Split review: Satanic Warmaster/Archgoat - Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship) (2015)

Satanic Warmaster/Archgoat - Lux Satanae (Thirteen Hymns of Finnish Devil Worship)

Finland

Hells Headbangers Records

“Lux Satanae (Thirteen hymns of Finnish Devil Worship)” is an excellent split alliance between two legendary Finnish bands – both playing black metal. The artwork that adorns this release is undoubtedly one of the coolest artworks I’ve seen for a split, with Satanic Warmaster representing the wolf and Archgoat representing the goat. The tracks on this split are familiar songs from previous recordings, but appear to be re-recorded versions. Both bands deliver a colossal assault of monumental darkness as each hymn is vomited from the abyss. Obviously these bands aren’t as obscure as they once were, though the presentation of this work is utterly crude and unpolished – and a massive middle finger to the mainstream. All in all, "Lux Satanae" is an archetypal representation of Finnish black metal (and perhaps black metal as a whole) with some great artwork to boot. 

Interview: Azazel (2022)

 

AZAZEL are among my top Finnish black metal bands. They started in 1992, and so far they have put out a demo, EP, split, and three full-lengths. Their sound can be best summed up as straight-forward black metal in its purest form, though characterized by strict underground ethos. I had an opportunity to interview the drummer, Idimmu, who also played in SLUGATHOR (Death Metal) and EVOKED CURSE (Black/Heavy Metal) among others. 

Hails! First of all, congratulations on your killer music with AZAZEL! I consider AZAZEL to be the embodiment of all that is sacred and pure about black metal. In terms of your musical approach and ideas, what is the core philosophy behind AZAZEL?

Azazel is about Satan.

You’ve been pretty consistent with your last three albums. All quality releases! What’s the key behind staying consistent and inspired?
 
Thanks for your words. Azazel have had at least 4-5 completely different line-ups. Of course stuff varies a bit, but the main thing was to not to follow any current trends, just do our own thing. For Azazel it works to publish new music quite rarely. It’s not about the quantity (hmm... Darkthrone, Horna… anyone?), but quality. The receipt is quite simple. Primitive riffs, simple melodies, if any. Mavrofos is now our main-composer, and his skills are getting better and better. He has told us that although he is the main-musical mastermind of Rienaus-band, he write completely different kind of stuff for Azazel. He is able to think what suits to Azazel, and what is for Rienaus.

What was the recording process like for your last album, "Aegrum Satanas Tecum"? And how did you manage to create such a harsh and evil sound? The production is perfect!

We recorded the album during fall 2021-early 2022. We used Ilari Ilmonen as recorder/mixer. The instruments were recorded at Rock Bear-venue in Vantaa, Finland and the vocal-parts were executed at our vocalist, Satanachia’s place in Mänttä, Finland. We told Ilari not to make it to clean and stuff. I don’t recall exactly what we had in mind, but it was supposed to have that mid ‘90s vibe to it. Like Judas Iscariot, Darkthrone-Total Death, and so on.

Based on what I've observed, you are influenced by bands such as SODOM, BATHORY, MORTUARY DRAPE and DARKTHRONE. However, I can also hear the trademark Finnish elements in the riffs. Is my evaluation correct? The sound is undeniably old-school in the true sense! What bands inspire you the most?
 
Good question. I think you should ask Mavrofos, as he listens a lot music outside of metal too (like industrial, dark electronics, gothic-stuff and even techno…), but if you ask me, I’m just an old school metal-guy who loves even such old bands as Angel Witch, Venom and Iron Maiden! The names you dropped are really important for sure, just that to me Darkthrone was really the 90’s thing, so I don’t have a lot of their newer stuffs. In Year 2008 friends and me brought Mortuary Drape to Finland for the first time, so…
 
About Finnish bands. PERSONALLY I am into bands like Beherit, old Black Crucifixion, Archgoat, The Lord Diabolus, and so on. Not really keen to the “Finnish”-sound, but I’m sure our song-writer has some influence from that side of music as well. Outside of Finland I’d add Grand Belial’s Key and Burzum as more or less influences too.

Bathory is Satanachia’s favorite band, but mostly first 4 albums. He said that he got into black metal in year 1988!! He was already back then into Slayer, Bathory, Venom and Celtic Frost… so there’s some TRUE old school for you!!! XD P.S. Satanachia confessed that “Blood on Ice” rules too…!

How would you describe your drumming style? Do you have any favorite drummers or inspirations?  

