Album review: Koldkrypt - Holocauste Global (2022)

Koldkrypt – Holocauste Global

France

Hessian Firm

“Holocauste Global” is the second full-length album by the French black metal powerhouse, Koldkrypt. Their brand of hateful, cold and misanthropic black metal is just what the doctor ordered. The disc is comprised of eight tracks, with drawn-out compositions and an atmosphere cold enough to drop temperatures in your room once you start listening.

Koldkrypt is unlike any other black metal project I’ve heard before, while at the same time sounding familiar without fitting into any particular trend. This isn't orthodox black metal, nor is it second-tier Darkthrone worship, or some war metal-like stuff – it's simply black metal without gimmicks; straight to the point, like a bullet to the head.

There is an epic quality to the riffs on this release, which at times evokes images of medieval battles and castles in some frostbitten kingdom. The atmosphere has an apocalyptic feel to it, combined with well-written compositions and hate-filled vocals.

A lot of emphasis is placed on guitars on this recording, and I must say the guy is really proficient, as he incorporates a lot of intricate melodies that sometimes border on the virtuosity of power metal, but they work well as they convey a lot of depth.

The mix of harsh elements with sombre guitar melodies works well, although don't mistake this for a post-black metal outfit trying to unite people around some lame environmental theme. Here is a quote that illustrates the misanthropic and anti-human nature of the music: 

“The release is driven by hate, but not by hate for any one group of people within society, or the fact that society even exists at all. Typhus X directs caustic hatred towards humanity as a whole, drawing attention to our shortcomings and failures as a species”

In light of that, it should come as no surprise that Typhus X covered Zyklon B's 'Warfare', and to say the cover is sick is an understatement; Koldkrypt's version absolutely honors the original. This record is driven by pure visceral and primal aggression, while also showing a certain level of virtuosity that showcases the phenomenal talent behind this project. Fans of Scandinavian black metal from the '90s will love this project. As I listened to this, I was reminded of bands like Kvist, Arckanum, and Zemial. Even so, Koldkrypt does not sound like those bands, although they do emit a similar energy.

This is apocalyptic, vitriolic, and well-executed black metal that will appeal to those with a disdain for trends and the mainstream. It is time to celebrate the end of your worthless existence with this soundtrack. Rejoice! (HT)

Interview: Death To Peace Productions (2022)

 

We interviewed Warweolf of Death To Peace Productions, which is a record label based in Quebec that specializes in underground black metal.

1. HAILS Steve! Please tell us about your label, DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS, and what it stands for.

Hails Death by Hammer!

In the beginning, Death to Peace Productions was supposed to be solely a distributor of underground music. After meeting a few owners of production labels, I was hooked and decided to start my own label. Death to Peace Productions is an underground elitist black metal label yearning for the annihilation of all religions and a certain way of life. We have expanded our horizons over the years and are now working with extreme metal bands (thrash and death metal), as well as some dungeon synth and dark ambient, for example. This Saguenay, Québec label has not stopped growing since its beginnings, in 2012.

I’ve had two collaborators over the years. When they left, for personal reasons, I asked an old colleague to join me, with whom I had previously worked in distribution and show bookings.

Death To peace Productions also brings to the table two more services that many people don’t know about: Ombre Nordique Studios and Northern Shade Photography. At Ombre Nordique Studios, my own home studio, I offer mixing and mastering for any band, well known or not, from all over the world. After all these years, we decided to also add a distribution service to our label, like in the good old days. Who knows what else awaits in the future! Maybe event organising and show bookings are in the cards for us… I have a team that would do great at that.

As for news regarding the distro: we were lucky to buy a whole inventory, from a closing label in Hamilton, Ontario: Von Frost Records. We got a great deal on many vinyl records, cassettes, the whole distro and Discogs store. This gave us an easy start.

