Interview: A.M.S.G.

 

The following interview is with Angelfukk Witchhammer, the creative force behind Canadian black metal outlaws A.M.S.G. and formerly of Ouroboros. 

1. Infernal hails! What does A.M.S.G. stand for? (Both musically and ideologically.)

AW: A.M.S.G. stands for “Ad Majorem Satanae Gloriam,” which translates to "For the Greater Glory of Satan." Musically, it represents a dedication to crafting art that embodies the ethos of the band's beliefs. Ideologically, it is a commitment to the tenets of spiritual rebellion or anti-cosmism, associated with Left-Hand Path beliefs.

2. Black metal is now seen as this “cool” social club, which consequently attracts all kinds of degenerate scum. However, I’m pretty sure your views are on the contrary?

AW: These days it is filled with posers, backstabbers, police rats and squid goof tranny loving faggots and the whole thing needs to be nuked.

Black metal has always been the anti-mainstream, so of course the mainstream leeches onto it like a parasite trying to kill the purity if its essence, hence the nature of the beast. Mainstream society has the fundamentals to destroy the person and ideal and make it a slave, and everything it touches in that matter as well, such as Black Fucking Metal! Where black metal is an ideal of purity and higher consciousness self-devout to the darkness, embracing the conquering flame.

3. I once read in an interview that you were imprisoned for a while. For how long, if I may ask, and what was the offense? Do you regret anything?

AW: In total I was sentenced to 6 years...I did 5.

The charges I did time for was:

- Trafficking narcotics

- Trafficking guns

- Possession of explosives

- Possession of proceeds of crime

- Possession of human remains

- Assault of a deadly weapon

I regret nothing!!!! And never will.

To be an outlaw in this society is freedom.

To be a slave to the weak Abrahamic society is a slow death of dishonour of the true self

Imprisonment was an outcome of the individual self-rising above the weak and feeble society set in Abrahamic ways.

Yes, it sucks that it had to happen but such are the way of things and unfortunate. Yes, the experience made me grow a lot and taught me many things in order to become sheer iron will.

Am I sorry for what I did? Ha! Not in endless lifetimes! We are at war with this poisonous Abrahamic world order and I will fight until no air fills these lungs. I call on all true maniacs and conquerors to rise up and fight!

4. What inspired the idea to incorporate a saxophone on your debut album “Anti-cosmic Tyranny” and who plays it? It’s not particularly common in black metal, although I feel like it added a different dynamic and more depth.

AW: Ahh the saxophone...such a depraved instrument! I love it....and growing up it was the mighty NECROMANTIA that broadened my horizons there musically mixing other instruments into the usual guitar bass drum format of black metal, and also being a fan of jazz music.

Hey, this is fucking black metal! Why write in a box? Sure, some are ok like that...but it can get repetitive. For a person with an actual brain you need some stimulants and growth...adding extra layers of music would add more depth and a better outcome.

We've used saxophone now in anti-cosmic tyranny and Hostis Universi Generis and for the track that was in that 4 way split.

That saxophone player is a guy I used to go to high school with and he's a total maniac.

He was going thru some insane shit during anticosmic recordings as his girlfriend just killed herself and he came home and found her....crazy shitI We are a band surrounded by death and chaos.

We brought him into the studio and showed him what we had and he just played his parts

And every time he's done it we are blown away by what it adds to the recording. It is a great fit for what we are trying to achieve musically which brings you to more of a higher consciousness realm.

5. The drummer Kaos Abhorrer that played on Anti-Cosmic Tyranny sadly passed away in 2014, although I was never informed about the cause of death. Can you please tell us what had actually happened?

AW: Kaos Abhorrer brought the right mindset and what black metal is really about to the band for the drummer position. What a tragic loss there. A loss of a bandmate and brother, but I respect his decision.

He was a true warrior chaos bringer and friend, unlike the past drummer who was a jealous rat cop calling no good dog that needs to die, he has no honor and never will.

Kaos Abhorrer is a king and he will forever be praised as a true fucking black metal maniac and true honorable brother! I hail to you brother, I hope you are riding the crests of chaos in that next transcendence!

