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

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čtvrtek 14. května 2020

Recenze/review - PARADISE LOST - Obsidian (2020)


PARADISE LOST - Obsidian
CD 2020, Nuclear Blast

 for english please scroll down
Každý z nás má asi v životě kapely, kterým ledacos odpustí. Skupiny, které poslouchal v těžkých chvílích, ke kterým si vypěstoval něco víc, než jen obyčejnou známost. PARADISE LOST poslouchám od jejich začátků. Vlastním několik jejich prvních demonahrávek. Prošel jsem si s nimi experimentálnější období, nemohl dlouho překousnout jejich příklon ke gotice, prožíval jsem i jejich návrat zpět do klasických vod. Jsem starý fanoušek, sběratel temných myšlenek. Mám je rád i poslední roky, kdy jim spousta lidí vyčítá, že už nevymýšlí nic nového.

Nejvíc je mám spojené s naší chalupou v horách, kam jezdíme odpočívat. Na zaprášené půdě jsou uložené staré vinyly a knížky, ke kterým se stále rád vracím. Vždycky si zapálím oheň v krbu, vyženu děti ven a rozjímám. Je to spoustu let můj rituál. Pokaždé novinku neposlouchám dopředu, musím ji mít spojenou s mrazivým ránem, s usínajícím dnem. Emoce na mě musí působit. Letošní novinka "Obsidian" nebyla výjimkou. Bylo na čase přivítat nové démony. 




Doom metal není zrovna styl, který bych poslouchal často. Jsem spíše hostem, než pravidelným návštěvníkem, ale PARADISE LOST si pustím pokaždé rád. Myslím si, že ani letos není přílišná kritika na místě. Je zcela jasné, že Britové již asi neotočí dějinami metalu, nehledají nová zákoutí a u spousty nápadů mám pocit, že už jsem je u nich slyšel. Vůbec mi to nevadí. Mám rád takové ty stavy, kdy si sednu, otevřu dobrou lahev a knihu a jen si tak poslouchám. Jako kulisa, jako hudba do sluchátek, když se jdu projít do lesa, navštívit hřbitov a nebo se jen tak procházet usínajícím městem se mi novinka osvědčila nejlépe. "Obsidian" má pořád, přes určitý stereotyp, svoje kouzlo a album si užívám. Vím už, že se k němu budu opakovaně vracet i po letech a do sbírky jej zařadím určitě. Když se to vezme kolem a kolem, tak vlastně u posledních nahrávek není moc co psát. Buď máte PARADISE LOST v jejich klasičtější podobě rádi a nebo ne. O to tu běží především. Nakonec jde stejně o to, aby byli probuzeni duše zemřelých, aby povstali noví démoni. A to se povedlo i letos. Buďte smutní!



Asphyx says:

Each of us has a band in our lives that we forgive them a lot. Bands we listened to in difficult times, to which he developed more than just acquaintance. I have been listening to PARADISE LOST since their beginnings. I own some of their first demos. I went through a more experimental period with them, I could not overcome their inclination to Gothic for a long time, I also experienced their return back to classical waters. I'm an old fan, a collector of dark ideas. I have loved them for the last few years, when a lot of people blame them for not inventing anything new.

I have them also connected with our cottage in the mountains, where we go to relax. Old vinyls and books are stored on the dusty ground, to which I still like to return. I always light a fire in the fireplace, drive the children out and meditate. It's been my ritual for many years. I don't always listen to the news in advance, I have to have it connected with a freezing morning, with a falling day. Emotions must affect me. This year's novelty "Obsidian" was no exception. It was time to welcome the new demons.


Doom metal is not exactly a style that I would listen to often. I'm more a guest than a regular visitor in this style, but I always like PARADISE LOST. I don't think too much criticism is appropriate this year either. It is quite clear that the British will probably no longer turn the history of metal, they are not looking for new nooks and crannies, and I have a feeling that I have heard those ideas from them. I do not mind at all. I like the states where I sit down, open a good bottle and a book and just listen. Like a backdrop, like music on headphones, when I go for a walk in the woods, visit a cemetery or just walk through a dormant city, the new album worked best for me. "Obsidian" still, despite a certain stereotype, I enjoy charm of the album. I already know that I will return to it repeatedly even after years and I will definitely include it in my collection. There is not much to write about the last record. Either you like PARADISE LOST in their more classic form or you don't. That's what it's all about. In the end, it is still a matter of awakening the souls of the dead so that new demons may arise. And it worked out this year as well. Be sad!


Tracklist:
01. Darker Thoughts (5:57)
02. Fall From Grace (5:54)
03. Ghosts (4:44)
04. The Devil Embraced (6:21)
05. Forsaken (4:39)
06. Serenity (4:55)
07. Ending Days (4:45)
08. Hope Dies Young (4:10)
09. Ravenghast (5:39)
10. Hear The Night (Bonus Track) (5:45)
11. Defiler (Bonus Track) (4:57)

band:
Nick Holmes - Vocals,
Greg Mackintosh - Lead Guitar,
Aaron Aedy - Rhythm Guitar,
Steve Edmondson - Bass Guitar,
Waltteri Väyrynen - Drums

https://paradiselostofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/paradiselostofficial
http://paradiselost.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/officialparadiselost/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0gIo6kGl4KsCeIbqtZVHYp
https://twitter.com/OfficialPL
https://www.youtube.com/user/paradiselostuk
https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/shop/index.html