2. What have you released so far? And what kind of formats do you specialize in?

Putrid Christ—Queen of the Wolves, USBM CD 2013

Infernal Execrator—6 Execrating Years Of Irreligiousatanic Elite "Mastema Hedonistic Terroritual 666", Black/Death Metal, Cassette, compilation limited‎ 2014

Unrest / Idolatry—Infection Born Of Ending, Black Metal Canada 7", EP, Ltd, Split 2015

Suicidal Madness—Au Crépuscule d'une Vie, Depressive Black Metal France Cassette S/Sided, Numbered, Limited 2015

Goatpreacher—Chaos Sabbath, Goat Metal Russia Cassette limited EP 2016 en collaboration avec Von Frost Records (R.I.P)

Trwoga—Wieczyst Zima, Dark Ambient Poland Pro CD-r Limited 2020

Loup noir—Requiem, Heathen black metal France Pro CD-r 2021

Between 2015 and 2020, we were mainly into merch production: patches, back patches, t-shirts, stickers, pendants, etc.

Now we mostly specialize in DIY type cassettes. The recording is done by an expert team in Montreal, located 666km away. The booklets and stickers for the tapes are made in my hometown. When everything is ready, devoted friends of mine come over and help cutting the booklets and apply the stickers on the cassettes. All done by hand! When all goes well, we have around 100 cassettes ready in a day.

3. What bands do you currently represent and what are your upcoming releases?

As for the bands that we have worked with and released either one or many albums or merch, we are interested in releasing a 12’’ vinyl record of cult album “Chaos Sabbath”, by Goatpreacher. We will also definitely release a 5-way split, “Apocalypse of the Impure”, containing tracks by bands such as Mysteriis (Colombia), Miasma (Canada), Rotting Jehovah (USA), ENT666 (Canada) and Swarm of Hatred (Chile). Each of these bands will be showcasing two previously unreleased tracks. In addition, an intro, an outro and interludes will be churned at yours truly’s Ombre Nordique studios, in collaboration with Kashnum, composer for Trwoga, and Wampyrion, composer for Alcath. The second release will be hailing from Greece. Last year, we released Trwoga (dark ambient from Poland), and this year we got an offer from Wampyrion Markhor Necrowolf, a dungeon synth composer.

4. From your perspective, what can you tell us about the Quebec scene and what are the best bands from there in your opinion?

The Quebec scene is very rich in “Métal noir Québécois”, our own style of black metal, very sought after all over the world, but mostly in Europe. It is also the birthplace of many great bands in many styles of metal such as thrash (Voivod), and death (Crucificator, Necronomicon)

Great bands from my home town : Deathroner (Death Thrash), Triskèle and Kenaz (pagan).Atroce.

Other amazing bands from all over Québec : Forteresse, Délétère, Miasma, Monarque, Akitsa, Saccage, Hiverna, Ossuaire, Verglas Sanglant, Neige et Noirceur, Chasse Galerie.

There are also many great festivals where many well-known bands come and perform. You might be familiar with La Messe des Morts (an indoor black metal festival), Trois-Rivières Metal Fest, Skogen Festival and the Québec Deathfest, amongst many others.

5. What's 10 albums you can't live without?

Good question, I’d never really thought about it before. In no particular order, I would say:

Forteresse—Métal Noir Québécois

Deicide—Amon- Feasting the Beast

Arckanum—Fran Marder

Deathwitch—Dawn of Armageddon

Pogrom 1147—Black Metal Complete

Absurd—Werwolfthron

Storm—Nordavind

Gorgoroth—Destroyer

Cannibal Corpse—Butchered at Birth

Marduk—Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are Gathered

6. Do you agree with the humanist sentiment "every human life is precious"?

Never. It would be like saying that hippies and vegans follow the best philosophy. There are too many of us on this planet, 8 billion skeletons. Many are frail, sick, falling apart. Of those 8 billion, if only a quarter would exist, it would bring balance in the world. Life and humanity don’t go together hand in hand, and some have a goal of populating the planet more and more: it’s just too much. China and India are too populated. You can guess by our motto at Death to Peace Productions, that I am a lot more interested in the Anti-human/anti-life philosophies. Annihilation of all religions and a certain way of life!!! Death to peace!!!

