Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Death On Demand/Trees Of Woe/Satanica Productions/2011 EP Review

Death On Demand are a band from the U.K who also recently got interviewed by this zine that plays a mixture of death and thrash metal and this is a review of their 2011 E.P "Trees Of Woe" which was released by Satanica Productions.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with some blast beats, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with some heavy riffing that combines thrash and death metal.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to ast riffs that combine thrash and death metal together with some melodies, while the lead guitars have a ark ound to them with not much in the way of solos.

Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams being thrown in at times, while the lyrics cover hateful themes, as for the production it sounds very powerful, heavy and professional.

In my opinion Death On Demand are a very good death/thrash band, and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this bnd. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Face Of Hate" and "Into The Abyss". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Death On Demand Interview

. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Hailing from the South of England in the UK: Death on Demand is a ball’s out Metal band that incorporate influences from Death Metal & Thrash Metal into our song writing. The band is Stu – Bass & Vocals, Phil – Guitar, Locker – Drums & (me) Lee – Guitar
D.o.D was originally started in October 2009 by Lee, Phil & Locker. Locker left shortly after to follow another path but returned in 2011 to take up his original spot on the drum kit.
Stu was a very good friend who had left his band in early 2010 and was offered the role of Bass player and suggested his friend Kurtis do the vocals.
Lee then spoke with his old vocalist from Blood Retch & Temple Mortuary, Graham Cleary who jumped into doing vocals during the summer of 2010, however after recording the very first version of Face of Hate Graham’s life changed direction and he could not commit to the band. We have included this version of Face of Hate on the E.P. as a thank you to Graham and to also show the very different styles between him & Stu.
What we have now is the Tree of Woe E.P. in all its glory; it’s been a long road with many twists and turns along the way.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Well to us we play Metal, uncomplicated straight up Metal but once people started hearing our tracks that’s when we got labelled Death Metal or Thrash Metal and we like that so we have adopted these comments and updated all our Social Networking sites to reflect the feedback.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the music explores?

Face of Hate is based around a Serial Killer that wears a mask while kidnapping his victims but just at the point of his victims Death he reveals his Face so the last thing they see is his Face of Hate.
Violent Retribution is about turning the tables so it’s the journey or following the path of insanity to the point where the people responsible are subject to a horrific ordeal at the hands of the victim.
Tree of Woe was highly influenced by the Oliver Stone Movie Conan the Barbarian, an epic tale of sword and sorcery.
Into the Abyss is really about protection, so when a person gets mentally savaged day after day for years they place themselves in this state of consciousness where it’s difficult for the outside world to get in or for anyone to get through the mental wall that they have put up.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

The name Death on Demand is born from the idea that in our digital age almost everything is available on the internet with exceptions to Death, however with the breakdown of sociable acceptability we believe it’s only a matter of time before the art of death in any form will be at the click of a button.


5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
At the moment we are back in the main practice room once a week and we also practice in my Studio 2 or 3 times a week getting everything tight ready to start work on the album, so doing gigs is not a primary goal for us just now. Plus all the band members have had some difficult times doing gigs where you are put in with a bunch of bands that are not of the same Genre and that just gets you frustrated when you play your ass off and no one likes what you are doing. We are happy to wait for the right time and gig with the right bands in the right location, I don’t want to sound pretentious at all but it has to be right for Death on Demand or we won’t do it. If doing gigs was primary for us then we would be happy to do a gig once a week, however there are less and less venues that are happy to have Metal bands play and more and more Pubs are closing so restricting the choice any band has of playing live. Later in the year we are planning on a travelling to different countries and playing a few dates possibly in Poland, with the help of a work Colleague.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We really are so fucking keen to get a Bus and hit the road and just get out there and play. We have made some friends in the USA and we have this crazy plan of flying to New York and then playing our way to Texas over the course of 4 or 5 days then doing a few dates in Texas and then doing the same thing until we are back in New York. Also as mentioned earlier we have some work Colleagues from Poland that are looking to help us get some dates and do a mini tour of Poland.

7. On a worldwide level, how has your music been received by death/thrash metal fans?

It’s shocking to us just how well people have taken to our Music. When we first started posting tracks on Social Networking sites we got some very negative comments, that was until we checked the profiles of the people leaving the comments. We were so fucking happy when we discovered that they were a bunch of Emo kids with no jobs and no goals and all they did was to sit on the internet and slag people off for having a go. We knew then if we are pissing off the Emo kids we are doing something right.
We have been lucky to get some extensive Internet Radio airplay and that has boosted our Brand in many countries and in the last few weeks we have tripled the amount of fans we have plus the comments, feedback & reviews that people have been submitting is just mind blowing.

8. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

Honestly I cannot answer this question in full, over the years my creative side has always been full on but misguided, that was until I met Phil. He helped me focus my playing and got me breathing so to speak. Then along came Stu & Locker and these guys who are young have extensive Musical knowledge and together we have started to define our own sound. It’s not been a smooth ride it’s been fucking crazy at times but we all have input regardless of how big or small the decision. The future is an unwritten book and we are looking forward to filling it up.

9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

This is a full time line up, we all sort of had side projects but D.o.D is proving to be a viable project so we will make it work.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

All the band members are fans of old school Thrash Metal, Gothic Metal & Grindcore with bands like Slayer, Celtic Frost, Testament, Nuclear Assault, Destruction, Paradise Lost; Napalm Death & Kreator with elements from those bands that can be heard in our song writing. We gather influence from Six Feet Under, Bolt Thrower, Obituary, Benediction but also from the great extreme Death Metal bands like Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Houwitser & Death to name just a few. We listen to so much stuff it’s difficult to nail down; we have all been listening to the new Hate Eternal album which is just off the hook, but also Obscura, Watain & a few bands from our Management roster.


