In the Twilight Grey (2024)


NECROPHOBIC - In the Twilight Grey
CD 2024, Century Media Records

for english please scroll down

Plačící duchové lesa. Vyjící andělé. Vlci na lovu. Běžíš tmou a větve tě šlehají do tváře. Zmrzlé nohy se boří do sněhu. Nevíš, jestli si oběť nebo lovec. Jsi si jistý jedinou věcí. Bílou děsivou smrtí, několika okamžiky v temnotě. Krev všude kolem. Naříkající les, přecházíš pomalu na druhou stranu, do země nekonečných stínů. Mraky jsou nízko a vzduch je těžký a nestravitelný. Padáš do hlubin. Vznešené pocity z létání, i tělo, polámané, zničené. Mysl roztrhaná na kusy. Takové byly moje první dojmy z nové desky "In the Twilight Grey".

Vlastně jsem nikdy nedokázal novinku poslouchat v klidu. Pokaždé do mě zasekla svůj dráp a nepustila mě, dokud jsem ji nevypnul. Ne, neseděl jsem doma u přehrávače, ale pokaždé jsem běžel tmou. Někde daleko, na severu, v mrazu a sněhu. Cíl byl vždy stejný. Zemřel jsem, abych se znovu pokaždé narodil. Silný a nabitý zvláštní energií, kterou má tahle kapela již od svých počátků. 


Spousta fanoušků nedá dopustit na klasické nahrávky z devadesátých let, které si již dávno získaly doslova legendární status. Jsem stejného názoru. Sleduji ale celou cestu téhle originální smečky a vždy se k jejich albům velice rád vracím. Nová deska se mezi ostatními rozhodně neztratí. NECROPHOBIC se sice již asi nikdy nevymaní ze svého stínu, ale na rovinu, on to po nich ani nikdo nechce. Jsou pro mě pevným záchytným bodem ve vesmíru. Za ty dlouhé roky, co nám přinášejí další a další ozvěny ze záhrobí, si vybrousili svůj originální styl k dokonalosti. Chlad a tma, ledový vítr v korunách stoletých stromů. To je pro mě definice celé tvorby, nový počin nevyjímaje. Fredrik Folkare opatřil album majestátním a velmi dobře čitelným i živelným zvukem. Mrazí mě v kostech! Obal, na němž je možná démon, kterého zmiňuji i v úvodu dnešního článku, nahání strach, je tajemný a zlověstný. Autorem je Jens Rydén. Také velmi povedená práce. Byli jste někdy sami v lese uprostřed noci? Nebo brzy ráno, když padne k zemi chlad a vy se probudíte do zdánlivého klidu. Je to samozřejmě omyl, přízraky nikdy nespí. Pokud budete poslouchat "In the Twilight Grey" stále dokola jako já, určitě vás přijdou navštívit. Ucítíte jejich přítomnost a krve by se ve vás nedořezal. Líbí se mi poctivost, samozřejmost, spousta nápadů, které doslova tryskají na všechny strany. To vše zamotané ve starých pavučinách, držící pevně pohromadě. Jako skála, jako láva, prýštící pomocí riffů, melodií ven, z nitra země. Letos jsou Švédi opět jako přírodní živel. Neuchopitelní, mocní, tajemní. Nelze jinak, než doporučit všem, kteří je mají rádi. Dostanete k dokonalosti vytesaný amulet ze starých kostí. Vzduchem se budou vznášet pradávné legendy a vy se budete usmívat. Plačící duchové lesa. Vyjící andělé. Vlci na lovu. Běžíš tmou a větve tě šlehají do tváře. Zmrzlé nohy se boří do sněhu. Nevíš, jestli si oběť nebo lovec. Jsi si jistý jedinou věcí. Bílou děsivou smrtí, několika okamžiky v temnotě. Krev všude kolem. Démonický, syrový a chladný vichr ze severu! Black death metalová mlha plná děsivých stínů a zkažené krve!


Asphyx says:

Weeping spirits of the forest. Howling angels. Wolves on the prowl. You run through the darkness and the branches whip you in the face. Frozen feet sinking into the snow. You don't know if you're the victim or the hunter. You're sure of one thing. A white, terrifying death, a few moments in the dark. Blood all around. The wailing forest, you cross slowly to the other side, into the land of endless shadows. The clouds are low and the air is heavy and indigestible. You fall into the depths. The sublime sensation of flying, and the body, broken, destroyed. The mind torn to pieces. These were my first impressions of the new album "In the Twilight Grey".

Actually, I've never been able to listen to a new album in peace. Every time it stuck its claw into me and wouldn't let go until I turned it off. No, I wasn't sitting at home with the player, but I was running in the dark every time. Somewhere far away, up north, in the cold and snow. The destination was always the same. I died to be born again every time. Strong and charged with the special energy that this band has had since its beginnings.


A lot of fans can't get enough of the classic recordings from the nineties, which have long since gained a legendary status. I am of the same opinion. But I've been following the whole journey of this original pack and I always love to come back to their albums. The new album will definitely not get lost among the others. NECROPHOBIC will probably never come out of their shadow, but frankly, nobody wants them to. They are a solid clue in the universe for me. Over the many years they have brought us more and more echoes from beyond the grave, they have honed their original style to perfection. The cold and dark, the icy wind in the tops of the centuries-old trees. This is for me the definition of the whole work, not excluding the new one. Fredrik Folkare has equipped the album with a majestic and very well read and elemental sound. It chills my bones! The cover art, which may feature the demon I mention in the introduction of today's article, is haunting, mysterious and ominous. The author is Jens Rydén. Also a very hilarious work. Have you ever been alone in the woods in the middle of the night? Or early in the morning, when the cold falls to the ground and you wake up to apparent peace. It's a mistake of course, ghosts never sleep. If you listen to "In the Twilight Grey" over and over like I do, they'll definitely come visit you. You'll feel their presence, and you won't get any blood in you. I like the honesty, the obviousness, the many ideas that literally gush out in all directions. All tangled in old cobwebs, held tightly together. Like a rock, like lava, gushing out through riffs, melodies, from the heart of the earth. This year the Swedes are again like a natural element. Elusive, powerful, mysterious. I can't help but recommend them to everyone who likes them. You get an amulet carved to perfection from old bones. Ancient legends will float through the air and make you smile. Weeping spirits of the forest. Howling angels. Wolves on the prowl. You run through the darkness and the branches whip you in the face. Frozen feet sinking into the snow. You don't know if you're the victim or the hunter. You're sure of one thing. A white, terrifying death, a few moments in the dark. Blood all around. A demonic, raw and cold wind from the north! Black death metal fog full of horrible shadows and corrupted blood!



about NECROPHOBIC on DEADLY STORM ZINE:







Tracklist:
1. Grace of the Past
2. Clavis Inferni
3. As Stars Collide
4. Stormcrow
5. Shadows of the Brightest Night
6. Blackened the Horizon
7. Mirrors of a Thousand Lakes
8. Cast in Stone
9. Nordanvind
10. In the Twilight Grey
11. The Torture Never Stops
12. 10. Ascension (Episode Four)

band:
Anders Strokirk - Vocals
Sebastian Ramstedt - Lead guitar
Johan Bergebäck - Rhythm guitar
Tobias Cristiansson - Bass
Joakim Sterner - Drums



středa 7. února 2024

Recenze/review - MORBID SAINT - Swallowed By Hell (2024)


MORBID SAINT - Swallowed By Hell
CD 2024, High Roller Records

for english please scroll down

Skáču po zádech z pódia. Z mosh-pitu se ke mě natahují ruce. Jsem mimo. Určitě to znáte. Když hraje vaše oblíbená kapela, přepnete svůj mozek. Je mi šestnáct a jsem plný síly. Patří mi celý svět a nemůžu si vybrat, se kterou holkou vyrazím ven. Moje džínová vesta je sice roztrhaná a vlasy mám po zadek, ale tady, uprostřed koncertu, cítím obrovskou energii a tlak. Mám pocit, že se mi polámou všechny kosti v těle. Poslouchám "Spectrum of Death". Jsou to samozřejmě jen moje představy, protože o koncertě MORBID SAINT jsme tenkrát u nás jenom snili. 

Dodnes si pamatuji každý tón, každý riff. S dalším albem "Destruction System" to mám úplně stejně. Jen už jsem měl rodinu a moje tělo nebylo tak pevné jako dřív. Když jsem pařil ve svém pokoji, tak už mě nesměl nikdo vidět. Letos jsem už šedivý pes, ale o tom, abych si na tuhle smečku skočil po zádech do mosh-pitu, sním stále. Novinka "Swallowed By Hell" je třetím dlouhohrajícím zásekem a také thrash metalem, který mi stále koluje v žilách. Tohle není žádná, dnes tolik častá imitace, ale opravdový metal se vším, co k tomu patří. Ukazuju všem fuck you a zavírám se před světem. Mám pocit, že mě nové album spálí na popel. 


Novinka je ostrá jako břitva, naštvaná a narvaná vztekem. Přesně takhle to mám rád. Možná mám staré kosti a moje hlava je šedivá, ale podobné desky budu vždy poslouchat s chutí. Mají v sobě totiž něco syrového, opravdového, takové to chvění, pnutí, šílenství, chcete-li. MORBID SAINT jsou stále ve skvělé formě. Užívám si živočišný zvuk (Scott Elliott - mixing, mastering), obdivuji parádní stylový obal od Eda Repky. Tohle je hudba, kterou poslouchám celý svůj život. Jsem jí doslova nasáklý. Určitě to znáte. Když je člověk fanoušek nějaké kapely, tak na ní bývá přísný. S napětím očekává, co jeho oblíbenci nahrají a vydají. Poslední roky bývám u starých thrash metalových kapel spíše zklamaný. Čest výjimkám, jakou jsou MORBID SAINT. "Swallowed By Hell" je nahrávkou, který ale není určena pouze pro staré psy. Troufám si tvrdit, že osloví i všechny ostatní. Má v sobě totiž něco navíc, co jiní nemají. Možná je to velký kus srdce, možná talentu, odhodlání. Nevím, na to má slova nestačí. S čím jsem si ale absolutně jistý je, že k téhle desce se budu ještě hodně dlouho vracet. Má totiž v sobě vše potřebné, abych si vyčistil hlavu. Když dnes skočím z pódia po zádech, tak už mě asi nikdo chytat nebude. Asi bych spadl na zem a rozsekal si hlavu. Nevadí mi to, pro mě je hlavní, že mám zase co poslouchat. Zapínám znovu play a postupně se ocitám mimo tenhle svět. Užívám si jednotlivé motivy, předvádím svůj soukromý headbanging. Je to tam, řvu do tmy a klaním se až k zemi. Thrash metal par excellence! Divoká, šílená jízda přímo do pekla! Pozor! Album obsahuje velké množství třaskavých látek!


Asphyx says:

I'm jumping off the stage on my back. Hands are reaching out to me from the mosh pit. I'm out. I'm sure you know. When your favorite band plays, you switch your brain. I'm 16 years old and I'm full of energy. I own the world, and I can't choose which girl to go out with. My jean vest is ripped and my hair is down to my ass, but here, in the middle of a concert, I feel this huge energy and pressure. I feel like every bone in my body is gonna break. I'm listening to "Spectrum of Death". Of course, these are just my imagination, because we only dreamed of a MORBID SAINT concert back then. 

I still remember every note, every riff. With the next album "Destruction System" I feel the same way. I just had a family and my body wasn't as strong as before. When I was partying in my room, nobody was allowed to see me anymore. This year I'm a grey dog, but I still dream of jumping on this pack's back to mosh pit. The new track "Swallowed By Hell" is the third long-playing hit and also the thrash metal that still runs through my veins. This is not any imitation, so common nowadays, but real metal with everything that goes with it. I'm showing everyone fuck you and shutting myself off from the world. I feel like the new album is going to burn me to the ground.


The news is razor-sharp, angry and full of rage. That's just the way I like it. I may have old bones and my head is grey, but I will always listen to records like this with gusto. Because they have something raw, real, that kind of tingle, tension, madness, if you will. MORBID SAINT are still in great shape. I enjoy the animalistic sound (Scott Elliott - mixing, mastering), I admire the awesome stylish cover by Ed Repka. This is the music I've been listening to all my life. I am literally soaked in it. I'm sure you know it. When you're a fan of a band, you tend to be hard on them. He's anxious to see what his favorites are gonna record and release. I've been rather disappointed with old thrash metal bands lately. Honour the exceptions like MORBID SAINT. "Swallowed By Hell" is a record that is not just for old dogs. I dare say it will appeal to everyone else. It has something extra that others don't have. Maybe it's a big piece of heart, maybe it's talent, maybe it's determination. I don't know, my words are not enough. But what I am absolutely sure of is that I will be coming back to this record for a long time. Because it has everything I need to clear my head. If I jump off the stage tonight on my back, I don't think anyone will catch me again. I'd probably fall on the floor and cut my head open. I don't mind, the main thing for me is that I have something to listen to again. I turn the play back on and gradually find myself out of this world. I'm enjoying each motif, doing my own private headbanging. It's there, I'm screaming into the darkness and bowing all the way down. Thrash metal par excellence! A wild, crazy ride straight to hell! Look out! The album contains a lot of shattering substances!