7. Is life returning to normal in your area after the epidemic? What is your opinion about the whole ordeal?

Governments all over the world didn’t handle this well at all. Here, all politicians acted like assholes. Mandatory mask-wearing and 3 mandatory doses of vaccine (4^th one now recommended now, they are crazy), as well as 9pm to 5am curfews. Being a night bird, I was going crazy, I couldn’t sleep and couldn’t do anything. No family gatherings, or holidays. Small businesses and restaurants were closed. Jail time for those who did not comply. Domestic violence and killing cases exploded, as well as the suicide rate. To shut us up those rats gave us each 500$, as if it would bring us our lives back. We are supposed to be in a free country, yet the Canadian and Quebec government acted like they were back to the middle-ages. In French we say GOUVERNEMENSONGES…GOVERNLIARS!

8. What is your opinion on the current state of the "underground"? (If there even is such a thing anymore.)

The underground as we know it is very rare these days because of the Internet. You can easily find just about anything right now using Soulseek, for example, which kills the scene and cult bands. Before the Internet, Soulseek, Napster, mIRC, Emule and especially Youtube, we had to order directly from the label via our local music store. I remember that we used to order from Napalm Records Austria to get rare albums, these albums that get more valuable with time. Now, with digital downloading, any band can produce itself with Bandcamp. Smaller labels like Death to Peace Productions are often asked for digital copies, but it is not our cup of tea. If bands on our label want to do it, it is their choice, as we are not for or against it. The artists can decide for themselves, but I personally love listening to an album in its analog format, a limited edition good old vinyl record or cassette of some obscure band.

9. Lastly, what's next for DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS and do you have any last words for your enemies and the fucking sheep out there?

2022 is an important year for our DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTION label: we are celebrating our 10th anniversary in August. After ten tumultuous years, we are now happy to offer a distribution service, plus mixing and mastering at Ombre Nordique Studios, and professional photography at Northern Shades Photography.

Finally, here is what I would like to say to all our enemies:

DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS is a Canadian production/distribution Label of underground elitist black metal, wanting the annihilation of all religions and some way of life... Hail Satan...Praise the Goat!!!

Warweolf

Interview: Wolflust (2022)

 

The following interview was done with War Metal titans WOLFLUST.

Hails! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview, man. Can you tell us a little bit about how Wolflust emerged and your influences?

R: Greetings! WOLFLUST was formed by Cernunnos Legion - War proclamations, distortions blastbass and sulfuric vomits, Trojillo - Artillery, ammunition and warhammer of doom, with the aim of producing a chaotic WAR DEATHBLACK METAL, rescuing the old spirit of the 80s/90s, inspired by the gods: SARCOPHAGE(old), BLASPHEMY, HELLHAMMER, SODOM(old), ANGELCORPSE, CONQUEROR, MUTILATOR(old), and others.
 

Tell us about your Satanic Megatons EP and the overall reaction from underground maniacs.

R: When we recorded our ep we had no pretensions, our intention was just to record all our hate and anger in the form of music, we were really impressed with the acceptance of the material in the Underground environment, in all this ep has so far had 7 different versions, 2 on tape(Davao Hellsbangers/Philippines and Southwindland recs/Brazil), 2 on cd(hammer of damnation recs/Brazil and Anti-human prods./Canada), Box cd(Anti-human prods./Canada) on LP(9 Brazilian labels and Raise the dead Recs/England). Until today we receive many messages from maniacs from all over the world commenting on this material.
 

The sound on that EP is absolutely merciless. Can we expect more of the same with the next attack?

R: Our intention is for each upcoming material to sound as brutal and wild as possible, in WOLFLUST you will never find new trends or fads, only the most profane and brutal WARDEATHBLACKMETAL like the old days! Stand by because the worst is yet to come!

Your band’s name derives from an Angelcorpse song, so it would be reasonable to assume they had a big influence on you? What do you think about an Angelcorpse reunion?

Yes, Cernunnos and I are fans of ANGELCORPSE, for us it is a direct inspiration and influence. Unfortunately the shows of this tour that would take place in Brazil were cancelled due to the pathetic Brazilian producer who screwed everything up.

 
Who did the artwork for the Satanic Megatons EP? It's pretty sick!