Recenze/review - DEVANGELIC - Ersetu (2020)


DEVANGELIC - Ersetu
CD 2020, Willowtip Records

 for english please scroll down
Sešli jsme se zde všichni, abychom pochopili. Veřejná pitva za přítomnosti církve. Dříve nemyslitelná věc, ale dnes nutnost. Nikdo dosud neví, proč začali všichni věřící umírat po desítkách. Jedná se o nějakou zlou chorobu? Řez je veden od krku směrem dolů. Tělo je bezvládné, přesto se hýbá pokaždé, když se skalpel dotkne nějakého důležitého místa. Břišní dutina je zasažena hnisem. Místo střev je jen jakási hmota, krvavá černá kaše. Kněží se křižují, ale já už dávno vím, co se stalo. Věřili jste ve špatného boha a vaše hříchy se postupně usadily ve vašich vnitřnostech.

Hudba, se kterou přicházejí italští maniaci DEVANGELIC, je na tom hodně podobně. Je také zlá, ošklivá, bolestivá, zkažená a smrdí jako hnisající orgány ve vašem těle. Opět se jedná o precizní a perfektně zahraný brutální death metal zahalený do temnoty. Ostré riffy, masakrující bicí, vokál bestie. Takoví jsou DEVANGELIC i letos. 
Asi už za ty roky dávno víte, že někteří věřící jsou posedlí ďáblem. Prokletí a zavržení. DEVANGLEIC si pohrávají s temnými náladami podobným způsobem, jako to dělají kapely typu SUFFOCATION, DISGORGE, DISENTOMB, CONDEMNED, PUTRIDITY, BRODEQUIN, BEHEADED. "Ersetu" je drsným a surovým albem, které vás vezme na nekonečný výlet na onen svět. Líbí se mi, jak si kapela hraje s atmosférou, s tlakem i energií, skladby jsou opravdu perfektně složené a pánové dnes strčí do kapsy i spoustu svých vzorů. Obal i zvuk jsou jako vždy parádní, navíc cítím ze skladeb takové to pradávné nadšení a touhu ničit. Po celou dobu poslechu se pohybujeme na ostří nože. Buď spadnete na jedné straně do řeky Styx a utopíte se a nebo uhoříte na druhé straně v pekelných plamenech. "Ersetu" pálí a žhne, roste každým dalším poslechem a zároveň si zachovává neurvalost a syrovost. Italové opět nahráli v podstatě další dokonalé brutální death metalové album. Veřejná pitva se blíží ke konci a nakaženi jsou již všichni, kdo se přišli podívat. Tahle nahrávka se mi usadila v hlavě a ještě dlouho tam zůstane. Esence brutality a temnoty!



Asphyx says:

We all meet here to understand. Public autopsy in the presence of the Church. Previously unthinkable thing, but today a necessity. No one knows yet why all believers began to die in the dozens. Is this some bad disease? The incision is led downwards from the neck. The body is moveless, yet it moves every time a scalpel touches an important point. The abdominal cavity is filled by pus. Instead of the intestines, it is just some matter, a bloody black mash. The priests cross themself, but I knew a long time ago what happened. You believed in a bad god and your sins gradually settled in your guts.

The music that comes with the Italian maniacs DEVANGELIC is very similar. It is also evil, ugly, painful, decaying and stinks like festering organs in your body. Again, it is a precise and perfectly played brutal death metal wrapped in darkness. Sharp riffs, massacre drums, the vocal of the beast. This is DEVANGELIC this year.


Probably over the years, you know that some believers are possessed by the devil. Cursed and condemned. DEVANGELIC plays with dark moods in a similar way as bands like SUFFOCATION, DISGORGE, DISENTOMB, CONDEMNED, PUTRIDITY, BRODEQUIN, BEHEADED. "Erset" is a rough and raw album that will take you on an endless trip to the other world. I like how the band plays with the atmosphere, pressure and energy, the songs are perfectly composed and gentlemen now can put a lot of their music idols into the pocket. As always, the cover art and sound are great, and I feel the enthusiasm and desire to destroy everything from all songs. During the whole time of listening we move on the knife edge. Either you fall into the Styx River on one side and you drown or you will be burned on the other side in hellish flames. "Erset" burns and glows, it grows after each other listening, while maintains its rawness. The Italians have again recorded another perfect brutal death metal album. The public autopsy is coming to its end and everyone who has come to watch it is already infected. This record settled in my head and will stay there for a long time. The essence of brutality and darkness!


tracklist:
1. Swarm Of Serpents
2. Upon The Wrath Of Divinities
3. Eyes Of Abzû
4. Subterranean Revelations
5. Embalmed In Visceral Fluids
6. Throne Of Larvae
7. Vomiting The Infected
8. Sigils Of Fallen Abominations
9. Cryptic Resurrection


band:
Paolo Chiti - Vocals
Mario Di Giambattista - Guitar
Alessio Pacifici - Bass
Marco Coghe - Drums

https://devangelic.bandcamp.com/album/ersetu
https://www.facebook.com/devangelic.official
https://www.instagram.com/devangelic.official/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0c91Xi4FCxmA42VdvSxJ52
https://twitter.com/devangelicitdm
https://www.youtube.com/user/devangelicvideo
http://www.willowtip.com/home.aspx

středa 13. května 2020

Recenze/review - SODOMISERY - The Great Demise (2020)


SODOMISERY - The Great Demise
CD 2020, Testimony Records

 for english please scroll down
Když je mi těžko a zachvacuje mě úzkost, tak toužím často zmizet. Rozplynout se. Zavřít za sebou dveře do katakomb a navěky se toulat záhrobím. Pustit si hudbu, která mi dělá dobře a nechat ji, aby na mě působila. Dnes jsem zvolil death blackové SODOMISERY a jejich novinku "The Great Demise" a ihned mi přeběhl mráz po zádech. Je totiž ledová, temná, zákeřná. Jako stíny, které potkávám na svých cestách v podzemí. Syrový smrtící kov a ledové černé melodie. To jsou dva základní znaky celé nahrávky.