TRACKLIST
01. Rise from the Ashes
02. Swallowed by Hell
03. Bloody Floors
04. Burn Pit
05. Fear Incarnate
06. Fuck Them All
07. Bleed Them Dry
08. Pine Tuxedo
09. Killer Instinct
10. Psychosis

LINE-UP
Pat Lind - Vocals
Jay Visser - Guitar
Jim Fergades - Guitar
Bob Zabel - Bass
DJ Bagemehl - Drums

úterý 16. ledna 2024

Recenze/review - LIPID - The Perfect Killing Machine (2023)


LIPID - The Perfect Killing Machine
CD 2023, Great Dane Records

for english please scroll down

Ležím na operačním sále a čekám. Nejhorší je, že mě vnitřnosti bolely již dlouhé roky. Pan doktor se usmívá s zdravotní sestře to hrozně sluší. Říznou do mě a najednou je kolem spousta zkažené krve. Zmítám se v křečích. Nepoužívají anestezii, to prý prokletí nemohou. Vše proběhne dobře, i když to hodně bolí. Ptám se na příčinu mých problémů a stále usmívající se lékař mi nakonec diagnózu prozradí. Posloucháte thrash metal již příliš dlouho. Kývnu na souhlas, nasadím si sluchátka a do nich si narvu pod tlakem novou desku dánských LIPID

Tahle smečka datuje svůj vznik do roku 1995 a je to hodně znát. Od prvních tónů zjišťuji, že zde máme co do činění s poctivými řemeslníky, kteří ale přinášejí i něco navíc. Ostré melodie, šílené rytmy i vokál, připomínající Kerbera, strážce podsvětí. Kývám se spokojeně do rytmu. Moc dobře totiž vím, že tahle hudba koluje i v mých žilách. 


Nevím, jak to máte nastavené vy, ale já když poslouchám nějakou desku, která se mi líbí, tak jde vše ostatní stranou. Najednou mě nic nebolí, usmívám se a jsem mimo tenhle zkažený svět. LIPID umí napsat velmi dobré melodie, na kterých je také vše postaveno. Základní riffy jsou dále rozvíjeny, kapela si hraje s dynamikou, s náladami, jako šelma se svojí kořistí. Thrash metal má být naštvaný, rebelský a musí smrdět živočišností. Dánové tohle všechno umí a přidávají ještě něco navíc. Novinka je jako kopanec přímo do ksichtu, jako setkání v ringu, ze kterého odejdete rozsekáni na kusy. Jestli máte rádi staré EXODUS, ale třeba i THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, jděte určitě i do téhle nahrávky. Pánové jsou zkušení muzikanti, kteří vám garantují dobrý zvuk i produkci, ale hlavně velkou spoustu nápadů, u kterých se rozhodně nudit nebudete. Pokud jste jako já, staří thrashoví psi, určitě budete skákat po pokoji, jako v dobách svého mládí. Soukromý mosh-pit bude doslova nakažlivý. Vždycky, když o podobných kapelách píšu, říkám si, jaká je škoda, že nejsou z nějakého města poblíž. Rád bych totiž zašel na koncert, vymlátil si hlavu v první řadě a skočil si možná i z pódia. Miluji totiž malé zaplivané kluby, kde má kapela blízko k fanouškům. A myslím si, že v nich vynikne síla téhle smečky nejvíce. Ležím na operačním sále a čekám. Nejhorší je, že mě vnitřnosti bolely již dlouhé roky. Pan doktor se usmívá s zdravotní sestře to hrozně sluší. Říznou do mě a najednou je kolem spousta zkažené krve. Zmítám se v křečích. Usmívám se také, posloucháme totiž všichni "The Perfect Killing Machine". Divoká thrash metalová jízda přímo do pekla!


Asphyx says:

I'm lying in the O.R. waiting. The worst thing is that my insides have been hurting for years. The doctor is smiling and the nurse is smiling. They cut into me and suddenly there's a lot of bad blood around. I'm convulsing. They don't use anesthesia, they say they can't do that. Everything goes well, even though it hurts a lot. I ask about the cause of my problems and the ever-smiling doctor finally gives me the diagnosis. You've been listening to thrash metal for too long. I nod in agreement, put on my headphones and shove the new Danish LIPID album into them under pressure. 

This pack dates back to 1995 and it shows. From the first notes I find out that we are dealing with honest craftsmen, but they bring something extra. Sharp melodies, crazy rhythms and vocals reminiscent of Kerber, the guardian of the underworld. I sway to the beat. Because I know very well that this music runs through my veins.


I don't know how you have it set up, but I listen to a record I like and everything else goes by the wayside. Suddenly I'm not in pain, I'm smiling, and I'm out of this rotten world. LIPID can write very good melodies, which is also what everything is built on. The basic riffs are further developed, the band plays with dynamics, with moods, like a beast with its prey. Thrash metal is supposed to be angry, rebellious and it has to reek of animalism. The Danes do all this and add something extra. The new stuff is like a kick right in the face, like a meeting in the ring that you'll walk away from chopped to pieces. If you like the old EXODUS, but also THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE, MUNICIPAL WASTE, go for this record for sure. The gentlemen are experienced musicians who guarantee you a good sound and production, but most importantly a great deal of ideas that you definitely won't get bored with. If you're like me, an old thrash dog, you'll definitely be jumping around the room like you did in the days of your youth. A private mosh-pit will literally be contagious. Whenever I write about bands like this, I always think what a shame they're not from a city near me. Because I'd love to go to a show, beat my head off in the front row, and maybe jump off the stage. I love small, seedy clubs where the band is close to the fans. And I think that's where the power of the pack shines through the most. I'm lying in the operating room waiting. The worst thing is, my insides have been hurting for years. The doctor's smiling and the nurse's smiling. They cut into me and suddenly there's a lot of bad blood around. I'm convulsing. I'm smiling too, because we're all listening to "The Perfect Killing Machine". A wild thrash metal ride straight to hell!


Tracklist:
01. Dead For The Rest Of Your Life
02. The Perfect Killing Machine
03. Before The Storm
04. The Ominous Sympony
05. Wreck Of The Past
06. Imagination Of The Fake
07. Fragments Of Eternity

LINE UP:
- Soren Hartlev PEDERSEN Guitar & Vocals
- Anders Moller PEDERSEN Lead Guitar
- Martin Hartlev PEDERSEN Drums
- John Frederik SMEDEMARK Bass



neděle 14. ledna 2024

Recenze/review - ENDBROKEN - Defeat of Common Sense (2023)


ENDBROKEN - Defeat of Common Sense
CD 2023, Great Dane Records

for english please scroll down

Stojím opět nad propastí a mám jako vždycky dvě možnosti. Buď budu létat nebo se vrátím pokorně domů. Dnes poslouchám novou desku francouzských ENDBROKEN a mám sto chutí skočit. Hezky po zádech, vznášet se na vlnách ostrých riffů a nakonec padnout do temnoty. Jenže to zase neudělám. Chci si totiž užít i další den. Původně jsem sem přišel a měl jsem velký splín. Jenže tahle smečka divokých psů mě doslova nabila energií. Nezbývalo mi nic jiného, než uspořádat malý soukromý headbanging a vrátit se pokorně domů. Pokud máte nějakého frustrovaného nebo smutného kamaráda, pusťte mu "Defeat of Common Sense" a určitě půjde do mosh-pitu s vámi.