The cover was made by a renowned Brazilian artist called Marcos Miller, he has done several covers for other bands like Exterminate, Mental Horror, Cauterization, and many others. And we will continue to work with him to make the arts for the next materials.
 

You covered Bathory’s classic “Sacrifice”. How much of an influence is Quorthorn on your band and what do you think of their later Viking era?

Yes it was an immense honor for us to be able to record our version of the song “sacrifice”, as Bathory is a huge influence not only for us but also for thousands of other bands around the world. Personally, I prefer Bathory's early stage more, but all of his works are magnificent!
 

What can you tell us about the scene there in your city, and which active bands do you think are worth checking out from Brazil?

I live in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo, there is no scene in my city and no bands. Brazil has always been a barn of great bands that served as inspiration for the rest of the world, currently there are several bands doing excellent works such as: Necrosound, Açoite, Necrogosto, Luvart, Havok666, Kanvass, Ceremony, Antichrist Hooligans, Sade, Negro Bode Terrorist, Barbatos, Spiritual Hate, Diabolism, and many others.

Tell us a bit about your lyrics and what inspires them.

Our lyrics deal with themes of wars, death, desecration, and against all religions that manipulate and imprison human beings. We follow as inspiration the themes addressed in albums from the early 80s/90s such as show no mercy, endless pain, seven churches, morbid visions, INRI, infernal overkill, in the sign of evil, fallen angel of doom, among others..

For some people, metal is just a phase, but for others it's a lifetime pursuit. What does it mean to be a diehard metal heathen? Also, how do you feel about people formerly into black/death converting to Christianity?

Well, I've been in this for over 30 years, so I don't think it's a phase hahaha, really I have Metal for me as a lifestyle, there isn't a day that I don't listen to Metal in my life. Unfortunately our country is an extremely Christian country, and many get into this shit looking for something illusory or that will bring them salvation or a better life in some fantasy place. Metal has never had anything to do with religion, Metal has always been anti-Christian and always will be, so we will always execrate the pathetic people and bands that call themselves White Metal.

 
What’s currently on your playlist?

I listen to a lot, I'm a real maniac who looks for new bands all the time, I can tell you the bands I'm listening to this week: KANVASS, ARCHGOAT, GBK, IMPURITY, GOATSMEGMA, BLASPHEMY, ANTICHRIST SIEGE MACHINE, CHRIST DENIED, MALIGNANCY, THORYBOS , between others.

 
It goes without saying that Brazil has an endless supply of great bands. What do you think makes people from there want to play such violent and intense music?

Certainly the reason Brazilian bands create songs with so much hate, anger and violence, is the portrait of our lives and realities, we are a third world country, with a totally fucked up economy, where the vast majority work themselves to death, we pay the highest taxes on the planet and we have no return, the vast majority do not have access to good education, medical care or security, violence in large centers is gigantic, that is, the brutal and violent sound is just a reflection of our lives.

 
What can you tell us about your other band Industrial Noise? It seems the band has been around for a time!

Yes, I created INDUSTRIAL NOISE in 1993 as a totally noise project, then in 1998 it became a band with rehearsals and shows, we released dozens of materials such as demo-tapes, cds, 7eps, etc.. We are currently stopped since the beginning of the pandemic. But a year ago I formed another band with another member of INDUSTRIAL NOISE, it's called ACUSTIC NEUROMA, the sound is a mix of death metal and grind, in the old style like bands like BLOOD, REPULSION, F.O.G., DEPRESSION.
 

Thanks for your time, Mauro! The Satanic Megatons EP rips. I hope to hear more of the same with the next assault. The last words are yours.

Thank you very much for the interview and space given to WOLFLUST! Very soon we will have several releases coming out like a new EP and other split's 7'EPs, and also other news, keep in touch! Keep up the war against white-shit shit and fake metal! Fuck Peace! Praise war!!!

Demo review: Euthanized - Sanguine Spectacle (2021)

 

Euthanized – Sanguine Spectacle

Canada

Helldprod Records

Euthanized is a Victoria-based trio from British Colombia, Canada, playing vile and raunchy black metal the way it’s meant to be played. "Sanguine Spectacle" is the band's second demo (and fourth release overall). The band had already released a self-titled demo in 2016, the "Riches among Refuse" EP in 2018, and the "A Pact from The Grave" split with Cultist in 2019.