SODOMISERY jsou severská kapela, složená ze zkušených muzikantů (DIABOLICAL, SMOTHERED a spousta dalších). Jsou také skupinou, která vás zahalí do pláště utkaného z krve a nepropustné tmy. 




Album je jako hejno krkavců, které krouží nad mršinou. Dávno se setmělo a zvedá se vítr. Přemýšlím, ke komu bych tvorbu kapely přirovnal, ale nakonec jsem se rozhodl, že vám to psát nebudu. Nechci ovlivnit váš názor. Myslím si, že je lepší na sebe nechat album působit, proniknout jej do vaší mysli. SODOMISERY jsou mocní, vznešení a mají skvělý zvuk (Sverker Widgren - Wing Studios), neotřele působivý obal. Hlavní jsou ale nápady a těch mají švédští démoni na rozdávání. Album sice nepřehodí směr metalu na jinou stranu a vlastně není ani ničím výjimečné, ale skvěle se poslouchá a je za ním ukryto velmi dobré řemeslo. Možná bych ocenil ještě víc špíny, syrovosti, ale to jsou jen drobnosti, které mi nemohou pokazit celkový zážitek. A teď už mě prosím nechte, mám chuť zmizet pryč. Beru si sebou sluchátka a "The Great Demise" mi bude hrát do kroku. Deska, která působí jako ledový vítr ze severu! Zůstane po nás jen temnota!


Asphyx says:

When I'm sick and anxious, I often want to disappear. To dissolve. Close the catacomb door behind me and roam the grave land forever. Play the music which makes me happy and let it affect me. Today I chose death black SODOMISERY and their new album “The Great Demise” and immediately a chill ran down my spine. It is icy, dark, insidious. Like shadows I meet on my travels underground. Raw deadly metal and icy black tunes. These are the two basic features of the whole recording. 

SODOMISERY are a Nordic band, with experienced musicians (DIABOLICAL, SMOTHERED and many more). They are also a group that will wrap you in a cloak woven of blood and impenetrable darkness. 

The album is like a flock of ravens circling over a carcass. The darkness has come a long time ago and the wind is rising. I wonder to whom I would compare the creation of the band. But in the end I decided not to say that to you. I do not want to influence your opinion. I think it's better to let the album affect you itself, to let it to penetrate into your mind. SODOMISERY are powerful, noble and have a great sound (Sverker Widgren - Wing Studios), a freshly impressive cover. But the main things are the ideas, and the Swedish demons have a lot of those. Although the album does not change the direction of metal to another side and it is not exceptional in any way, it is still great to listen to and a very good craft is hidden behind it. I might would appreciate even more dirt and rawness but these are just the little things that can't ruin my overall experience. And now please leave me alone, I feel like disappearing. I´m taking my headphones with me and “The Great Demise” will play my way. An album that acts like an icy wind from the north! All that is left is darkness!

TRACKLIST
1. Reapers Key (5:23)
2. Into The Cold (5:17)
3. Sacrifice (5:05)
4. The Messenger (4:53)
5. In the Void (5:14)
6. The Great Demise (6:14)
7. Until They Burn (5:53)
8. Arise (5:40)
9. The Abyss (1:13)

LINE-UP
Harris Sopovic - Vocals/Lead Guitars
Viktor Eklund - Drums
Paul Viscolit - Bass
Magnus Grönberg - Guitars

https://www.sodomisery.com
https://www.facebook.com/sodomiseryofficial
https://testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sodomisery-the-great-demise
https://www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords
https://testimonyrecords.bigcartel.com/products

Recenze/review - DEATH COURIER - Necrotic Verses (2020)


DEATH COURIER - Necrotic Verses
CD 2020, Transcending Obscurity Records

 for english please scroll down
Viděl jsem nedávno hororový film, ve kterém chodil šílený vrah za svými obětmi. Navštěvoval je v hlubokých lesích, kde byli zakopáni. Pokaždé je vyhrabal, posadil do morbidního kruhu a rozmlouval s nimi. Film byl natočený velmi sugestivně, ještě nějaký čas po shlédnutí jsem se lekal každého stínu. Také probudil mé noční můry, ve kterých za mnou běží muž v masce s nožem v ruce. Nakonec mě pokaždé probodne a já udiveně koukám na svoje břicho, které připomíná kaši z krve.

Nová deska legendárních řeckých maniaků DEATH COURIER mi tento film i noční můru velmi připomíná. Kapela má za sebou bohatou historii, sahající až do roku 1987, nespočet skvělých nahrávek. Ta letošní není výjimkou. Potkává se na ní death metal s thrashem, temnotou a chladem. 