Thrash metal se dá hrát mnoha způsoby a Francouzi jej notně ušpinili groove pasážemi a zazní i odkazy na death metal. Mě se vlastně ani nechce o nové desce nic psát. Raději ji poslouchám, kývám se spokojeně do rytmu a vyzývám všechny zombie, aby pařily se se mnou. Navíc, na tomhle stylu jsem kdysi dávno začínal a dodnes mi koluje v krvi.


Máte rádi kapely jako SLAYER, METALLICU, THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE? Potom jděte i do nové desky těchto maniaků. Pánové hrají upřímně, mají dobrý zvuk, zajímavý obal a ještě přidávají něco navíc. Některé pasáže jsou rychlé a dynamické, jiné temné a chladné, jako ruka staré mrtvoly. Jako celek potom drží album velmi pevně pohromadě a doporučuji vám jej poslouchat zásadně v jednom kuse. Teprve potom vynikne naplno jeho síla. Ne, neskočil jsem dolů do propasti, ale raději jsem za zvuků "Defeat of Common Sense" vzal kladivo a zboural několik zdí. Určitě to znáte. Svět na člověka někdy padá jako nějaký šílený a těžký mrak. Já nepotřebuji psychologa, ani žádné podpůrné prostředky, já mám hudbu. Na to vám přísahám a pevně věřím, že jste na tom stejně jako já. Tady se hraje opravdově a i když jsou některé songy možná až příliš dlouhé, řetěz nespadne nikdy. Jako bych seděl na starém hrobě a vzpomínal na své mládí. Toulali jsme se tenkrát s kazeťákem na zádech po periferii našeho města a poslouchali podobné kapely, jako jsou ENDBROKEN. Já vím, kapela nepřináší nic nového, ani převratného, ale to dnes nedělá skoro nikdo. Pro mě je o hodně důležitější, že mě baví album poslouchat, že se k němu rád vracím a že už nikdy neskočím do propasti. Říká se, že cesty Páně jsou nevyzpytatelné. Něco na tom bude. Jsem moc rád, že jsem tuhle nahrávku dostal na recenzi. Hoří totiž jasným plamenem. Na obalu by mohlo být s klidem napsáno, že desku doporučuje deset z deseti starých thrasherů. Dávám vysokou známku kvality! Groove thrash metal, ukovaný z té nejkvalitnější oceli! 


Asphyx says:

I'm standing on the precipice again, and as always, I have two choices. Either I fly or I return home humbly. Today I'm listening to the new French ENDBROKEN album and I feel like jumping. I want to jump on my back, float on the waves of sharp riffs and finally fall into the darkness. But I won't do it again. Because I want to enjoy another day. I came here originally and I had a big full moon. But this pack of wild dogs literally energized me. I had no choice but to do a little private headbanging and go home humbly. If you have a frustrated or sad friend, put on "Defeat of Common Sense" and they'll be sure to mosh-pit with you.

Thrash metal can be played in many ways and the French dirty it up a bit with groove passages, and there are even references to death metal. I don't really want to write anything about the new album. I prefer to listen to it, swaying contentedly to the rhythm and inviting all zombies to party with me. Besides, I started out on this style a long time ago and it still runs in my blood.


Do you like bands like SLAYER, METALLICA, THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE? Then go to the new album of these maniacs. The gentlemen play sincerely, have a good sound, interesting cover and add something extra. Some passages are fast and dynamic, others are dark and cold, like the hand of an old corpse. As a whole, the album holds together very tightly and I recommend listening to it in one piece. Only then will its full power shine through. No, I didn't jump down into the abyss, but rather took a hammer and broke down a few walls to the sounds of "Defeat of Common Sense". I'm sure you know the drill. Sometimes the world comes down on you like some crazy, heavy cloud. I don't need a psychologist or any kind of support, I have music. I swear to you, and I firmly believe you're in the same boat as I am. The playing here is real, and even though some of the songs may be too long, the chain never falls off. It's like sitting on an old grave and remembering my youth. Back then we used to wander around the outskirts of our town with a tape recorder on our backs, listening to bands like ENDBROKEN. I know, the band didn't bring anything new or groundbreaking, but almost nobody does that nowadays. For me, it's much more important that I enjoy listening to the album, that I like coming back to it, and that I never jump into the abyss again. They say the ways of the Lord are mysterious. There's something to that. I'm so glad I got this record to review. It burns with a bright flame. It could easily say on the cover that ten out of ten old thrashers recommend the record. I give it high marks for quality! Groove thrash metal, forged from the finest steel!


Tracklist:
01. Hate Field
02. Axes of Evil
03. Straight Ahead
04. Into the Grave
05. Defeat of Common Sense
06. Shadows of Death
07. Cannibal Holy Ghost
08. The Opponent
09. Dark Fate

Line up:
MITCH : Vocals
NICO : Drums
NONO : Bass
KAN : Guitar
FAB : Guitar



neděle 31. prosince 2023

Recenze/review - THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE - Towards Decay (2023)


THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE - Towards Decay
CD 2023, Iron, Blood and Death Corporation

for english please scroll down

Na severu byla opět rozpoutána další bouře. Lidé nevycházejí ven a ve vichřici je možné potkat démony. Zlé přízraky ze starých časů, které se vrátily, aby vykonaly pomstu. Když je potkáte, tak budete určitě poslouchat novou desku Roggy Johanssona a jeho věrných, kteří si říkají THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE. Jedná se opět o klasický švédský death metal s mocnými melodiemi, s atmosférou chladu a naprosté tmy. Schválně, zkuste se vydat ven, do vichřice a uvidíte sami. Přidejte hlasitost, zavzpomínejte na staré časy, když se pohřbívalo pouze do země. 

Jasně, Rogga Johansson se již dlouhé roky poměrně opakuje. Vždy záleží, s jakými muzikanty se dá dohromady, jak se jim povede zvuk, jak bude album nakonec znít. Novinka "Towards Decay" se mi líbí. Není to sice nic nového a spoustu motivů jsme již mohli slyšet v jiných Roggových kapelách a projektech, ale nová deska se velmi dobře poslouchá. Dal jsem ji šanci a dobře jsem udělal. Oni mají totiž pánové starý smrtící kov v krvi!