Venom-spewing vocals accompanied by low-tuned and evil sounding guitars assault the listener on the first track, which also features a Motorhead-inspired solo near the end. Drum beats are simple, but well-balanced in the mix, staying mostly in a mid-pace range. One of the features I adore most about Euthanized is the vocalist’s propensity for all-out maddening rage, which brings to mind Maniac from Mayhem’s Deathcrush era. It's aggressive, heavy as hell, raw, and very old-school sounding, which is my kind of black metal. Most of the tracks are around three to four minutes long, which is more than enough time to sink your teeth into Euthanized's aural carnage. On the last track, the band covers Venom's classic "Live Like An Angel", which is not only a great choice for a cover, but is also executed flawlessly.

I think this is an excellent demo by a band that completely surprised me with its ancient and passionate sound that is a throwback to old times without being a weak copycat of its influences. There is a real sense of conviction in their sound, which should appeal to fans of bands like (early) Mayhem, Sarcofago, and Katharsis. I look forward to the full-length. (HT)

EP review: Ominous Reflections – Die Ewige Swart Lig (2021)

Ominous Reflections – Die Ewige Swart Lig

South Africa

Morbid Ways To Die / Rigor Mortis Productions

Based in Johannesburg (one of the world's most crime-ridden cities), the one-man entity known as Ominous Reflections ignites the South African scene with raw and sinister black metal. (Formless Devotion is another project from South Africa worthy of note.)

After releasing a demo back in 2014, "Die Ewige Swart Lig" is the band's first release in seven years. Musically-speaking, the material is pretty impressive and on par with many more prominent acts. The atmosphere conveyed is soaked in a pitch-black aura, while the overall mood feels decidedly misanthropic. The style is very ‘90s-influenced, and while it doesn’t offer anything new, I must say the music definitely brims with fury and passion. It’s refreshing to hear a black metal project from South Africa that’s serious and that doesn’t just outright copy its influences.

The production is, as you might anticipate, raw, yet absolutely suitable for this style of music. Tempo-wise, the music is mostly mid-paced, with some fast segments interspersed throughout, providing the necessary balance to the songs. Raven's vocals are hateful screams that emanate from some deep and tortured place. I find Ominous Reflections to be very similar to Polish black metal bands such as Thunderbolt, Szron, and Furia.

Being an avid black metal fan myself, I can certainly vouch for the project’s potential. This EP is thoroughly enjoyable, and it certainly deserves credit for being produced in a country that isn’t exactly known for providing quality black metal to the world. Looking forward to Ominous Reflections’ next release and curious to see how the project will develop. (HT)

Album review: Velka - Purgatori Ignis Ludicium (2022)

Velka - Purgatori Ignis Ludicium

Spain

Base Record Production / Necromance Records

Hailing from the Basque Country (sovereign region in Spain), Velka is an autonomous black metal band and “Purgatori Ignis Ludicium” is their debut album released by Base Record Production & Necromance Records.

The band may refer to their music as black metal, and that’s fair enough considering the overt amount of blasphemous riffs and evil feeling that prevails in their music, but the ferocity they exude also brings to mind extreme black/death by way of old Belphegor, or fast-paced black metal like Impaled Nazarene or Handful of Hate. Musically, Velka is its own entity, and they deliver a strong performance full of power, energy and musicianship to rival with the best.

The first track, “Eternal Hate Awakens”, is a nine-minute stomper that opens this album in brutal fashion, with lightning fast drums, muscular riffs, and vocals that alternate between aggressive rasps and menacing growls.

The rhythmic guitars carry the music, while the drums are nifty and add a good deal of variety. The vocals are perfectly balanced in the mix – not too loud, nor too soft. A mixture of morbid melodies and sledgehammer brutality fills the show with high-octane energy and pure raw rage.