"Necrotic Verses" je jako smršť, lavina, souboj s vaším vrahem, který nelze vyhrát. DEATH COURIER jsou nekompromisní, ostří, divocí, neurvalí. Podařilo se jim do skladeb propašovat staré death metalové démony. Patří do stejných katakomb jako kapely MALEVOLENT CREATION, VADER, MORBID ANGEL, MORGOTH, ASPHYX, PESTILENCE, SINISTER. Album na mě působí jako morbidní hororová scéna, jako obětiště, na kterém se právě probudili démoni. Řekové vás pozvou na starý hřbitov, kde jsou na náhrobcích napsaná jména jen zlých a prokletých. V márnici už je také vše připraveno. Daleko od lidí rozmlouváme s nemrtvými. Tohle album vám časem pronikne do krve jako ošklivý jed, nahlodá vaše vnitřnosti, zahalí vás do nepropustné tmy. Toulám se záhrobím již dlouhá léta a podobné nahrávky jsou pro mě jako zkažený pokrm. Čerpám z nich energii, sílu a těším se s nimi na své noční můry. "Necrotic Verses" je death metalovým albem, které vás pohřbí zaživa a přijde navštívit i po smrti. Jedná se totiž o desku, která nezná slitování. Vykopejte si vlastní mrtvolu! 



Asphyx says:

Recently I saw a horror movie in which a mad killer went after his victims. He visited them in the deep forests, where they were buried. He dug them up each time, arranged them into a morbid circle, and talked to them. The film was made very suggestively, for some time after watching I was afraid of every shadow. He also awakened my nightmares, in which a man in a mask with a knife in his hand is running after me. Eventually, he stabs me and I look at my belly in amazement, because it reminds a mixture of blood.

The new record of the legendary Greek maniacs DEATH COURIER reminds me of this film and nightmare very much. The band has a rich history, dating back to 1987, as well as countless great albums. This year's record is no exception. Death metal meets thrash, darkness and coldness.



"Necrotic Verses" is like a whirlwind, an avalanche, a fight with your killer, which cannot be won. DEATH COURIER are uncompromising, sharp, wild, and furious. They managed to smuggle the old death metal demons into their songs. They belong to the same catacombs as the bands MALEVOLENT CREATION, VADER, MORBID ANGEL, MORGOTH, ASPHYX, PESTILENCE, SINISTER. The album seems to me like a morbid horror scene, like a sacrifice where demons have just woken up. The Greeks will invite you to the old cemetery, where only the names of the evil and the cursed are written on the tombstones. Everything is already ready in the morgue. Far from people, we talk to the undead. This album will eventually penetrate your blood like a deadly poison, gnaw your entrails, and envelop you in impenetrable darkness. I have been wandering the other side for many years and similar records are like a spoiled dish for me. I draw energy and strength from them and look forward to my nightmares with them. "Necrotic Verses" is a death metal album that will bury you alive and come to visit you even after death. This is the album that knows no mercy. Dig your own corpse!


Line up -
Billy Soulas - Bass and Vocals
George Petousis - Guitars
Ilias Iliopoulos - Drums

Artwork by Misanthropic Art (Trench Warfare, Xpus)
Layout by Turkka G. Rantanen (Paganizer, Revolting)

Tracklisting -
1. Necrotic Verses
2. Mourning Ecstasy
3. As Heaven Blends With Rot
4. When Death Fits To Skin
5. Interlude
6. Pillars Of Murk
7. Morsimon Imar
8. Immune To Burial
9. Visceral Slice
10. Remnants

YouTube Stream
Official Site
Transcending Obscurity Bandcamp
Transcending Obscurity Facebook
Death Courier Facebook

úterý 12. května 2020

A few questions - interview with old school death metal band - AZATH.



A few questions - interview with old school death metal band - AZATH.

Answered Brandon, thank you!

Recenze/review - AZATH - Through A Warren Of Shadow (2020):

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

Hello Jakub, thank you for asking us to do this short interview! Responding is Brandon, the rhythm guitarist of the band and the main songwriter. 

Azath was founded in 2018 in an attempt to write the fastest possible death metal in a world that we saw as increasingly devoid of ultra-velocity death. There’s grindcore still, sure, and fast black metal, but not as much blistering music in the vein we wanted to listen to, so we set out to make it ourselves! It started as a collaboration between Andrew Lee, our lead guitarist, and myself. I wrote three songs, Andrew rewrote one of them, and then we recorded the whole demo with a drum machine as I worked on writing the album; the purpose of this demo was to put ourselves out there and get labels familiar with the band. 

Around when all of the instruments had been recorded but before I could do vocals, which was our original plan, I remembered that my friend Derek had done a Bolt Thrower cover with his main band, Begrime Exemious. I asked how he felt about doing lower vocals since Begrime mainly sticks with a mid-pitch snarl, and the result of that conversation was him joining Azath on vocals! 

Later on Derek would also switch to bass and we picked up Pierce as a session drummer (and later a full member of the band) to perform on the album, and here we are now with our first album, Through a Warren of Shadow, out on Pulverised Records. 


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

Almost all of it was done DIY. Derek and Andrew have access to quality recording equipment and experience using it, and both of them are also capable audio engineers. We paid for studio time with Charlie Koryn for the recording of Pierce’s drums and paid our friend Adam Gambel for reamping and recording Dan Butler’s guest vocal slot, and then Derek mixed the album with input from the rest of us. Dan Lowndes mastered it. 

