Interview: Nekrosity (2023)

Join us as we plunge deep into the morbid psyche of D.J, the putrid growler of Swedish grave-robbers, Nekrosity!  

Hails from the southern hemisphere! Nekrosity has been around since 2009 – what led to its rotten formation and how would you describe your sound and influences?

Hails! As you mentioned, we started NEKROSITY somewhere around 2009 - 2010, before the line-up was set into stone in 2011. The original idea came from me (D.J) and the bass player R.E, where wanted to breathe new life into another old project we had around 2000. The first demo we did ("Return from the Crypt") is basically built out of scraps from old rehearsal tapes, completed with new riffs and arrangements. The intention has always been to capture and express the dark and sinister elements within the genre. Even if we have refined our craftsmanship as a band, we still share the same vision and determination in what we want to achieve. Our influences has mainly been old bands such as MORBID ANGEL, AUTOPSY, GOBLIN, old ENTOMBED, NECROPHAGIA, SADISTIC INTENT, DEATH STRIKE, INCANTATION, old SLAYER etc. But as time have passed creativity have had its natural course. This have driven us further beyond but the initial idea is kept intact and keeps playing a vital part in our abomination.       

It is my opinion that Nekrosity’s sound is more akin to bands such as Repugnant and Nominon than bands like Dismember and Entombed, though the sound is unmistakably Swedish! Thoughts?

I agree that our expressions are more similar to both NOMINON and REPUGNANT to an extent. When we recorded and released "Void Gazer" it took the band to a new level. It was a conscious decision to step away from the HM2-pedals and expand our sound, as our old demos were more or less nothing but a hymn to the old Swedish sound in the vein of both ENTOMBED and DISMEMBER. But everything that doesn't evolve is cursed to dissolve.   

That debut album, “Voidgazer,” is amazing! Can you tell us about the whole recording process and what your vision was while writing this masterpiece?

Thank you, glad to hear you enjoy it! As we turned everything inside out, reversed it and dissected every piece of the album with open eyes, this is where it ended up. It worked as intended. Some of us have been playing in different bands together since 1997 so our chemistry is well established. The essential plan with the record was to offer the world a carefully prepared Death Metal album with a diverse, dynamic sound. A mixture of brutality, speed and heaviness entwined with darkness.    

What can you tell us about your lyrics? I think they’re exceptionally well-written and the song titles are genius! What are songs like Lazarus Curse and Malignant Observer about?

Our lyrics are as much of importance as the rest of the album. It is critical that all the elements are aligned to create the perfect atmosphere on every level. The foundation is built on Death and horror, with all its branches and thorns. Those two songs that you mention are two different shapes crafted upon the same foundation. Shortly described, "Lazarus Curse" is an Lovecraftian inspired nightmare about the end times, presented through an infestation of undeath.  "Malignant Observer" takes another route. Here we tell the tale of a spirit that is shackled between the physical world and afterlife, where the threads of fate repeats itself in a never-ending cycle.

The horror nuances are evident in the atmosphere! That being said, I gather horror films are a big inspiration for you? What are some of your favorite films and what’s the last good horror movie you saw?  

Absolutely, it's one of cornerstones when it comes to inspirations that have been there since the beginning of the band. Pretty much all of us are much into old 70's and 80's flicks. Most of my favourites are old classics like Day of the Dead, La Noche Del Terror Ciego, Beyond, Suspiria, Return of the Living dead, Hellraiser, City of the Living Dead etc. It's quite rare that modern movies ignite that same feeling, but once in a while it happens. One new film that comes to mind which left a really positive impression on me was Hereditary. They managed to capture a tormenting, eerie atmosphere that collided with grief and loss in this one. Highly recommended.  

How would you describe the evolution of Nekrosity from the first demo to your last album? What aspects do you think you’ve improved on?

As I mentioned previously, a big proportion of the first demo comes from scraps and songs from old rehearsal tapes dated 20+ years back, from a previous project. This gives some of the songs a more impatient and juvenile touch, even if we managed to include some new ideas and arrangements at the time in the same vein. In comparishment to "Void Gazer", where we had a different approach and mindset, I think the improvement is huge.    

The black and white artwork on Voidgazer is really neat! What inspired this approach and who is the artist?