He hanged himself because he worshiped DEATH

6. What are some of the themes you explore with A.M.S.G., and can you cite any literature or movies that have left a lasting impression on you?

AW: Ahh well there are many influences!

And as you already mentioned Nietzsche and H.P Lovercraft are definitely in there.

For films I love:  Lars von Trier, Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch,

David Cronenberg and his son Brandon are great, Zack snyder, Christopher Nolan are all great directors of films I enjoy, Amongst so many others, classic horrors Fulchi etc.

As for books well...many occult and philosophy literature I have in my collection

Such as Alistar Crowley, Current 218, Thomas Karlson and the mighty Dragon Rouge teachings, Toby Chappell's Infernal Geometry and the left hand path, The keys of solomon, The Temple of the Golden Dawn, Eliphas Levi, Diabolic Gnosticism by Christophe Kafyrfos, Marcus Aureluous, Might is Right, Promethous Rising by Robert Anton Wilson, Aldous Huxley, Carl Jung, Hunter S. Thompson, Ravenscroft Spear of Destiny, Thule Society, H.P Blavatsky the secret Docturine to name a few, if you know what I'm talking about then you know what's up.

7. Black metal means different things to different people, but what does it mean to you specifically? Does it define your personality?

AW: Black metal is a way and code of living life. As you can see it does define my personality I think as I live a true black metal lifestyle, unlike alot of poser false fukks that claim to be harsh or preach bm lifestyle but live nothing of the sort

Black metal is devoted to satan, death, chaos, no tolerance and supremacy of the higher consciousness self.

All these weak bands trying to copy the sound of black metal...call themselves black metal is a total disgrace and ripp off! (Of course there are genres of black metal, i guess how would you describe let’s say the early Enslaved albums etc.? But these aren't black metal if you get what I'm saying?) If all these new hipster goofs or tranny loving every one is welcome or commies (you all know who I'm talking about) can fuck right off, they actually need to be wood chippered from the feet first cause these fukks need to be cleansed, along with all the other scumfukk douchbags out there!

Less parasitical people out there the better, so please...do us all a favour and take all the vaccines and listen to what the government tells you hahahahahaha

What a pathetic and unreal reality we live in.

Split the atoms!

8. Do you think an internet warrior preaching the gospel of black metal from the basement of his grandmother’s house is doing any good?

AW: Well that all depends on the guy...did he live a black metal life? Contribute in anyway? Taking care of his grandmother? Or some chump squid goof that does nothing but go online in his grandmother's house about black metal weak scene shit? Woodchipper!

True black metal magic people are few from the exploits of the mass Infiltration of all these scene point fukks that take up space and breathe my air.

9. What are 10 albums you can’t live without?

AW: Tough one, 10 albums no idea!

Albums:

- Destruction - Sentence of death

- Dissection - All

- Metallica first 4

- Slayer show no mercy

- Mercyful Fate - Melissa

-Spear of Longinus - Nazi Occult Metal

- King Diamond - Abigail

- Slaughter lord -

- Morbid Angel - Altars of madness

- Infernal majesty - None Shall Defy

Bands:

Beherit, Voivod, Disciples of power, Necromantia, Bestial warlust, Bathory, Thergothon, etc.

10. Can you elaborate a little on the themes pertaining to your last album “Hostis Universi Generis”? What are songs like “The Exodus of All Life” and “Broken Chains of Cursed Flesh” about?

AW: Themes of the last album is pure devotion to the anti-cosmic gnosis and of suffering and pain and misery to exist and walking the line of superion, those who walk the line know of which I speak. This is occult music so anyone who doesn't follow, do not entry.

Hostis Universi Generis in itself is the enemy of the universe. I am your enemy.

The exodus of all life refers to a prayer song ritual to the end of humanity.

Broken chains of cursed flesh is a monument to our fallen brother Kaos Abhorrer

11. Canada has some of the most extreme bands in the world. Do you think the weather somehow contribute to this phenomenon? Are Canadians a peaceful, laid-back bunch?