For the most part, it was a fairly relaxed recording experience because the DIY nature meant that we didn’t have to deal with limited studio time or a limited budget. The only issue we really ran into was that the original session drummer we hired to record drums for the album bailed on us and stopped responding to our messages, running off with half of our session budget and months of our time. On the plus side that experience led to us meeting Pierce, who is a far better drummer. 

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

The album was released on all formats by Pulverised Records on CD and vinyl, Nameless Grave Records (my label) on cassette, and by ourselves digitally. There were 1000 CDs pressed, 500 vinyl records, and 100 tapes. 

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

I wrote all of the lyrics, and they are all focused on Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen, an epic fantasy series that rapidly became my favorite of all time once I started reading it. I wrote them as I read the books, mostly, and focused on the topics that were the most striking to me within Erikson’s universe. There’s tales of brutality, hopelessness, and loss, alongside triumph- though I mostly keep my lyrics on the darker side, to fit our style of music! 


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? 

All of Azath’s artwork, including the logo, is from the mind of master artist Mark Riddick. The only thing that he was not responsible for was the artwork on the first demo. It was a real pleasure working with Mark, and he was very easy to work with, and very kind to us. The layout of the album itself was handled by Derek, and I set up our bandcamp page. 

We do have social media accounts, but I am not the best at managing them, and don’t really understand promotion from social media pages as well as I should. It’s a hard balance between feeling like I’m wasting time trying to learn things that I feel like shouldn’t matter and trying to make sure we’re hitting people that’ll like our music, if only they hear it. 

I am not sure how important social media is or online promotion from the band itself after release (obviously a proper promotional cycle is important!), but I place a large amount of value on aesthetic. Music of course comes first, but a good album cover, cool band picture, and presenting yourself consistently in a way that matches your music and makes you look good are all key parts of attracting fans and increase the power of the music by association, on some level. To use an example made by a good friend some years ago, when you look at the most famous Katharsis band picture, what comes to mind- a killer black metal band, or some joke? Would people take them as seriously if they had the same music but the aesthetic of a party thrash band? 

At the end of the day the focus is on the music, and lyrics and artwork and how we present ourselves all come later, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t take that other aspect seriously as well.


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

We are fortunate enough to be paired with Pulverised Records from Singapore for this album, and hopefully future albums. We chose them because they’ve worked with many of our favorite bands- Desultory, Interment, Under the Church, Funebrarum, and many others- and because they made us a very good offer when they decided to do the album. We are certainly satisfied with our treatment with them and as I said we will be happy to work with them for as long as they want to work with us. Pulverised is large enough, stable enough, and treats us well enough that there’s not really anywhere to go from here while staying in the underground. 

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

Without speaking for the other members of the band, I was most influenced while writing the Azath material by bands such as Incantation, Running Wild, Autopsy, Savage Grace, Molested, and Morbid Angel. Though I did not take any direct influence from their music, I was also inspired by how fast and vicious some of the earlier Ritual Necromancy material is, the creative and catchy rhythms that Kaamos used, and by the complex layering and polyphonic lines that Dead Congregation use to such great effect. Outside of stuff that directly influences Azath, I am a massive fan of Mercyful Fate, Varathron, Trouble, Cartilage (the Finnish one), Septic Flesh, and many other bands. I would say that most of my listening as a fan is split between heavy metal and death metal, with a high emphasis on older, classic bands. 

My inspiration when I songwrite mostly comes from my deep appreciation for metal itself, and for wanting to actualize certain sounds in the world. I am at my best when I let genres fall to the wayside and just think of what I want to accomplish when I sit down to write riffs; with Azath, that was an inspiration for creating fast as hell death metal with a focus on weaving in subtle (and sometimes less than subtle) melody. My main songwriting clutch while working on Through a Warren of Shadow was to just think of whatever Rolf from Running Wild would do when I got stuck, and it carried me through fairly well.


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

We really only asked Pulverised to do it, as I recall. The demo had just come out and we got a startling response from across the board- we got something like seven offers the day that the demo came out, which is just insane and was totally unexpected. I was already in contact with Pulverised from trading CDs with them with my other death metal band, Draghkar, and reached out to ask Roy if they wanted the full length. He said yes, and that was it. 

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? 

Azath has not had a chance yet to play live, unfortunately. We had plans to tour on the album with one of the best bands in American death metal but it was all crushed by the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, as were the plans of so many others. Hopefully we can reschedule and do it next year. 

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

We have a split coming next year with a band that we’re big admirers of, and I am very excited for that. Past the split I want our next album to make this one look like shit, and I want to tour with cool bands and play festivals. 

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

Fans can reach us at our email, or via our Facebook page or instagram! It’s all readily available online for anyone that looks. We’re easy to talk to and we don’t bite, fans are welcome to reach out whenever they like and for whatever reason! 

Thanx for the interview. 