The artist who is responsible for the artwork Göran Nilsson from HYDRA Grafisk Design, a friend of the band. He was actually the vocalist on our second demo "Rot to Survive", when I only wanted to handle the guitar. He later on left and relocated in Norway and is now working as a graphic designer and artist over there. We sent him the working title and some material, to get an idea and create an artwork out from his own perspective. The result was, as expected, very successful.   

Do you have any inspirations as a vocalist? How would you describe your vocal style?

I started to handle the vocals for real back in 2000, with my previous band SADISTIC GRIMNESS. Before that, in the 90s, I was only handling the string instruments in various projects. The inspiration mainly came from Quorthon (BATHORY) and Killjoy (Necrophagia) I suppose. But when it comes to NEKROSITY, other than Killjoy, are David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL), Chris Reifert (AUTOPSY), Bay Cortez (SADISTIC INTENT) and Craig Pillard (INCANTATION) honorable mentions.  

How do you view your country’s metal scene? I think Sweden has one of the best scenes in the world! 

We're really spoiled here when it comes to good metal bands, but with the usual ebb and flow over the years of course. I am sorry to say it, but I am not as involved with the underground as I used to be when I was younger, so my knowledge about the current state of the scene is rather limited compared to how it used to be. There will always be exceptions though, that will reach the turntable in the end of the day. Even at my place.

Which of the Northern European countries do you think produces the best black and death metal bands?

This usually depends on the timeline to be honest. But in general I would say Sweden and Norway for Black Metal. When it comes to Death Metal my vote goes to Finland and Sweden, but this is a personal opinion from an overall perspective. Finland for an example, seem to have been climbing on the ladder the last 10-15 years when it comes to Black Metal, if we look at the numbers of good bands. Sure, they gave us classics like Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, Barathrum and Archgoat back in the day, but but it seems like they have becoming a stronghold lately when it comes to new quality bands.

What can you tell us about your previous band Sadistic Grimness? Also, you were signed to a Russian label and even went to play a show there if I’m not mistaken? How was that whole experience?

SADISTIC GRIMNESS was active between 2000 to 2010, a band that started out as a Black/Death metal band inspired by old BATHORY, NIFELHEIM, BESTIAL WARLUST and the likes. This changed over the years and transformed into something completely else in the end. At the time, when we were a full band, the cocktail of members was nothing but a wandering disaster. We signed a Russian label called DAEMON WORSHIP PRODUCTIONS and released an album called "Asteni" in 2009. A year after we did a small tour together with the french maniacs VORKREIST, in Finland and Russia. We did two gigs in Russia, in Saint Petersburg and Moscow to be specific. The climate and mentality over there differs very much compared to Sweden and surrounding countries. It would take too long to describe the whole experience but I can tell you this: It happened more during that short period of time than it does in a whole year in Sweden. Another thing worth to mention is that it's something special about being hold in custody at the Russian border for 7 hours, when you've slept 2 hours the night before... and then enter the stage again in the evening.   

Is metal a way of life for you?

In many ways yes, but I listen to many different genres beyond metal. Each style I engage in offers something different and worthwhile my attention that fuels my own fire. This the only thing that matters in the end of the day. There are no room for limitations.          

Your thoughts on the following bands:

*Amon Amarth

A band I've never been interested in or understood why people praise so much. Probably works best as a gateway band for younger people, before entering more extreme territories, I can imagine. 

*At the Gates

Great band with a very solid discography which continues to have a very high standard, when it comes to creating music. Just check out their latest album, it's terrific. 

*Iron Maiden

One of my all-time favourite bands. I have a hard time to choose my top 3 albums, but if you would ask me today I would go for "Killers", "Powerslave" and "Somewhere in Time". Might change tomorrow though.

*Sadistic Intent

One of the jewels in US Death Metal scene, which finally is starting to get the recognition they truly deserve. A very important one for me and NEKROSITY. I am still waiting and hoping for the "Second Coming" album they were supposed to release 25 years or so. They say hope is the last thing that leaves you, feels like we're dying with this one. 

*Dissection

An extremely important band for me. They managed to combine both melodies with sinister, aggressive riffs very early on in a smooth way. It's easy to fall into the cut and paste trap there, but they crafted very well written songs and had potent, dynamic structures. Still up to this day they remain as one of the best extreme metal bands from Sweden. Hail the Metal of Death!