11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

That’s a damn good question, Stu, Phil & I all collect Metal CD’s, DVD’s & Metal memorabilia so we are always fully engaged. But at heart we are all Engineers of varying disciplines. Phil is a Senior Design Engineer, Stu is a Mechanical Engineer, Locker is an Apprentice Locomotive Engineer & I am an Electrical Networks Engineer

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

We would like to say Thanks to the following people.
The D.o.D Wives and Girlfriends, Andy Harper (our Studio Engineer) Xan & Satanica Productions (our Record Label) Gort & The Pain Fucktory (our Management) Craig & Dovetail Strings (our Endorsement) DJ Rebel & Wicked Chaos Radio, all our friends at Wicked Chaos (far too many to mention I’m afraid) The D.o.D Disciples, all the Radio Stations & Webzines that have supported us over the last few years, and all our Friends for their constant support.
We would also like to thank the people who have submitted reviews of the E.P. and we would like to Thank John Larsen for doing this Interview with us.
Visit Death on Demand:
at Myspace - www.myspace.com/deathondemand666
at Reverbnation - www.reverbnation.com/deathondemand
at Facebook - www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Death-On-Demand/440889175334
at Twitter - dodmetal666

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Burning Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never
heard of you before?

Hi Toby here, the drummer from The Burning…Well we are a danish band playing groovy heavy metal. Existed for 5 years and released 3 records through Massacre Records.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Pretty rough. We have always written music from the "less is more" concept. If you like Pantera and other heavy stuff you might like our tunes!

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts that the band
explores withe ne album?

Johnny our leadvocalist writes all the lyrics. He writes pretty personal but truly honest stuff. No stupid viking or battleship lyrics. Actual feelings from his own life including relationships, religion and personal issues. He saves a lot of money on "shrink-bills" :) naa just kidding.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?

Not much. We are a kinda in your face band both live and around the band. The Burning sounds cool and is easy to remember and is'nt that the most important thing by a band name?

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

The coolest show ever was at the danish award show called Danish Metal Awards 2009 where we co-headlined with Meshuggah and we brought a guy who joggled with fired up chains. We also brought a stuntman who deliberately kept changing the position of Johnnys vocal stand until the showman attacked the stuntman with a fake bottle filled with fake blood in the middle of an act. Alle of the 1.000 audience shutted up the moment it happened. It were so awesome!

6. What are the touring plans for the new album?

We are headed on a Danish tour starting in april and and in may we will launch a EU tour. But more info will come.

7. Are there any other side projects besides this band, or is this a
full time group?

We alle dedicate all of our time to The Burning.

8. How has the feedback been to your music so far from extreme metal
fans worldwide?

Great. We've always received awesome reactions from fans online an fans we meet after shows. We are well known as one of the most energetic livebands in Denmark.

9. How would you describe your musical prohgress over the yers and what
direction do you see the band heading into on future releases?

I think that with Hail The Horde we kinda found our path. If you think about it not many bands make an incredible debutalbum and follows up with an even better one…


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music, and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Well rock, blues, metal, hip hop and a lot of other stuff. We are really openminded and I think that you have to be openminded to produce creative music. Right know I listen a lot to Kvelertak.

11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

Well I love soccer but the general thing we really like in the band is drinking a lot :)


12. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
Thanks for reading this interview and if you read this final answer you are truly awesome! :)

Toby

Monday, August 29, 2011

Meatshank/Scavangers/2010 CD Review

Meatshank are a band from Kansas City, Missouri that mixes thrash and death metal together and this is a review of their self titled 2010 album "Scavangers".

Drums alternate between slow, midpaced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used at times, while the bass playing is kind of mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffs that are coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars mix slow, midpaced to fast metal riffs together that combine thrash and death metal together, while the lead guitars are very chaotic sounding metal guitar solos that also contain some melodies to them, as for the accoustic guitars when they are utilized they bring a classic sounding 80's metal ballad feel to the music.

Vocals are mostly thrash style vocals with some ocassional death metal growls, while the lyrics cover violent themes, as for the production it has a very heavy and somewhat professional sound to it.

In my opinion MEatshank are a very good extreme metal band that brings back the sound of 80's underground metal and if you are a fan of that style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Atmosphere Of Violence" "Rape, Murder, Ason, And Rape" and "Hell Road". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

The Burning/Hail The Horde/Massacre Records/2010 CD Review

The Burning are a band from Denmark that plays a brutal style of death/thrash metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Hail The Horde" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow , midpaced to fast with some blast beats, while the bass playing has a dark tone which follows the rifffs that are coming out of the guitars and at times they have a powerful sound of their own.

Rhythm guitars take influences from death metal, thrash metal and groove metal to create somewhat of a brutal sound that has a good amount of melody and the ocassional traditional metal/rock influences, while the lead guitars whenn they are utilized are very distorted thrash metal guitar solos.

Vocals are mostly groove metal type of growling, with some deep death metal growls thrown in at times and the ocassional clean singing vocals, while the lyrics cover death, violence and anti christianity, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound.

In my opinion while The Burning are not a band that is really something I would listen to on a regular bsis, I still feel they are very good at what they do and if you are are looking for a band that combines, thrash, death, and groove metal together, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Godless" "The Nihilist Life" "Hail The Horde" and "Inverted Criss Syndrome. RECEMMONDED

Friday, August 26, 2011

Subhuman Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
Actually we are working on some new songs for the next album and playing a lot of gigs around italy. And we are renewing our rehearsal room!