Cheers, thanks for reaching out to us to do it! In old school fashion, I will leave a playlist of music I have been listening to today: 

Taipan - Taipan / Breakout 7” 

Stormtrooper - Armies of the Night 

Stormwitch - Walpurgis Night 

Lantern - II: Morphosis 

Obliteration - Black Death Horizon

Recenze/review - AZATH - Through A Warren Of Shadow (2020):



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Recenze/review - MALOKARPATAN - Krupinské ohne (2020)


MALOKARPATAN - Krupinské ohne
CD 2020, Invictus Productions

 for english please scroll down
Mysteriózní příběhy, podobné snad starým lidovým zkazkám. Mlha nad horami, nekonečné lesy a někde uprostřed nich se ztrácejí lidé. Vzpomínám na četbu slovenské knihy Trhlina. Padá na mě tíha a v těchto chvílích volím jako hudbu black metal. Nové album slovenských MALOKARPATAN mě přeneslo do dávných dob, do časů, kdy bylo ještě všechno ohlodáno na kost, čisté, poskvrněné jen krví.

Tahle smečka vyvolává emoce a je to jen a jen dobře. Taková má přeci hudba být, má jitřit nitro, hladit duši, štvát některé lidi. MALOKARPATAN jsou jako staří lidoví vypravěči, kteří na trzích předávali informace o krutých vraždách, temných postavách bez tváře, o smrti i zrození. Volí k tomu rodný jazyk a texty opravdu stojí za pečlivější prostudování. Doporučuji.


"Krupinské ohne" je deska, co se týká hudby, která je postavena na pevných základech, tak jak je kdysi založily kapely jako ROOT, BATHORY, VENOM, MERCYFUL FATE, NEGURA BUNGET něco málo i z Jilemnického okultisty od MASTER´S HAMMER (možná i od kolegů MYSTIC DEATH, ALGOR, které stále považuji za to nejlepší, co na Slovensku v black metalu vzniklo). Toulám se po horách a přemýšlím, proč zrovna tahle smečka oslovila tolik fanoušků. Troufám si tvrdit, že je to originálním přístupem k muzice, nedokonalým syrovým zvukem, spoustou neotřelých nápadů, ale hlavně podmanivou atmosférou, kterou cítím ze všech skladeb. Muzika je to zdánlivě jednoduchá, primitivní, ale jen na první poslech. Jako bych slyšel staré lidové písně, které se zpívaly (na desce občas asi "chtěně" falešně) za dlouhých zimních večerů. Folklórní vsuvky jsou vloženy zcela nenásilně a znějí parádně. A to patřím mezi metalisty, kteří podobný přístup rozhodně nevyhledávají. Mám obrovskou chuť se ztratit v lesích, zapomenout na dnešní těkavý svět. Potkat se s vlastním stínem, navštívit místa, kde se staly zlé činy. Album vyšlo již před nějakým časem a já se zpočátku neodvážil hodnotit. Chce totiž pečlivější prozkoumání, musí proniknout do krve postupně. "Krupinské ohne" mají rozhodně něco do sebe. Mezi kopci se válí mlha. Stačí se jen ztratit. Doporučuji!


Asphyx says:

Mysterious stories, perhaps similar to old folk tales. Fog over the mountains, endless forests and somewhere in the middle of them people are lost. I remember reading the Slovak book Trhlina. The weight falls on me and at the moment I choose black metal. The new album of Slovak MALOKARPATAN transported me to ancient times, to the times when everything was still gnawed to the bone, pure, stained only with blood.

This band evokes emotions and it's good. This is how music is supposed to be, it is supposed to brighten the heart, caress the soul, bother some people. MALOKARPATAN are like old folk narrators who passed on information in the markets about cruel murders, dark, faceless figures, death and birth. They choose their native language and the texts worth for studying them more carefully. I recommend.

"Krupinské ohne" is a record in terms of music, which is built on solid foundations, as they were once founded by bands such as ROOT, BATHORY, VENOM, MERCYFUL FATE, NEGURA BUNGET a little from Jilemnický occultista from MASTER´S HAMMER (perhaps from colleagues MYSTIC DEATH, ALGOR, which I still consider the best that has been created in Slovakia in black metal). I roam the mountains and wonder why this band appealed to so many fans. I dare say that it's an original approach to music, an imperfect raw sound, a lot of fresh ideas, but mainly a captivating atmosphere that I feel from all the songs. The music is seemingly simple, primitive, but only at first listening. It's as if I hear old folk songs that were sung (sometimes "wanted" falsely on the record) on long winter evenings. Folklore elements are inserted completely non-violently and sound great. And I am one of the metallers who are definitely not looking for a similar approach. I have a huge desire to get lost in the woods, to forget about today's volatile world. Meet your own shadow, visit places where evil deeds have taken place. The album was released some time ago and I didn't dare to evaluate it before. It need a more careful examination, it must penetrate the blood gradually. "Krupinské ohne" definitely worth for it. Fog is rolling between the hills. Just get lost. I recommend!


