Interview: Blinder (Cuba)

 

The following interview was conducted with Eric Domenech, frontman and vocalist of the Cuban Death Metal band, BLINDER.  

1. Hails! Can you tell us something about the formation of BLINDER and which bands influenced your sound?

BLINDER is a Melodic Death Thrash Metal band originally from the city of Santa Clara, Cuba, it was formed in 1998 after the disintegration of Medium, one of the most prestigious and energetic Cuban metal bands in those years. In reality, we have been influenced by several bands and different genres, not to mention that each of us has our own references that have benefited us when creating, although we always try to be ourselves.

2. How's the scene in your city Santa Clara? Do you feel like it’s hard to get noticed as a band due to being from Cuba?

Santa Clara is known as the metal city of Cuba for its relevant history within national rock, especially within metal. It is also known for organizing the oldest and most important rock festival in the country called Ciudad Metal, of which I was the organizer for 15 years. It has been quite difficult for Cuban bands to make ourselves known both outside and inside the country and more due to the limitations and obstacles of the system we have, however we are persevering and have made discrete progress.

3. How would you describe the sound of Blinder to those who have never heard you before?

We are a band with 25 years of existence with a sound characterized essentially by a Death Metal base and over time we have been incorporating influences from Melodeath, thrash and technicalism as well as elements of Afro-Cuban folk in search of a certain identity.

4. I listened to your album "Syncretic" from 2016 “and I really enjoyed it. I feel like this album has a unique sound and the underproduced sound gives it an organic feel. What can you tell us about the recording of this album and looking back on it now, are you happy with the result?

In reality, the sound achieved was not intentional, our aspirations were to obtain a high-level product but we did not have a decent recording studio or an experienced producer, so we had to make do with the few resources available, but the most important thing was show our music and in my opinion the objective was more than achieved despite everything.

5. Can you tell us about your lyrics and what kind of topics you explore?

I am quite open when it comes to composing lyrics as long as it identifies with the music we make, Cuba is a quite atypical country and it serves as a source of inspiration for me without fall into social or political issues.

6. How is life for the average metalhead in Cuba? Would you consider music as a form of escapism? I have noticed that people in Cuba are really passionate about music and very supportive of local bands, regardless of the restrictions in your country.

The desire to release and perform the music that we feel and that runs strongly through our veins plus the support that we have constantly had from the public that has always been and will be a great source of inspiration, all of this revitalizes you and gives you energy to face the future and it encourages you to continue composing more songs, make recordings and continue playing as long as we can.

7. What are 10 albums you can't live without?

There are many albums that have marked my life, they are:

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV

Van Halen - Van Halen I

Mercyful Fate - Don't break the Oath

Slayer - Reign in Blood

Metallica - Master of Puppets

Metallica - Ride the lightning

Death - Spiritual Healing

Entombed- Left hand Path

Morbid Angel - Altar of Madness

Dream Theater - Images and Words

There are many more but remember these have been the most important.

8. I like the cover art for Syncretic! It has an underground aesthetic and appeal. What was the idea behind it and who did the artwork?

I am a graduate of the professional art school so I am in charge of all the design and graphic concept of the band, I had made the cover some time ago as part of a series of drawings that I made and we were given the opportunity to edit the album spontaneously and it seemed like the right one to reflect the idea we were looking for with the album.

9. What albums have you been listening to lately? Do you have any favorite albums from 2023?

I listen to a lot of music and different genres of metal, I liked the latest ones from The Halo Effects, Aborted, In Flames, Orbit Culture, Cannibal Corpse..., and from 2023 one of the albums that impressed me the most was Cattle Decapitation – Terrasite.

10. Does the environment influence your outlook and inspire you to be creative as a musician?

Exactly as I mentioned before, my lyrics reflect the environment that surrounds me and the same thing happens with music in the creation process, Cuba is a very different country and what better reason to make brutal music, haha.

11. Do metal bands in Cuba support each other or is there a lot of competition in the scene?

The Cuban metal scene has always been united and there are no differences, you can see a show with metal, punk or grunge bands at the same time, this unity has allowed us to form a solid movement that is very necessary to confront the prejudices and obstacles we face subjected.

12. Thank you for your time! Before we end this interview, can you tell us something about your future plans and when you will record your next album?