Despite its seven tracks, the average track is about 7-8 minutes long, assaulting the listener with a non-stop barrage of hellfire and brimstone, which is similar to Vital Remains when it comes to lengthy compositions, but in Velka's case, they offer enough variety to keep the listener interested, coupled with an energetic performance and unpolished production that add to the enjoyment of this album. The music itself is pretty straight-forward, although honest and free of gimmicks.

The searing intensity of the music is unquestionable, with a heavier than thou attitude sweeping throughout the album. Considering it's Velka's debut album, it's a solid effort. (HT)

Interview: Hunters Moon (2021)

Melbourne-based duo HUNTERS MOON first burst into the scene back in 2006, releasing a self-titled demo the same year, followed by the EP "The Serpents Lust" in 2009. Fast forward to 2021, and the band has put out one of the best albums of the year with “The Great Pandemonium” (reviewed here), re-establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. To get a good sense of what they sound like, imagine a crude mix of early Morbid Angel, Dissection, and Destroyer 666. Jim Hexetomb conducted the following interview with J. and D.

Hails! For those readers unfamiliar with Hunters Moon, could you provide a little background and tell us how the band was conceived?

D. and I went to school together and have played in bands since we were young. We began Denouncement Pyre and after a while, I had a few ideas that didn’t really suit what we were going for in DP. As those ideas took shape they ended up manifesting as “The Serpents Lust” mLP. Despite the long hiatus, we’ve never stopped writing songs. The new album is the culmination of those efforts over the last decade. Now with a full-time drummer at the helm, our intention is to be actively releasing albums more frequently.


Where did you get the name "Hunters Moon" and why was it chosen?


The Hunters Moon is the sign of the wild hunt. A name that fits the themes and sound of our music.


How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?


Having read so many reviews of the album, it quickly became apparent that people hear and perceive things in such different ways. I’ve read comparisons that couldn’t be further from what we were aiming for, and then others that were more aligned with what we had in mind. One reviewer said we sounded like second wave black metal mixed with elements of Australian death metal, that description kind of resonated with me. We aren’t glued to a particular sound or aesthetic which is why T.S.L and T.G.P sound so different. The thing that unifies the albums is the mixture of sinister but at times melodic sections. I wouldn’t say that our music is necessarily ground breaking but we do try to write memorable songs that invoke a specific atmosphere.


Your latest album "The Great Pandemonium" is one of my favorite albums of the year so far. Can you tell us a little about the recording process and what inspired the title?


Great to hear that you’ve enjoyed the album. It was one of those recording experiences where everything went right, which isn’t always the norm. We had a great drum room at our disposal in the way of an 18th-century church. This environment gave the drums a huge spacious sound that is hard to emulate in a small space. The rest of the album was tracked in my personal studio. We tried to stick to analog processing for the bulk of the album, which adds to the overall atmosphere. There were no time or financial constraints, so the record was done in a relaxed and focused manner. The album was mastered at Orgone Studios by Jaime Gomez Arellano (Mayhem, Paradise Lost, Primordial).

Are there any bands out there with whom you feel you share a musical kinship?


We all have fairly broad musical interests. The list of bands we are interested in would be unending. Based on our sound, you would no doubt hear our worship of 80s and 90s Black Metal. Our tastes cross many genres, metal and otherwise - from subdued to violent and crushing.


Would you consider Hunters Moon to be a Black Metal band? Are there any criteria you believe a band must meet in order to be true Black Metal?


I wouldn’t say that we are exclusively a black metal band, though this is probably the most suitable sub-genre that aligns with our sound, themes, and aesthetic. We have a wide range of influences and our material blurs the lines between multiple genres and sub-genres. For us, black metal is all about the atmosphere. If a band has that aura then it becomes less Important as to whether sonically they cross the boundaries between black/death or otherwise.


Why did it take so long for Hunters Moon to release new material? Also, do you think the band shares a common fan base with your other bands like Denouncement Pyre and Nocturnal Graves?