AW: Extreme?! More like unextreme today and totally lame safe-space metal brotherhoods holding hands under a rainbow pride flag, losers getting their dicks cut off, tranny dress wearing faggots like local Begrime Exemious/Revolator etc., is all I see these days and people with no fucking clue what black metal is or extreme music in general.... it's very safe-space and weak-minded. A total shit film cover that won't go away. And now bands that stood the line now bend the knee for example Revenge who used to be solid as fukkkk! Walked the line, but now has a member that is a total left wing antifa supporter faggot wimp who plays in another band Black Death Cult with two trannies in it and he releases pro antifa albums on his tranny label....total weakness! Infiltrated! I never thought reality would turn out this way, but here we are.

I'll fight till death! No compromise! Supremacy thru intolerance!

There are true bands here and I hail them!

12. Are there any bands that A.M.S.G. share a musical/ideological kinship with?

AW: TRUE BLACK METAL MANIACS

The bands were in contact with know who they are

13. Your thoughts on the following:

* Justin Trudeau - One of the biggest pieces of shit to ever exist, this commie pedo scum fukk!!!! He is a traitor to Canada and to its citizens and deserves the worst!

* Kanye West - Count ye! He freed the Burzum from its cage hahaha. What a bizzare world we live in. All these mainstream celebrities loving black metal. It's also ruining black metal. Most of these people are the worst kind. A tleast he is against the Abrahamic poison it appears.

But all in all, I don't even fucking know...just fucked right up!

* Abigor - One of the best black metal bands to exist, Hail to them! Supreme Immortal art indeed!

* Sepultura - Sepultura used to good....then they went off some path and totally suck! Fuck them now...only the first four is cult.

* Sadistik Exekution - One of the most extreme metal bands to ever exist, out of Australia! All Glory and praise to these maniacs.

14. Lastly, How does the future look for A.M.S.G? Do you have anything to say to all the haters out there and people who got offended?

AW: My visions and appreciations are a swastika swirling, conquering riding the wave of chaos always! To my haters? Hahahaha those weak pathetic jealous fucks! They will never win and I will kill them when and if I can, those who have it coming! And my aim is to always walk the path of superion and strive forward into the new dawn! AMSG just re-released our first EP with live tracks and the 4 way split on Atolinga rex. As for future albums just wait and see...there will be something from the darkness and madness.

Either join us or hate us, haters can put a gun in their mouth and pull that trigger fukk offfff!!!!! Same to the people who are offended!!!! You are weak and should be eradicated from this existence.

As always, hail the end and hail the true maniacs we are in contact with!

Interview: Nuclearhammer

 

Toronto-based NUCLEARHAMMER have recently released a new demo called “Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII”, which contains two new invocations of destructive Black/Death that emanate the infernal black void. I had the opportunity to interview founding member Axaazaroth (drummer, vocalist) to get some updates from the band, including some insight regarding the upcoming opus. Having said that, grab a beer, take a seat and set your eyes on the screen for a moment as we unravel the prophecies of apocalypse.

 

 

1. Hails! How’s everything going in the Nuclearhammer camp lately?

 

Axaazaroth: Hailz!! Good, we just released the new demo on vinyl and got Impugnor back in the fold so things are going well as far as prepping for the new album and we even played a show recently for the first time in 6 years or whatever the hell it was, that also went over rather well for the most part. Shows are a very rare thing for us nowadays and will remain so in the future.

2. Recently you released a new demo called “Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII” – can you tell us something about the recording process/inspiration behind this release? Are the reviews meeting your expectations?

 

Axaazaroth: It's a rehearsal demo of new material we have been working on the last 7 years, two tracks that we recorded off the floor in our reh space/recording studio as instrumental versions, added vocals after, mixed and got mastered professionally. The recording process was a bit messy and frustrating from beginning to end but we finally got it done, in fact, the first track Majesty of Pestilential Imperium is missing the entire ending because I felt it sounded too sloppy and off time in one specific part and couldn't be re-recorded so I just decided to give the listeners a slightly shorter version which works better as a preview anyway. The album will have the full version of the song the way I originally wrote it from beginning to end.

3. Have there been any obstacles over the years that have contributed to the band’s recording hiatus, considering you haven’t put out a full-length since 2014? I know you guys recorded music with several other projects, though I’m almost certain Nuclearhammer is your main priority?