At the moment we are immersed and working very hard on new songs with the idea of recording a new album by the end of the year, in fact we are already handling special guests and we come with a more technical, fresh and aggressive sound. I just have to thank you for the interview and for your great support.

Album review: Helgrind - Fides Celtiberia (2024)

 

Helgrind - Fides Celtiberia

 

Cuba

 

Independent / Self-released

 
 
The pagan metallers from Cuba are back with their epic third album, entitled “Fides Celtiberia.” The album was independently released, although I’m pretty sure it won’t be long before a label picks it up, as it is a masterpiece through and through.
 
If memory serves, Helgrind is one of the first bands I heard from Cuba. Their previous album “Return to Motherland” was a truly memorable experience of triumphant black/viking metal, and the new album is no less impressive with its discharge of fierce melodies, epic choruses and all-around excellent songwriting.
 
“Fides Celtiberia” strikes a seamless balance between all-out aggression and more sombre moments – which are quite captivating to say the least – although when it gets heavy, it gets HEAVY. So that’s definitely an aspect I appreciate about this album.
 
The leads and guitar work are one of the focal points of the album and convey so much emotion that you almost feel like you are embarking on a journey to medieval times, and that’s exactly what the album manages to do: it exudes an ancient atmosphere, and the clean choruses add another dimension of depth to the whole experience.
 
The black metal vocals are well done and stand out in the mix, reminding me of Werewolf of Satanic Warmaster. Sure, there are obvious black metal elements, and there’s no denying that fans of the genre might even find this appealing, although given the rather clear production and folk elements in the music, I feel that blackened viking metal or pagan metal are probably more apt descriptors.
 
The band doesn’t forget to show off their old-school side, as there are some thrash elements thrown in as well, but these guys definitely have experience when it comes to composing metal with compositional depth, as I was fully immersed for the entire duration of “Fides Celtiberia”, whether I was raising my fist to the sing-along choruses or banging my head to the heavier, more brutal moments – everything you need in a metal album is here.
 
Truth be told, I've never really been a big fan of folk-infused black metal, but Helgrind have made me a fan. “Fides Celtiberia” is a truly unforgettable experience and one of those albums you should definitely own a physical copy of. One of the greatest metal albums the underground has to offer in 2024. Stand-out tracks: “A Spanish Son” “Pride, Blood and Honor” “Great Kingdom of Ancient Land” (Jim)

Album review: Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle (2023)

Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle

Cuba

Independent

 

Combat Noise is one of the oldest (and also one of the first) death metal bands from Cuba. The band has been around since 1995 and has released a number of demos and full-lengths. The latest album “To the Heart of the Battle” is a truly excellent offering of bludgeoning death metal in the purest sense. The band’s straightforward approach is reminiscent of bands like Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, although executed with pure passion. Just imagine a more bestial version of Cannibal Corpse, but with war themes. The compositions are well thought out and show a level of experience that can only be achieved by musicians who have been playing music for years. “To The Heart of the Battle” comes highly recommended for fans of death metal, especially those curious about the Cuban scene.

Album review: Black Winged Goat Messiah - Satanic Morbid Lust (2021)

Black Winged Goat Messiah - Satanic Morbid Lust

Cuba

Mara Productions

Black Winged Goat Messiah is an evil manifestation from the blackest depths of Cuba, playing bestial Satanic Black Metal. There's some great bands coming out of Cuba and Black Winged Goat Messiah are part of that phenomenon. From the get-go, the music continually assaults the listener with sadistic riffs, profane vocals and hard-hitting drums, conjuring up an atmosphere that is utterly unholy – this is 100% pure Satanic Black Metal with absolutely no reprieve. There are notable references to bands like Archgoat, Urgehal and Von. They also cover "Watain" by Von, and I have to say, it's pretty damn good. There's also a good bit of traditional metal influence, especially with the guitar solos throughout. Everything was recorded by Conspirator, who is also behind other great bands like Shrine ov Absurd and Skjult. Everything that Conspirator touches turns to gold, and Black Winged Goat Messiah is no exception. Fans of the aforementioned bands should definitely give Black Winged Goat Messiah from Cuba a listen – you will not be disappointed. The album is due for release on CD by Mara Productions from Poland. (HT)

Interview: Helgrind (2021)

HELGRIND hail from the Cuban capital of Havana and are one of the island's most notable metal acts flying the banner for heavy music, as their own interpretation of Black/Pagan Metal is nothing short of interesting and worth investigating.