Whilst the band has been inactive for a long time, we have all been actively involved in music but not HUNTERS MOON specifically. I started an audio company (High Voltage Audio) designing and building pro audio analog gear for recording/mixing/mastering studios. D. has been very active in both Denouncement Pyre and Nocturnal Graves. Our drummer D.M is a professional drummer and drum teacher. In the midst of the hiatus, D and I continued to write songs over this period until which time a suitable drummer was found and the new album could be realized.

Perhaps those who follow DP and/or NG will find something of value in Hunters Moon also, but of course, that is not up to us.

Can you tell us a little about your lyrics and where you get your inspiration?


For this record, in particular, inspiration was found through John Martin’s illustrations of Paradise Lost, as well as using various other biblical references. Both the album title and some of the track titles & lyrics are reflective of this. Visually they capture something that aligned with our idea of how the music should sound. They are the essence of The Great Pandemonium - Foreboding, doom-laden, yet fiery and chaotic.


Do you have any favorite albums of 2021 so far?


Sijjin - Sumerian Promises is a great record. Baxaxaxa - Catacomb Cult is also killer. Perfect atmosphere and sound. I just checked out the new Funeral Mist record, which after a couple of listens is as interesting and killer as anything they have done. Albums by Grave Miasma, Lvcifyre, and Concrete Winds are also worth a mention.


What is your opinion regarding the current situation in Australia regarding the draconian restrictions? I've seen some pretty hectic videos about police brutality there.


Draconian is an apt assessment. You have to make a concerted effort to rise above all the dissent and fear, in order to pave your own way through the unending insanity. If you become adrift in the sea of negativity it’s hard to stay afloat. I made an effort to use the house arrest to hone crafts, write music, and generally try to immerse myself in productive outlets as opposed to becoming downtrodden. You quickly learn how to circumvent and bend the rules in order to stay sane. The restrictions definitely slowed down parts of the recording process. We tracked drums right before the scourge (Nov 2019). The remainder we had to do in stages throughout 2020/2021 as we couldn’t always get together.


Your thoughts on the following:


Elitism - Inevitable, for some are hungrier than others


Post Black Metal - Not black metal


Humanism - Each man should seek his own virtues to uphold, not those that are determined by the greater good


Theocracy - Dreamers, ideal for slaves


Sadistik Exekution - The Magus is one of the best albums to come out of Aus. ever

Thanks, and best wishes to the lads in Hunters Moon! Any last words?

Thanks for the interview.

Album review: Autokrator - Persecution (2021)

Autokrator - Persecution

France

Krucyator Productions

"Persecution" is the fourth full-length album by the French black/death act Autokrator, which was released earlier this year through Krucyator Productions.

The music can be described as black/death metal replete with horrific nuances that will deeply penetrate your mind and make you feel as though you've crossed a portal into an abysmal realm. An atmosphere of pitch-black darkness permeates this album along with horror-like aesthetics.

Drums are mercilessly fast and sound almost programmed at times. However, it was confirmed they weren't, which makes the performance even more impressive, considering how dynamic the drummer is.

The vocals are very deep and abrasive, yet also well-balanced in the mix. They add a menacing aspect to the music, which further accentuates the heaviness of the riffs and drums. 

The fast and relentless bludgeoning of "De Gloria Martyrum Et Confessorum" will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, while "DCLXVI" features savage vocal lines and nailing percussion that makes it equally devastating in its execution.

As a theme, the album examines the persecutions of Christians in ancient Rome, under the reigns of Diocletian, Marcus Aurelius, Domitian, and Trajan.

The songs have a tendency to blend into each other without the listener noticing it, so you'll be forgiven for thinking that you're still listening to the same track, while the music is well into the third track already. It's not a bad thing. The songs have a very cohesive flow, featuring drawn-out riffs and sinister nuances that will drag your soul into the very depths of hell. That, combined with the onslaught of brutal vocals - all makes Autokrator's latest offering worthwhile, although it is not without its shortcomings: while the album is severely punishing during some parts and gets better with repeated listens, it also has a tendency to drag a bit, particular during the last two tracks, which are a bit more instrumental, but still enjoyable.

Autokrator's approach varies from album to album, and that is what makes them interesting. The sound is cleaner and less cavernous than "Hammer Of The Heretics" without losing any of its relentlessness.