 

Axaazaroth: Yeah other band member’s schedules, work and family life really gets in the way, we had two members depart from the band recently around the time of the Xaos Tenawas recording for that reason alone but we gained Impugnor back as a member thankfully since he is not bombarded by typical normie life bullshit. We don't do this as full time careers, although sometimes I wish that was the case, minus all the touring since I am not a fan of constantly travelling and having to play shows. It also takes us years to write new music we are satisfied with and have to practice a long time to get tight and exactly how we want it. Being involved with other projects is never an issue and hasn't held us back, in fact it’s been very beneficial when Nuclearhammer was on a hiatus after the Serpentine album and all the shows we played. As far as not having anything new out since 2014, we would have had a 3-way split out a few years ago if things had worked out with one of the other bands involved but instead we had to sit on our material for 5 or 6 years, but I am aiming to get that recording released very soon and before the new album is out. The only positive thing that came out of that ordeal was it gave me time to figure out the best mix and get help with mastering.

 

4. “Serpentine Hermetic Lucifer” left a mark in the underground and people are still talking about it. How would you describe the differences between your latest release and your old material? Will there be a new album in the near future and what can we expect? Is the vision and your influences still the same?

 

Axaazaroth: I'm glad people like SHL as much as they do, we gained a lot of new fans with that album but the new material in my opinion will blow it out of the water. Some people might not like it though. I couldn't care less what people like or accept in metal these days since everything is so inverted and subverted it needs a massive reset. But if they like Xaos Tenawas, they will love the new album Xaos Void. The songs are MUCH longer and drawn out, it will be a total of 4 tracks clocking in at 50 minutes or so, very hypnotic and full of fury, chaos and immense atmosphere. I would say the vision is still the same but even more intense and vicious than before.

5. You’ve been with NWN since “Serpentine Hermetic Lucifer” – what makes working with them an ideal label for Nuclearhammer?

 

Axaazaroth: I wouldn't say working with any record label is "ideal", there are always internal issues and disagreements and things that are not ideal for the band or label but as long as NWN is interested in releasing our new material I can't complain since he gives us the best deal. He is also expanding his operations now into a vinyl pressing plant so I'd say it's probably the best label to be on.

 

6. What albums have you been spinning lately? Also what are some of your favourite releases/highlights of 2023?

 

Axaazaroth: Too many things to list honestly but as far as black death goes, lately LUCIFER'S HAMMER - Hymns to the Moon and The Burning Church demos since I got the vinyl reissues of those recently and been checking out their other material I slept on for many years it seems. COFFIN TEXTS - Gods of Creation, Death & Afterlife, INVERTED - There Can Only Be One, both albums from 1997 that went under my radar for many years. GRAVE - Into the Grave, EXTERMINATE - Pact, GRAVE UPHEAVAL - Demo LP, METHGOAT/SUBSERVIENT PERVERSITY - Hot Rails, War & Murder split, AUTOPSY - Acts of the Unspeakable, VLAD TEPES/BELKETRE split and everything from diSEMBOWELMENT as always!! Highlights of 2023 would be ARCHAIC MALIGN/FLAGGELIK KOMMANDO 666 - Poisoned Minds Towards the Oneiric Fields of Morbid Hallucinations split, GOTTHAMMER - Godslaying Sonic Barbarism, PROFANE ORDER - Tightened Noose of Sanctimony, CURSED PAST - The Return Into Night, PRISON HELL - Sex Penitentiary and the split with ABRAXAS BLACK, TSALAL - Encapsulating..., PROFANATICA - Crux Simplex, DEMONCY - Black Star Gnosis & Diabolica Blasphemiae, also TETRAGRAMMACIDE's new album just to name a few.

7. Musically, how would you describe Nuclearhammer's sound? I’ve seen your music get tagged as everything from Black Metal, Black/Death, to War Metal and NSBM.

 

Axaazaroth: I just describe it as hypnotic black death. Our primary focus is the overall atmosphere of whatever we are pushing and propagating, so our sound ends up being very atypical and can't fit into one specific category at all times.

 

8. Do you ever feel like you are competing with anyone in the genre, given the growing number of quality death/black metal bands?