Thank you very much for your time! What’s next for Nekrosity?

We're in the middle of writing and arranging new material for another album. This is done according to the same traditions on the previous record, but a new chapter. Death is certain, yet the execution might end up a bit differently than people expect.

Thank you so much for the interview! TÄNK PÅ DÖDEN! 

Interview: Brutal Sphere (2022)

 

New interview with French Death Metal band BRUTAL SPHERE.

Hello guys! This is Jim behind the keyboard and editor of DBH Webzine. How’s everything going and what have you been up to since the release of your killer debut album?

First of all, the recording of this album was a living hell, because I am convinced that god did not want us to release it, first of all our first singer left the group for no reason (surely his wife, ahh ahh) so we had to look for another singer and after some tests we came across Nick and there we knew that it was him, it is really great, and then there was a series of extremely unlikely events that made us lose a lot of time.

How long were you working on “World Decomposing by Vermin” and what was the overall recording process like? What inspired the title?

Ah yes on your previous question the title comes from the fact that man is the scourge of the world and that it is rotting because of him. And for the sound I'm a big fan of morbid angel, but in no way do we try to emulate them.

When you wrote your debut, did you have a particular sound in mind? I heard some similarities to Cianide and Bolt Thrower, as I mentioned in my review.

For my part, as I told you I am crazy about morbid angel, it is for me the very essence of death metal evil, and some bands are unique like sarmat, mortify, necrovorous, etc...

What is the secret to writing a solid and memorable Death Metal album, and do you think you’ve achieved that with the debut?

I don't know if there is a secret but what is certain is that there are catchy riffs that stay stuck in your head and for me it is not the fastest riffs that are the best

Do you think that being self-critical is a good or a bad thing for musicians? Or does too much self-criticism lead to a lack of progress?

I think that reviews are good to take, good or bad, it allows you to evolve and see what is going and what is not. He who does not like them will never evolve.

Do you have any pet peeves about the state of metal today, and if so, could you please elaborate?

Yes there are more and more unfortunately, for me it is serious music with a certain state of mind and these minds lose it. Some young metalheads take this music from the fun and known bands that are no longer in the spirit of what death metal is. It's like in all styles of music, there's a spirit that goes with it and if you don't you'll be.

10 albums you can’t live without.

Morbid angel, suffocation, the first deicide, gorguts, pestilence, crummer, marduk, belphegor, morta skuld, magoth.

What's next for Brutal Sphere? Will you be playing any shows? What can we expect from the band in the future? Thanks for your time and all the best!

So the next step is to propose a new album, we already have some riffs, and that's why it will evolve in our riffs, it will always be dark but more violent. We got a new guitarist and drummer so our line-up is complete. It will be complicated to see each other because we all live far from each other but we are motivated and we will get there if the problems do not slow us down. And of course we will try to play some concerts once everything is in place. Thank you for your interest at brutal sphère.

Album review: Bloody Redemption – Infected Minds (2017)

 

Bloody Redemption – Infected Minds

Slovakia

Support Underground

Bloody Redemption is a quartet hailing from  Revúca, Slovakia, playing traditional-styled death metal with a rather clear production. “Infected Minds” is the band’s debut full-length, and it doesn’t look like the band have released any prior material, which is a bit unusual, though it seems the members have some experience in other bands, such as Pyopoesy (hilarious name), Guzzle Booze, and Marturos. Anyway, onto the music.

I would describe Bloody Redemption's style as old-school modern death metal. The influences are obviously taken from classic bands, although the production leans more to the polished side, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Here, it only serves to enhance the already solid performance. In terms of tempo, the band keeps the music in the mid-pace zone, while audible bass lines and solid percussion repeatedly pummel the listener as if he/she were a punching bag. There is a good balance between melodic hooks, technicality, and heaviness in the riffs. The vocals here are guttural growls with some power behind them, which suits the sound of the band.