Tracklist:
01. V Brezových Hájech Poblíž Babinej Zjavoval Sa Nám Podsvetný Velmož
02. Ze Semena Viselcuov Čarovný Koren Povstáva
03. Na Černém Kuoni Sme Lítali Firmamentem
04. Filipojakubská Noc Na Štangarígelských Skalách
05. Krupinské Ohne Poštyrikráte Teho Roku Vzplanuli

band:
As - guitar
Aldaron - guitar
HV - vocals
Peter - bass
Miroslav - drums

https://invictusproductions666.bandcamp.com/album/krupinsk-ohne
https://www.facebook.com/malokarpatan?fref=ts

pondělí 11. května 2020

Recenze/review - GRIM FATE - Perished in Torment (2020)


GRIM FATE - Perished in Torment
CD 2020, Xtreem Music

 for english please scroll down
Řeka má zase barvu krve a já přemýšlím, proč tomu tak je. Proč se ve vlnách vznášejí mrtvá zapáchající těla? Proč je kolem cítit neskutečný zápach? Ve víru beznaděje, v hlubinách, někde uprostřed špinavé a zkažené vody, musela vznikat i nová deska holandských death metalistů GRIM FATE. Cháron na řece Styx musel dostat dobře zaplaceno, protože tolik chorobnou nahrávku jsem již dlouho neslyšel. Hutný, mocný zvuk, zastřený hlas, proč se na mě dívají tváře utopenců a sledují mě na každém kroku?
Možná proto, protože jsem tomuto albu propadl a mám sto chutí skočit do smrtící řeky. GRIM FATE vás vezmou na výlet bez konce, pozvou vás na onen svět. Jsou prašiví a zkažení ve svých nápadech. Ostří, nekompromisní, ale také s notnou dávkou chladného doom metalu ve skladbách.



"Perished in Torment" je jako modlitba, jejíž slova nelze vyslovit nahlas. V určitých momentech se GRIM FATE inspirují tím nejlepším, co vzešlo z desek CIANIDE, INCANTATION, WINTER, DESECRESY, DISMA, ABHHORENCE, DEMIGOD, DESECRESY, COFFINS, PUTREVORE a podobných. Jsou temnou ozvěnou z onoho světa, kusem rozkládajících těl, rozházených po hladině. Riffy a melodie se táhnou stejně, jako krvavá špinavá řeka. Stačí jen vstoupit. Album potřebuje čas, potřebuji se na něj naladit, ale když jsou mraky nízkou a zazní první úder hromu, tak jsem opět ztracený. Zlověstný, hutný a démonický death doom metal, zahraný tímto způsobem, bude mít vždy místo v mé sbírce. Je totiž jako nepropustná, na hrubé kousky nakrájená tma, ve které se navěky ztratíte. Řeka má zase barvu krve a já přemýšlím, proč tomu tak je. Proč se ve vlnách vznášejí mrtvá zapáchající těla? Proč se kolem vznáší neskutečný zápach? Odpověď již dávno znám. Hraje mi právě v přehrávači nahlas nová nahrávka "Perished in Torment". Ona je tou řekou. Vynikající death doomová pocta stínům!


Asphyx says:

The river is red as blood again and I'm wondering why. Why do dead stinking bodies float in the waves? Why do you smell an incredible smell? In a whirlwind of hopelessness, in the depths, somewhere in the middle of dirty and spoiled water a new record of Dutch death metal band GRIM FATE. Charon on the river Styx had to get paid well because I had not heard such a sick record in a long time. A dense, powerful sound, a muffled voice. Why are the faces of the drowning people looking at me and watching my every step?

Maybe because I fell for this album and I have a hundred desires to jump into the deadly river. GRIM FATE will take you on a trip without end, invite you to the other world. They are dusty and corrupt in their ideas. The blade, uncompromising, but also with a good dose of cold doom metal in the songs. 

“Perished in Torment” is like a prayer whose words cannot be spoken aloud. At some points, GRIM FATE is inspired by the best of CIANIDE, INCANTATION, WINTER, DESECRESY, DISMA, ABHHORENCE, DEMIGOD, DESECRESY, COFFINS, PUTREVORE and similar ones. They are a dark echo form the other world, a piece of decomposing bodies scattered on the surface. Riffs and melodies stretched just like the bloody dirty river. Just enter. The album needs time, I need to tune into it. But when the clouds are low and the first blow of thunder strikes, I´m lost again. The sinister, dense and demonic death doom metal, played in this way will always have a place in my collection. It is like an impermeable darkness, cut into rough pieces, in which you get lost forever. The river is red as blood again. And I'm wondering why? Why do dead stinking bodies float in the waves? Why is there an unbelievable smell? I have known the answer for a long time. A new record “Perished in Torment” is playing out loud in my player. The album is the river. An excellent death doom tribute to the shadows!

Tracklist:
01. Piles of Corpses (5:53)
02. You Will Rot (7:41)
03. Perpetual Anguish (6:47)
04. Abominations (5:52)
05. Perished in Torment (4:28)
06. The Final Day (10:31)

band:
Pier
Wim
Philippus

https://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com/album/perished-in-torment
https://www.facebook.com/grimfatedeathmetal/
http://shop.xtreemmusic.com/english.main.index.php

A few questions - interview with brutal death metal band from Costa Rica - PURIFYING TORTURE.


A few questions - interview with brutal death metal band from Costa Rica - PURIFYING TORTURE.

 Recenze/review - PURIFYING TORTURE - Overthrown Divinity (2019):
https://deadly-storm.blogspot.com/2020/01/recenzereview-purifying-torture.html



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

Hello, first of all, we want to thank for the change for this interview. Purifying Torture has been working since 2010, created by Sergio Rosales, mainly. He still remains in the band and he is the main composer of the music. Purifying Torture is mainly brutal death metal, but some other influences may be related as well. 

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

All the music was mainly composed by Sergio, but the guitar only. Based on that, Estaban created the drums and lately, Fabian created the bass line. The lyrics and singing pattern were created by Alejandro. 