I am actually not very technical drummer. My style is quite clumsy and primitive and the way I perform live is more like energetic and very powerful. Of course I have some favourite drummers anyway… I can tell: Nicko McBrain, Proscriptor of Absu, Chris Reifert (Autopsy), Away of Voivod, Fenriz during Soulside Journey-death metal -era, etc.

Your extensive music experience includes playing in SLUGATHOR and many other bands. Would you mind telling us a bit more about your other projects?

There is now only 1 active band for me, it’s called SATANIC TORMENT. Its bass-driven black/death metal, like Necromantia, Barathrum, Beherit. So far Satanic Torment only released 1 full-length and some demos and eps. The full-length is called “Submit to the Lord of Darkness”. The ST-guys including me also had a side-project called HOSTIS HUMANI GENERIS, who plays old school death metal like Nunslaughter and Asphyx, but that band is on ice right now. I also had some different projects with the same guys, like Witchtiger and Evoked Curse, who are both dead, and then I played drums for all recordings of NECROSTUPRUM with Tomasz of Throneum. Death Metal-band Slugathor released a new album this year (2022). It’s called “Crypt of the Ancient Fire” with pretty much the all old line-up (Tommi, Axu, Antti, Jarno, Immu). This album was originally recorded in 2010, and now only finished and released last and this year. There is also one doom band, but things are working slowly, and I have nothing to tell yet….

After releasing a new album, SLUGATHOR broke up again. (At least according to metal archives.) Why? How is the reaction to your new album so far?  

Slugathor never reformed. This is misunderstanding. We just dug up our unreleased 2010 studio-recording, that was supposed to be released already back then. We listened to the stuff and thought that it's actually really strong material, so of course we wanted to release it. I am sure most of our old fans were into the album. We received at least nice words from Bill of Disma and Make of Eternal Darkness…

What did you think of the Lords of Chaos movie and what’s your opinion about nowadays Mayhem?

I have seen that movie, but I’d rather not comment too much, except to me it was silly and childish version of the events in Norway. The reality was much darker and not so “Hollywood”. About Mayhem. I have seen the new documentary-series called Helvete - Historien om norsk black metal, and there was some pretty interesting things on it (except the last episode: “Let’s make Norwegian black metal commercial”). My opinion of Mayhem? I am only into them until “Wolf’s lair Abyss”, but those cover tracks on “Daemon”-album are really nice too actually (Death Strike/Death/Morbid). So… to me the true Mayhem is the 80’s and early 90’s stuff. It was always hard for me to get passed with the idea about Mayhem without Euronumous…

Thank you for your time! Lastly, what’s next for AZAZEL? 

We are planning a split recording with one band that we maybe shouldn’t announce at this point. We are still on Primitive Reaction Records, and plan to release besides that split at least one more album with Azazel (who knows when, last time there was 6 years gap with 2^nd and 3^rd album…). We are going to record some old track also for that split-release, most probably it will be “Azazel” from 1993 demo, but we are not 100% sure yet. Of course new songs as well. We aim to be even more old school than on “Aegrum Satanas Tecum” of course. Azazel won’t play live anymore. Or maybe 1-2 times, but not really. That stuff is really too complicated for us because of various reasons…

EP review: Goatskullt - Tevras (2021)

Goatskullt - Tevras

Finland

Independent

Goatskullt from Finland has released a new EP entitled, “Tevras”. Musically, the band unleashes a furious barrage of pummeling, aggressive black metal that will rip your face off. The music is relatively straightforward and reminiscent of Impaled Nazarene at times, especially since they show some punk tendencies. It’s a pity the band isn’t more well-known because their music totally kills.

There’s enough grit and punishing riffs to make this release worth your time, including the fact that the vocals are completely manic. The bulk of the music consists of rapid drumming, maniacal vocals, and hellish riffs. However, the band also has some slower numbers like “Tyhjyydestä” which is a pretty cool hymn. Vocals are sung in Finnish, which is something I appreciate, as the passion behind the music is more pronounced when bands sing in their native tongue (hardly an “original” opinion, but it’s true).