The debut album, “Infected Minds”, is pretty damn good, though there is always room for improvement. For instance, I think the compositions could use some refinement, and maybe a little more heaviness wouldn't be so bad. The production, while solid, is perhaps a bit too clean for my taste when it comes to death metal, though I can still appreciate the music. Overall, a killer debut album of old-school-inspired death metal by these Slovakian underground fiends. Check it out. (HT)

Album review: Thecondontion – Supercontinent (2020)

 

Thecondontion – Supercontinent (2020)

Italy

I, Voidhanger Records 

Thecondontion is death metal quartet based in Rome, Italy, and “Supercontinent” is their debut full-length from 2020, released by I, Voidhanger. Having reviewed their excellent split with Vessel of Iniquity recently, I decided to review their debut album as well.

The band refers to their style as “prehistoric death metal,” and I absolutely cannot think of a better way to describe their music. Thecondontion can be distinguished from other bands in the sense that they don't have any guitars, instead relying on two bassists to act as guitars. The bass playing is done exceptionally well and features lots of delay and reverb, giving the music a somewhat psychedelic effect. Aside from that, they have a pretty unique sound with plenty of variation in the songwriting.

The overall production is decidedly raw and lean, emphasizing groove by way of lethal bass riffs, which works like a charm. Imagine if bands like Impetigo, Pungent Stench, and The Jesus Lizard were thrown in a blender. That's basically what we have here, even though their music isn't that easy to categorize. The sound and spirit embodied by the band is death metal through and through, and yet they have managed to create something distinctive in a genre in which it’s difficult to invent something new.

The vocals are emphatically harsh and raspy, reminding me of Mark of the Devil from Cultes Des Ghoules. In terms of musicianship, the band proves its worth by displaying a strong sense of craftsmanship and a knack for artistry. Overall, this isn't your typical death metal band, but if you're looking for something creative and different, then look no further. This is a very enjoyable album. Also, those who enjoy bands like Antediluvian, Karnarium and Demilich should check them out. (HT)

Interview: Nominon (2022)

NOMINON is one of those solid Swedish Death Metal bands that have kept their sound extreme and underground ever since their inception without ever succumbing to trends. This includes a string of mandatory releases under their belt worth checking out. Elements of Thrash and Black Metal can also be heard in their sound. The following interview was done with guitarist Juha Sulasalmi.

Hails! How did the recent compilation release “Yesterdeath” come about? Will NOMINON release any new material in the near future? What have you been up to over the years?

In 2015 we did a couple of mini-tours and a German festival, then the band went on hiatus.  I guess the main reason was different views on the band’s overall commitments. We just didn’t find the energy needed at the time. Then the spark was lit again 2018 and since then we’ve been regrouping with a really strong line-up and started writing some new material.

We don’t want to rush things since we are older now (and wiser hopefully) and we all have various life situations to take into account. We thought it would be cool to release something quite hidden and obscure, just to give people out there a sign of life and to get some buzz going. “Yesterdeath” is a compilation of stuff from the many 7” splits we have done through the years. I think it’s a convenient way to get hold of material from releases that have been sold-out for a long time.

Do you think the fact that you’ve had so many line-up changes has helped to maintain a degree of variety throughout the band’s career? What are the factors behind such a consistent discography?

Variety is important to keep the music interesting, both for the fans as well as for the band. There’s no point in writing songs that sound alike, unless you’re AC/DC. Of course each individual brings his unique influence into the band. Also the different formats such as 7” splits, albums etcetera do contribute to the sense of variety, since they often are recorded in different sessions under different conditions.

We like to put out releases every now and then just to give a sign of life, even when we’re in a period of less activity. Another aspect is that we don’t like to rush things. This is a lifetime commitment and we’re in no hurry. The consistency and unhurried approach could also be regarded as one of the reasons for the many line-up changes. Some are restless and eager to move forward, looking for their true purpose within other genres. NOMINON isn’t about achieving success. This is about satisfying our own musical hunger.

To the reader, how would you best summarize your sound and what NOMINON is all about?

Basically its death metal rooted in the thrash metal heritage, occasionally with some black metal elements. We often integrate ideas we like regardless of genre or subgenre. All of us have personal influences and they all mix together within the framework of our sound. Musical dynamics are important to us. We don’t want to make albums that sound like one long tune. Nor are we interested in following any trends. Honest death metal with no gimmicks, that’s what it’s all about. Lyrically it’s about hatred, death, pain and suffering.