I nadále se vše odehrává v podobných rytmech, jako to uměly a umí kapely typu HYPOCRISY, AT THE GATES, BLOODBATH. Vše odsýpá jak má, songy drtí kosti a i když působí album v určitých momentech již trošku rutinně a stereotypně, tak jako celek obstojí. Nemůžu si zkrátka pomoc. Mám rád chladné a temné melodie, líbí se mi vokály, obal, celkové provedení. Nejdřív jsem si říkal, že už to jenom zkusím, že si desku aspoň párkrát poslechnu a psát o ni nebudu. Jenže potom se venku setmělo a začalo foukat. Vydal jsem se ven a moje kroky mě jako vždy zavedly na hřbitov. Ze songů je cítit taková zvláštní melancholie. Jako když se díváte na zasněženou krajinu nebo když se vrátíte z dlouhého výletu v lesích. Zapálíte oheň, otevřete si dobrou značku piva a zapnete play na svém přehrávači. THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE do vás narvou spoustu krutých melodií, přikovají vás na zeď a pohřbí zaživa. Při poslechu ožívají starodávné mýty a legendy. Alespoň tak vnímám novinku já, starý pes. Jasně že se nejedná o nic, co by aspirovalo na album roku, ale to ani není účelem. Tohle je nahrávka pro fanoušky, kteří mají rádi k smrti starý prašivý kov smrti, kteří tráví svůj čas v temnotě, kteří uctívají stále dávné pořádky. Na severu byla opět rozpoutána další bouře. Lidé nevycházejí ven a ve vichřici je možné potkat démony. Zlé přízraky ze starých časů, které se vrátily, aby vykonaly pomstu. Old school death metalová vichřice ze severu! Mrazivé melodie plné přízraků!


Asphyx says:

Another storm was again unleashed in the north. People are not going out and demons can be found in the storm. Evil phantoms from the old days have returned to wreak vengeance. When you meet them, you'll be sure to listen to the new record by Roggy Johansson and his faithful who call themselves THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE. This is classic Swedish death metal again, with powerful melodies and an atmosphere of coldness and utter darkness. By all means, try to venture out into the gale and see for yourself. Turn up the volume, think back to the old days when only the ground was buried. 

Sure, Rogga Johansson has been quite repetitive for years. It always depends on what musicians she puts together, how they sound, how the album will end up sounding. I like the new album "Towards Decay". While it's nothing new and a lot of the themes we've heard in Rogg's other bands and projects, the new album is very listenable. I gave it a chance and I did well. They have the old death metal in their blood!



Everything continues to play out in similar rhythms as bands such as HYPOCRISY, AT THE GATES, BLOODBATH. Everything goes as it should, the songs are bone-crushing and even though the album seems a bit routine and stereotypical in certain moments, as a whole it holds up. I just can't help myself. I like the cool and dark melodies, I like the vocals, the cover art, the overall execution. At first I thought I'd just give it a shot, listen to the album at least a few times and not write about it. But then it got dark outside and it started to blow. I went outside and my steps took me to the cemetery as usual. There's a strange melancholy in the songs. It's like looking at a snowy landscape or coming back from a long hike in the woods. You light a fire, open a good brand of beer and put it on play on your player. THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE will shove a bunch of cruel tunes at you, pin you to the wall and bury you alive. Ancient myths and legends come alive as you listen. At least that's how I, an old dog, perceive the novelty. Sure, it's nothing that aspires to be album of the year, but that's not even the point. This is a record for fans who love the dusty old metal of death to death, who spend their time in the dark, who worship the still ancient orders. Once again, another storm has been unleashed in the north. People don't go out and demons can be encountered in the storm. Evil phantoms from the old days that have returned to wreak vengeance. Old school death metal storm from the north! Freezing melodies full of ghosts!


about THOSE WHO BRING THE TORTURE on DEADLY STORM ZINE:




Tracklist:
01. Enter The Foul 
02. The Overflow 
03. The Morbid And The Sordid 
04. Dusk Has Come 
05. ...Of The Forgotten 
06. Nothing Is Left Alive 
07. The Punishment Machine 
08. To Burn Oot The Soul 
09. Towards Decay


neděle 26. listopadu 2023

Recenze/review - FARSOTH - Morbid Symphonies (2023)


FARSOTH - Morbid Symphonies
CD 2023, Black Lion Records

for english please scroll down

Stává se mi to čím dál tím častěji. Začne mě bolet hlava a mluvím nesrozumitelnou řečí. Kývám se divně do rytmu a řvu do ticha. Pomalu mi odpadává maso od kostí a vyhledávám pouze stín. Beru do rukou kladivo, zavřu za sebou rezavé dveře a rozdrtím několik prašivých kostí. Toulám se mezi naším a oním světem, tančím s přízraky, kopu stále dokola další a další hroby, dokud neobjevím krvavé kořeny, stejně jako v případě nové desky švédských FARSOTH. Někde daleko na severu, v mrazu a ve tmě, musela vznikat tahle nahrávka. 

Je to totiž 100% old school death metal. Bez slitování, bez kompromisů. S chladnými melodiemi, s riffy ostrými jako břitva, s chorobným vokálem. Pomalu přidávám hlasitost, znovu tančím se zombiemi, cítím vztek a nenávist ke všemu zlému. Takhle na mě novinka působí a podepisuji vám to vlastní krví. 


Už jsem starý pes, už se nechci měnit a ani nebudu. Stále vyznávám stejné hodnoty a u hudby oceňuji hlavně pravost, odhodlání s schopnost mě přikovat na zeď. FARSOTH tohle umí opět na výbornou (recenzi a rozhovor k předchozímu albu "The Plague" z roku 2022 si můžete přečíst dole pod článkem). Patřím ještě ke generaci, která si vždy vybere ten nejtemnější hrob, neděsivější zážitek a nejkrásnější zombie. Jsem moc rád, že podobné kapely existují a dokáží mě stále nakopat zadek. Pánové nepodcenili vůbec nic. Zvuk je vynikající, obal krásně doplňuje to, co se na desce odehrává. V tomhle případě název alba opravdu přesně vystihuje i skladby, které se vám zadřou hluboko do mozku. Ano, jsou to "Morbid Symphonies", ryzí a ukované z té nejkvalitnější švédské oceli. Pánové odkazují na kapely jako DISMEMBER, ENTRAILS, GRAVE, ENTOMBED, NIHILIST, DEMONICAL. A dělají to po svém, s vlastním výrazem a nápady. Dejte mi, hergot, někdo studené pivo. Otevřu si i další rakev a narvu do sebe kusy syrového masa. Také cítíte tu temnou a chladnou energii, také slyšíte ten tlak? Jako by mě přejel buldozer, který právě vykopal masový hrob. Je to lavina, je to vichřice, která vás smete z povrchu zemského. Někdy bývám už unavený, ale když slyším FARSOTH, tak se ve mě probudí pradávní démoni. Songy na mě působí jako droga. Musím se k desce stále vracet a poslouchat ji pořád dokola. Tohle je prokletí, které nikdy neskončí. Zaplať Satan za. Tady se hraje pro všechny maniaky, gurmány a démony. Stává se mi to čím dál tím častěji. Začne mě bolet hlava a mluvím nesrozumitelnou řečí. Kývám se divně do rytmu a řvu do ticha. Pomalu mi odpadává maso od kostí a vyhledávám pouze stín. Beru do rukou kladivo, zavřu za sebou rezavé dveře a rozdrtím několik prašivých kostí. Staré, prašivé švédské death metalové kořeny! Krvavá smršť, u které umrznete v temnotě!