Overall, "Persecution" is a solid album that packs a powerful punch. It is certainly one of the more notable releases of this year and should be investigated by fans of dark and relentless black/death/doom. (HT)

Interview: Goatpenis (2021)

Brazilian cult GOATPENIS needs no introduction. They are true legends of underground Black/Death with a trajectory dating back to 1989 when they began their activities as SUPPURATED FETUS. Not even the recent passing of former frontman Sabbaoath can deter them from waging war on the world. The following interview was done with guitarist Virrugus Apocalli.


Hails! Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Could you please inform us of the current status of GOATPENIS? Are there any new releases or reissues planned for the near future?


Thanks for the opportunity. Goatpenis is keeping up the works. After Sabbaoth’s death, we took some time to process what happened, create a plan of attack and come back to the front with total power! We’re currently finishing a new material that should be released in 2022. It will be dedicated to the legacy and memory of Sabbaoth.


How did the passing of your former singer Sabbaoth (RIP) affect the band and will you continue making music under the GOATPENIS name? Who will take over the vocal duties?


No doubt Sabbaoth’s death was a shock, completely unexpected. However, if we left the front it would be the same as surrendering to the enemy because of a casualty of a soldier! As long as there are men to fight, the war must continue! Sabbaoth was the founder and will never be replaced but the attack can not stop. We’re currently counting on Necro Abhorrence’s vocals, the last member to join the Anti-Human Command.

How would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years? Has the core philosophy and influences remained the same?

I would describe it as natural. The more you do something, the better you become. The philosophy will always be the same: The repudiation of the human species.


What kind of elements did you focus on during the writing of "Decapitation Philosophy" and what can you tell us about the recording process?


The focus was always contempt and hate for human existence. D. P. is another album that envisions several ways to exterminate people. It can be through beliefs, religions… About the process of recording, it was like the other albums: fast and intense!

Can you tell us something about the inspiration behind the title "Decapitation Philosophy" and what it means? Who did the artwork?

I’m always focused on composing songs. Sabbaoth was the one who created the arts and the lyrics. After that, we would get together to discuss the name of the album. When we decided that the album would be called Decapitation Philosophy, we focused the creation process on something that would forward to the methods of execution of some cultures.


Can you share with us some highlights and anecdotes from your time with the band? And what would you say are some of the factors contributing to the band's longevity?


I became a member right after the Inhumanization album. When I got in, the band was quite unstructured, Sabbaoth was the only one fighting to not let the band break up. Since then we gathered forces and raised the band exactly where we wanted. Sabbaoth and I always had the perfect sync in the ideas and in the attitudes. We had different members through the years, but the two of us always held strong. I believe you must have commitment and willpower. Luckily today we’ve got a very solid and killer band: MGM.666 on the drums since the Anesthetic Vapor album and Necro Abhorrence on the guitars since the D.P. album and now taking on the vocals!

What is your opinion on the media and how it exploits people's weaknesses by filling their heads with nonsense, similar to how religions indoctrinate people? Is the vast majority of people utterly ignorant and beyond contempt?

Very simple: people are so stupid, weak, and lazy. Those who influence and the ones who are influenced. They deserve the worse and I hope they get buried in their own mediocre existence!


Do you have any hope for the human race and do you believe we are destined to become extinct because of our own self-destructive nature?


My hope is that actually happens!


What are some great Brazilian bands that everyone needs to check out in your opinion?


I'd rather not recommend because I don’t usually listen to anything.


How would you react if some basement-dwelling hipster accused GOATPENIS of being an NS band?


If it would be an accusation through the internet, I wouldn’t react based on my 7th answer. However, if one of these potheads finds a ball lost in their pants and comes talk shit to me in person… Decapitation Philosophy… Hahaha


Finally, what's next for you and GOATPENIS? Thanks again and good luck with everything!


Thanks for the interview, excellent questions! We must continue, honor Sabbaoth’s legacy. We will remain focused, work hard, create new materials, keep the mind and body strong, and hope for the worst!!! 

In memory of Sabbaoath aka Evandro Siebert (1970 - 2021)