Looking back, what were your main determinants for starting a band, and what have you learned over the years playing with NOMINON? Are you happy with everything the band has achieved?

In my first band we played thrash metal and when I started NOMINON in 1993 my aim was to create and play death metal. My mission has always been to entertain myself. It’s great when people understand and appreciate your music and prove to be on the same wavelength. However, my first priority isn't to be seen or heard, this is just out of plain egoism. Other bands and individuals seem to be on a mission and they try to convey their beliefs or whatever. I’m not into that at all.

Yeah, looking back I’m very proud of what we’ve done. Some of the early recordings were very DIY and could have deserved a better sound production. But at the end of the day - this is death metal. What I regard as the perfect sound, somebody else may think is crap and vice versa.

Your last album “The Cleansing” shreds pretty hard. In retrospect, what were the main elements that determined the style and sound of that album?

Yeah, we’re really proud of that album. We got a lot of new energy in the writing process and I think a big reason for that was Alex Lyrbo, a great lead guitarist and riff maker who was our newest member at the time. He wrote a lot of stuff which had that extra spark in it. Alex left NOMINON shortly after the album and joined the Swedish hard rock institution BULLET (which also he left recently).

Today we have a killer line-up and I sense that the same energy can be found in the songs we’re putting together right now. You learn what’s really good and refine things along the road and that’s just awesome. “The Cleansing” did indeed bring that extra power to our songwriting onward.

What do you personally regard as the ultimate NOMINON album and why?

It’s impossible for me to select just one album. It depends on the mood and what aspect I’m into at the time. It might be the lyrics, riffing or song structures, maybe drum sound, intensity vs heaviness and so on. I really treasure both “The Cleansing” and our debut “Diabolical Bloodshed” but there’s one album I keep coming back to and it’s “Terra Necrosis''. It has got a lot of heaviness but also speed and I’m very fond of the drum sound on that album. It has some of my favorite songs in terms of riffing and also our vocalist Daniel wrote some very cool lyrics on that album.

Could you please tell us a little about your split with Peter Nilsson's black metal project FAFNER back in 2004? In your opinion, should black and death metal do more splits together?

When Peter and I parted ways in 1994 Peter started his one man project FAFNER to which he brought some of the material we’d been writing together in NOMINON. NOMINON had a lot of black metal tunes in the early days. The FAFNER songs sounded much like the songs on the second NOMINON demo “Daemons II”. This was also the last demo we did together before Peter went on with FAFNER.

So the FAFNER/NOMINON split had a natural origin in that both bands had the same songwriters and a common history. I'm not sure black and death metal bands should do more splits in general. I can't see why there should, if it isn’t obvious the bands have something in common.

In terms of your sound, did you ever feel the need to have an original sound? How do you feel when ignorant fools compare you to bands like DISMEMBER and ENTOMBED?

You can easily tell when someone has really listened to a NOMINON album. They will pick up the unique things going on and sense the variety of influences in the music. On the other hand, when someone compares us to bands like DISMEMBER and ENTOMBED, you know they either haven’t listened or it’s just out of plain ignorance.

When you get that response from someone who has really understood, then it’s just like: Yeah, he saw it! He’s one of us!

We knew from the start that we had an original sound, it was nothing we planned for. But sometimes a particular production can make it hard for our sound to fully come through. Maybe that’s why we sometimes are being compared to those Swedish old-school acts.

Who are some of your favorite bands, as well as your biggest influences? Also, what bands influenced NOMINON's sound?

IRON MAIDEN has been my godz since the age of ten. Other important bands are WHIPLASH, CANDLEMASS, early EDGE OF SANITY, IMPALED NAZARENE, DEMIGOD, MYTHOS, ADRAMELECH and SHAARIMOTH to name a few. Since my family has Finnish roots it was natural for me to follow the early Finnish death metal scene and it has influenced me a lot personally.

In NOMINON we all are big fans of American death metal. Bands like MALEVOLENT CREATION, INCANTATION, MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION, SOLSTICE, DEMOLITION HAMMER among others. Naturally also the Swedish scene has been an influence to us, and not just death metal but also in a much broader sense. We’re all big fans of the eighties Swedish heavy metal scene with bands like TORCH, EUROPE, UNIVERSE, 220VOLT and PROUD to name a few.