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?
Our style is a mix between death metal and bay area style thrash, but with a modern approach. Profondo Rozzo has a very aggressive sound with no mercy. A kick in the ass... or in the balls, you can choose!

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts the new album explores?
We talk about a great variety of themes: killers, mafia,pornstar, religion etc, but always in our ironical way. We are never too serious!! Perhaps the title track is about a mad killer accidentally going to heaven. He isn't so happy of that and so he sets everything on fire! We also talk about more serious topic like in "odio chiama odio" in which dog fights is described as seen from the animal point of view... and of course we are against religion and its egemony above peoples that here in italy is very strong.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
The name of the band reflects our singer, that is very rude and wild! Anyway it have no particular meaning, but sounds cool and reflect our attitude, expecially on stage!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
One of the best show for depth, satisfaction and people's response was at Gods of Metal, the biggest metal festival in Italy. First 'cause a lot of time we was on the audience side, and second becausecause people were really crazy!
And other really great gig was the one with Deicide, Marduk, Vader and Decapitated: it was a bit strange to share the stage with bands we grew up! Our live performances are wild and funny: we mix violence with the bullshit talent of our frontman Zula. We are basically a live band .

6. Are there any plans for a U.S tour?
Not for now or in short time. It would be great, but is not so simple... our reputation as metal band is growing up fast, but maybe an european tour first would be better, and we are searching to do it!

7. How has your music been recieved so far by death/thrash metal fans worldwide?
Well, better than we would expected. We have a lot of amazing review around the world, not bad for a band singing in its native language!

8. Are there any other side projects besides this band or is this a full time group?
Not at the moment, but our drummer play in a lot of different bands. In the past Matteo was a member of a hard rock band called RattleSnake (RIP) and The Aestetic Project, a two man band (or better one and a half!) with the aim to restore the supremacy of the man respect on the woman! hahaha

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on the next album?
The next album will be better than "Profondo Rozzo". The new songs are more various, faster and violent than ever, a step above the past! We are in a good point of composition and we hope to will be in one year...

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
As said before Testament and all the bay area thrash movement, but even great bands like Meshuggah and Nevermore. We listen to a lot of music of different styles, not only metal. Our drummer perhaps wasn't into death metal before..
And now here in italy we have a lot of talented bands like Hour of Penance, The Modern Age Slavery, Sadist, Fleshgod Apocalypse that i like!

11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
We are common guys with common lifes, but we have a strong passion for violent music.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
If you want to be updated about Subhuman, visit our myspace ( HYPERLINK "http://www.myspace.com/subhumanweb" \t "_blank" www.myspace.com/subhumanweb ). We are also on facebook, Reverbnation and Youtube!

horns up!

Subhuman/Profundo Rozzo/Maple Metal Records/2010 CD Review

Subhuman are a band from Italy that plays a very technical form of death/thrash and this is a review of their 2010 album "Profundo Rozzo" which was released by Maple Metal Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with alot of technical parts and blast beats, while the bass playing is kind of mixed down low in the mix and follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast technical death/thrash riffs that are very technical and have a groove metal feel to them, while the lead guitars are very technical sounding death/thrash guitar solos.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls with some higher pitched growls and screams being used on a regular basis, while the lyrics are written in Latin and cover hateful topics and the corruption of Christianity, as for the production it has a very heavy and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Subhuman are a very good technical death/thrash band that should appeal to all fans of this genre. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Natra Troia(Natural Born Whre)" "Mafia" "Babbo Fatale(The Grinch)" and "Infamia E Potere(Infamy And Power)". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Speed\Kill/Hate Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
...we are currently working on tour plans to support Out for Blood in both the U.S. and Europe.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Acually Acts of Insanity was recorded as a demo and we ended up releasing it . Out for Blood was recorded and intended to be a record. I think that Out for Blood has us come across as a tighter unit. 

3. What are some of the lyrical subjects and topics the new release explores? 
The  majority of the record relates to the daily screwing that most of us see on a daily basis.  It also covers aspects of everyday life, politics, etc.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
 When searching for a band name I wanted a name that related to the sound of the music. Speed was used because of the tempo, Kill was used to describe the aggresive style, and Hate was used to describe the lyric content.   

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We have had some great shows, but I would say that the best shows were with Vader, Destruction, and Kataklysm. I would say that our stage performance is just a ball of energy from start to finish. No ballads, no slowing down, just balls to the wall.

6. Do you have any touring plans fo the new release?
 Yes, we are working on that right now as we speak. We are  looking forward to touring with some our good friends in the very near future.


7. On a worldwide level how has your new album been recieved by ectreme metal fans?
 So far all of the response has been very positive. It seems that our fans really love this record.  

8. Your music seems to be more in a 90's vien mixed with an 80's thrash feel, do you see this kind of metal making a comeback?
I think that right now is a great time for thrash metal. There are more people back into this style of music than there has been for a long long time. So yes, I do think it has made a comeback. 
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
We are actually going into the studio to record our next release this summer. As far as the direction , it will be fast and aggressive. We also plan on recording a double cd this time around. 


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I still love the old thrash bands from the 80`s and still continue to listen to that music along with many of the newer bands. Nowadays I have been listening to a lot of instrumental music. In my truck right now are new Destuction, and Exodus records.  I think that everything you listen to has some sort of influnence on you or you would not listen to it at all.
11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

I really like mma, motorcycles, and surfing.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Sure ...We would just like to thank you for taking the time and interest. And to our fans we would like to say thank you for all your support, we appreciate it.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Speed\Kill/Hate/Out For Blood/Hammerfist Records/2011 CD Review

Speed\Kill/Hate  are  a  band  from  New  York  that  combines  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  together  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Out  For  Blood"  which  was  released  by  Hammerfist  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  heavy  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  ast  riffs  that  combine  influences  from  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  with  some  melodies,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  chaotic  sounding  thrash  metal  guitar  solos.