Goatskullt’s take on black metal is uncompromising and brutal, with an inclination towards hardcore punk. I’ve heard some bands blend the two genres before, but few do it as proficiently as Goatskullt. Overall, a pretty cool band and killer EP that’s worth checking out by anyone into bona fide metal. (HT)

 

Album review: Cathaaria – Coin of the Realm (2021)

Cathaaria – Coin of The Realm

Finland

Esoteric Tradition

Cathaaria is the blackened Sludge/Doom project of Matron Thorn (Benighted In Sodom, Death Fetishist, etc.) and “Coin of The Realm” is his debut album. There are six songs in total, and most of the tracks are pretty lengthy, save for the intro. From the beginning of “Real Country Dark” I could detect the signature Matron Thorn style, which is poured all over this release. While I would be reluctant to call this an extreme metal record, there’s certainly metallic nuances in the music. Essentially, the music is pretty dark, and bleak, as well as atmospheric. The whiskey-ridden vocals pair well with the sludgy guitars and horror-like ambiance.

The following excerpt is taken from the band’s bandcamp page:

“Matron Thorn presents Cathaaria, Lovecraftian Sludge Doom for serial murder, the fetishistic and mentally ill. Music for the old ways, the lost and forbidden. For best results, pair with whiskey and morphine.”

Admittedly, I love the artwork. It’s more than applicable for this type of music. Musically, it's not bad for a first album, but I don't think Cathaaria has reached its full potential yet. Though the album works best when absorbed as a whole, I just don't think the songs are strong enough when picked out individually. I'm no self-proclaimed "expert," but I think I would've enjoyed it more if the guitars were heavier and more menacing, and if metallic elements were more prominent. Then again, Cathaaria’s debut isn’t terribly offensive to these ears either, and even exhibits some redeeming qualities that people into Black/Death will appreciate. However, one must bear in mind that it's definitely good for what it is.

Overall, I think people into psychedelic, dark and experimental music might appreciate this, especially if you like bands such as Danzig, Acid Bath, or even Blut Aus Nord, because that’s what Cathaaria sounds like more or less – like a warped mix of the aforementioned acts, but more low-key. Worth checking out. (HT)

Interview: Skulmagot (2021)

Skulmagot hail from Finland and are true purveyors of old school, rotten death metal. Their latest album "Kill And Die" is a murderous offering of pure, maggot-infested decay and will please fans of bands like (old) Cannibal Corpse, Morgue, (old) Incantation, etc. The following interview with the band was conducted by death metal maniac Catacombs Walker.

Hails maniacs! A little over a month ago you released your second album, “Kill And Die,” and the influences are clear. From your perspective, what bands influenced you to carry out this project?

Hails and thanks for reaching out!! And sorry for being super late with this interview! Let’s be honest here, Cannibal Corpse IS the holy grail! None heavier.. We share common love and respect towards all early 90’s Florida- and US-Styled death metal. But yeah, early Cannibal Corpse is a huge influence and impulsion for Skulmagot and for its sound. You can ofcourse hear other titans there as well, Immolation, Monstrosity, etc. Skulmagot was spawned in 2014 to play old school US style death metal.

Is there a specific reason that led you to move away from your Finnish influences in favour of a sound more in the American vein?

For me and Spider it was all clear from the get go to play US style death metal. We had no intention to play "Finnish Death Metal" and such, more likely the aim was to create our own unique sound and take the influences from the US style death metal because we're both huge fans of this sound and genre, and it still dominates and rules our playlists! The Finnish DM sound is more known abroad than here in Finland actually.

The production sounds raw, yet totally dark and brutal. What can you tell us about this album and how does it stand compared to the previous one? Did you get the sound you wanted?

We didn't change anything this time around either.. Our ways of recording are pretty primitive and lo-fi.. Spider plays all the instruments and we record the vocals in 2-3 sessions. Spider also does the mixing and mastering and the trademark sound is really bass-laden murky and evil. We try to keep it that way, as the overproduced digital crap is overrated anyway. The only upgrade in the latest session was a different mic for the vocals. It turned out really good.. We have created this kinda unique way of recording these albums and we don't want to change anything. Of Course it's bad for your health and liver but it has worked out just fine so far, hah!

I understand that Spider takes care of all the instruments, while Ulti-Make handles the vocals. What plans do you have regarding the future of the band? Will you remain as a duo or will you incorporate other members in order to perform live?

There's been a lot of pressure to do live shows and we get a lot of requests for shows etc... However we like to keep things simple and Skulmagot will stay as a two man operation for now. We've had active bands in the past (Spider still has plenty: Ratface, Goatburner, Bloodlands, Pikakassa) and Skulmagot is more laidback without any rehearsal pressure or other mandatory stuff related to that. If the pressure for the live setup gets unbearable, we will of course do some moves...maybe :D

You come from Helsinki – the capital and largest city in Finland. How do you see Finnish death metal today and what do you think were the factors that contributed to the emergence of a completely unique scene back in the ‘90s?