What do you think of the trend of new bands trying to sound old-school to the point where the music sounds dull and utterly devoid of passion?

It seems some bands decide to sound old-school because there might be a trend going on. Judging by what I hear they could just as well have chosen to play melodic death metal or metalcore. I guess its part of the scene as its evolving and as the underground is becoming mainstream to some extent.

To my relief there are a lot of young bands that sound really great. Bands whose stuff sounds like it was recorded thirty years ago and whose members weren't even born in the beginning of the 90s. I like to support bands with the right attitude and sound. After all it’s better with a vital scene with a lot of bands, out of which some are really good, than a small metal scene with just a few uninteresting bands.

How do you stay inspired as a musician? Also, in terms of quality, how critical is it not to stagnate musically?

There’s a lot of bands out there still inspiring me and my fellow band members. When you discover great bands it makes you want to pick up your guitar and outmatch your latest riffs and improve your own songwriting. The creative process is really fascinating in so many ways. One could easily believe that the more you pour out from the well of ideas the less there is left and in the end you run out of creativity and stagnate as a riff maker. It’s quite the opposite. The more you let yourself be inspired by your favorite bands and the more you are in a state of flow when riffing and composing, the clearer it becomes that the ideas will never end. Of course the inspiration also gets a boost every time someone shows appreciation to your music, e.g. on social media or an interview in a webzine like yours.

Stagnation is always a factor to take into consideration, especially as we’re not youngsters anymore. But I don’t think it’s a big issue as long as you’ve got the passion, inspiration and creativity.

You've been with the band since the beginning, although I am quite curious as to why you didn't participate in 2016's live album, "Chaos in The Flesh...Live!"?

We’ve used live musicians from time to time. Actually the band did a couple of tours without me some years ago. Looking back it seems somewhat odd that the only original member did not play on those live shows. The only thing I can say is that back then when I had to choose between going on tour for three weeks or being with my family and kids and keeping the income coming from my job, I chose the latter. We used to have different views on the importance and desire for playing live. Looking at it now it seems a bit strange I admit. Nowadays we have agreed on a more common approach to things.

When it comes to the live recording of “Chaos in the Flesh…Live!” I was going to play that show but got sick the day prior to the gig, that’s why we ended up using a stand-in on that gig.

How important is the compatibility of the artwork and music? Do you think a good metal album can be overlooked due to a shitty artwork?

I think the artwork plays an important part of the whole package, at least when it comes to extreme music. The artwork should tell something about the music. The first albums that got my interest as a ten year old kid was IRON MAIDEN - KILLERS and THE RODS - WILD DOGS. As a kid I used to sit on the floor, knees crossed with the album cover in my hands, being sucked into the artwork. And through the speakers came this fierce and powerful music. Of course it was a lethal combo. The cover art is a world of its own.

On the other hand, if the music is really good, you might be able to overlook crappy artwork. You just don’t pay attention to the cover, and as a result your overall impression of the band’s work won't be as strong as it would otherwise have been.

Are there any Swedish bands you recommend we check out? Do you support the music scene in your country?

I would recommend checking out these bands from Sweden: KVAEN, ENVIG, THE MALICE, REINCARNAGE and ARMAGEDDA. Also the bands DESULTOR and PAGANDOM have put out some cool stuff.

I like a lot of the younger underground death metal bands but we don’t have many of them here in Sweden. I think nowadays there’s a lot more cool death metal coming from Finland, Denmark and also the States. There’s a great underground scene both in Europe and in the U.S. Right now thrash metal is getting bigger here in Sweden.

Whenever there’s a gig in my area I go and support the scene and buy merch and CDs.

What's next for you and the band? Thanks for agreeing to do this interview and all the best to you!

We’ll be focusing on getting our new songs ready for an upcoming release, most likely a full length album. Would be awesome to get it out before the end of this year. We’ll see what happens. Thank you so much Jim for your support and best of luck with all your endeavors!

Demo review: Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations (2021)

Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations

Australia/Norway

Invictus Productions

Hecatomb is an international project featuring Rick Warkill from Australia and Mangressor from Norway (Abhorration). Together, they unleash a fierce barrage of raw and bestial death metal that pays homage to the past in the most relentless sense.