 

Axaazaroth: No, once you start thinking competitively like that you fall into wanting to sound like whatever the latest "thing" happens to be. We've never been about fitting in to the latest trend or what sells the most currently before the next useless thing comes along for all the people with short attention spans.

9. How do you see the future of black metal? It seems like the genre has been infiltrated by all the wrong people as of late.

 

Axaazaroth: Has it ever!!! the future is very bleak on all fronts, black metal included until people wake the fuck up, stop being afraid of getting called certain words and take it all back from the parasitic rats, but instead of doing that, I'm sure they'll be lining up for their 50th booster shot while their wives and daughters are raped by hostile invaders hell bent on colonizing Western countries.

 

10. Thank you for your time man. Would you like to add anything else before we formally close this interview? Perhaps a message to your enemies?

 

Axaazaroth: Thanks for the interview, been a while since I've done one. Fuck all enemies and infiltrators, none of you will escape the VOID!!!

Album review: Cauchemar - Rosa Mystica (2022)

 

Cauchemar - Rosa Mystica

 

Canada

 

Temple of Mystery Records / Cursed Ritual 

 

 
Cauchemar are probably one of the best bands in modern heavy metal/doom, as every release I’ve heard from them are amazing. The music presented on Cauchemar’s latest album “Rosa Mystica” is nothing short of breathtaking, combining the best of traditional doom and heavy metal with a vibrant production that gives the whole thing a somewhat live essence. Ever since their debut EP, “La Vierge Noire”, Cauchemar has procured a niche for themselves within the underground, and their latest (and third) full-length further cements their consistency and reputation as a band. The French-sung vocals are an integral facet to Cauchemar’s sound, so I’m delighted to see they’ve stayed true to this approach. Stand-out tracks: “Rouge Sang” “Danger De Nuit” “Rosa Mystica” 

Demo review: Nuclearhammer - Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII (2023)

Nuclearhammer - Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII

Canada

Nuclear War Now! Productions

 
 
Ten years have passed since the release of Nuclearhammer’s last album, with the members more or less contributing to a variety of other projects (namely Necropolissebeht, Nirriti, Azothyst, etc.). Fast forward to 2023, and Nuclearhammer unleash a surprise attack with this twenty-six minute beast called “Xaos Tenawas - Demo MMXXIII”, which features two lengthy compositions of hateful, bestial death/black metal that is characteristic of their sound. The guitars form an extremely grim backdrop, backed by vengeful vocals and hard-hitting drums that viciously pound the listener into submission as the suffocating darkness grips you tighter and tighter. It is the band's ability to create an oppressive atmosphere full of nightmarish soundscapes that leaves a feeling of disorientation and dread within the listener. If you liked “Serpentine Hermetic Lucifer”, then you will undoubtedly love this demo as well, as it more or less follows the same sadistic formula. The overlords of Canadian black/death filth are back to give us a taste of the future. For fans of Antediluvian, Impetuous Ritual, and Teitanblood. 

Album review: Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) (2022)

Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) 

Canada

Anti-human Productions

At first glance, one might dismiss Complot! as just another war metal act, although it quickly becomes clear that these Quebecers mean serious business. "Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière)" is their debut album and is as much a black metal album as it is a war metal album. A repugnant atmosphere permeates this recording, giving it a ritualistic feel. The production is also seemingly raw, but not so much that you can't discern individual parts, but more in the sense that they knew what they were doing. The performance is very consistent as each instrument is played with razor sharp precision. One particularly pleasing feature is the mix of pulverizing bass riffs that give the whole thing a rather menacing quality. The vocals are downright evil, while the riffs give the impression of being whipped with chains over and over again. Certainly one of the best albums of the year as far as this style is concerned. Recommended for fans of Naked Whipper, Black Witchery and Blasphemy.