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in Cavan Studio, from Heredia, Costa Rica. The producer was Max Gutierrez Sanchez, founder of Cavan Studio, main guitarrist of Advent of Bedlam, and a great friend of the band. 

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

We released about 300 copies, but we were assisted by other labels as Subterrarean Productions, Sanatorio Records... and others, labels from Costa Rica. 

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

Alejandro Sthandier, who is the singer from our band, he created the lyrics and the singing pattern.. Lyrics deals with pshycologics illness, but also related to social enviorments, drug abuse and addiction, and also some evil and demonic forces has been related too...


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 was created several years ago, by an artist from Chile. 

All the graphic desing were done by Gvo (Pentagraphics). Photography by Fabian Madrigal. 

We currently do not have a website, our main contact will be through Facebook... 




Social networks actually are very important. For sure. The thing is that manage social networks requires time, sometimes a lot of time. And in our particular situation, we all work in other things, so we do not have the time to manage those as required. And we do not have anyone else in charge of it. That is the reality for us. 

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

The labels helping us are managed by friends of us, we are so grateful to them. There could be other kinds of support or management, however we are satisfied at this moment. 

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

We have so many different influences.... 

Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Suffocation, Pestilence, Nile, Immolation, Incantation, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Death, Broken Hope, Napalm Death, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Exodus, Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, Mayhem, Emperor, Deathspell Omega, Satyricon, Craddle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Queen, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Warrant, Firehouse, Guns n Roses, Van Halen, Rush, King Crimson, Yes, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus, Mudvayne, Tool, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Melvins, Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas...... 

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

We have not.... 

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

We have been playing frequenly, before the Pandemic begun. We have played in important gigs in our country, however we still have no go out of Costa Rica, there were some chances but not sucessful, anyway we are open for opportunities... 


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

Even when there were some recent movements in the line up, the current line up feels confortable and willing to keep making music and playing the current set list in the best way. 

We may say that our process to create new songs could be slow... but constant.... 

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




Thanx for the interview.
Recenze/review - PURIFYING TORTURE - Overthrown Divinity (2019):

Recenze/review - HAVOK - V (2020)


HAVOK - V
CD 2020, Century Media Records

 for english please scroll down
Já vám nevím, tyhle plagiáty, ono se to taky musí umět. Už na minulém albu se HAVOK vydali cestou, která mě nebaví. Letos znovu. Budu se asi opakovat, ale mě vlastně z principu různé retro smečky nevadí. Co mi ale není po chuti, tak až přílišné kopírování. Dnes je retro vlastně všechno a kdo tvrdí že ne, tak toho příliš ještě neslyšel. Jenže HAVOK na to jdou opravdu způsobem copy, paste. 

To sice dělá spousta kapel, ale aspoň to člověka baví. Nová deska s jednoduchým názvem "V" je nuda na entou. Jasně, MEGADETH mám rád, TESTAMENT taky, METALLICU samozřejmě kdysi taky, ale čeho je moc, toho je příliš. Nová deska je solidní co se týká zvuku, produkce a vlastně i hráčských výkonů. Chybí jí ale pověstné něco navíc. Kopanec do obličeje. HAVOK jsem si zkrátka zařadil mezi smečky, které se snaží seč mohou, ale výsledkem je jen průměrnost.



Kdysi dávno, když ještě thrash metal vládl světu a hltali jsme každou novou desku, by HAVOK byli opravdu obviněni z plagiátorství. Normálně mě napadlo, jestli si nemám pořídit takový ten program pro srovnávání riffů, postupů a prohnat jím novinku. Je jasné, že kluci někde tak kolem 20 - 30, se budou rozplývat, mluvit o nahrávce roku, velebit nápady. To je všechno hrozně hezké, ale faktem je, že HAVOK opět neskutečným způsobem nudí. Každý den se pokousávám tunami undergroundových kapel, prosévám zrno od plev a "V" je pro mě pořád albem, které nemůžu překousnout. Vůbec mě nebaví, moje myšlenky těkají někde úplně jinde. Nemám vůbec chuť kapelu jakýmkoliv způsobem podpořit. Navíc ty dlouhé rozevláté pasáže, jako kdyby pánové nevěděli, co hrát, tak tam šoupnou nějaké pomatené rádoby sólo. Ne, ne, a ještě jednou ne. Mám rád thrash metal, koneckonců jsem na něm vyrůstal, ale tohle je prostě moc. Moc kopií. Jo a ještě, prosím vás, na MEGADETH mi nesahejte, vždyť je to trapný. Jasný? Uff.



sumarizace:

Sorry, ale tohle je opravdu šílená nuda! Nemám slov.



Asphyx says:

Sorry, but this CD is absolute boredom! I have no words!


Tracklist:
01. Post-Truth Era (03:53)
02. Fear Campaign (03:57)
03. Betrayed by Technology (03:44)
04. Ritual of the Mind (04:10)
05. Interface with the Infinite (04:02)
06. Dab Tsog (01:15)
07. Phantom Force (02:59)
08. Cosmetic Surgery (04:24)
09. Panpsychism (06:29)
10. Merchants of Death (02:45)
11. Don't Do It (08:07)

band:
David Sanchez - Lead vocals / Guitar
Pete Webber - Lead drums
Reece Scruggs - Lead guitar / Vocals
Brandon Bruce - Lead bass / Vocals

https://www.facebook.com/HavokOfficial/

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