  Vocals  are  mostly  raspy  thrash  vocals,  with  some  hardcore  style  vocals  and  some  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  sounds  very  poweful,  heavy  and  professional  sounding.

  In  my  opinion  Speed\Kill/Hate  are  a  very  good  band  that  combines  thrash  with  groove  and  death  metal,  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Breeding  Hate"  "Written  In  Blood"  "Mark  Of  Judas"  and  "The  Cleansing".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Master/The Human Machine/Pulverised Records/2010 CD Review

Master are a band from the United States now living in Europe that has been around since 1983 and are one of the creators of death metal and death/thrash and this is a review of their 2010 album "The Human Machine" which was released by Pulverised Records.

Drums alternate between midpaced and fast playing with some blast beats, while the bass playing is all rhythm bass that follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars are mostly fast death/thrash riffs with some midpaced riffing being used at times, while the guitar solos are chaotic sounding death/thrash solos that bring back emories of the old extreme metal sound.

Vocals are mostly death/thrash style growls that are very easy to understand, while the lyrics deal with politics, hatred and everyday life situations, as for the production it has a very powerful sound that makes the music sound very heavy.

In my opinion this is another good albumm from Master and it should appeal to all fans of this legendary band and this is one group that has never sold out. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "What Your Country Can Do For You" "Suppress Free THinking" "Faceless Victims Exposed" and "Worship The Sun". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Mammutant Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never
heard of you before?

gabul: as you can read in our "xorgosh chronicles", we are among the last survivors of an supreme alien tribe of cannibals, out for humanoid flesh and about to take control of and utterly destroy your filthy little planet!


2. How would you describe your musical sound?

gabul: majestic, heavy, dark, outstanding, mindcrushing, with a little bit of slayer, celtic frost, (old) death and jerry goldsmith influences in it, like a warmachine on it`s way to destruct mankind, that`s how i would describe it.


3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

gabul: it`s a mix between mammoth and mutant, as you might have guessed, and emblematizes the combination of primal or tribal elements with technology and science. in other words, it symbolizes our continuing mutation from primitive and ferocious entities to supreme dominators of the galaxy, yessir!


4.How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
gabul: the lyrics deal with events that took place on our now non-existent homeworld xorgosh, like the ultimate destruction of our mortal foes, the cowardly nangorians, and with more earthly topics or visionary contemplations of this world`s condition!
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

gabul: any of our shows was the best, but iŽll never forget the one we did on beteigeuze, where we pulverized the audience, when they had the nerve to scream for an encore! that will teach them! and our performance of course is one of inhumane ferocity, check it out, we will leave you all pulverized in the debris!


6.Do you have any plans on touring the United States?

gabul: yessss, on our mission to crush your world to pieces we canŽt spare the u.s. of a.
we are just building a strategy for a monstrous blitzkrieg! beware! kamuula-kraschulltrakk sallumatoyh!


7. How has the feedback been to your music so far from Extreme music
fans worldwide?

gabul: they seem to enjoy our kind of medicide!


8. How has the support been so far from Massacre Records?

gabul: they do what they can, for they know we wonŽt tolerate failure, our mission must be fulfilled by any means!


9.How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what
direction do you see the music heading into onfuture releases?

gabul: we are degenarating with each record that we do, so itŽs hard to tell, but let me assure you: itŽs gonna be nasty and unexpected!


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and what are you listening to nowadays?

gabul: when i am not busy with gnawing on human testicles, i like to listen to eery soundtracks, the new triptykon album, old death records, slayer, morbid angel, akercocke, cannibal corpse, bach, gary thomas, carcass, the unique voivod, devin townsend and many others...


11. What are some of your interests outside of music?

gabul: cooking! i love to cook, intestines, brains, testicles, ass, that kind of thing!
and walking my mutant-dog. i donŽt want it to shit my apartment like it did, when i didnŽt go out for 89 years!


12. Any final words or thoughts?

tremble before the power of the cyberzerker legions, earthlings, our time has come, and donŽt forget to put on your diapers!
ungallah mugalläh vriiil!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Mammutant/Atomizer/Massacre Records/2010 CD Review

Mammutant are a band from Germany that plays a style sthat mixes industrial, death metal and thrash together and they also have an image similar to Gwar but with heavier music and this is a review of their 2010 album "Atomizer" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums are mostly slow industrial metal style beats with some fast drumming and brutal blast beats, while the keyboars are only used to enhance atmosphere, as for the bass playing it follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars use a mixture of slow, midpaced and fast riffs that mix industrial, death metal and thrash together with a good amount of melody, while the lead guitars are distorted sounding guitar solos.

Vocals are a mixture between heavy industrial and death/thrash growls and some ocassional clean singing, while the lyrics are science fiction themes that also have a ittle bit of a H.P Lovecraft influence, as for the production it sounds very professional and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this album.

In my opinion Mammutant are a very good band and if you are a fan of industrial style death/thrash you should check this band out. RECOMMENDD TRACKS INCLUDE "Kutulu Rising" "The Fall Of Trosstus" "Kamuula Karmaljakk" and "Cyberincarcer-Ation". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Master Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with Master these days?
Well, this is an easy question. I just returned from playing 20 dates in Brazil followed by 25 dates across Europe and then 4 dates in Finland. We are busy as hell these days. Life is good. We will also visit the USA very soon this fall. The Human Machine continues
.
2. When can we expect new material?
The new CD will be released on the 26th of this month. The title of the new CD is called The Human Machine. It will hit America on May 25th. For those who don't know, we signed a new contract in the fall of last year with Pulverised Records in Singapore and things are going very well at the moment.