Asphyx says:

It's happening to me more and more. I get a headache and I speak unintelligible language. I sway to the rhythm and yell into the silence. Slowly the flesh falls from my bones and I seek only shadow. I take the hammer in my hands, close the rusty door behind me, and crush a few scabby bones. I wander between our world and the next, dancing with the ghosts, digging more and more graves until I discover the bloody roots, just like in the case of the new album by Swedish FARSOTH. Somewhere far up north, in the cold and dark, this record must have been made. 

It's 100% old school death metal. No mercy, no compromise. With cold melodies, razor-sharp riffs, sick vocals. Slowly turning up the volume, dancing with the zombies again, feeling the rage and hatred for everything evil. That's how the novelty is affecting me, and I'm signing it for you with my own blood.


I'm an old dog, I don't want to change anymore and I won't. I still hold the same values and with music I value authenticity, commitment with the ability to nail me to the wall. FARSOTH do this again to perfection (you can read the review and interview for their previous album "The Plague" from 2022 below). I'm still part of the generation that always chooses the darkest grave, the scariest experience and the most beautiful zombie. I'm so glad bands like this exist and can still kick my ass. The gentlemen didn't underestimate anything. The sound is excellent, the cover art complements what is happening on the record beautifully. In this case, the album title really accurately describes the songs that will sink deep into your brain. Yes, it's "Morbid Symphonies", pure and forged from the finest Swedish steel. The gentlemen refer to bands like DISMEMBER, ENTRAILS, GRAVE, ENTOMBED, NIHILIST, DEMONICAL. And they do it in their own way, with their own expression and ideas. Somebody get me a damn cold beer. I'm gonna open another coffin and shove some raw meat inside. Do you also feel the dark and cold energy, do you also hear the pressure? It's like I've been run over by a bulldozer that just dug a mass grave. It's an avalanche, it's a whirlwind that will sweep you off the face of the earth. Sometimes I get tired of it, but when I hear FARSOTH, it brings out the ancient demons in me. The songs have a drug-like effect on me. I have to keep coming back to the record and listening to it over and over again. This is a curse that will never end. Pay Satan for. This is for all maniacs, gourmets and demons. It's happening to me more and more. I get a headache and I speak unintelligible language. I sway to the rhythm and scream into the silence. Slowly the flesh falls from my bones and I seek only the shadows. I take the hammer in my hands, close the rusty door behind me, and crush a few scabby bones. Old, mangy Swedish death metal roots! A bloodbath that will freeze you in the dark!




about FARSOTH on DEADLY STORM ZINE:




Swedish Death Metal with members from Ereb Altor, One Hour Hell, Facebreaker, Carnal Forge, and Diatryma

tracklist:
1. Hate
2. Nothingness
3. Infernal Bondage
4. Morbid Symphony ft.Alexander Högbom04:01
5. Bound To Death
6. Afterlife
7. Provoke Me
8. Your Death
9. Rotten Flesh Stew
10. World Beyond

Swedish Death Metal with members from Ereb Altor, One Hour Hell, Facebreaker, Carnal Forge, and Diatryma

band:
Jari Kuusisto Gitarr
Joakim Mikiver Sång
Jonas Magnusson Bas
Johnny Nymark Gitarr
----------------------------------
Teddy möller Drums (Session)



středa 22. listopadu 2023

Recenze/review - DESTRUCTOR - Blood, Bone, and Fire (2023)


DESTRUCTOR - Blood, Bone, and Fire
CD 2023, Shadow Kingdom

for english please scroll down

Píše se rok 1984 a v ocelářském městě Cleveland v Ohiu vznikla kapela DESTRUCTOR. Mě je teprve deset let a musím ještě tři roky vydržet, abych slyšel svoji první metalovou desku. Jsou jimi slavní JUDAS PRIEST, na staré ohrané kazetě. Mezitím se v Americe odvíjí historie kapely, která se navěky zapíše do myslí všech poctivých fanoušků. Když se podíváte, co všechno tuhle smečku potkalo, je obdivuhodné, že stále hraje. U nás, v socialistickém bloku, ve kterém jsme se k hudbě dostávali velmi těžko, jsme se třeba o násilné smrti Daveho Holocausta, dozvěděli až po několika letech. 

Moje první setkání s hudbou těchto thrash heavy metalových maniaků proběhlo opravdu až po mnoha letech, kdy se mi dostala do rukou deska "Maximum Destruction". Hltali jsme tenkrát každý tón, každou notu. Přiznám se bez mučení. Zůstal jsem stále fanoušek. Pokaždé, když kapela vydá něco nového, jsem u toho. Stále tančím v jejich rytmu. To se mi potom nemůžete divit, že když se mi dostala do rukou jejich letošní novinka "Blood, Bone, and Fire", nemůžu jinak, než sepsat těchto pár pokorných řádků. 


Možná už mám šedivé vlasy, cholesterol v krvi, možná už netančím tak divoce, jako když jsem byl mladý, ale to přeci vůbec nevadí. Stále dokážu roztočit u reproduktorů headbanging, pořád poslouchám hudbu srdcem. Pro mě a všechny ostatní, kteří jsou na tom, jako já, je určena tahle deska. Pánové samozřejmě nepodcenili řezající zvuk, ani parádní obal. Po fromální stránce je vše v nejlepším pořádku. Jsem už dávno posluchač zcela jiné muziky, ale když jsem slyšel poprvé "Blood, Bone, and Fire", zase mě začalo mrazit v zádech a vše ostatní šlo stranou. Nevnímal jsem divný svět okolo, který směřuje úplně jinam, než jsem si kdysi představoval. Nesleduji zprávy, nečtu sociální sítě. Jsem jenom já a muzika. Prokletý, říkají o mě a já s nimi souhlasím. Novinka totiž řeže tou správnou stranou nože. Ne, já nikdy nebudu kritik, který hledá nějaké drobné chyby. Ony zde ani žádné nejsou. DESTUCTOR v sobě mají pořád velkou sílu a energii, která vás doslova převálcuje. Možná už dávno neobléknu svoji starou džínovou vestu, možná už tolik nevidím, ale dobrou muziku budu stále podporovat. Na to jsem přísahal, když mi bylo třináct let a držím se toho dodnes. Američané přežili věci, které by jiné skupiny zničily. Oni zůstali silní. Ale nejen to, oni ještě navíc umí nahrávat desky, které hoří jasným plemenem! Pro někoho možná bude nové album jen pouhým výletem do historie, ale pro mě se jedná o velkou událost. DESTRUCTOR mají co říci i dnes, když se hudba poslouchá povrchně a počet sdílení je víc, než poctivé kovové řemeslo. Thrash heavy metalový výlet do starých, poctivých železáren! Album, ukované z té nejkvalitnější oceli!