The Finnish sound Is very well known globally, and it also receives a lot of worship/attention again. Finland is a cold, dark and distant place where it really is dark almost 8 months per year! So maybe the dark and depressive sound comes from there.

We have also the highest suicide-rates in the world so go figure, ha! Local scene is active and there are new bands surfacing who keep things real with their sinister OSDM sound. A lot of gigs and smaller festivals are ongoing also throughout the year but now the Covid-19 has put everything on halt. Local scenes with smaller events, gigs and festivals are resurrecting again, but nobody knows what is going to happen with this COVID-plague. I think the unique 90's scene was more across the whole country actually and it grew from there. Tape trading, small shows and zines & letters kept it going..

How did you initially come up with the band name and what’s the idea behind it?

The first name for the “band” was actually Toilet Skul, but this one ended up as a song for our first EP. The name “Skulmagot” does not actually have anything to do with Cannibal Corpse’s A Skull Full Of Maggots, although there’s a reference to it.

The spelling (missing letters) was just a thing with the typography of the logo, and it has a Scandinavian vibe to it. We get a lot of questions about this, but it actually works out really well. So, there you have it!

How was the experience of working with a label like Headsplit Records?

Without these small labels Skulmagot wouldn't have gained so much attention globally, that what we have now. And we are truly thankful for all the attention we have gained globally..it’s amazing! Working with these small tape-labels is really rewarding for both sides, as the cost stays rather small and the product is also reasonably priced. Headsplit Records is run by Reverend Laviolette who really knows his shit. He has released alot of old and newer Finnish bands on his label. Working with Headsplit is smooth and straight forward! And the end product is really good in quality.

The world is immersed in a state of chaos. That being said, how is the whole pandemic situation in Finland, and what do you think of everything that has happened lately?

I think that Finland got the least worst parts of this Pandemic.. we're isolated anyway and dont want to be with other people so this was nothing new to anybody! We didn't have any strict lockdowns here as in other parts of Europe, no curfews or anything like that. We've all been working or living the hermit life in the woods remotely for 18 months now, so it is really getting boring... maybe the virus will stay with us forever and we just learn to live with it. For the music writing part this pandemic was actually really good, we managed to create a dark and obscure record and in no hurry.

Because of the internet, everything has become immediate and disposable. Do you think this has had a pernicious effect on the essence of metal or do you view it as something favourable?

There's alot of everything available online and people's concentration is on the state of a fruit fly! This feeds the urge to collect more records and paraphernalia.. in the metal scene i think most of the people are into merch, records and other stuff you can touch and feel. Cover-art and like plays still a big role in records and collecting them. There's still these old school cats who order their records with a letter from the distros... so we're not doomed yet!

What does the term underground mean to you?

It's revealing to know that "it's there" no matter what ever happens globally. It's something that it is a bit challenging to explain.. you have to feel and breath that shit. Underground is doing good, always has.

Share with us some albums that have surprised you this year, and also tell us what you regard as the great classics of Death Metal?

The latest Witch Vomit is really good.. and be sure to check out also SNĚŤ. Alot of good and mediocre stuff has been released.. I find myself getting more and more back to the older stuff all the time.. One great classic is Deicide's Legion from 1992. Never get's old!

To end the interview, tell us about your future plans for the band and leave a battle-cry for our readers! Bestial greetings!

You will hear Skulmagot in the future as well! We have one EP underway and some shit cooking all the time. I miss live shows and meeting with other dorks who share common interests! Got to keep healthy and avoid stupid shit to stay away from the COVID-plague! Stay strong people! Buy records. Go to shows. Drink (good) beers and keep in touch with your friends. Support the bands, zines, labels and the distros for what they do, as the flame is burning strong. Support the true underground always!! Cheers & beers from Finland!!