3. You have been around for almost 30 years what is it that keeps you going? The music and the touring are the secret to my stability. I live for the music, from the music and spend time on the scene continually. When I am not touring with Master, I travel with bands like Six Feet Under and Ill Disposed for example and sell their merchandise. This helps sustain my living. I live in the underground and will always be a part of this culture my friend.

4. What is going on with the other projects these days?
There are no projects at the moment, I am only concentrating on keeping Master alive. This is not too say that something won't come up again as I am in contact with many famous musicians, but most are too busy at the moment like myself.

5. What are some of the best shows that you have played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
This is a silly question, there are too many stories to tell about this. I guess you'll have to wait for the book, Speckmann, Surviving the underground to be released most likely in the fall of 2010. We deliver straight forward aggressive music onstage.
There 's no posing if you mean that and no theatrics whatsoever, just straight forward hard hitting energy.

6. You have taken an anti christian stance throughout your career, where do you draw your anti christain views?
This comes from my own mind and personal experience. It's disgusting to see people giving money to the church and helping the Pope to live like a king or a God as he's driven around in the bullet-proof Pope mobile. He is nothing but a man living on false pretenses. If church would distribute its wealth maybe more people wouldn't be suffering in the poorer regions of the world. Man created God as well as Satan. These are certainly great myths to live by.

7. Alot of famous death metal or death/thrash bands cite you as an influence, what influence do you think Master has on extreme metal in 2010?
We shall see with the release of The Human Machine, time will tell.

8. You are originally from the United States but relocated to Europe, what made you decide to make this move?
First of all the scene is and always will be greater in Europe, but the real reason at the time was to join a band called Krabathor. An artist will travel anywhere to perfect his art and find work. This was the best move I ever made as I have been on tour in some form or another since 2000 when I arrived for good. I laso found a job with Kraft Evention working for Metal for the last 8 years and this works for me.

9. What is the meaning behind the band's name? You are the Master of your own destiny and you should strive to be your own Master. You don't need any idols or false gods, You can Master your own destiny yourself.

10. How would you describe the lyrical content of the newer material?
The latest CD deals with reality. We are all becoming Human Machines working for our governments so they can become stronger and dominate the world. Society has become bunch of machines. Free thinking is a thing of the past and all the youth of today will be led to the slaughter which will come soon, inevitably. It's time for a revolution before your freedom's taking all away.

11. How would you descibe the musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
We have always used the same formula. There is no need to change something that already works. The band writes its own original music and never follows trends as many of the bigger bands do. We believe in what we are creating and will continue to do so. There is no reason to jump on the newer trendy bandwagon. On future releases you will continue to hear straightforward Metal music. As I always said," Less is more."

12. Out off all the albums that you have recorded so far which one are you the most satisfied with?
Again this is silly question. We put the same effort in every recording, just some come out better due to the budget, the studio or the players. The last few CDS are certianly my favorites. Slaves to Society and the Human Machine are my all time favorites for sure ok.

13. What are some bands or music styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?
The band's that influenced Master in the beginning were GBH, The Exploited, Motorhead, Discharge and early Metal. I still listen to these bands today. I don't waste my time listening to the newer trendier stuff, why? Today the music scene is saturated with bands that play regurgitated riffs from all the originators of the genre. Nothing new has come out that interests me. I'm old I guess, Old School!

14. What are some of your interests outside of music? I like to cook, fish and read books. You can find a recipe in the book called Hell Bent for cooking on the web along with killer recipes from many of todays heavyweights in Metal.

15. Any final words or thoughts?
Yes, go out and support a true entity and buy the latest masterpiece called The Human Machine or check out Slaves To Society for that matter.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Incubus/Beyond The Unknown/Nuclear Blast Records/1990 CD Review

Incubus where a band from Lousiana that where around during the 80's and early 90's that play a style of music that I would label as being death/thrash and this is a review of their classic 1990 album "Beyond The Unknown" which was released by Nuclear Blast Records during the year of 1990.

Drums range from slow parts to some fast drumming that utilizes alot of blast beats, while the bass playing is all fast rythym bass playing.

Rythym guitars are mostly fast death/thrash riffing with some slow to midpaced parts that contain a touch of melody, while the guitar leads are mostly fast and noisy guitar solos.

Vocals are mostly death/thrash style vocals with some deep death metal growls being utilized at times, while the lyrics cover themes such as religion, politics and death thems, as for the production on this album which was recorded at Morrisound Recordings in Tampa, Florida with the production duties being done by Incubus and Tom Morris sounds very raw but professional for the time era when this album was recorded.

In my opinion this was a good album from a classic band and if you are a fan of death/thrash you need to have this album in your collection. STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE "Certain Accuracy" "Beyond The Unknown" and "Mortify". RECOMMENDED BUY

Thanatos Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on these days, and 25 years ago when you first started the band , did you still think you would still be out today releasing new material and tour?

well we've been through some much shit and so many line up changes that nothing seems to surprise me anymore, but when I think back of all the obstacles we had to take these last 25 years it's pretty close to the eight wonder of the world that Thanatos is still alive. We just released our 5th album and although it's out on a tiny label and things still aren't really hot for us these days we're pretty proud of this new album. Even a lot of our old fans who always preferred the debut album or the 2nd one to anything else we released after that, are saying that this new album might be our best so far...