Greetings! For those unfamiliar with your band (and I assume there's quite a few), can you please give us a background on HELGRIND and tell us what you've released so far?

HELGRIND is a Pagan Metal band founded in Havana in 2012, which have released two albums and one EP till the present day. The band was founded by the guitar player Jordy Fuentes and the bass player Daniel López. The vocalist Ernesto Riol joined the band a few months later during its foundation. HELGRIND is the only pagan metal band nowadays in Cuba and its former members are: Ernesto Riol (Vocalist), Jordy Fuentes (Guitarist), Daniel López (Bass Player and backing vocals), Ramsés Limonte (Guitarist) and Carlos Cepero (Drums and backing vocals).

You call your music Black/Pagan Metal, right? Can you please describe your music style and influences?

Cataloging the metal is a difficult task due to the many sounds and themes that exist today. It becomes so difficult at times that top bands have "mutated" so to speak throughout their careers going through 2 and even 3 different sub-genres and most likely they have not even been aware of it. Some prefer not to complicate themselves and group everything under the same name, but we are of those who call things by their correct name. Our way of seeing Pagan Metal is defined by 2 important points that are the neo-pagan or pre-Christian pagan theme coming not only from Scandinavia but from any region of our planet and the absence of folk instruments in the compositions since using them would make incursions in folk metal. Our first compositions had a strong influence of melodic Death Metal with a slight presence of European folk music in the riffs and choral arrangements, but aspects such as musical maturity, collective and individual experience and the contributions of the musicians who have passed through the lineup gave a turn at the helm. The melodic was displacing the rhythmic and the presence of Folk melodies gained more prominence on an increasingly rapid base of blast beats and cold and melancholic harmonies. Right under this banner is that our music flowed progressively and gradually, without forcing it, it followed its course and we all felt very comfortable and proud. We are influenced and admired by greats like Bathory, Falkenbach, Enslaved, Folkheart, Amorphis, Skyforger, Primordial, Graveland, Moonsorrow, Forefather, Windir, Thyrfing and many other great bands.

Your lyrics are based on Viking/Norse mythology. Can you tell us a little more about your themes and what aspects they focus on?

It is an excellent opportunity to clarify that our lyrics are not exclusively about Norse or Viking mythology. The cultural background of European peoples is so rich and broad that focusing on just one was never an option. We are fascinated by literature, history, legends, fantasy from the European continent. Who delves a little into our sources of inspiration will find historical battles such as the one fought by the Cheruscan prince Hermann against the Roman legions in the forests of Teoteburg, from the Finnish epic poem Kalevala the myth of the hero Vainamoinen, and from Slavic mythology the popular legend of the Rusalka, spirit or aquatic ghost in the shape of a woman that drowns unsuspecting travelers... just to give examples. We feel identified because in addition to being Cubans we are also Euro-descendants and we are united by strong cultural ties to these themes. Our ancestral heritage demands that this legacy does not die with us and is told to everyone who wants to hear it.

How has the response to your music been so far? Does it make you happy when you find out that someone from another country enjoys what you do?

The response to our music within Cuba and outside of it has been excellent so far and frankly we have no complaints. In the national arena Helgrind has been invited to participate in several of the best national festivals with good acceptance, we have the support and recognition of experts and bands of extensive experience and our live performances attract a growing public. It is true that there are aspects that still need to be improved, but in general we rate it as very positive. Regarding the international response, there is a curious factor that is always present: almost no one has heard about the small but talented Cuban metal scene and it is because for tourist reasons the image that has been projected from our island to the world is that of a sunny paradise full of palm trees, mulatas and rumba. Unfavorable? Many times yes, but it is in our favor that no one imagines there is a Cuban Black Pagan Metal band, so curiosity is guaranteed.

You are from Cuba, and as most of us know, there are restrictions on art there. Can you please give our readers a little insight into the life of a headbanger in Cuba? Are there any metal clubs/shows to go there?