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

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)

Demo review: Hedonist - Sepulchral Lacerations (2021)

Hedonist - Sepulchral Lacerations

Canada

Unsigned / Independent

I was about to review another demo until I came across this one and the violent ecstasy generated by the unmatched sound of old school Death Metal with melodies from beyond was enough to get me to work. It's not Melodic Death Metal, it's a style that in my opinion seems to fuse the melodies and brutality of Swedish extreme metal with some elements of the old Finnish school Death Metal. A brutal mix of two undeniable forces that have emerged in music over the years. It's one of those bands that, as I have mentioned before, seem to come from the 90s because they either lived through that era or perfectly understand what metal was like during those times. It sounds like an excellent production to me. While the instruments are high and well defined, the vocals seem to come from an abandoned catacomb, it's like they come out from behind the instruments, from the guts of the band. Of course, I understand that this was intentional, to give it that cavernous touch that always remains bestial in this very particular type of death metal. And boy, there are different styles to make Death Metal! And I don't mean Thrash/Death, Death/Doom or whatever. I am talking about the particular style of playing Death Metal, that every band is imposing on themselves right now, which in turn seems to be generating a new subgenre. These guys knew where they wanted to go with their music, and they felt an affinity for that side of Death Metal, which I honestly like the best. It's their first release since the birth of the band and they started with all the necessary rotten feeling needed for a band like this! They have demonized my mind! The lyrics are available on Bandcamp, so you can check them out and read what's going on in the minds of these maniacs. For now, it's only been released digitally. Hopefully there will be news of a physical release soon. I highly recommend you get your head on straight with these maniacs, and enjoy it as much as I did! Aaaarrrrgghhhh !!! (Catacombs Walker)

Album review: Idolatry - In Nomine Mortis (2019)

 

Idolatry – In Nomine Mortis

Canada

Humanity’s Plaque Productions

Hailing from the depths of Alberta, Canada, the black metal warriors known as Idolatry release their second album, entitled "In Nomine Mortis." The album was released in 2019, and I do not think I have seen much feedback for it. Idolatry’s music takes inspiration from various wings of black metal, as you can hear elements from both the second-wave and more contemporary acts. The album opens with a cold acoustic interlude that sets the tone before all hell breaks loose and the listener is assaulted with a series of unholy riffs and demonic shrieks that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. “In Nomine Mortis” is full of good songs that are impressive in terms of craftsmanship. The overall sound of this album has a very clear second-wave feel and atmosphere, which is especially evident in the riffs. The singer has a very sharp and piercing scream that fits well with their style. The production allows all the instruments to be heard, although I would have liked to hear a little more low-end. It sounds like music that was carefully and thoughtfully composed. All in all, this is a well-crafted black metal album and a solid entry from Canada. (HT)

Album review: Illicit Contempt – Illicit Contempt (2021)

 

Illicit Contempt – Illicit Contempt

Canada

Junkie And Proud Label

Illicit Contempt are a very new black metal project hailing from western Canada. Their sound is reminiscent of all the good parts of second wave Norwegian black metal. Actual evil riffs evolved from their first wave counterparts. No nonsense, no gimmicks, just straight to the point black metal and as an added bonus, a very rare example of keyboards executed properly within this genre. This eponymous debut album is a display of musicians who are well versed in the genre they are playing, thus making a well-executed release. Displaying its influences concisely without being a blatant rip off can be a very difficult feat when playing traditional second wave black metal.

So, what is my first response to hearing this album? That there is not enough black metal of this vein coming out these days. The slight sloppiness to the drumming adds character to the atmosphere that this genre requires in order to not sound generic. Overall, truly a breath of fresh air, and honestly given me a greater appreciation to organs in black metal, very much reminding me of early Rotting Christ and Mystifier.

The attitude of this album is a massive ‘fuck you’ to the listener. It gets in your face with those punk beat segments, the lo-fi production gives it a very old-school ritualistic brand of evil. And most importantly, this shit has riffs. If there’s no riffs, what is even the point? Black metal cannot rely on atmosphere and mysticism alone.

The final track “Goat of the Dead Wood Forest” is very doomy cross between “Panzerfaust” era Darkthrone, and Beherit’s “Drawing Down the Moon” making this song stand out when you sprinkle in the dungeon-synth organs. The atonal simplistic riffing style is proof you do not need to over complicate things with black metal. Sometimes the most minimalist riff can produce the most demonic sound, tying the entire song together.

Another example of effective simplicity would be the main riff in Decadence Descends, literally being only 2 different power chords, very much sounding similar to Beastcraft’s “Angel of the Abyss”. This band has a lot of promise, and they must be checked out by anyone who is into old school black metal. (AR)