2. I know that the name Thanatos comes from Greek Mythology does anyone in the band today still have an interest in things like that?

I had Greek and Latin classes in high school and back then we were searching for a name that related to death but did not contain the english word 'death'. I still love those old Greek mythogical stories but we were never really influenced by that lyric wise, it was always more horror stuff, anti-religious and occult references and harsh reality.

3. I know that the band split up for some time, what projects were you doing during the hiatus and what made you decide to get back together?

Not that much actually; I sang in a band called Church of Indulgence, which was like a mixture of Slayer, Pantera and Paradise Lost, but that turned out way too lightweight for me, so after a couple of years, reforming Thanatos, albeit with different, more dedicated band members seemed like the only logical thing to do. So we didn't come back together, I simply reformed the band with new band members.

4. Are there any plans for a U.S tour?

Not at the moment to be honest; Paul (other guitarist) and me concentrating on the new Hail of Bullets album right now, but who knows what will happen next year? if we get a good offer to play on one or several metalfests in the US we would definitely come over

5. What are some of the best live shows that you have played so far?
The best shows for me were the ones where we shared the stage with some of our old favorite bands and bands that inspired us like Morbid Angel, Destruction, Kreator etc. Some other great shows were our first two shows in Portugal in the early nineties ans some legendary shows in Holland back in 'the good old days' when the Dutch audiences were still a force to be reckoned with. Supporting Sepultura on their first European headliner tour in Holland was also a blast

6. How would you describe the musical progress over the years?
Hmmz, hard to say; the progression from the first to the second album was pretty obvious; we became way more technical and added more death metal to our sound. Angelic Encounters was more of a musical regression because of the bad drumming and pretty basic song structures. On 'Undead.Unholy. Divine' we found the right balance between death and thrash again and on Justified Genocide we more or less 'perfected' our style and added some extra aggression and slightly more technical songstructures again without overdoing the technical aspect

7. What direction do you see the music heading into during the future?
I think we foundour own niche some time ago. Now it's a case of simply writing the best possible songs within the death/thrash territory which doesn't mean there's no room at all for experimentation, but basically I don't see us heading in any other direction

8. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
Like I said it was always a mixture of horror stuff, anti-religious and occult references and harsh reality, but on the new album we definitely concentrated more on the atrocities of real life. historical events like the horrors that took palce during WWII or the pain and misery caused by organised religion. certain lyrics are just pure explosiosn of hatred ...

9. What were your main influences when you first started and what are you listening to nowadays new or old?
Slayer, Venom, Death, Massacre, Celtic Frost, Possessed, Dark Angel were and are still some of my all time favorites... Lately I've been listening a lot to Shining, Behemoth, Bloodbath, Kiss, Priest, Sabbath/Heaven & Hell

10. What are some good films or literature that you would recommend?
My favorite book of all time is Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho. Apart from the classic horror flicks like The Beyond, Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, Deep Red, The EviL Dead, Chainsaw...etc, i can really recommend the recent wave of brutal European horror movies like Martyrs, Eden Lake, Frontiers, Inside etc...Sick stuff that will make you feel uncomfortable for the next few days if you have any emotions left that is...

11. I know that when you first started you were one of the first extreme metal bands in Hollan, were do you stand in the modern scene and do you fell that you helped inspire some of the younger bands that have came from that country?
We're still very much underground over here, people recognize that were one of the pioneers, but to be honest a lot of Dutch metalfans, esp. the younger generation couldn't care less about bands like Thanatos, Asphyx and Pestilence that started it all for Holland, but fortunatley there are still those that do care....

12. Any final words?

Hope you're all able to pick up our new album, if not you can order it directly from our website: www.thanatos.info

13. Thanks for the interview?

thanx for your time
cheers
Stephan

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Annex Theory Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band fro those that have never heard of you before?

We're a six piece progressive group from Winnipeg, Canada (vocals, two guitars, keys, bass, percussion) and we have
a very wide array of influences, all of which are present in one form or another in our music. Our vocalist Trevor and myself
formed the band in 2008, got the right group of guys, and simply wanted to do something different. We plan on releasing a debut 
full length album soon and touring extensively.  
2. How would you describe the musical sound that is present on the ep?

There are so many sub genres in music now (especially in metal) that I think just "progressive" is a fair term to coin it. We have a lot
of polyrhythmic riffs, but at the same time withhold the melody in the keyboards and leads. We're also fans of having really spread out,
multi octave chords on keys over top of riffs. There are lots of technicalities and  subtle things that musicians will appreciate but at the same time the average listener won't get lost.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Trevor writes mostly about situations and events that happen in his life. I don't think it is a concept EP in any way, though "Horizons" and
"Orbit" are part of the same story. I guess writing about real experiences helps put across a more prominent message because they are things
that he actually understands, not just a false concept or anything of that sort.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Trevor came up with the name after reading about different "end of the human race" scenarios. One of these ideas was that humanity will basically mechanically alter themselves in order to actually become part of all the new technology that we are currently engineering. Merging elements of creation into the flesh; basically the next step to evolution is actually in our own hands. We create, merge, and we evolve. Seeing as we are currently at the peak of evolution (as much as people want to say that) i think its relevant, simply because people are starting to experiment with what they can do now. Who knows, maybe it will happen!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We've been lucky enough to play with some great bands. Despised Icon was an amazing band to play with because it was their last
tour ever and we're big fans of them. We played with The Contortionist and Last Chance to Reason, they we're both incredible live bands
and extremely humble guys to hang out with.