Asphyx says:

The year is 1984 and the band DESTRUCTOR was formed in the steel town of Cleveland, Ohio. I'm only ten years old and have to wait three more years to hear my first metal record. It's the famous JUDAS PRIEST, on an old outdated cassette. Meanwhile, in America, the history of a band that will forever be etched in the minds of all honest fans is unfolding. When you look at all that's happened to this pack, it's amazing that they're still going strong. For example, in our socialist block, where it was very difficult to get access to music, we only found out about the violent death of Dave Holocaust a few years later. 

My first encounter with the music of these thrash heavy metal maniacs was really after many years, when I got my hands on the album "Maximum Destruction". We devoured every note, every note. I admit without torture. I'm still a fan. Every time a band releases something new, I'm there. I still dance to their beat. It's no wonder then that when I got my hands on their new release this year, "Blood, Bone, and Fire", I couldn't help but write these few humble lines.



I may have grey hair, cholesterol in my blood, I may not dance as wildly as I did when I was young, but that doesn't matter. I can still headbang to the speakers, still listen to music with my heart. This record is for me and everyone else who is like me. Of course the gentlemen didn't underestimate the cutting sound, or the awesome cover art. From an fromal standpoint, everything is in top form. I've been a listener of completely different music for a long time, but when I first heard "Blood, Bone, and Fire" I got chills again and everything else went by the wayside. I was oblivious to the strange world around me that was going in a completely different direction than I had once imagined. I don't watch the news, I don't read social media. It's just me and music. Damn, they say about me and I agree with them. The novelty cuts with the right side of the knife. No, I'm never going to be a critic who looks for little mistakes. There aren't any. DESTUCTOR still has a great power and energy that will literally knock you over. I may not wear my old denim vest anymore, I may not see as much anymore, but I will still support good music. That's what I swore to when I was thirteen years old, and I've stuck to it ever since. Americans have survived things that would have destroyed other bands. They stayed strong. But not only that, but they can make records that burn bright! For some, the new album may be a mere trip into history, but for me it is a major event. DESTRUCTOR have something to say even today, when music is listened to superficially and the number of shares is more than honest metal craft. A thrash heavy metal trip to the old, honest ironworks! An album forged from the finest steel!


tracklist:
1. Blood, Bone, And Fire
2. Iron Clad
3. Storm Upon The World
4. Never Surrender
5. Depths Of Insanity
6. The Calling
7. Heroic Age
8. Hammering The Steel
9. Dominate

DESTRUCTOR lineup 2023
Tim Hammer - bass
Mark Hellhound - guitar
Matt Flammable - drums
Dave Overkill - vocals and guitar



pondělí 13. listopadu 2023

Interview - OVERTHROW - Ancient, dark, dirty black thrash death metal that will bury you alive!


Interview with black death thrash metal band from United Kingdom - OVERTHROW.

Answered Jay White (guitars, vocal), thank you!


Ave OVERTHROW! I have never found any interview with you in Czech language. I will ask you first to introduce the band to the readers who do not know you yet. You can start from the beginning and take us throw the whole history of OVERTHROW.

Hi Jakub, thanks for taking the time to put together the interview.

OVERTHROW began in the summer of 2011 with myself and our former guitarist getting together and just writing Thrash Metal songs that we thought sounded cool. When we had 4-5 songs, we got the first lineup together and started gigging locally in our hometown (London) as well as in other UK cities. The band went through various incarnations and gigged a lot over a decade before we recorded our debut album, „Strike Down The Saviour“, which was eventually released in September 2021 and contained all of the songs that were written during the aforementioned decade. After the release of the debut, we went through yet more lineup changes before myself and our drummer, Scott Lindsay, decided to make the band a two piece songwriting partnership, with live members recruited to do the gigs. Since making this decision, the band’s popularity and exposure has increased immensely, as we now have management and are signed to Redefining Darkness Records.

Over the years, our sound has evolved from just straightforward Thrash Metal into Extreme Metal, incorporating more Black/Death Metal elements into our sound, as Scott and myself are huge fans of underground Black & Death Metal bands such as Dead Congregation, Dissection, Morbid Angel, Bolzer, Emperor and Ulcerate, to name a few. There’s still a subconscious influence from Thrash (particularly Slayer) that creeps into our songwriting, but our sound has definitely evolved and become more refined, brutal and macabre, which is evident on the new EP.


This year you are releasing the new EP „Ascension of the Entombed“. Again, it's a dark, harsh and honest thrash/death/black metal. Did you access to the recording process differently than last time or did you choose verified practices?

The recording process for the EP wasn’t that much different to the recording process for the debut album. We recorded drums, guitars, bass and then vocals at Scott’s parents home studio and it was produced and engineered by our former bassist, Scott Bacon. We then sent it to be mixed and mastered by Harris Zourelidis, who had previous worked with Dead Congregation on their debut album „Graves Of The Archangels“, which is a huge favourite of ours and we wanted the EP to have the same sort of vibe/mix. The debut album took a long time because there were more songs but also we recorded during lockdown so we had to be strategic as to when we were able to go in and record. With the EP, it was a fairly straightforward process, as there were fewer songs to record and we weren’t hampered with any restrictions. The EP was already pretty much written even when we were recording the debut so it was just a case of getting in done once the first album cycle had run its course.

The new EP seems to me more complicated, perhaps initially less accessible, at the same time incredibly dark and evil. Was it intentional? How did the album originate and how did you compose the music?

I don’t think we intentionally wanted to make a more complicated/less accessible EP but we certainly knew that we were heading in a much more dark/evil direction this time. As I mentioned previously, myself and Scott are huge fans of underground Black/Death Metal as well as Thrash, so we wanted to explore these darker/sinister realms both musically and lyrically. All of the songs were written one after the other in a very short space of time and we knew instinctively that they belonged together, as they had the same sort of vibe/emotion. I write all of the music and then Scott helps with the arrangement and advises on which songs he thinks need refining and together we compile what we think sounds like a complete package, whether it’s an EP (in this case) or a full-length album. This is the process that we have naturally adopted since becoming a partnership. As I mentioned before, the debut album was essentially a compilation of all of the songs that were written in the first ten years of the band’s existence (with the various lineups) that we wanted put out and establish ourselves. With the EP, it’s the first real collaborative effort from just myself and Scott and the next releases will also follow in the same vein. It was a very organic process this time around, as Scott and I are on the same page both musically and aesthetically when it comes to the presentation of the band’s music/image.


I have a „Ascension of the Entombedr“ in my MP3 player and I have to say that this album literally engulfed me. These are not just great ideas but also sound is simply devastating. I'm sitting in the tram, and suddenly I find myself shaking my legs. I have a feeling to start moshing. If I weren’t so old, I would probably start to. Where did you record and who is signed under mastering?