Art restriction is very common in Cuba; it is something that artists have to deal with everyday. In the case of metal music: it is very complicated first because there are not many places to go or to play. Here in the capital we have a concert hall named Maxim Rock which is the core of the "Cuban Rock Agency" that only exist here in Cuba of course hahaha it is a place which mainly all weekends metal people could go there to see the bands playing and drink something, there were other places years ago of course that belongs to the government, and we can say that there are also places that by means of ourselves l we could rent for concerts and gatherings, but there are not any specialized clubs for metal, clothes stores, not music instrument stores, nothing. And another point to finish with it's that sometimes we must be careful with the lyrics and the attitudes we can have and that can be a risk in terms of freedom of expression when talking or acting.

A lot of people out there, especially metalheads, seem to be under the impression that communism is one big happy utopia. Can you comment on that?

Helgrind is an apolitical band. Politics only brings fragmentation and disunity between peoples and reminds them that the civilizations that are the authors of these ideas have collapsed precipitously, taking out the lowest and most perverse of human morality. Whoever sees a little beyond their noses will notice that it is a plot hatched to divide, weaken and keep us pitted against each other while a plutocracy and an invasive religion imposed and perpetuated by centuries of iron and parasitic blood in power increasing their weight every day. coffers with the resources of our planet. Politics is the blindfold that keeps us from seeing the real enemy.

Do you consider playing music as a kind of escape from everyday bullshit?

Of course playing music it's a way to get outside of our reality, it's a way to escape our daily life and our daily routine in this country. When we play music we are being free and we are sharing our freedom with people. We are relaxing from the stress of a whole week of work and from any professional or personal problem. We share our feelings with the audition and at the same time the audition is shared with us. That's the reason why this last time of the virus has really affected us a lot being without playing for more than a year and a half. Music will always break chains, will always set us free, that's the only reason we will always fight to protect metal and our kind.

Can you please tell us about any side-projects or bands the members are in that we should check out?

In Helgrind all members have different projects and at the same time some of them also share the same ones. Ernesto and Jordy have a common project called: We Bite!!! which is a horror punk band in which Jordy plays all the instruments and Ernesto sings. I write all the lyrics. Jordy is also the session player of drums in the thrash metal band Infector. Ramsés is the guitar player of the death metal band Congregation and Carlitos and Daniel have Folklorica – a folk death doom band, and of course we can also say that all Helgrind's members have contributed to many bands' music during its creation time such as: Dark Naberus, Saloma, Aventis, From The Graves, etc.

What are some of your favourite subgenres in metal and what styles do you dislike? Do you consider yourselves open to different genres, even outside of metal? I ask because I get the impression that people in Cuba are more appreciative of art than most people from sheltered first-world countries.

In general, we listen to extreme metal, whatever it is death metal, black metal, pagan metal, thrash metal, but also heavy metal and even power metal. In addition, many of us like Punk and hardcore as well. We listen to other genres out of metal music and rock music such as: folk, maybe some old pop but not any dance music style except for our drummer that likes Timba music maybe for the rhythm in the drums hahaha.

What have you been listening to lately?

We we have been following some bands mostly of pagan and black metal bands such as: Havukkrunu , Emyn Muil, Keys of Orthanc, Marras, Iron Woods, Land of Fog, Mirkgrav, Beleriand, Burden of Ymir, Odal and many ones. Also some horror punk bands due to the evolvement we recently have the style, we listen to some good bands: Dragnum, Grave Robber, Left Hand Black, Bliztkid, etc.

Can you tell us a little about some of the labels you have worked with so far? Have you received your share of merchandise from the labels? Have you ever traded with people or ordered stuff from foreign labels?

Until this moment we have only signed with the British label Black Spark Records and they have sent 25 CDs as a payment of their release of our album: Return To Motherland unfortunately due to the virus situation and the mail service in Cuba they have no arrive, another point is that our contract with BSR does not take into consideration merchandising as a payment for that reason we don't have our own merchandising and we can't trade anything we try to make our own merchandising with some friends out there in Mexico and United States of America but for now it has been very very difficult for Cuban fans there's nothing and that makes us very sad we will see what we can do in the future maybe with a release with a bigger label can help to trade cds and merchandise and with other ones, there are labels that have been interested in Helgrind but for now the future is unknown.

What are 10 albums you can’t live without?

Amorphis - Tales from The Thousand Lakes, Bathory - Blood on Ice, Misfits - Famous Monsters, Falkenbach - Heralding The Fire Blade, Kalmah - Swamplord, Satanic Warmaster - Carelian Satanist Madness, Dissection - Storm Of The Light's Bane, Beherit - Drowning Down The Moon, Destruction - Infernal Overkill and Mayhem - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas.