In terms of our live show, we try to bring a lot of energy to the stage. Everyone for sure has a very different presence on stage and it is
definetely a reflection of how we all are as people as well. We're just guys who love music, and love to have fun. That our live show in a nutshell!
6/ Do you have any touring plans for the future?
  
As much as possible. We currently have an east coast tour booked for the summer, and we're gonna try our best to keep it consistent!

7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Trevor sings in a local band called Damascus who play shows locally, but this is all of our full time bands. 

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme metalf ans?

Yes actually!  We have fans adding us from Turkey, the UK, croatia, south america and the states now that the EP is out and everyone can
actually purchase it. Its been fantastic to be able to promote more and hopefully we can work hard and build up some hype before putting
out the album. 

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

To be honest i'm not sure. We've already changed immensely since we started and all of our musical tastes are certainly opening up. i can 
definately see us going in a more technical/experimental direction, but we're always gonna have those melodic parts.
10. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Pivotal have been amazing to us so far. Trevor came in contact with Ian (Crepea, who is now our manager at pivotal) when he was in Quo Vadis. Ian thought we had potential and has since then taken us from the ground up. He's been a great help to us and we're extremely thankful.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The djent scene obviously has been a huge influence. Bands like Periphery have definitely revolutionized the genre, there are loads others. Recently i've been digging bands like Volumes, The Contortionist, Born of Osiris, that kinda stuff. We also love dubstep, and personally i listen to a lot of acoustic stuff like Andy McKee and Don Ross. The chord structure they use is amazing!
12. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
More progressive, more melodic, the cliche! Haha, I guess we'll just keep trying to expand our musical minds and take what we can from it!
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Annex Theory/Beneath The Skin/Pivotal Recordings/2011 CD Review

Annex  Theory  are  a  band  from  Wineberg,  Manitobia<  Canada  that  plays  a  very  technical  form  of  death/thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Beneath  The  Skin"  which  was  released  by  Pivotal  Recordings.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats  being  used  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  heavy  and  powerful  sound  with  some  technical  sounding  riffing,  as  for  the  synths  when  they  are  utilized  they  bring  a  dark  and  atmospheric  sound  to  the  music/

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  midopaced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  influences  from  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  with  alot  of  talented  soundiong  technical  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  technical  and  melodic  sounding  extreme  metal  riffing.

  Vocals  range  from  thrash  style  growls,  deep  death  metal  growls  and  clean  singing  awith  some  high  pitched  screams  being  used  on  ocassion,  while  the  lyrics  cover  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  sounds  very  powerful,  professional  and  heavy  sound  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion Annex  Theory  are  a  very  talented  sounding  technical  death/thrash  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beneath  The  Skin"  and  "Orbit".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Misguided Agression/Flood The Common Ground/2011 CD Review

Misguided  Aggression  are  a  band  from  Ontario,  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  progressive  groove  metal  with  some  death  metal  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  album  "Flood  The  Common  Ground".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  drumming  with  only  a  small  amount  of  fast  drumming  and  not  much  in  the  way  of  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  thick  and  heavy  tone  with  some  groove  metal  riffing.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  rffing  that  combines  progressive  metal  with  groove  and  death  metal  and  there  are  little  to no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  are  a  combine  of  groove  and  death  metal  style  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  everyday  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  powerful  and  professional  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  being  very  easy  to  hear.

  In  my  opinion  Misguided  Aggression  are  a  very  good  progressive  groove  metal  band  with  a  heavy  death  metal  edge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Winter  Soldier"  "The First  Stone"  and  "Hidden  Empire".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Trials Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed a few years ago in Chicago IL, with the sole mission of playing heavy music. Our record "Witness To The Downfall" will be arriving in the world on August 1st.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?
51 minutes of the brown note. 

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Some of the lyrics are more personal, just me working out the stuff that goes on in my head. We also covered other cheerful topics such as disease, substance abuse, poverty, and the non-existence of a kind and loving God. 
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The shows lately have been really good. Cabaret Metro in Chicago was definitely a highlight for us, although we seem to do really well in more divey venues as well. Our live show is pretty straightforward -- no costumes, props or anything like that. Just aggressive music being played by aggressive people.    
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We are working on that at the moment. 
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music? 
We did have interest from several labels, but doing things on our own seemed to make more sense business-wise. And more importantly, we get to maintain complete control of our band and our music. However, we're not opposed to working with a label in the future.  So far the reactions have mostly been very positive, and I think any fan of heavy music will find something to enjoy with this band.


8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
Our drummer Adam records some stuff on his own, but as far as actual bands, this is our full-time gig.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?

10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases? 
We already have a lot of material written for our next record. Without giving the stock answer of it being 'heavier,' I can say that it is more evolved musically, and definitely coming from a darker place. Also, we have been working with a new drummer, Adam Kopecky, and his influence has changed the sound somewhat as well. 


11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The four of us listen to a lot of different shit, but collectively I'd say we're influenced by SYL/Devin Townsend, Death, '80s thrash stuff like Megadeth and Testament, Gojira, later Emperor, Meshuggah, Morbid Angel, for starters. Personally,  I have Voivod, the Wildhearts, and Devin Townsend's new stuff on heavy rotation. 

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
 A few of us are involved in visual arts, like drawing or design. Otherwise, as a band we enjoy eating large amounts of red meat.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for talking with us, and to anyone reading, check out our music and we hope you enjoy it!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Trials/Witness The Downfall/2011 CD Review

Trials  are  a  band  from  Chicago,  Illinois  that  combines  death,  technical,  thrash  and  groove  metal  together  with  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2011  album  "Witness  To  The  Downfall".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  drumming  with  a  good  amount  of  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  sounds  very  strong  and  powerful  with  some  heavy  and  technical  riffing.