Thanks a lot man, that’s very kind of you to say! As I mentioned previously, we recorded the EP at Scott’s parents home studio, The Nest Studio in Honor Oak Park, South London. The mixing and mastering duties were handled by Harris Zourelidis at Feedback Sound Studios in Athens, Greece.

Who is the author of lyrics on „Ascension of the Entombed“? What are they talking about? Where do you get inspiration for themes?

I write all of the lyrics in OVERTHROW as well as the music and have done since day one. Lyrically, each song tells a short story that I think compliments the sound/vibe of the music. The title track is about the dead returning to wreak havoc on the living, which was inspired to some degree by bands like Cannibal Corpse, Death and Morbid Angel who have written these type of songs before, but I put my own lyrical twist to this theme. „Lords Of Xibalba“ is inspired by the twelve gods of the Mayan underworld. „Ruptured Nebula“ is about an unstoppable force that completely decimates the cosmos and rips through space/time, annihilating everything in its path and returning existence to a state of total chaos. The final track „Caustic Vengeance (Blindly Driven)“ is more of a universal/somewhat personal song, lyrically, as the main topic is revenge and hatred for mankind in general. I approach lyrics in the same way I approach music in that I try to put my own thoughts and feelings on conventional Metal themes (war, death, pain, hatred etc.) and write in a way that the lyrics could mean many things, depending on the listeners perspective, but ultimately I usually start with a theme/narrative and see where it takes me. It’s an extention of this aforementioned organic songwriting process.


Who is signed under the cover of „Ascension of the Entombed“? I like his work very much. How did you choose the motif for cover?

The artwork for the EP was done by Deuteromali, a great artist based in South East Asia. We like his artwork style very much also and when it came time to finding an artist to do the EP artwork, we felt that his visuals represented our music very well. I came up with the concept/layout for the artwork and it was just a case of asking him to put it together in his style, which in my opinion came out extremely well. His style of artwork is very brutal and has that lo-fi, black & white, bestial War Metal album cover aesthetic that we wanted for this release, as opposed to the more colourful/painted artwork that we had on the first album.

When we look back at the beginning ... What was the first impulse to found the band? And why the thrash/death/black metal? It's not the typical style which can would give you great "glory".

As a teenager, I was always into heavy, fast, angry music. I got into Punk first when I was at school and bands like Sex Pistols, Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys and Ramones inspired me to start playing guitar. I started getting into Metal a bit later on with Metallica, Slayer, Motorhead and Iron Maiden being some of my biggest personal influences. I’ve been in bands since I could play 3 chords on guitar as I’ve always had this innate desire to perform. Over the years, as I’ve gotten older and angrier, the music has naturally followed in the same fashion. In the early days of OVERTHROW, we were very much influenced by a lot of the Thrash Metal bands that were popular at the time (Evile, Municipal Waste, Gama Bomb) but as the years have progressed (and my musical tastes have progressed) the band’s music has naturally become heavier, faster and angrier. Black Metal and Death Metal music, as I see it, is the next logical step in this sonic exploration. I’ve never really been in it for „glory“ as you say, it’s more a desire to create compelling and captivating music that puts you in a good headspace and is also a cathartic release, speaking for myself.


You come from United Kingdom and you play extreme thrash/death/black metal. Our readers would certainly wonder how the metal scene works in your country. To tell you the truth, so lately I hear only the great bands from there. Does this mean that the scene there is so strong at the moment? What about concerts, how many people coming to them?

The scene in the UK is very strong at this moment in time. There are tonnes of incredible bands gaining national/international recognition and notoriety and bringing out some of the best music I’ve heard in a long time. The scene is very supportive, with bands, fans, promoters and venues supporting newer bands as well as bands that have been around for a while. There’s definitely a good sense of comradery, as well as healthy competition and I think that most of the bands you hear about now (particularly ones that have been doing this for many years) are starting to gain the recognition that they deserve, including us. Attendance, particularly at local gigs, seems to be getting better as a result of this and also because of post-lockdown and the fact that so many bands are making, in my opinion, their best work to date. We’ve been around for twelve years now and part of the reason we’ve stayed is due to the constant support we’ve received from the scene. It is very strong now and I think will only get stronger.

From your music is possible to feel that you are influenced by American thrash death metal school and as well by the old European bands. How do you feel about it as a fan? Do you prefer the original metal of the 1990s or do you get inspiration as well from the new albums? If yes so I am wondering which bands had the greatest impact on OVERTHROW.

Speaking for myself, I am hugely influenced by 90s Black/Death Metal bands, such as Dissection, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, Darkthrone and Mayhem, to name but a few. The same goes for Thrash, with my biggest influences being Slayer, early Sepultura, Demolition Hammer and Sodom. I also love the original Metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Venom and Possessed, that typified their respective sub-genres. In terms of „newer“ bands, Dead Congregation, Ulcerate, Skeletal Remains, Bolzer, Midnight and Der Weg Einer Freiheit are some of my favourites. All of these bands have something intristincally unique about them and I think that their influence can be found in our music.


What about you and concerts in general? Are you a band that goes for concerts anytime you can or you are picky about where you will play? Do you have a dream, maybe a group you would like to go with for a tour or festival, a city where you would like to perform?

I attend gigs as a fan constantly. I go to a lot of local gigs as well as bigger gigs and I have been attending your wonderful Brutal Assault Festival for the past four years. As a band, we are in a position now where we get gig offers constantly so we can afford to pick and choose where we play and who we play with. In the early days, we would play wherever we could get gigs and I think this has helped us establish a reputation as a killer live act, particularly in our hometown. Nowadays, we try to be a bit more selective and play gigs in other cities as much as we can so that we can increase our fanbase and reach more people outside of our hometown. This is the ultimate goal for OVERTHROW; we want to play everywhere we can, not just in the UK but in the world! Personally, I would love to play the summer festivals (Brutal Assault, Bloodstock, Hellfest, Wacken etc.) in the future and tour across Europe and the US. I’ve also always wanted to play in South America, as the scene there is incredible!

I'm going to listen again your new album „Ascension of the Entombed“. I have to say that for me personally, this is basically a perfect thrash/black death metal work. Totally inferno. I wish big success to your record and to get this album to as many people as is possible. This album deserves it. I wish you all the best in your personal life. Whatever you do and the last words are yours. If you want to tell something to fans, labels, promoters, you have space here..... Thank you for the interview and I am looking forward to seeing you live!

Thank you very much Jakub! We want to say a huge thank you to all of the fans, bands and our friends who have supported us through the years. We are incredibly pleased with the response that the new EP has received and we are looking forward to gigging and touring in the future. Any promoters out there reading this, please get in touch with our management (emg.joel.spielman@gmail.com). You can purchase our EP via Redefining Darkness Records as well as our merch through our Bandcamp page (overthrowmetal.bandcamp.com). Once again, thank you Jakub for the interview, hope to see you at a future gig!






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