"Horrid Invocations" is their debut demo, featuring five tracks of pure unbridled mayhem that give nods to *ahem* yes, Mayhem (Deathcrush era), Sadistik Exekution, and Sarcofago.

Several bands in recent memory have done this style rather well, including Morbid Insulter, Third Eye Rapists, Shitangel, and more recently, Abhorration. They don't try to sound old-school, they just play death metal, and that's what separates them from some retro band made up of members who look as if they formerly played in some shitty sludge or metalcore band (posers in other words). Hecatomb is the real deal. The music is absurdly crude, featuring a foray of harsh screams that sounds like an ancient demon just awoke, along with riffs that radiate nothing but darkness, and drums that plow through the songs with pure unyielding force. In addition, the artwork has that simplistic and underground look, which perfectly reflects what the band conveys with their music.

Overall, if you are looking for some raw, evil, and unapologetic metal of death, then "Horrid Invocations" will satisfy your craving. (HT)

Interview: Diabolizer (2021)

When it comes to brutal Death Metal brimming with pure devilish rage, then DIABOLIZER from Kadıköy is a band you need to hear. Here is a conversation with vocalist, Ali Abomination. (Also formerly of Malefic Order and Godslaying Hellblast.)

Prophet beheading hails! For the kunts out there not yet familiar with DIABOLIZER, can you give us a little idea of your sound and influences?

Angel lacerating hails from Kadıköy! Diabolizer was formed By Mustafa (Guitars), Aberrant (Drums), Malik (Bass) and me (vox) in 2012. Some of the earliest riffs have been around since the early 2000's though. We wanted to achieve a style that was different from all our other bands. We just had the vision of creating a really violent, aggressive and destructive Death Metal. As for influences there may have been many many influences from the past two decades, so instead of making a list I could easily summarize it: Metal. Evil to the fucking bone Metal.

There's something utterly menacing about Turkish bands that makes them sound more brutal compared to some European scenes. Do you agree and why do you think that is? Are there environmental, religious, political factors involved?

I wouldn't necessarily say that bands emerging from our circles are more brutal or anything in comparison to another scene. But I do agree that there's an easily sensible feeling of utmost madness and rage flowing through our songs. Living in one of the most chaotic cities in the world under pretty fucked up social circumstances surely would be adding to that feeling. The daily dose of sickness and decadence we are constantly being subjected to is way too fucking high when compared to Europe.

Can you talk a bit about the recording of your debut album, "Khalkedonian Death," and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the overall outcome?

Along with most Turkish bands you know, we come from Kadıköy, right at the southwestern edge of the Anatolian part of nowadays' Istanbul. Kadıköy's historical name was Khalkedon, it is what this place was called when this area was under the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Kadıköy has a lot of meaning for all of us, we all grew up, learned about Metal and met each other in the streets of Kadıköy. So with this title, we wanted to pay our tribute to the streets where everything we're all about has emerged throughout the years.

As for the recording process, the guitars were recorded by Mustafa at home, the drums were recorded at the Deadhouse Studio in Ankara (another very important city in Turkey's underground.), the bass were recorded somewhere in Copenhagen since the bassist has been living in there since 2014) and the vocals were recorded at Mezar Studios. The mixing and mastering were handled by Ozan Yıldırım, at the Deadhouse Studio again. I can surely say that we are all satisfied with the final output. It took a painfully long time to get everything complete, but at least it's worth the wait.

Let's discuss one of your biggest influences, DEICIDE. Do you agree that their last excellent album was Serpents of the Light? I tried getting into their later material several times, but to no avail.

I totally agree. Stench... has some interesting moments, I'll admit that, but it hardly ever sounds like Deicide.

Would you describe your journey into metal and how you got to where you are now? Who are some of your favorite bands?

It dates back to my elementary school years, where a kid had put on this magical sounding tape. I'm talking about 3 decades ago now, haha. My journey has mostly been chaotic, through many highs and lows throughout the year, but somehow I have managed to not conform to society's norms and I will remain a permanent part of this until the day I die. Some faves would be (old) MayheM, Urgehal, Morbid Angel, Immolation, Funeral Winds, Azarath, Infernal War, Angelcorpse, Sodom, (old) Deicide, Bathory, Necroholocaust, etc just to name few which immediately got spilled out.