Album review: Kalmo - Gehinnom (2021)

Kalmo - Gehinnom

Finland

Sliptrick Records

Kalmo is a Finnish one-man project playing a kind of Black/Doom with a very distinct Finnish vernacular, especially with the vocals, which are thick and expressive. Neither a growl, nor a clean vocal. The music overall has a pretty dark feel to it, and the songs are mostly slow as the riffs create patterns that do not really pick up speed and mostly stay the same the whole time. The vocals definitely take some getting used to, and I think if the vocals were more aggressive, or if they were actual tortured screams, the project would have sounded 10 times more interesting. However, one should not disregard the fact that the band is still in its development phase. And I can even find some enjoyable elements in their sound, especially with the riffing style, which I think if the band continues to develop, they can really come up with a strong effort and sound of their own. The total length of this album clocks in at 27 minutes. If you have the patience to sit through such a length and endure such a slow style of Blackened Doom music, then you should definitely give it a listen. Not bad, but I think the band has the potential to improve. (HT)

Album review: Kyy – Beyond Flesh – Beyond Matter – Beyond Death (Reissue 2020)

 Kyy – Beyond Flesh – Beyond Matter – Beyond Death

Finland

Morbid Chapel Records (tape) / Saturnal Records (CD) / The Clandestine Coven (Vinyl)

"Beyond Flesh - Beyond Matter - Beyond Death" marks the debut album from Finnish black metal institution Kyy and was unleashed in 2016. I am tasked with reviewing most promos that are sent to me (which are digital, in case you were wondering), and in this case, Morbid Chapel Records re-released this album in 2020 on cassette.

The music presented on Kyy's debut is definitely quite strong; each song is well-structured and features a number of infectious riffs, combined with the band's penchant for hateful nuances that induce a sense of dread. The production is well mixed throughout and has the perfect balance between harsh and clear. It's a good production without sounding plastic. The music evokes different tempos and seems to excel during the slower, more mid-paced parts before striking your skull with a fast, breakneck riff and drum beat. Everything sounds rather cohesive, including the fact that the music is easy to get into. Some of the riffs are mercilessly intense and the atmosphere unearthly dark, which is of course a good thing for any fan of black metal. The singer unleashes a piercing bark that is occasionally punctuated with some duelling vocals. The whole thing is downright aggressive. There are some really catchy moments, even sweeping melodies, although they don't linger for too long and are executed in a creative sense. In fact, the whole album is heavy as hell and exude a verily menacing atmosphere.

Kyy definitely deliver on their debut album, as it is a solid release through and through, coupled with the fact that they don't sound like most Finnish black metal bands and have their own sound. The closest comparison I can think of (and which probably isn't even that accurate) is Front (also from Finland). This album is definitely a grower and gets better with every spin. Recommended to fans of good black metal! (HT)

Album review: Skulmagot - Kill and Die (2021)

Skulmagot - Kill and Die

Finland

Headsplit Records

When you look at the cover of this album you might get the impression that the band plays black/thrash, but that's definitely not the case here. If you want a good idea of what Skulmaggot sounds like, then just imagine a mix between bands like (old) Cannibal Corpse, Incantation, and Six Feet Under (Undead era).

In recent times, I’ve come across a lot of bands that sound like poor copycats of Cannibal Corpse, which seems to be a trend nowadays. That being said, the influence is undeniable here, but at least it’s not some uninspired carbon-copy of said band. It’s not a simple mortuary mantle that covers this decomposing corpse, but rather one already corroded with noxious fluids and worms that feed on the deceased. There’s a whole damn aura that surrounds their influences, which is stylistically more in the vein of Cannibal Corpse than Incantation, especially on the first track, "Coffin Relocation," which begins with a rotten riff and melody spawned straight from the darkest fringes of human thought. From that point on, everything spirals out of control and picks up speed. The vocals are surprisingly similar to Chris Barnes, and as the album progresses, one can easily make sense of why I referenced those three bands in the beginning of the review. All in all, it’s a killer and fun little release, despite its short duration of 20 minutes. These maniacs come highly recommended! (Catacombs Walker)

Demo review: Roudansirppi – III (2019)

 

Roudansirppi – III – Demo (2019) 

Finland

Hessian Firm

Raw black metal would be a good place to start when describing Roudansirppi's music. Their latest demo features four lengthy tracks of mournful, atmospheric black metal that takes us back to the old days. Each song is comprised of despondent screams, buzzing guitars, and an atmosphere that conjures images of vast and barren landscapes. The music is decidedly primitive, but also cohesive, supplemented with a low-fi production that is sure to please diehard fans. You basically have all the hallmarks of classic black metal written all over this, but minus the Satanism. The band also incorporates some keyboards and clean vocals here and there, which is a nice touch and adds depth to the music. Overall, the material on this demo is quite strong, as “III” is a release that will find its appeal among fans of the most cult and austere type of black metal. The CD can be obtained through Hessian Firm. (HT)

https://roudansirppi.bandcamp.com/album/iii