  Rhythm  gutiars  range  from  slow,  midpaced  to  fast  riffing  that  is  also  vey  melodic  and  technical  with  a  combination  of  inflences  from  death,  thrash  and  groove  metal  with  some  soft  playing  being  utilized  at  times and  there  are  littl e to  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  the  roecording,  as  for  the  accoutic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  being  a  classical  music  feel  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  death/thrash/groove metal  growls  and  yells  with  a  great  amount  of  clean  singing  being  thrown  in,  while  the  lyrics  cover  hateful  and  everyday  thmes,  as  for  the  production  it  sounds  very  powerful  and  professional  sounding  for  a  self  released  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Trials  are  a  very  good  technical  and  meodic  sounding  death/thrash/groove  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  style,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "This  Is  Starvation"  "Shadows  And  Traps"  and  "Take  This  From  Me".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.

Icon In Me Interview

 1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job ( 

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>>  The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool! 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.

7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music.  I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.

8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later. 

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.

11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life. 

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Nociceptor Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
    I think the last thing I heard people call us was "Progressive Metal."
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?
    Like a rhythmically eccentric rhinoceros that is on fire and is charging you... from a long way away. :)
    
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
    Well, sometimes songs will start off about one thing, but then will somehow morph into something else.  The final product can sometimes be a bit warped.  I think we touch on various things...things that relate to all humans, as well as things that you'd have to be one of us to understand.  That being said, we prefer to let the listener breathe their own life to the music.  I love to hear how others interpret our music.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
    Nociceptors are receptors in your skin that respond to damage by sending signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain.  Scott suggested it.  Better him than me.  Having to choose a band name name frightens me."
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage perforamnce?
    For some reason whenever we played in Lawton, OK, we would always come home with grand tails of adventure.  One time, we had a show booked in Amarillo, TX (which is at least a 5 hour drive from Denton), and after driving what seemed like all day, the show was cancelled due to a blizzard.  We were 30 minutes outside Amarillo!  We stopped at a Dairy Queen to sulk and our merch girl decided to call a friend in Lawton.  We did a little more driving and ended up playing two shows in one night, one right after the other, 2 different clubs... I think I slept for 2 or 3 days straight after that weekend.
    It would be difficult for me to honestly describe our stage performance.  A friend once told me that people generally view their bands the same way parents view their newborn children.  Everybody thinks that THEIR baby is the most beautiful...
    Our shows are much like emotional exercise for me, personally.  I attempt to re-create the emotional environment of my experiences and communicate this environment to people around me without giving too much away with just words.  Sometimes I am successful, sometimes I am not.  Either way, I must usually rely on the perspective of others as to whether the show went well. 
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
    That's an interesting question.  We have been approached about several tours, but unfortunately we lack sufficient funds to appropriate a reliable vehicle, and have had to turn them all down.  We're ready to go as soon as we have transportation, though!  Donations are excepted!
7. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
    Absolutely wonderful people!  We got in touch with them through Travis.  They are efficient and responsive which makes business by email so much more pleasant.  Actually, we were probably more of a headache to them if anything.
8. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
    Well, Travis has Threat Signal, and Michael has his other band, Demiurge.  I have joked about starting a swing-metal band for years now, but school pretty much takes up all my time outside Nociceptor.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by exteme metal fans?
    As of January of this year, our music was being purchased in The US, Canada, The UK, Autralia, Japan, India, and Russia.  I am proud to be a part of something that has made a connection across such wide range of listeners.
10. What direction do you see the music heading intop on future releases?
    I really think that we all want to start messing around with more of an orchestral approach to our writing style.  Layering that stands out, with a sense of counterpoint throughout.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
    I grew up listening to Deftones, RATM, Tool, Korn (first and second album), and Meshuggah, among others, but I've always had a love for electronic music.  I was really into stuff like DJ Bam Bam and Kidney Thieves.  I think I bought the Spawn soundtrack like 80 times...
    These days about half the time I am listening to stuff like Between The Buried and Me, Tesseract, Vildhjarta...stuff like that.  The other half of the time, I am listening to Schubert's Ave Maria, Night on Bald Mountain, or Schumann's Allerseelen, Orf's Carmina Burana, etc...I like the really dark and dramatic stuff.
    
12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
    I am really wrapped up in Physics.  Mainly Cosmology and Quantum Physics.  Don't ask me any of the math, but the idea that reality might be a holographic projection from the edge of the universe fascinates me.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
    Worship Gozer!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Nociceptor/Among Insects/Pivotal Recordings/2011 CD Review

  Nociceptor  are  a  band  from  texas  that  plays  a  mixture  of  progressice,  groove,  thrash  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2011  album  "Among  Insects"  which  was  released  by  Pivotal  Recordings.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  drumming  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  is  coming  out  og  the  guitars,  as  for  the  synths  which  are  only  used  briefly  on  one  song  they  bring  a  dark  sound  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  midpaced  riffing  that  combines  influences  from  progressive,  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  technical  and  melodic  sounding  extreme  metal  guitar  solos,  as  for  the  accoustic  guitars  which  are  only  utilized  briefly,  they  bring  a  progressive  feel  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  a  mixture  of  thrash  and  groove  metal s tyle  screams,  with  some  deep  death  metal  growls  and  clean  singing  being  thrown  in  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  everyday  style  themes  with  alot  of  hatred  being  mixed  in,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  feel  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Nociceptor  are  a  very  good  thrash/technical/groove/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  bands  that  mix  these  styles  together,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECEDMMONDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Feel"  "Pornoholocaust"  and  "Contagion".  RECEMMONDED  BUY.