In your opinion, does playing in a band and being into this kind of music entail a certain extreme lifestyle?

Well, I gotta be honest, you can not make a living through Metal in a country like Turkey, so I do have a white collar job. That doesn't mean we don't take shit to EXTREMES at every opportunity, but you gotta be able to finance that first.

What's some killer Turkish bands you can recommend to all the maniacs reading this?

Engulfed, Thrashfire, Nihil Kaos, Hellsodomy, Burial Invocation, Decaying Purity, Cenotaph, Decimation, Deggial, Death Ritual, Hyperdontia (half-turkish).

There is a legion of idiots on social media giving extra support to bands from "non-white" countries, mostly due to having some vain, savior complex. What do you think of these retards and what kind of fans would you prefer?

Now this sounds like a double-edged sword. On one hand, as a 3rd world cunt, I find it good that bands outside Europe/USA receive more recognition and appreciation, because these parts of the world generally get ignored by the metal crowd. Countless times I have come across comments like "Turkish band? Nah, I'll pass". It can be frustrating at times, you know. One important person who needs to be nominated would be Shaxul (Manzer, ex-DSO). for many years he has released tons of killer material via his label, "Legion of Death Records". He has always supported and promoted bands from obscure countries. It is a shame that the label went broke, but his contribution to many bands was unmatchable.

On the other hand, there are these trendy bandwagon jumpers who keep praising bands from obscure countries, for the sole reason that those bands are hailing from "there be dragons" countries. I mean, it doesn't really matter to me where a band is from, as long as they play good and sincere stuff. But seeing some really shitty bands getting endless praises just because they are from somewhereistan is fucking annoying too.

What can you tell us about your shows? I've seen some videos and they seem pretty out there. You guys are definitely purveyors of true extreme metal.

Thanks a lot mate! Some respect ought to be handed down to the fans too. Not too many concerts happen in Turkey and this causes the crowd to be a lot more bloodthirsty. When their bloodthirst and our bursting evil energy crashes, all hell breaks loose.

Photo by Cem Gaygusuz

Every decade has its jewels. What are some of your favorite albums from 2010 onwards?

Would you mind if I'd rather not list anything? The list can and will be changed any other day, and I really don't feel like making lists like this. There's a huge abundance of worthy new stuff, with the numbers growing every year.

Well, that's that. All hail Hell and Metal Any closing remarks before we put this interrogation to rest?

Thank you very much for your sincere support throughout the years and huge respect for Death by Hammer! Keep following us, we intend to spit out our devilish khalkedonian venom across Europe next year. Satanic hailz!

Album review: Brutal Sphere - World Decomposing by Vermin (2021)

Brutal Sphere - World Decomposing by Vermin

France

Independent

"World Decomposing by Vermin" is the second and latest full-length album from French death metal band Brutal Sphere, which will be released independently by the band on 17th December.

Now, I haven't heard their first album (yet), but the band seems to have new members in their line-up, including Nick on vocals, whom I interviewed in regards to his label, Hessian Firm.

The music presented here is death metal through and through, as guitarist Pierre belches out an array of unholy riffs that will tear your soul apart.

The track "Death Is Just The Beginning" features a killer mid-tempo and some verily evil vocal effects, while "Declaration of War" mixes a somber atmosphere with crushing riffs. The aforementioned track has a slight blackened feel to it.

I really like the vocals. They're powerful and filled with aggression. From vicious growls to blood-curdling screams, the vocals are well arranged and balanced in the mix.

A good deal of creativity is present in the songs, which keeps them interesting and entertaining throughout their duration.

This album contains some good bass playing from Olivier. His bass is thick, well played, and always audible, as exemplified by the track "Sphere of Evil".

The drumming is pretty basic for the most part but provides fitting tempos and some great double bass to go with the various arrangements.

The drums and bass complement each other in a way that reminds me of Bolt Thrower, but there are also riff segments that resemble Cianide, especially the track "Trinity," which is a near six-minute track filled with stomping riffs.

The artwork appears to resemble wormlike creatures from another planet, which is presumably the sphere referred to in the band's name.

Overall, "World Decomposing by Vermin" is an excellent release from these French death metallers, which will undoubtedly earn them some acclaim. Recommended. (HT)