To wrap things up, if anyone out there is interested in getting some of your merch or contacting the band for interviews, how should they do it? Also, I wish you guys all the best and hope that you will get more recognition for your excellent music. Thanks for your time!

Thanks a lot for this wonderful interview and for your time. It is really important to us when people take into consideration a Cuban band for an interview or a review we really appreciate it. For now people can find our merchandising and CDs in the Black Spark Records store and of course in our Bandcamp and can follow us on Facebook as Helgrind Pagan Metal, on YouTube as HelgrindCuba. Thanks again and hails from Cuba!

Album review: From The Abyss - Chaos Supremacy (2021)

 

From The Abyss – Chaos Supremacy

Cuba

Vrykoblast Productions

From The Abyss is the fourth Cuban band reviewed for this webzine, and I must admit that I am thoroughly impressed with the Cuban scene, despite the fact that it remains a communist state today. “Chaos Supremacy” is the band’s third full-length album and was released by Vrykoblast Productions from Singapore.

Musically, their sound falls somewhere between old-school and modern death metal informed by bands such as Morbid Angel and Bloodbath. (Yes, I’m wholly aware of the fact that other reviewers have also cited these bands, but the comparisons are undeniable!) The album maintains a very firm mid-tempo for the most part, which gives way to some slower passages. The vocals are very well balanced in the mix, including the fact that they are quite comprehensible. A top performance for sure! There are some interesting clean vocal parts that add variety, although they might not be for everyone. Fortunately, I don’t mind them, since they sound more like doom vocals than anything else, and doom is cool. What to say about the riffs? Well, for starters, these guys are very (and I mean VERY) adept at crafting awesome bona fide death metal riffs taken straight from the Covenant era textbook, BUT from a slightly different angle, and moulded into their very own brand of unholy Death Metal. Of course, the production gives the whole thing a very modern feel, although there’s almost never a shortage of depth, which makes “Chaos Supremacy” enjoyable to listen to. Added to that the totally sick artwork that adorns the cover. Definitely check them out if you enjoy bands like Necros Christos, Charon, Morbid Angel, and so on. Darkness prevails in Cuba and From The Abyss is proof of that! (HT)

Album review: Helgrind - Return To Motherland (2021)

Helgrind - Return To Motherland

Cuba

Independent (Digital) / Black Spark Records (CD)

"Return To Motherland" is the debut full-length from this Cuban Pagan/Black metal group, which I was totally unaware of until now (including the fact that I know very little of the Cuban scene) so it’s quite a pleasant experience to listen to them. I was surprised that in that same year they also released what would become their second full-length (exactly 3 months later). This, in my opinion, is a clear indication of the creativity that drives the band, and a good reason not to lose track of the band and give these pagans a listen!

So join me and don't get lost along the way because this is Return To The Motherland!

Many use the label "Pagano" to get attention, and then you find that nothing in their music reflects that. Even mentioning Cuba is not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when talking about this style or theme that surrounds the band, but I assure you that this is a true journey into the ritualistic tradition of the ancient Vikings. The whole atmosphere is just amazing! Just listen to the intro "Lands On Fire" to know what I'm talking about. You can really imagine the atmosphere as if you were living it in your own flesh and suddenly an ancient melody gives rise to "Song of the Runes". Little by little the song picks up speed to run towards the extreme path. A great choral work highlights the atmosphere and gives much more force to the entire production.

The brilliance of this work is that they sought to make sense of the riffs and not just use them to fill gaps. Each segment engages perfectly with the next and listening becomes very rewarding. A guitar that seems to sing a hymn launches the melody of the following song "Rusalka" in which the band goes from a galloping drum pattern to a precise and direct double pedal to hit your senses together. I must emphasize that the solos are truly epic! Some are brief, but I think they are very accurate with the landscape behind them. And speaking of landscapes, the song ends with a relaxing hum along with the noises of waves hitting the beach (or at least that’s what I imagine) which is brutal. The calm is abruptly broken with the speed of "Mighty Fallen One" and then dethroned by another of many masterful riffs that seem to come out of the depths of Nifelheim, and I say this because, within all the joy they convey with their melodies, they somehow still manage to retain a dark atmosphere. I would love to know how this whole environment would be with some typical instruments of Nordic folklore. Towards the end of "Väinämöinen" you will come across some of the heaviest riffs on the album.

The time has come to talk about the track that gives the album its name: "Return To The Motherland" begins with a quiet acoustic passage that gives rise to the victorious cry of the Cuban warriors who transport us into a fantastic world. When you listen to it, it’s easy to envision a great fire and a whole army celebrating a victory before starting the long journey back home. It’s something that stands out in the whole review, but very few bands can achieve such a work of art from its essence and make you feel part of the whole experience. "Last Pagan Resistance" maintains the atmosphere of the album, but with a much more black metal riff that gives us a peak inside their fury unleashed. "Uppsala" is the intro of "Blöta" (one of my favorite songs) which I find to be the blackest of the entire album and an excellent way to close the pagan attack. It has a killer keyboard! Out of the bowels of the ocean! I couldn't have enjoyed this album more, so I recommend that you listen to it as soon as possible, and hopefully have the same epic experience as I did. Finally, the band does a great cover of Falkenbach, and so my brothers, we end this ritual! Take a sword and get ready for battle! (Catacombs Walker)

ALBUM REVIEW: Shrine ov Absurd - Monotony (2020)

 

Shrine ov Absurd - Monotony - (2020)

Cuba

Independent

Shrine ov Absurd is the sole manifestation by Conspirator (Skjult) and the second feature from a Cuban band on this blog. The musical endeavor in question sounds quite different compared to Skjult and seems more inclined towards melancholia. Atmospheric and well-executed Black Metal is what Shrine ov Absurd is all about. Each song is fierce and murderously intense, featuring some excellent harmonies and dynamics that should keep the listener interested throughout. Conspirator handles each instrument exceptionally well, as nothing really sounds out of place. There are some truly captivating moments, especially the slower, more brooding passages paired with Conspirator's penchant for textures that radiates pure somberness. The song writing is par excellent and contains much depth. It's quite interesting for me to hear bands of such immense quality from countries like Cuba who are not that well known to the world in terms of its contribution to metal. However, as my review can attest, they definitely contribute. All in all, those looking for some bona fide, atmospheric black metal, will thoroughly enjoy this. “Monotony” is all around a very solid effort. (HT)

Album review: Skjult - Lucifer Hominum Salvator (2020)

Skjult - Lucifer Hominum Salvator

Cuba

Satanath Records

Cuba is not a country I know much about in regards to its metal history, although I have managed to hear a number of killer bands from there, such as Narbeleth (now situated in Spain), From the Graves, Infector, Sectarium, Combat Noise, and now, Skjult from Havana. (Most of the good ones hail from the country's capital, Havana) “Lucifer Hominum Salvator” is the band's third album, and was released by Satanath Records.

Skjult play a rather pristine and straightforward black metal that puts a lot of emphasis on atmosphere. It's not groundbreaking by any means, but it's a formula that works. The fact that this is a one-man project is quite impressive; the music is very well-crafted and manages to easily draw the listener in. Conspirator, the sole individual behind the music, demonstrates a knack for excellent craftsmanship. The songs are quite lengthy, yet coherent, as each instrument is skillfully arranged and integrated into the mix.

There are definitely some similarities to the Scandinavian school of black metal, with the aggressive vocals laid atop a mountain of freezing cold riffs, including a barrage of straightforward drums and blasts. The drums aren’t overly technical, but they’re on point and clearly well-played considering that Conspirator handled all the instruments. The guitars definitely take center stage here, as each song is peppered with somber, immaculate riffs that evoke an atmosphere of pure anti-cosmic darkness.

The style employed on this album is very much a tried and tested formula that bears similarities to bands such as Watain, Dissection and Urgehal. The lack of originality is not necessarily a problem considering how well composed the material is, including the fact that the album boasts an excellent production that allows the instruments to shine. The band also seems to be quite prolific, as “Lucifer Hominum Salvator” is Skjult's third full-length in just four years.

All in all, Skjult's third album is an excellent effort and should not be overlooked by fans of the genre, especially if you’re curious to hear some truly dark and morbid black metal from a country like Cuba, which isn’t exactly known for its metal scene. Recommended. (Jim)